Chevy Blazer EV Faces Software Woes; Stop-Sale Imposed
ICARO Media Group
Since the launch of the Chevy Blazer EV, the highly anticipated electric vehicle has encountered a series of challenges, disappointing customers, dealerships, and journalists alike. The numerous issues plaguing the vehicle, including software malfunctions and charging glitches, have prompted Chevrolet to halt the sale of the Blazer EV until the software issues can be rectified.
One of the earliest signs of trouble surfaced when automotive publication, Edmunds, reported multiple problems with their long-term test car. In just under two months and less than 2,000 miles, the independently purchased Blazer EV experienced a staggering 23 different issues, leaving it in the dealership for an extended two-week period. Initially, the problems were minor, such as faulty window switches and navigation glitches, but the situation escalated when the vehicle displayed high-voltage battery warnings and refused to charge, among other concerns.
However, the issues were not confined to Edmunds' experience alone. Kevin Williams, a staff writer for InsideEV, found himself stranded in Virginia during a road test due to charging difficulties. Williams also noted glitches rendering the infotainment screen inoperable.
Echoing the concerns of journalists, customers also faced troubles with their Chevy Blazer EVs. Following Williams' ordeal, an owner of the Blazer EV reached out to him, sharing their similar struggles with infotainment issues. Unfortunately, when the owner brought their vehicle to the dealership to address the glitches, a software update rendered the car incapacitated, as both the infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster became bricked.
Even dealerships have not been spared from the Blazer EV's woes. A Reddit user claiming to work for a Chevy dealership revealed that both Blazer EVs in their inventory were unusable and required servicing. Software issues were cited as the cause, with one vehicle constantly entering limp mode and the other experiencing frequent and erratic opening and closing of its charge port door.
In light of these cumulative complications, Chevrolet made the decision to impose a halt on Blazer EV sales. While the extent and severity of the software issues remain unclear, a GM spokesperson assured that the problems have impacted only a limited number of owners and assured the public that they are not safety-related or connected to the Ultium or Google Built-In systems.
A GM spokesperson released an official statement, acknowledging the software quality concerns: "We are aware that a limited number of Blazer EV owners have experienced some software quality issues. To ensure our customers have a great experience with their vehicles, we are temporarily pausing sales of Blazer EVs. Our team is working quickly to roll out a fix, and owners will be contacted with further information on how to schedule their update. We apologize for the inconvenience."
As Chevy works diligently to address the software woes, owners of the Blazer EV eagerly await resolution and hope to soon enjoy the full potential of their electric vehicles.