Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 31 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.
The 25 most recent of 31, in the owner's own words
Multiple phantom braking events have occurred since we purchased this vehicle, but traveling forward and reverse. We have been forced to turn this automatic emergency braking off and set to alert only.
INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: On October 20, 2026, at approximately 11:15 AM, I was driving my Chevrolet Equinox EV and was stopped at a red traffic signal. When the light turned green, I began accelerating normally into the intersection. Suddenly and without warning, the vehicle experienced a severe "phantom braking" / false Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) event. The vehicle’s emergency braking system engaged violently, bringing the car to an abrupt, full stop in the middle of the intersection. There were NO vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in front of my car or anywhere in my path. A vehicle traveling directly behind me was forced to slam on their brakes and narrowly avoided a rear-end collision. This unexpected hard deceleration caused severe panic and created an immediate, life-threatening traffic hazard. Had this sudden stopping occurred at highway speeds or above 25 MPH rather than starting from a green light, it would have resulted in a severe crash. CRUCIAL CONTEXT / RECENT SERVICE HISTORY: This life-threatening failure occurred directly after taking my vehicle to Coggin Chevrolet at the Avenues (Jacksonville, FL), where technicians performed software servicing under Open Recall N262545360 ("Early ABS engagement on slippery road surfaces"). The dealership verified completion of this recall update. This phantom braking event occurred immediately after this recall software was flashed to the vehicle's brake control module. I suspect this software recalibration introduced a critical bug or miscalibration affecting the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), regenerative braking system, or Forward Collision Avoidance system on dry pavement. I am requesting an immediate investigation by GM Engineering and NHTSA regarding the safety of Recall N262545360 software calibration.
This car locks up sometimes while driving in normal traffic which is very dangerous, resulting in a whiplash for me the driver and almost causing rear end collisions to my car from the abrupt stop in moving traffic. All five abrupt stops happened with all the collision warning systems on. Three happened between 2/1/25 and 8/1/25. I called GM onstar to report two of them. After the third event I switched all braking systems to alert only from brake and alert. Two recent events happened between 10/8/26 and 10/13/26 after I had my car serviced for a GM safety recall N25252824 Brake System Control Module on 10/7/26. I switched all brake systems to brake and alert assuming that GM had fixed this issue. Both recent events were during light rain. I called Onstar to report the second event and brought my car back to the Chevy dealer on 10/15 for review. This issue is abrupt, with no warning. The car simply locks up no matter the speed. The issue is well documented and is all over the Equinox EV forum. I am speaking to a law firm as well about the issue. Thank you.
Reoccurring fault codes. Replacement of brake system control module required.
The braking system failed to communicate with the vehicles computer system. This communication failure occurred while driving and set off all kinds of alarms and codes inside the vehicle while driving and then I had to use both feet to apply the breaks in order to get the car to stop in the emergency lane on the road as we were driving. No other warning signs or messages prior to this happening everything happened all at once. Had Onstar run diagnostics on the vehicle and 2 codes came back a U1610 Communication code of the vehicles network. The network provides a link between the systems inside the vehicle and when interrupted a code can be established. Service within 7 days. Also code U1639 same description. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they advised there was a module that required a further update from when I had my vehicle in on 9/2 for an oil change
On 3 occasions, the last happening today (XXX) traveling north on XXX toward [XXX] at approximately 14:05, the vehicle has stopped abruptly and hard, and will then release. Today, it took it longer to release. When it occurred this time, it braked just as hard but longer, so I had to cross two lanes so the cars behind me would not hit me. The cars swerved around me and the car eventually let go and I was able to accelerate from that dangerous position on the side of the highway. The first time it happened, someone was pretty close behind me. The car stopped hard, real hard, but let go quickly enough to accelerate before a collision. The second time, there was no one in front or behind us, and we were safe. It hadn’t happened in a while, today. We’ve downloaded 2 or 3 software update, and I was hoping it fixed the issue. It did not. Today the car stumbled and the rpm’s jumped. I feel like the car momentarily braked while I was accelerating. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH or below and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the brake pedal was pumped several times until the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while driving on wet, gravel, and snowy roadways. The contact stated that on one occasion the vehicle drove through an intersection. The vehicle was taken to a dealer twice; however, the failure was not reproduced on the first visit. During the second visit, the contact was informed that the failure might be related to a cruise control recall, and a software update was completed; however, the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes locked up, and the vehicle accelerated independently, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had not sustained any injuries. Medical attention was not required. The contact stated that a Police report was not filed. The vehicle was still drivable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a callback would be provided. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
