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2017 Chevrolet Equinox Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Jul 31, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
7%
of 271 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 18 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Jul 31, 2026

My car was in Clarksburg Crown, Mitsubishi, and a lot that had no monitoring, and it was a sticker saying the car was not ready to be sold, and I still went with it trusting the crown Mitsubishi Car associate however there are fuses added to my car weather from them or from car auto tunes in Morgantown I’m not sure but my car has the ability to run without my foot on the gas or things happening to my to my acceleration

NHTSA ID
11753998
Incident
Jun 10, 2026
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 21, 2026

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier certified pre-owned vehicle experienced multiple safety-related defects. 1. REPEATED STARTING FAILURES (electrical/battery/starter system): - March 17, 2026: Complete battery failure, vehicle would not start. AAA/GM Roadside Assistance called. Dealer inspected but could not diagnose root cause or explain battery drain. Preceded by unusually loud windshield wiper motor and engine noise (March 15). - April 13, 2026 (4:01pm): Engine failed to turn over twice in parking lot before starting on third attempt. SAFETY RISK: Sudden starting failures create stranding hazard and risk of being rear-ended in traffic. 2. WATER INTRUSION THROUGH HEADLINER (sunroof/headliner/mic assembly): - April 15, 2026 (10:40-10:45am): Approximately 1 ounce of water poured from headliner/radio microphone assembly directly into driver's eyes while driving on expressway. Continued dripping intermittently for hours. SAFETY RISK: Complete vision obstruction while driving at highway speeds. 3. INTERMITTENT SAFETY CHIMES (electrical/infotainment): - Ongoing for weeks: Five rapid electronic dings with NO dashboard warning lights or indicators. Occurs sporadically while driving (10 occurrences in one recent day). Dealer previously informed by phone but no resolution. SAFETY RISK: Distracting chimes with no identifiable warning create driver confusion. 4. ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL: Remote start now works intermittently. All components available for NHTSA/manufacturer inspection. Dealer confirmed March 17 battery inspection but found no cause. No manufacturer inspection. No warning lamps preceded any failures except unexplained chimes. Problems began immediately after certified pre-owned purchase despite CarBravo certification. Safety defects render vehicle unreliable and hazardous.

NHTSA ID
11732611
Incident
Apr 15, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 7, 2026

MY CAR STARTED TO USE A LOT OF OIL, AND UPON MY REGULAR OIL CHANGES IT WOULD ALWAYS BE VERY LOW, BUT OIL WAS NOT LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT I HAD TO PUT OIL IN OFTEN TO OPERATE THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT IT WOULD CUT OFF ON ME IN SCHOOL LINES. AFTER DEALING WITH THIS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME IT SOUNDED SO BAD THAT THE EXPRESS OIL CHANGE FACILITIES REFUSED TO CHANGE MY OIL BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS AN ENGINE PROBLEM. SO I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE 2 MONTHS AFTER TOWING IT HOME. I HAVE 2 VEHICLE PAYMENTS, MY 2017 EQUINOX BEEN DOWN OVER A YEAR NOW. PLEASE ADD MY VIN # TO THE RECALL. IM EXPERIENCES THE SAME SYMPTOMS

NHTSA ID
11729639
Incident
Feb 24, 2025
Electrical
Filed Mar 3, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000. The contact found paperwork inside the glove compartment that indicated that the mileage on the Title was 156,300. The contact purchased the Carfax Report and confirmed the mileage. The contact filed a report with the local Police Department.

NHTSA ID
11721826
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Mileage
156,300 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 22, 2026

While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle repeatedly displays diagnostic trouble code P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation). The vehicle suddenly enters “Reduced Engine Power” mode without warning and loses acceleration while driving. This occurs daily and multiple times per day, both on highways and local roads. When the issue happens, the vehicle will not properly accelerate and loses power unexpectedly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially in highway traffic, as I am unable to maintain speed or accelerate to avoid other vehicles. I have had to maneuver carefully or move toward the shoulder to avoid potential collisions. The throttle body has already been replaced; however, the problem continues to occur. The defect has not been corrected and remains ongoing and reproducible. I am currently [XXX] pregnant and drive this vehicle daily for work and to transport my [XXX] child to school. The unexpected loss of power places both myself and my child at risk while operating the vehicle in active traffic. This defect presents a significant safety concern due to repeated and sudden loss of engine power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11719680
Incident
Nov 6, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 12, 2026

Received a report from local auto repair and they found that the oil main seal is leaking. Issue happened in the highway and car automatically turned off the engine. I was not in an accident as there was no one else on the road and I was able to push it to the side. When the car turned on the wheel was stiff and hardly moved to the right or left. The warning received before the shut off was the service stabilitrack issues and when checked all oil completely depleted from the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11710510
Incident
Dec 20, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 7, 2025

Rear mail oil leak Engine gone timing chain failure allowed the engine pistons to contact the engine valves thereby damaging the valves and pistons.

NHTSA ID
11659430
Incident
Jan 7, 2025
Electrical
Filed Apr 21, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 55,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 128,826.

