People are often unaware of the functions and limitations of the advanced driver assistance technology in modern cars, and that’s not helped by companies using misleading names for the already confusing tech. Chevrolet is now being investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) because nearly 2,890 Equinox EVs are equipped with adaptive cruise control software that may not engage the brakes even when it detects an imminent hazard. Inattentive drivers may fail to identify the malfunction in time to intervene and prevent a collision.
As a reminder, there are currently no driver’s assistance systems that are fully autonomous; drivers are 100 percent responsible for everything their car does on public roads, even if you engage a system that’s called “hands free,” autopilot, or full self driving.
Chevrolet Equinox EV models affected by this recall are exclusively the all-wheel-drive models that are not equipped with Super Cruise. Single motor front-wheel-drive Equinox EVs are not currently included in this recall, and nor are models equipped with Super Cruise. When adaptive cruise control is active, the vehicle is supposed to automatically maintain a safe distance away from any potential hazards, but this recall states that incorrect brake module software may fail to engage the brakes as expected.
Equinox EVs produced after December 2024 were sold with the new software already installed, so they are exempt from the recall. Chevrolet says owners with affected vehicles must take their vehicle into a service center so technicians can update the software calibration in the brake system control module free of charge. The Chevrolet Equinox EV is a brilliant affordable and versatile EV, and one that we here at Jalopnik are quite fond of due to its broad appeal. Chevrolet’s electric vehicles have historically faced numerous serious recalls, including the Blazer EV’s various software blunders, and now a handful of Chevrolet Silverado EVs and GMC Sierra EVs are facing recalls for rear seatbelt securing bolts that weren’t tightened properly and could detach in a crash causing obvious safety issues. If you think your vehicle may be affected, visit the NHTSA website and input your VIN.