Oil’s Well That Ends Well: 2017 Chevy Equinox Recall

Revving Up for a Recall

The winds of change are blowing through the automotive industry regularly. However, there are some changes that can prove to be more devastating than others. Take for instance the recent recall of the 2017 Chevy Equinox. Ah, the Equinox, what a spectacular car that was. A family favorite, perfect for road trips and ferrying the kids around.

A Perfectly Oiled Machine

The Chevy Equinox is an entirely new vehicle with several changes from the previous model year. The new 2017 Chevy Equinox is not only a technological marvel, but it’s an entirely new vehicle with several features that make it a game-changer for the SUV market. From its sleek design to its impressive fuel efficiency, the 2017 Chevy Equinox model has everything going for it. At least, that’s what people thought before off-road drama reared its ugly head.

The Repercussions of the Recall

But then came the recall. Oh boy, what a buzzkill. The recall had to do with the oil leaks in the engine, which could cause engine damage. This led to concerns about the safety of the vehicle, who would want to be driving a car with a faulty engine?

The recall affected over two hundred thousand 2017 Chevy Equinox vehicles, and while the recall was voluntary, General Motors encouraged all owners to participate in the recall. The repercussions of the recall were significant, with car owners worried about damage to their cars and their safety on the road. However, GM was quick to reassure the public that the recall did not pose any safety risks.

Rushing to the Dealerships

As soon as news of the recall hit the wire, car owners rushed to their dealerships for the free inspection and repair of their vehicles. But let me tell you, there was a long wait at the waiting lounge in the dealership. Nobody had accounted for the hundreds of thousands of Chevy Equinox owners who would show up at the dealerships across the country at the same time. Nevertheless, people bucked down and waited, some pulling out snacks and drinks to keep them entertained while waiting for their cars to be inspected and repaired.

Like Oil and Water

The oil leakage issue was traced back to the inadequate welding of the oil pressurization tubes. This led to the tubes fitting poorly to the ends, resulting in oil leaks over time. As we know, oil and water don’t mix, and neither do oil and other parts of the engine. The oil leakage issue led to instances of the engine stalling, which was obviously a safety risk.

The Devilish Cost of the Recall

The recall was estimated to cost General Motors between 60 and 100 million USD (and that’s only during the recall), including the cost of parts, labor, and inspection. That’s a huge amount of money and a lot of stress for the automaker. However, GM was quick to respond to the recall, providing regular updates to the NHTSA and the public.

Taking Care of the Customers

To take care of their customers, General Motors offered free oil changes, a car wash, and free rental cars. What else could a car owner want? Although it was a little ironic getting a rental car while your car was being repaired because of an oil leakage issue, we found it amusing.

The Aftermath of the Recall

The recall was a severe blow for the marque, but it ended up being a great lesson on how to handle a recall for other big manufacturers. At the end of it all, the customers were satisfied and felt like the automaker was taking the right steps, so we guess all’s well that ends well.

The Nitty Gritty

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the recall:

What Went Wrong

The oil pressurization tubes in the engines were welded inadequately, which led to oil leaks that could cause engine damage or even engine failure.

What Was the Cause

The welding of the oil pressurization tubes to the ends was the primary cause of the oil leaks.

What Were the Symptoms?

The oil leakage issue led to engine stalling, which was obviously a safety risk.

How Was GM Responded?

General Motors responded to the recall quickly, offering free oil changes, car washes, and free rental cars to car owners affected by the recall.

Alternative Cars

If you’re waiting for your 2017 Chevy Equinox to be repaired, here are some alternative cars that you can consider renting in the meantime.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a reliable and top-rated SUV that can give you the comfort and luxury of an Equinox.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is another fantastic option for Equinox owners who are waiting for their cars to be repaired.

Table of Recalls

Conclusion

The 2017 Chevy Equinox recall was unexpected, but General Motors acted promptly to address the issue. Car owners were given free oil changes, a car wash, and free rental cars while waiting for their cars to be repaired. The recall was a significant blow for the carmaker, with estimated costs of up to $100 million. However, GM handled it well, and the customers were satisfied at the end of it all. As car makers struggle to keep up with rapid technological advances, let’s hope they’ve learned from this recall and continue to learn from their mistakes in the future.

References:

• https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
• https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/major-chevrolet-equinox-recall-gm-fix-oil-leaks-n836436
• https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/biggest-auto-recalls-in-history
• https://www.caranddriver.com/news/recalls