NHTSA ID
11655936
Incident
Nov 29, 2024
Mileage
128,826 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Oct 24, 2024
Fire reported

Driving down a 4 lane busy highway. Going 65 when the car made a pop sound. We pulled over. Car caught on fire 5 mins after we were out

NHTSA ID
11621738
Incident
Oct 18, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jul 8, 2023

My infotainment system lost power.all ADAS systems stopped working All warning alarms stopped no blinker sound, no dome light or back up cameras. Im not even sure if my airbags are working. radio, gps climate control out. I was in nyc when this happened lost gps guidence was my first time there wound up lost in that traffic a lot of near misses . I took my vehicle to my dealer they confirmed my ifotainment center needs replaced at a cost of 2200 dollars. Im on ssi disability thats more than a months pay so i had no choice but drive it the way it is. I looked up issue on google there are hundreds of complaints on there. There should be recall on this issue as i see it started in 2012 to present. There was no warning just started the car and nothing was working. No ADAS warnings i see as a total safety issue

NHTSA ID
11531059
Incident
Jun 13, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 18, 2022

Main rear seal blew and upon towing to Dealer they said they had 3 other equinox vehicles there all done around 130000 miles and all the same year - low oil light never appeared - Car just stopped during winter season and I am 72 years and in the country , with no heat waiting for AAA - Problem of not getting oil light low was never explained but rear main seal was fixed - Upon completing repairs a check engine light remains -Car drove fine after the fix and continues to drive fine but check engine light remains

NHTSA ID
11489710
Incident
Oct 18, 2022
Electrical
Filed Oct 6, 2021

Had a no start on two times, starter would act like a dead battery. Then a week or so later the Instrument lights went out and back on and then out again, so did the bluetooth went out black screen. not fixed yet

NHTSA ID
11435762
Incident
Oct 6, 2021
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 15, 2021

While the vehicle is being driven a message will appear service tire monitor system and all gauges on the dash do not work, the radio, heating a/c also stops.The message quickly changes to service airbag. (Photos of both messages attached) Issue started Nov of 2020 Vehicle has been seen by Gordon Chevrolet MI 4 times for service and they are unable to find the issue. We did inform them that if we moved the driver seat just a bit that seem to reset it. Doesn't seem to be as responsive to that now. At one point the BCM was mentioned but still as of today not resolved or fixed. My concern is when the vehicle says service airbag and you are driving it down the road I don't know that this airbag will work if something were to happen. The dealership is well aware of the ongoing unresolved issue and I have another appointment for November 1,2021 so they can look at it again.

NHTSA ID
11433118
Incident
Nov 1, 2020
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed May 27, 2020

BATTERY WAS DRAINING WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR. REPLACED IT AND HAPPENED AGAIN WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. CONSISTENTLY NEEDED TO CHARGE AND BOOST THE BATTERY. LEFT ME STUCK WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES. LIGHTS ON DASH KEPT GOING ON AND OFF GOING BLACK & BACK ON. DIFFERENT LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON LIKE SERVICE AIRBAG, STABILITY TRACK, ENGINE LIGHT, ETC. GIVING FALSE READINGS, FINALLY WHOLE MIDDLE CONSOLE WENT BLACK, HEATER TURNED ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF, COULD NOT ACCESS TEMP CONTROL, RADIO, BLUETOOTH, ETC. BATTERY AND POWER WAS THE MAIN ISSUE.ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. STARTED IN MAY OF 2018, MY LEASE RECENTLY EXPIRED AND HERE I AM SITTING AT THE DEALER 05/27/2020 FINALLY HAVING THEM TRYING TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THESE PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT MY 3 YEAR LEASE. *TR

NHTSA ID
11326159
Incident
May 25, 2020
Mileage
8,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 3, 2019

THE RADIO QUIT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND SAID I NEED A NEW RADIO. THE CAR IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD. IN TALKING WITH OTHER OWNERS, MANY ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON. THIS ALSO IS HOW TO CONTROL THE HEAT/AC, THE BACKUP CAMERA, THE NAV SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP AND MAKER ARE BOTH REFUSING TO ADMIT TO A DEFECTIVE SYSTEM. THIS IS A 2017 CHEVY EQUINOX.

NHTSA ID
11265815
Incident
Aug 22, 2019
Mileage
79,000 mi
BrakesElectricalSuspension+1 more
Filed Apr 12, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KRISTAL AUTO MALL (5200 KINGS HWY, BROOKLYN, NY 11234), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. *TT CONTACT STATES DEALERSHIP (KRYSTAL AUTOMOTIVE) SOLD THEM A CAR THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MEANT FOR A WHEEL CHAIR BOUND PERSON. VEHICLE HAS EXTREME WIRING AND PLUGS EXPOSED, DOES NOT DRIVE SAFELY OVER 40MPH, SIDE MIRRORS ARE ABNORMAL, AND THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO LOW. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS OVERLOADED AND REQUIRES TOO MUCH MAINTENANCE. CONTACT CANNOT SIT COMFORTABLY AND SAFELY. *TT

NHTSA ID
11084765
Incident
Dec 1, 2016
Mileage
35,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 23, 2017

AFTER STARTING THE CAR THIS MORNING THERE IS NO INTERIOR NOISES. NO BLINKER, NO RADIO, DISPLAY ON RADIO IS BLANK. RADIO AND EVERYTHING WORKED THE EVENING BEFORE WITH NO ISSUES AT ALL. CHECKED ALL FUSES AND STILL NOTHING. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD CHEVY ISSUE. TO SPECIFY THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST IN PARK AND RUNNING WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. IT CONTINUED TO BE A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING (CITY AND HIGHWAY) AND CONTINUED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED MULTIPLE TIMES.

NHTSA ID
11035775
Incident
Oct 23, 2017
Mileage
44,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 14, 2017
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT PRESENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND THEN RETRIEVED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SWEENEY CHEVROLET/GMC IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO DUE TO A BUZZING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE, EVEN WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER REBOOTING. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800.

NHTSA ID
11005277
Incident
May 7, 2017
Mileage
3,800 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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