My 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS is experiencing critical active safety and electronic malfunctions. While reversing out of my driveway, the vehicle unexpectedly executed an aggressive "phantom braking" event, violently slamming on the brakes with no actual physical hazards or cross-traffic behind the vehicle. The Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking systems are hypersensitive and falsely triggering mechanical emergency stops, creating an immediate physical hazard and whiplash risk. Additionally, the Google Built-in infotainment system constantly suffers from communication freezes with Apple CarPlay and media apps like Pandora. Commands to select or play audio tracks freeze and fail to execute on the 11.3-inch screen, indicating a systemic software architecture defect affecting the vehicle's dashboard modules. The vehicle has previously been out of service for an extended duration (30+ days)due to a broken telematics module causing parasitic battery drain down to 3 volts, along with multiple dashboard error messages. The manufacturer has been unable to permanently resolve these electronic and active safety failures.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that during the winter months, it was difficult to connect the charger to the vehicle due to the ice. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light was illuminated constantly. Additionally, while driving and depressing the brake pedal, there was squeaking sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that dealer was contacted about the tire pressure warning lights, and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failures persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 13,040.
The vehicle owner took the vehicle to the dealer Greco Chevrolet of Fort Lauderdale The dealer reported no vehicle failures. The braking system melted due to right temperatures. The dealer reported DTC C0072 Brake System Temperature too high. Report stated front rotor temperature reached greater than 1112 degrees Fahrenheit, and that the rear rotors reached greater than 932 Fahrenheit. The report stated that the high temperature was caused by: -Antilock Braking System -Traction Control System -Vehicle Stability Control No warning lights shown in the vehicle. The dealer gave the owner the number 833-948-4631 to speak with GM tech support. The case was referred to GM Concierge 833-382-4389 Owner alleges that this could only be caused by faulty materials in the batch of this vehicle construction. Is concerning that the manufacturer did not come to the dealer to determine the causes of failure. Is very possible that the same materials were used in building other vehicles in the same batch. Concerning also that these high temperatures could cause fires in the wheels during operation. Is quite urgent that NHTSA visits this dealer and performs a non-bias inspection of the vehicle and the alleged bad materials.
Deconosco por que fue este en el sistema
While in a parking lot going about 10mph or less, a car pulled out from a parking space on the left. I did a full brake and despite being dry, warm pavement, the car activated abs and released some brake pressure and allowed the car to continue to move. This ment that my braking distance increased by about 5-10 feet more than you'd expect. I have had this happen 3 times, each time a car was pulling out perpendicular on the left. I tried to replicate this in an open parking lot and it never repeated therefore I think it has something to do with the car approaching on the left and the active braking system.
While driving on the freeway, my vehicle displayed a “Service All-Wheel Drive System” warning and unexpectedly switched into two-wheel drive. This created a serious safety concern due to sudden loss of traction and control. Additionally, on multiple occasions while reversing, the vehicle abruptly applied the brakes without any obstruction present, displaying a message that automatic braking had engaged. My foot was on the accelerator at the time, and this created a sudden and unsafe situation. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership for repair, but due to the unpredictable nature of these issues, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle.
The navigation system and the one-pedal driving system started malfunctioning. The navigation system began displaying a different location during remote driving, causing it to send me down a street against traffic. This issue has never been resolved and continues unabated. Then, while on the highway, when I needed to slow down, the one-pedal driving system deactivated, causing me to almost collide with another vehicle. This has happened more than three times this month. GM and Chevrolet just keep saying they'll call me back to resolve the issue, but they never do, and they refuse to fix it.
