GM is recalling 2025 Chevrolet Equinox electrical automobiles as a result of they’re too quiet

Standards and regulations regarding the noise produced by vehicles are usually associated with annoyingly loud silencers, horns or even alarm systems.

But when it comes to the noise emanating from a range of new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles (EVs), General Motors believes the problem is that they actually aren't loud enough.

GM is recalling 7,606 new Equinox electric vehicles that may not meet minimum noise requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles in the United States and Canada.

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“General Motors is voluntarily recalling a specific population of 2025 Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles due to certain pedestrian warning noise levels that may not meet federal motor vehicle standards,” a GM spokesperson told GM Authority. “We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible through software calibration updates.”

By using an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine, most electric vehicles are significantly quieter than gasoline-powered vehicles, especially at low speeds.

In fact, electric vehicles are so much quieter that they raise concerns about the safety of pedestrians who may not hear them as they approach. As a result, many countries have passed regulations requiring electric vehicles to emit artificial noise at lower speeds. In the US, all new electric and hybrid vehicles must emit noise to warn pedestrians at speeds of up to 18.6 miles per hour.

The sounds emitted by the recalled Equinox devices are believed to be below the minimum level required to meet federal safety standards.

““Under certain conditions, pedestrians may not be able to tell from the sound whether an approaching vehicle is speeding up or slowing down, increasing the risk of injury,” says GM.

The automaker says it will notify owners of affected vehicles starting in January 2025. Recalled vehicles will undergo a calibration software correction to resolve the issue.

More than 15,000 Chevy Equinox models were sold in the third quarter. GM launched the Equinox LT model in October, calling it “the most affordable electric vehicle in the U.S.” as it's priced at $35,000 before the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit.