The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV’s first release faced several delays, followed by an unexpected hike in its price. Recently, it has also experienced dealer markups. Now, a new issue has emerged as the Equinox EV is being recalled. Although the recall impacts a small number of vehicles, the potential safety risks are significant. Chevrolet has identified a problem with the lower control arm on some vehicles, which could break because of contaminated metal.
The issue specifically affects the lower front right control arm, and only 83 vehicles are involved. General Motors (GM) discovered that a supplier did not properly handle one batch of these control arms, leading to the contamination. These faulty parts were then installed in the Equinox EVs. To identify if a vehicle has a defective control arm, technicians do not look for physical damage or signs of weakness. Instead, they inspect the part for a specific batch number. If the control arm has the number 12312261 stamped on it, it is contaminated and must be replaced. Any other batch number is considered safe by GM.
Chevrolet dealers are instructed to provide a courtesy vehicle to affected owners upon request. This detail is important as dealers are currently advised to keep the affected vehicles until replacement parts are available. It is hoped that the new parts will arrive soon.
Owners of the Equinox EV who wish to find out if their vehicle is part of the recall have a few options. They can contact their local dealership, check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, or inspect the control arm under their vehicle to find the batch number. However, it is still essential to take the car to a dealer to have the recall verified by a certified technician.
This situation underscores the importance of vigilance and thoroughness in vehicle maintenance and recalls. While the number of affected vehicles is small, the safety implications are serious. Chevrolet’s response includes not only identifying the problem but also providing solutions and support to their customers. As the recall progresses, affected owners are advised to stay in contact with their dealers to ensure their vehicles are safe and the necessary repairs are made promptly.
the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV has faced multiple challenges from the start, including delays, price increases, and dealer markups. Now, with the recall due to a contaminated control arm, Chevrolet is taking steps to address the issue and ensure customer safety. Vehicle owners should be proactive in checking if their vehicle is affected and follow up with their dealer to complete any required repairs.