Chevy Equinox SUVs Recalled Over Catalytic Converters

General Motors is reportedly recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox sport utility vehicles over an emissions issue.

The recalled vehicles were equipped with the wrong catalytic converters, the GM Authority blog reports. Catalytic converters are an important part of vehicles’ exhaust systems, which turn harmful compounds in exhaust gases into safer pollutants.

The recall covers certain 2022 Equinox crossover SUVs, which were produced at a pair of plants in Mexico beginning in August of last year. The defect means that the recalled vehicles may no longer meet federal emissions standards. 

GM reportedly said it would notify the owners of recalled vehicles by the end of August. It is asking owners to bring their SUVs to local dealers for inspection and repair, free of charge.

Meanwhile, GM is also dealing with a string of other car recalls over serious defects that pose real safety risks.

The automaker announced a pair of recalls in April alone, for instance. GM said it was recalling some 700,000 vehicles over a defect that could make them difficult to drive in wet weather: malfunctioning windshield wipers. The company also called back a small number of electric Hummer trucks and sport utility vehicles because of faulty tail lights.

Last year, GM recalled some 15,000 cars over a fuel pump defect that it told federal regulators could cause cars to stall unexpectedly. GM recalled approximately 95,000 sport utility vehicles whose seat belts could become inoperable.

GM is not alone. Not by a long shot. The truth is that major auto manufacturers call back millions of vehicles combined around the globe every year. 

How the California Lemon Law Works

These recalls are often over defects that increase the risk of crashes and injuries for drivers, passengers and everyone else on the road. They are routinely announced long after the defective cars have left factory floors and dealership lots and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Fortunately, California car owners and lessors have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The lemon law requires carmakers to perform a full range of repairs on vehicles that are under warranty. The law also forces auto manufacturers to buy back (or replace, in some situations) vehicles that they are not able or simply decline to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, as well as other related fees and costs.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen for the buyback or replacement requirement kick in. A seasoned California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and options and guide you through the process of taking action.

Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.