2025 Chevrolet Equinox Brakes Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11756326

Incident

Aug 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11745112

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

Mileage

13,040 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11744887

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

Deconosco por que fue este en el sistema

NHTSA ID

11741679

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

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.

NHTSA ID

11738435

Incident

May 16, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11734692

Incident

Apr 25, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11732482

Incident

Mar 25, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11729813

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11729658

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11724460

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11724010

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11722179

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11718263

Incident

Feb 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11716025

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11710319

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

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!

NHTSA ID

11709621

Incident

Sep 11, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11709271

Incident

Jan 4, 2026

I am on 20 service calls.Mine is currently having onstar issues screens glitching, Apple CarPlay won’t connect, sensors on mirrors are going off nothing beside me, when I hit my breaks it keeps turning my emergency brake on and engine power reduced keeps coming on dash but the dealership is saying GM said my warranty is voided due to a aftermarket part

NHTSA ID

11709129

Incident

Jan 3, 2026

I placed my foot on the brake to start my vehicle and when I pushed the start button my brake pedal went to the floor and warning came up stating brake failure ect. I contacted the dealership and was told to drive it to them so the could put it on the scope and tell me if it is safe to drive. I did and then was told it was a master brake cylinder failure and not safe to drive. In researching this is a know failure by gm service notice N252494220

NHTSA ID

11704396

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

While driving today at about 21 mph, when a warning came on that my car had brake assist failure. It said the speed would be limited and to break hard to enable the car to stop.. I was able to get to a parking lot safely, but my car did not break at the stoplight and went straight through. Luckily there was no one coming.. my car is at the dealership now and they are finding no issue and nothing showed up on my Chevy app. From the articles I have read it said this issue is something that happens on cars that do not have super drive. I drive a 2005 Chevy equinox RS with super Dr. so clearly the brake problem is happening on this vehicle as well.. it took all my strength to get the vehicle to stop.. I called OnStar and was going to have it towed and turned the car off. Once the car came back on all of the warning lights were gone, and then the car drove fine.. I got lucky today, but this is an issue that still needs to be addressed.. The issue was supposed to be taken care of in 2024. I just purchased my 2005 in September and I have 3100 miles on the car.. I was driving in a rural area with many hills and was scared to death. I had to keep my foot all the way on the brakes the entire time to keep myself at a slow speed..

NHTSA ID

11702375

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

On Th, Nov 6 ~1700, the 25 Equinox EV being driven encountered an electric drive failure and brake failure, including friction brakes. This Equinox EV is essentially still brand new with 3900 miles and no accident history. The vehicle was driven off the EB SR 528 exit ramp to Narcoossee Rd in Orlando and driven to the stop light at the WB on ramp. After the light changed and began driving, the vehicle console reported an exception with drive assist. At this time the driver attempted to slow down to take stock of the situation and the vehicle accelerated, at which time the driver took their foot off the brake pedal and attempted to identify a place to take the vehicle off the roadways. Thankfully a stoplight at McCoy Rd was green and the driver continued through that light and while attempting to brake, the vehicle accelerated instead. The driver then coasted, maneuvering the vehicle was into the Vista Palms commercial center. The vehicle, unresponsive to braking, propelled through a stop sign into the Kohl's parking lot at which time the driver began looping around the lot until the weight of the vehicle brought the motion down. While the vehicle was stopped, it rotated through warning messages indicating..forward collision, brake assist is reduced, steering assist is reduced, then finally Service Transmission Now Unable to Shift Soon. The vehicle was towed by AAA to AutoNation Chevrolet Airport in Orlando. Technicians found codes U1610 and U1639, and found K160 connecter unseated. It was reseated and greased. The concern is that this should have been locked and unable to be unseated. Is this an indication of manufacturing problem or operating problem? All braking was dysfunctional. How can we be certain that this was not a one off event?

NHTSA ID

11698811

Incident

Nov 6, 2025

I was driving my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV on the highway with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged. The vehicle was also set to "One-Pedal Driving" (High regenerative braking). The vehicle in front of me slowed down abruptly. My vehicle's ACC began to slow the car, but it was not decelerating quickly enough to avoid a collision. I immediately intervened by pressing the brake pedal as hard as I could, pushing it completely to the floor. Critical Safety Failure: The vehicle's physical brakes failed to engage. Despite my foot being pressed hard to the floor, the vehicle did not slow down. It felt as though only the regenerative braking was (slowly) working and that my manual brake application had zero effect. The vehicle continued to glide forward with no significant braking power, and I was unable to stop the car in time, resulting in a collision with the rear of the vehicle ahead. Summary of Defect: The primary safety failure was the complete lack of response from the manual brake pedal. My attempt to override the vehicle's automated systems in an emergency was unsuccessful, as the brake pedal was unresponsive. Reporting History: I have already reported this incident to my auto insurance, my local Chevrolet dealership, and the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center. A representative from Chevrolet recommended that I file this report with the NHTSA to help identify and track similar safety-critical incidents.

NHTSA ID

11698537

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

Vehicle may be involved in GM Service Update N252494220 , Reduced Brake Performance. I cannot get a response from Chevrolet if the vehicle is part of the brake problem issue. Based on the information provided, this should be escalated to a recall. I also have not been able to get an answer from the selling dealer. Per the information in the Service Update bulletin, the vehicle was not to be sold until it was inspected for the problem.

NHTSA ID

11675398

Incident

Jul 9, 2025