GM Recalls 102,000 Chevrolet Equinox EVs Over Software Defect and Power Loss Risks

General Motors has announced a large-scale recall affecting more than 102,000 Chevrolet Equinox Electric Vehicles after discovering a software-related defect that could impair critical vehicle functions. While software recalls are often marketed as “simple updates,” they can have serious implications for safety, drivability, and lemon law rights—particularly when problems persist after attempted fixes.

If you own or lease a Chevrolet Equinox EV in California, this recall is worth close attention.

What’s the Problem

According to the recall notice, the Chevrolet Equinox EV may be equipped with defective software that can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly lose propulsion or fail to operate as intended. In electric vehicles, software is not just a convenience feature—it directly controls drivetrain operation, power delivery, and safety systems.

A sudden loss of propulsion can leave drivers stranded in traffic, increase the risk of accidents, or create unsafe driving conditions, particularly at highway speeds or during merges and turns.

Allegations

The core issue identified by GM involves vehicle control software that may malfunction under certain conditions. Allegations tied to the recall include:

• Unexpected loss of power while driving

• Reduced or complete loss of propulsion

• Increased risk of crash due to sudden vehicle behavior

• Software instability affecting core EV systems

While the recall remedy may involve a software update, history shows that software-based fixes do not always permanently resolve underlying defects—especially in newer EV platforms.

Recall / TSB

GM has issued an official recall covering approximately 102,000 Chevrolet Equinox EVs. The manufacturer’s proposed remedy is a software update intended to correct the defect.

Important to note:
A recall repair does not automatically disqualify a vehicle from lemon law protection. If the defect substantially impairs use, value, or safety—and is not properly fixed within a reasonable number of attempts—the vehicle may still qualify as a lemon under California law.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Chevrolet Equinox EVs may experience:

• Sudden loss of propulsion while driving

• Warning lights or error messages related to drivetrain or power systems

• Hesitation, stalling, or failure to accelerate

• Vehicle becoming undrivable or entering a reduced-power mode

Even intermittent issues are significant. A defect does not need to happen every time to support a lemon law claim.

How to Proceed

• Document Issues
  Keep detailed records of all problems, repair visits, and communications with the dealership or GM. Make sure every symptom is clearly written on the repair order when you drop off the vehicle.

• Reasonable Number of Repair Attempts
  While California law does not set a strict number, repeated failures after multiple repair attempts—or a vehicle that is out of service for more than 30 cumulative days—may qualify as a lemon.

• Monitor Symptoms
  If you experience loss of power, warning lights, or drivability issues, stop driving if it is unsafe and notify the dealer immediately.

• Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney, like Valero Law
  If the recall repair does not fix the problem, or if issues continue after updates, you may be entitled to a repurchase or cash settlement under California’s Lemon Law.

Call Valero Law

If you own or lease a Chevrolet Equinox EV that has experienced propulsion loss, software failures, or repeated recall repairs, you may have rights under California Lemon Law.

Call Valero Law, APC for a free lemon law case evaluation.
We take lemon law cases on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Potential remedies may include a full vehicle repurchase, replacement, or significant cash compensation.