GM tells dealers how to fix misfiring SUV engines–but only if you complain first
General Motors is warning dealerships that engines in some Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers may be misfiring or stumbling. The automaker hopes the fix is as simple as an O2 sensor in the catalytic converter. The fact that this isn’t a full-blown recall may mean the problem is rare. But it may also just be a sign of how GM does business. Here are the affected models.
- 2023-2026 Chevrolet Equinox (with the 1.5L I4 LSD engine)
- 2023-2026 GMC Terrain (with the 1.5L I4 LSD engine)
The memo is officially called GM Preliminary Information bulletin PIP6071A. It just warns dealers that crossover owners may come in with a list of complaints. These include an engine that misfires, hesitates, or surges. It may also throw a check engine light, which shows trouble codes including P0300, P2097, P2251 and P223C. But don’t worry, the automaker thinks there’s a solution.
The bulletin’s fix for the GM SUV engine misfire
The “position 1” O2 sensor in the catalytic converter may be wearing out far ahead of schedule. The result is false emissions readings, and thus a vehicle struggling to adjust to these readings. Dealers are just supposed to test and swap this small sensor. But there’s more.
First and foremost, GM also is urging its dealers to check the catalyst bed in the catalytic converter when replacing the O2 sensor. Presumably, the unit may degrade because the engine is running poorly. Finally, GM is telling dealership to focus on vehicles built before May 27th, 2025. It sounds like the automaker knew about this problem long enough to change something on the production line over a month ago.
So if GM knew about this problem long enough to engineer a fix that went into effect May 27th, why are we just hearing about it? It was likely collecting owner complaints, trying to judge how many of its vehicles are affected. Announcing a full recall can be a messy business, and many automakers prefer a dealership bulletin.
The downside of a bulletin is that Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain owners will need to advocate for themselves. So be very aware of your SUV lurching, slowing down, getting sut next time you have your crossover at the dealership, make sure to ask about bulletin PIP6071A. If you want to know if you GM is subject to any true recalls, you can always punch in your VIN at NHTSA.gov.
