Redesigned from the ground up for the 2024 model year, the Chevrolet Trax has been hit with a safety recall. Affecting the 2024 Buick Encore GX and much sharper Envista as well, the Detroit-based automaker identified an issue with the virtual cockpit unit module's software. The VCU module bears part number 86519681, and it's made by LG Electronics.
Back in August, the Safety and Filed Action Decision Authority within General Motors rolled out a software update to correct a condition that causes the instrument panel display to intermittently go black. Just one month later, the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute slapped GM on the wrist for pushing a service update rather than a safety recall.
Why did KATRI have a say in this affair? You see, the second-gen Trax is manufactured in South Korea by GM Korea. This further applies to the Encore GX and larger Envista. The subcompact and compact crossover utility vehicles are further manufactured in China, with all three featuring the VSS-F platform.
VSS-F stands for Vehicle Set Strategy-Front(-wheel drive), a unibody architecture that succeeds no fewer than three platforms: Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon. Turning our attention back to safety recall 23V-744, why did General Motors North America take note of KATRI's demand in the Korean domestic market?
If the digital instrument panel doesn't show anything at vehicle startup or while driving, that's certain to distract the driver from the act of driving. Curiously enough, GM didn't identify any noncompliance with any current federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Photo: Chevrolet
In addition to the increased risk of a crash, the biggest automaker of the Big Three in Detroit also heeded the institute's demand after identifying 255 complaints of digital instrument cluster blackout globally. Out of 75,677 vehicles, that is. The updated software for the VCU module was introduced in production at the beginning of August, and owners in the US can easily get said update by using the OTA update feature.
Those who prefer losing time at the dealership can always drive to the nearest authorized retailer to have the update performed by a service technician. Owners will be notified of this minor issue by first-class mail beginning December 22. Those who have an active internet connection in their vehicles are certain to find out about the software update much sooner.
Similar in size to the Buick Envista (think 106.3 inches or 2,700 millimeters in terms of wheelbase for both), the Chevrolet Trax is considered a compact in the United States of America. And similar to its posher sibling, three-cylinder turbo muscle will have to suffice. Both are FWD only, with prices kicking off at $20,400 and $22,400 (excluding freight).
A subcompact with a wheelbase of 102.2 inches of 2,595 millimeters, the Buick Encore GX is pricier than the Envista. At the present moment, you're charged $25,600 for the 1.2-liter turbo. A punchier 1.3 is available. Said engine is compatible with all-wheel drive for a few dollars extra. The Envista and Trax, however, are rocking the 1.2 exclusively.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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