2025 Chevrolet Equinox Electrical 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

2025 Chevy Equinox EV — Telematics Module Failure & Lemon Law Buyback. Brought vehicle in for a total telematics module failure (screen dark / communication dead). The safety comminication system did not work. The vehicle sat at the dealership for 40 days on backorder with no permanent fix or ETA. GM refused to guarantee or warrant the replacement module in writing, leaving me no choice but to force a full Lemon Law repurchase. Great driving vehicle when it works, but the software/module reliability and corporate customer service make it a high-risk purchase until GM fixes these supply chain issues.

NHTSA ID

11752431

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The On Star component failed mid- drive, resulting in loss of navigation and emergency calling. This happened before, parts were replaced and it has happened again.

NHTSA ID

11749091

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

I’ve owned this vehicle since new, and I’ve asked the dealership twice as well as contacted GM/OnStar customer relations. At speeds above roughly 65 mph, the interior turn signal indicator sound can’t be heard. I end up driving until the “turn signal left on” alert goes off, which is loud enough to notice. Since the sound comes from the audio system, I don’t see any way to change it through settings or aftermarket options. One of the safty issues is on crowded highways other driver attempt to get into my lane thinking I am about to change lanes again.

NHTSA ID

11745752

Incident

Mar 11, 2026

My telematics module for onstar is draining power from the car's battery which has been not allowing me to start after I turn it off without having to jumpstart it. Also when I do jump start it, the cruise control don't work and service messages pop up on my HUD. The dealership said it's undrivable due to safety concerns and the part is backordered for an unknown ETA.

NHTSA ID

11745373

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

Telematic module diagnosed to fail by the dealer service department. Replacement part is not available after 3 months, and not ETA from GM parts department.

NHTSA ID

11745017

Incident

Mar 7, 2026

Deconosco por que fue este en el sistema

NHTSA ID

11741679

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

My vehicle OnStar telematic module has shorted out the complete electrical system. This module is backordered. No time frame was told it could be months. Many GM vehicle have the same problem. The vehicle can stop while sitting or driving. This vehicle is unsafe to drive i traded it to the dealership. They will hold on to it until(if & when) they get the part.

NHTSA ID

11737105

Incident

Apr 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle's GPS monitoring system had failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions where the contact was informed that a software update was performed on the vehicle; however, each software update failed to correct the failure. The dealer was notified of the continued failure and informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder with no certain timeframe as to when the part may become available. The contact stated that he and his wife are elderly and rely on the GPS monitoring system for both traveling and unexpected medical emergencies. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure where they gave the contact the same information as the dealer and was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA ID

11736534

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Mileage

22,000 mi

Onstar module faulty causing parasitic battery drain unable to get a loaner car

NHTSA ID

11736473

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

telematic defective waiting 7 weeks still no eta... safety issue if battery loses power

NHTSA ID

11736468

Incident

Mar 23, 2026

While operating the vehicle on both interstate highways and local roadways, an intermittent malfunction occurs involving the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The instrument panel displays a warning message stating, “Service All-Wheel Drive System.” When this warning appears, the vehicle automatically disengages from AWD and reverts to Two-Wheel Drive (2WD). Once this occurs, the system does not allow the driver to manually return the vehicle to AWD. This issue has occurred on more than three separate occasions. Notably, there have been instances where the warning indicator illuminated immediately upon starting the vehicle, prior to any extended operation. When the malfunction is present, the vehicle exhibits abnormal driving behavior, including a noticeable jerking or hesitation that feels consistent with a transmission-related issue. The failure is unpredictable in nature, with no clear pattern or triggering condition identified. This creates a significant safety concern, particularly when operating the vehicle at highway speeds or in conditions where AWD capability may be necessary for proper traction and control. An appointment has been scheduled with an authorized dealership for diagnostic evaluation; however, at the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or repaired, and the issue remains unresolved.

NHTSA ID

11735394

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

For the second time the service high voltage system warning has came on first time it was updated the dealership said now it’s back on again A/C not working properly

NHTSA ID

11733418

Incident

Apr 23, 2026

While driving, a burning odor developed followed by visible smoke entering the passenger cabin from the dashboard/HUD area. We pulled the vehicle over and had it towed due to safety concerns. Dealer required dashboard disassembly to investigate potential electrical/fire condition but was unable to replicate the issue.

NHTSA ID

11733335

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the high-voltage system message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnostic test and repair were performed on the computer, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, where the AC receiver was ordered; however, the part ordered was the incorrect part. The dealer informed the contact that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 6,065.

