Not Loud Enough to Alert Pedestrians: More Than 80,000 Vehicles Recalled
More than 80,000 vehicles are being recalled after regulators determined they may not be loud enough to warn pedestrians, raising concerns about safety in parking lots, crosswalks, and residential streets.
The issue has renewed attention on how silent electric vehicles interact with people outside the car, especially those who rely on sound cues to stay safe.
Which Vehicles Are Included in the Recall
The recall covers more than 80,000 Chevrolet electric vehicles, including certain model-year Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV vehicles.
Federal safety standards require electric and hybrid vehicles to emit an external sound at low speeds to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and others nearby. In these recalled vehicles, that alert sound may not meet the required volume levels — or may not activate properly.
Safety officials say that without the sound, pedestrians may not realize a vehicle is approaching.
According to a report from Fox Business, the recall affects certain electric vehicles made by General Motors under its Chevrolet brand because a required pedestrian alert sound may be too quiet or fail to play altogether.
Why the Pedestrian Alert Sound Is Required
Electric vehicles are significantly quieter than gas-powered cars, especially at low speeds.
That’s why U.S. safety rules require a pedestrian alert sound when EVs are moving slowly, backing up, or maneuvering in areas where people are likely to be nearby.
According to the report, regulators flagged the issue because a vehicle that isn’t loud enough can increase the risk of collisions, particularly for:
- Pedestrians in parking lots
- People crossing streets
- Individuals with visual impairments
The sound is meant to compensate for how quiet EVs are by design.
What Caused the Problem
Fox Business reports that the issue is tied to software, not a mechanical defect.
In some vehicles, the pedestrian alert system may not produce sound at the required volume, or the sound may not activate consistently under certain conditions. Because the issue involves compliance with federal safety standards, it triggered a formal recall.
How the Problem Will Be Fixed
The good news for owners is that the fix does not involve replacing parts.
General Motors plans to resolve the issue through a software update, which can be installed at a dealership or delivered through an over-the-air update, depending on the vehicle.
Owners will be notified and instructed on how to receive the update at no cost.
Why This Recall Is Getting Attention
While recalls aren’t unusual, this one stands out because it highlights a newer safety challenge tied specifically to electric vehicles.
As more EVs hit the road, regulators are paying closer attention to how silence, once seen as a perk, can become a risk in everyday situations.
The recall also underscores how software issues, not just physical defects, are increasingly shaping vehicle safety decisions.
