DETROIT — General Motors' Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain siblings are being recalled for a problem with the climate control system's software. The recall affects 59,031 of the SUVs from the 2009 model year. The problem could cause the heating, air-conditioning, defroster, radio control and backlight to stop working.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in its summary of the problem, said the fault is with the center instrument panel software, which it says does not comply with federal safety standards. General Motors said it will replace the center console's computer module at no charge to the consumer. The recall begins in January. Owners of the affected vehicles can contact Chevrolet at (800) 630-2438 and GMC at (888) 996-9463 or go to GM's Owner Center Web site for more information.
Inside Line says: Well-timed recall, since winter is a particularly bad time to worry about the heating and defrosting systems' failure. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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gmct_ping says:
12:43 PM, 07/06/2010
I own a GMC Terrain and after 1500KM there is a lot of pinging nose when acc between 50 and 60 Km/Hr and 70-80 Km/hr. I was told that this is a known issue and there is no solution. I Q with GM is that if there is a known problem then why the heck the still selling this vehicle!!! GM should be sued big time for this.
Chris
any feedback is welcome.
benson2175 says:
12:04 PM, 03/26/2010
Hey thanks for field testing GM vehicles everyone. Sorry about the cold.
geraldrm says:
05:43 PM, 03/04/2010
Yes, the computer module controlling the heater/radio was changed. Then I was told this fault could shut down the radio, HVAC system and console lights. This never was my problem. My heater defroster works but doesn't blow enough air to the sides of the windshield. GM is now saying it is probably a design issue but they do not have a fix.
mleon4740 says:
06:25 AM, 02/25/2010
geraldrm did they changed the "computer" that manage the heating/Radio ?
I didn't see the change done in our Equinox but I understood the recall was to change the "computer", not sure if they just call it the "software" also.
So they did that on your Terrain and you still having the issue? how frequent? mine have failed only twice since I bought it in Sept.2009
geraldrm says:
09:27 AM, 02/09/2010
We purchased our Terrain on Dec.11 and have had problems from day 1 with the defroster not thoroughly clearing the windshield at -20C and colder - typical Canadian temperatures. The software recall was done on Jan. 15 with no improvement. Dealer says it is a design problem - GMCL is looking into it. Nice vehicle if you don't mind frost up the sides of your windshield. So far I have heard no publicity on this issue.
mleon4740 says:
11:19 AM, 01/29/2010
I have a 2010 Equinox, on Dec 30th, a very cold Canadian winter day -20C, the heating and radio didn't turn ON, my son and wife had a hard time driving under those conditions, as the windows were steamed, took it to a Delaer they just said GM is aware but don't have a solution yet, they just reset a "PIN" , they told me this may happen again, effectively it happened on Jan 18th, same issue, same workaround, today I called GM they confirmed the recall in Canada, however don't have a clue, when should I get it, still fighting for a good customer service, will see if they will call me with a service date
roho1 says:
08:35 AM, 01/09/2010
Insignificant? I don't think so. The NHTSA says the software does not comply with Federal safety standards. This is a huge red flag. One has to wonder how did this software get out of the lab and into the public hands. Did GM ignore the standards or was it a screwup? Either case does not bode well for GM's credibility. You have to wonder what else has GM done to these new vehicles. Care to slap down 30K to find out? One wonders.
tomanyt says:
04:30 PM, 01/08/2010
GMC Terrain = UGLY.
bobbygm says:
01:48 PM, 01/01/2010
Kudos T bone with a slight exception.
The gov't has no business in the car business. The "saving" of GM was an ostensible plan at best to nationalize the auto industry. The gov't's Trojan Horse, if you allow the metaphore, by giving the UAW a 1/3 ownership of GM. It is a very dubious move. The results of this damgerous experiemnt have yet to be realized. Hopefully the UAW will gain a better understanding and appreciation of the operation and the need for continued focus on competition, quality, durability and value and not raid the coffers, or in this case the txpayer. But that is a story for another day.
This recall is insignificant. This vehicle, specifically the Equinox, has been vetted by the cynical and predominantly Toyota biased press and mainstream media. It is a resounding success story sans the questionable styling of the Terrain, but that is a subjective call. This success story of this vehicle is one of many from GM of late that is overdue and could have been done a decade or more ago.
Nonetheles we have a minor issue. As T bone notes, if this were a Honda, Toyota or VW story it would barley be noted. The facts are so often overlooked.
Honda, Toyota and VW are no strangers to defects and recalls. Where is the condemnation, except from owners, of the the poor quality Tundra and Tacoma whose frames completely rust and fall far apart. Where is the rage over the alleged defective gas pedeal or floor mats that cause the car to sudeenly accelerate. Sudden accelartion cases with some Toyota and Lexus models has purportedly been rampant and has even involved fatal results in some cases.
60 minutes. Where are you now? You almost put Audi out of business when you did a report on similar story. We are waiting for you to tell us the emperor (Toyota) is not wearing any cloths. GMs recent adds with Louie Long do so. Where is the real story from 60 minuts and the rest of you (NBC, ABC and PBS...)?
The point is lets get some balance here and not harp on a story like this, or at least put it in perspective.
The US is not the economic power it is by 2 to 3 x the next contender because it builds sub standard products. It is the unquestioned world leader in the maunufacture of durable goods.
Be proud of the American auto industry and ignore the elitest knee jerk reactions to any flaw such as this. Things happen. One hopes they don't but they can happen. The last time I checked all engineers and students at MIT et al have erasers on their pencils, and clear buttons on their calculators. No one is perfect, but they strive to be.
Be proud of America and have faith in its industry. As an example, it's not Toyota or Honda with ultimate hybrid, it's America. The last time I checked Toyota does not have any eletric vehicles driving around Mars for the last several years gathering data as the US does. Nor did Toyota leave an electric powered rover (Jeep like vehicle) on the Moon in the last century after we used it several times while there. Also a US accomplishment. Nor was it Toyota that built and placed the ever expanding Space Station in orbit. These are only three examples of America's skill, strength and ability. They barely scratch the surface of our ability and industrial might. Don't forget it and don't ever underestimate it.
tbone85 says:
12:46 PM, 01/01/2010
No one is going to flame you for speaking your mind or try to force you not to have an opinion. This is the U.S.A., but that also means folks have a right to challenge a ridiculous assertion. When Toyota, Honda, or Volkswagen have a recall with some folks it's just hunky-dory and part of the car-building process. When a U.S. brand has one then a tougher standard is applied. When foreign governments support thier industries it's what's expected, but when our government tries to save companies and jobs it becomes somehow evil.
After one begins to hate our government and our industries, the list of institutions left to attack begins to shorten. Some people prefer foreign governments and businesses, but there are many of us who are happy to see U.S. government and businesses succeed.
Selective anecdotal stories of quality can be applied to any company in this business. The mass studies on car quality indicate both success and a need for more work by U.S. companies. It's not that hard to figure out that mouthing off about a single recall might make one feel better, but it has very little to do with fairness or accuracy.