Braking issues Sensors go off when nothing aroung Slow backing car engages brakes Bad smell like a strong BO persists after cabin an oil fulter changed Battery / alternator drain 12-07 2025 to 01-17 2026 in auto shop I was told wainting for part ( Onstar ) Prior brake issues early April 2025 the week of having auto brakes and steering lock up during 45mph drive it was documented as a camera issue No power as if brakes applied while, Car has felt when turning like it skips while in a turn during driving all 8 visited on document other 4 not documented System dignostic or dealer service doesn't show issues. Issues have been on going without success other issues possible related or newer Miles first reported brake and steering lockup 145 miles most recent 7750
On Monday, April 6th, I was turning into a parking lot and the braking system, specifically the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake control module, appeared to malfunction. While driving, I received a warning indicating the ABS was off, and the brake pedal became soft with reduced stopping ability. The check engine light also came on. I had to coast the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The loss of normal braking function significantly reduced my ability to stop the vehicle safely, increasing the risk of a collision. This created a dangerous situation for myself, passengers, and other drivers on the road. Brake failure at any speed presents a serious safety hazard.I am aware of similar complaints reported for this issue. My vehicle was towed to and inspected by a dealership where it sat overnight before being diagnosed; however, they were unable to reproduce the issue at the time of service. Despite this, the braking failure did occur and remains a safety concern. The service advisor told me to "bring it back if it happens again" and that it "lost communication with the EBCM" which sometimes happens. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer directly, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms of this problem prior to the failure.
While pulling into a parking spot of a business and approximately 6 feet from the curb, the automatic emergency brake engaged forcing my whole body forward, slamming my head on the visor/roof of the car very forcefully/painfully. I was not in traffic, I was getting ready to park. My front seat passenger slammed against her seatbelt and I had a child in the back seat who slammed forward as well. No dash indicators or seat rumbling occurred, it was just an immediate jolt/hard stop that I was not braced for. At risk of concussion or TBI.
I purchased a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV last year out of the local Chevy dealership It is my first brand new vehicle and I’m the only owner, I have only had this vehicle for a few months and it has already showed me significant issues with the Electronic components Main issues I’ve experienced are: Randomly shutting off Randomly phantom braking On star capabilities not working No access to WiFi or any apps on the touch screen I.e. maps, music, settings, volume, radio etc. A/C/heating unit not working won’t get cold or hot just blowing air Issues with charging (almost left me stranded multiple times) not fast charging Issues with my Chevy app Took the vehicle to the dealership to get looked at they have had it for a week already and have not given me any update except that I will need a new onstar module. The vehicle is not safe to drive and I’m afraid that it will shut off while I’m driving at a higher speed I.e. on the freeway or that it will phantom brake while I’m on the highway which can cause a life threatening injury This vehicle has not been in any accident No warning lights came on except one message that said service emergency calling No warning messages prior to any of these events
am writing again regarding serious safety concerns with my Chevrolet Equinox EV RS. This is my fourth attempt to contact Chevrolet, as my previous emails have not received a response. These issues present a significant safety risk and require immediate attention.The problems I am experiencing include: Unintended lane movement: The vehicle shifts into another lane without any steering input from me. Brake response delay: The brakes fail to respond appropriately, causing a delay in stopping the vehicle.Steering wheel vibration: The steering wheel begins to shake after the vehicle exceeds approximately 55 mph.Steering wheel vibration: The steering wheel begins to shake after the vehicle exceeds approximately 55 mph.Due to these issues, I have almost been involved in three separate accidents, which is extremely concerning. These conditions make the vehicle unsafe to operate.I am requesting the following as soon as possible:A formal case number for this safety complaint.Immediate guidance on inspection or repair through an authorized Chevrolet dealership.Confirmation that these safety concerns will be investigated and resolved promptly.
