Yes, certain model years of the Chevrolet Equinox, specifically the all-electric Equinox EV, are subject to a safety recall. General Motors has issued Safety Recall N252530690 for some 2025-2026 Equinox EVs because their pedestrian alert sound system may not meet regulatory minimum volume requirements in the U.S. and Canada. Similar recalls have also been issued for specific 2024 and 2025 model year vehicles. The core issue is a software anomaly that can cause the external speaker to remain silent at low speeds.
This recall addresses a critical safety feature for electric vehicles. Unlike combustion engines, EVs operate nearly silently at low speeds, posing a risk to pedestrians, cyclists, and others who may not hear the vehicle approaching. U.S. federal motor vehicle safety standards and comparable Canadian regulations mandate that all hybrid and electric vehicles emit a warning sound when traveling below approximately 19 mph (30 km/h).
The affected vehicles may have been built with an incorrect software calibration. This software manages the Vehicle Alert Sound (VAS) module and the Body Control Module (BCM). A mismatch between the software in these two control units can result in the external speaker not activating as required. The system self-checks when the vehicle is started; if a fault is detected, a diagnostic trouble code is stored, and importantly, the alert sound is disabled, failing to provide the mandated auditory warning.
The scope of the recall involves multiple model years, with the central action targeting the newer 2025-2026 Equinox EV. The following table summarizes the known recall actions based on GM's filings:
| Model Year | Recall Number | Key Problem | Regions |
|---|
| 2025-2026 Chevy Equinox EV | N252530690 | Low-speed pedestrian alert sound may be inoperative. | U.S. and Canada |
| Specific 2024-2025 Models | (Various, e.g., N232432110) | Similar compliance issues with pedestrian alert sound system. | U.S. and Canada |
Owners of potentially affected vehicles are not expected to see any warning lights or messages on the dashboard related to this specific fault. The only indication would be the absence of the characteristic low-speed sound, which many owners might not actively notice. Therefore, relying on personal observation is not recommended.
The remedy for this recall is a software update performed at an authorized Chevrolet dealership. Technicians will reprogram the VAS module and/or the BCM with the correct calibration free of charge to the owner. This process typically takes less than an hour. GM has stated it will begin notifying owners of the 2025-2026 models via first-class mail around July 7, 2025.
Until the repair is completed, drivers should exercise increased caution in parking lots, residential areas, and other environments with pedestrians. Manually using the vehicle's horn in close-quarters situations is a temporary, though not ideal, mitigation.
To check if a specific vehicle is included in this or any other recall, owners should visit the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter their 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is the most reliable method, as recall campaigns can expand after initial announcements.
