GM recalls over 80,000 Chevy vehicles over defective pedestrian alert sound system citing serious risk

Core Viewpoint - More than 80,000 Chevrolet vehicles are being recalled due to a defective pedestrian alert sound system that does not comply with federal safety laws [1][9]. Group 1: Recall Details - The recall affects certain 2025 to 2026 model year Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles [1]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the vehicles fail to meet minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles [1]. - The recall was officially issued on December 11, and there have been no reported accidents or incidents related to this issue [9]. Group 2: Technical Findings - General Motors identified that the pedestrian alert sound system may have incorrect software calibration, preventing it from producing the required exterior sound at the necessary volume when the vehicle accelerates from stationary to 6.2 mph [2]. - Internal testing revealed that the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV did not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 141, which governs the volume change when a vehicle moves from stationary to 10 km/h [4]. - An investigation confirmed that both the 2025 and 2026 model year software calibrations may not meet the required volume change standards [5]. Group 3: Remediation Plan - GM stated that resolving the issue will involve an update to the body control module software, which can be performed wirelessly over-the-air or by dealership service teams [9].