VEHICLE INFORMATION Vehicle: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox (Gas) Purchase Price: $46,000 In-Service Date: January 28, 2026 Current Mileage: 2,433 miles First Repair Attempt: Approximately 200 miles DEFECT DESCRIPTION (SAFETY-CRITICAL) The vehicle experiences intermittent but recurring safety system failures while driving, including: • Complete instrument cluster blackout (all gauges dark) • All warning lights and alerts disappear • ADAS / driver-assist systems shut down • System appears to reboot for approximately 15 seconds while in motion • Vehicle settings reset to default (vehicle systems, not radio) • Brake pedal becomes hard during these events • Stopping distance feels increased during braking events This behavior indicates a brake assist interruption and a loss of critical driver information while the vehicle is moving. REPAIR HISTORY SUMMARY • Vehicle has been in the dealership approximately 4–5 times for the same or substantially similar defect • Dealership has performed software updates • Dealership has replaced computer modules controlling the information center and related systems • The defect persists SAFETY ASSESSMENT Loss of braking assist (hard pedal with increased stopping distance) combined with full instrument cluster blackout while driving constitutes a substantial impairment of vehicle safety. This is not an infotainment issue.
SEE NHTSA Safety Recall Report 25V-12- It appears it should apply to both 2025 FRONT WHEEL DRIVE Chevy Equinox EVs with ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (and without Super Cruise) in addition to 2025 ALL WHEEL DRIVE Equinox EVs with ACC (also without Super Cruise). This is very dangerous. Here's what happened: My 8 month old 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV FRONT WHEEL DRIVE w/ACC(no Super Cruise) has had 2 instances where a very large "thunk" sound and vibration emanating from the rear of the car while stopped at an intersection, was immediately followed with sudden brake failure and sudden forward acceleration. The ACC was on in both instances. The first time this happened was alarming but since the was nothing in front of me there was no damage and the problem seemed to resolve itself thereafter. The second time was while waiting at a red light about 10 feet behind another vehicle. My car shot forward and into the other car, which was then pushed into the car ahead of it. Both my car and the car ahead of me had very expensive damages, but fortunately, no injuries. What I experienced sounds exactly like the recall problem described in NHTSA Safety Recall Report 25V-12 which has thus far only been applied to the AWD version of the 2025 Equinox EV, not the FWD version that I have. I believe this needs rapid consideration due to the danger of of sudden acceleration resulting in serious property damage, injury, or death. It appears to me that other instances of this problem have been described in various online forums and YouTubes.
On three occasions, gas pedal went limp, and required restarting engine to reset controls to get gas pedal working again. On one occasion, brakes failed to operate leading to a collision. And forward collision warning did not activate.
On 3 separate occasions now, my vehicle has slammed on the brakes abruptly when there were no other cars around me in close proximity. The sensors vibrated the driver seat each time right before slamming brakes on, even though no other cars were even close to me. The sensors often go off when they shouldn’t be. The first time this happened, there were no cars ahead of me or beside me on the highway but there was one car behind me about 50 feet I’d say. Thankfully he was paying attention or he would have rear ended me. The 2nd time my husband was getting off an exit ramp so he was only going about 25mph and the car slammed the brakes on. There were no cars ahead of him or behind him. The 3rd time I was pulling out of a plaza entering a stop light and when I saw no cars coming, I started to pull out and it slammed on the brakes. There was a car behind me, but none beside me, and since I was turning left to approach the stop light, there were a few cars in each lane but they were about 20 feet away from me. None of these incidents should have activated the emergency braking. It has to be faulty sensors as they go off often when they shouldn’t. My husband and I both felt like we had bruised ribs and we thank God that nobody hit us, but at some point, we won’t be so lucky! And I am forced to drive this death trap because it’s not showing any codes for the dealership AND I still have to pay on my loan to drive an unsafe car!
The car automatically brakes when nothing is in front of you and all of sudden it slams on its breaks. This is going to cause someone to rear end you. The steering is all over the road and does. It feels safe to drive. Transmission gets stuck and revs really high until it catches and they say nothing is wrong. Safety sensors go off all the time and nothing is near you. Key fob not detected, multiple awd issues
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
Data on this page last refreshed .