NHTSA ID

11732787

Incident

Feb 27, 2026

Mileage

6,065 mi

wiring harness on PCV Valve causes check engine light to come on as soon as it rains or gets wet. Dealer has tried multiple times to fix issue to no avail. The parts are on national back order and they can not get them. Dealer has told me that this is a know issue with this model year equinox.

NHTSA ID

11732662

Incident

Mar 12, 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

I was driving my car and a "service high voltage battery" message appeared on the screen and a message to reduce charging the car to 68%. The message coincided with the car having no cabin heat and no ability to defrost the windshield. The dealership says that the cabin heat and AC use the same cooling system as the battery and that any failure in the battery cooling system can cause a no heat/AC situation

NHTSA ID

11731500

Incident

Apr 1, 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

When attempting to engage the Left turn signal, the lever has to be pushed down several times to "catch or engage" and stay engaged. Frequently it won't stay engaged and turns off before the turn is completed. (The Right turn signal works properly). This happens 8 out of 10 times on a consistent basis. The dealer shop supervisor and tech test drove it as well as another brand new lot vehicle and both did the same thing. They said that that's what they all do, and I should push down more firmly, which doesn't help. I'm in my late [XXX] , have driven new GM vehicles for decades and know how to use a turn signal. I have been in the middle of LH turns and the turn signal was not flashing to advise other drivers of my intent to turn. I believe that this is a significant and dangerous safety issue. I bought the vehicle new a little over a year ago and it currently has about 2500 miles on it. I am not sure when this started happening, but I started to notice it at about 1700 miles, 6 months ago when I started driving it regularly in place of my 2024 Chevrolet 1500 pickup. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11729182

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

On four occasions while operating the vehicle down the roadway the dash screen and infotainment / vehicle information displays all have went dark off and reset causing disruption to vital information. Cruise control stayed active. It is unknown if the advanced safety features failed during the reset.

NHTSA ID

11728462

Incident

Mar 29, 2026

1 March, Onstar failed while utilizing the gps late at night. Stuck on side of the road until a passersby assisted me. 2 March, took truck to dealership, after 4 days said no issue found. Driving home, same issue persisted. Called dealership, told to bring back, 45 minutes away. Declined because was told no issue found. 6 March, morning truck completely dead. Called dealership and was told to have towed back to dealership. I declined because you didn’t find any issues when it was there. Following morning, 7 March, had truck towed to local dealership. After a week, was told Onstar telematics module failed and needs to be replaced. As of today, March 29, the part is on back order.

NHTSA ID

11727816

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

The vehicle has experienced repeated failures of the integrated telematics system, including loss of GPS location accuracy, loss of data connectivity, navigation malfunction, and intermittent failure of voice command and steering wheel controls. On one occasion, the vehicle experienced a complete display blackout while driving, during which both the infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster went entirely black. The condition has occurred repeatedly and persisted despite multiple repair attempts. The vehicle has been out of service for approximately 82 cumulative days for diagnosis and repair of these issues. An authorized Chevrolet dealership ultimately diagnosed a failure of the telematics control module, which was replaced under warranty. Following this repair, the same data connectivity failure recurred and was documented with photo and video evidence. The vehicle was returned to the dealership for further diagnosis. The failure is intermittent and may not be present during every inspection. The telematics system supports navigation, driver information displays, and emergency communication features, including transmission of vehicle location and system data. Loss of GPS and connectivity may impair the vehicle’s ability to provide accurate location information during an emergency. The prior display blackout resulted in loss of driver information while the vehicle was in motion. The condition has been reported multiple times to authorized Chevrolet dealerships. Diagnostic procedures and programming were performed, and the telematics module replacement confirms a system-level failure. Recurrence after component replacement indicates the condition has not been permanently resolved. Prior symptoms included loss of GPS signal, incorrect location, loss of connectivity, navigation failure, and intermittent driver assistance alerts.

NHTSA ID

11726802

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

The illuminated dashboard, center control console, and headlights suddenly turned off while the vehicle was in motion during a dark night. The blackout lasted approximately 10 seconds and I was unable to see to keep the vehicle on the roadway. After running onto the unpaved shoulder, I was able to fully stop the vehicle without hitting anything. All of the lights came back on and the dashboard showed a message that said "Auto shutoff". Then everything returned to normal. This problem hasn't been reported to the dealer yet, but will be discussed during an upcoming service to correct one of the other problems that keep occurring with this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11724232

Incident

Mar 4, 2026