2025 Chevrolet Equinox Electrical Problems

My 2025 Chevrolet Equinox AWD would not start, and the wheels were locked, preventing the vehicle from being moved normally. Message on HUB screen stated "System Error. See dealership to restore operating system." The vehicle had a little over 14,000 miles at the time. Had to be towed in. When the vehicle first went to the dealership, they found that the battery had critically low voltage. After consulting with GM Technical Assistance, the dealership replaced the battery. Even with the new battery, the vehicle still would not start and the wheels remained locked. The dealership then replaced the brake control module per TAC guidance. The dealership told me the vehicle started after the module was replaced and the locked wheel issue was resolved. The vehicle was at the dealership for more than 30 days. In a separate earlier incident, while I was driving on the freeway at approximately 75mph with my young child in the vehicle, the Equinox downshifted extremely hard and lost all electronic functions. This incident happened twice in one trip. I am including this incident as a prior safety history. I am asking NHTSA to review the no-start and locked wheel incident and the dealership's repair findings for a possible safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11776888

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

when using adaptive cruse control the car senses a car coming at me and breaks. there was nothing ahead of me nor any oncoming traffic in the other lane. It was a straight road with clear and open lanes. this has happened two times. it takes the car down from 55 to 40 right now. Lucky there wasn't anyone behind me. My second issue the car breaks when backing out of the garage with no obstructions. no safety issue but frustrating.

NHTSA ID

11776225

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Blindspot warning indicator (driver's side) sporadically lights up any where from a blink to approx. 10seconds along with corresponding seat vibrations. Also, forward obstruction light and seat vibration will also activate with nothing in sight. All occur while driving. Which can lead to anxiety about human error. I've had my vehicle to Auburn Chevrolet 4 times for this problem. They tell me that both modules connected to this problem have been replaced. And all software is up to date. Chevy admits this is a problem and states that they are working on a solution. When I asked the service manager if any other equinox's have this problem he stated that they did...but not as consistently as my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11775874

Incident

Nov 5, 2026

Vehicle has been presented for service multiple times for a recurring P050D – Cold Start Rough Idle condition. Due to the repeat nature of the repair, Fleet is requesting that the concern be treated as an unresolved/repeat repair and that the underlying cause be fully diagnosed rather than clearing the code or repeatedly addressing symptoms. Please review prior repair history and document previous repairs, current diagnostic findings, root cause, corrective action, and cold-start verification before returning the vehicle to service. Repaired on 10/23/2026 at Chapman Chevy - Recall Campaign N262547330-02 Telematic Control Module Reprogramming

NHTSA ID

11773990

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

Electric Drive Unit and 12V battery have failed 3 times in less than 6 months. The vehicle will not shift into drive, reverse, or neutral. It is stalled/stuck and can't be driven.

NHTSA ID

11770370

Incident

Oct 10, 2026

1. The telematics control module failed and was replaced by the dealer under recall N262547330, along with the battery. The vehicle is available for inspection. The original module was kept by the dealer when it was replaced. 2. The vehicle went completely dead without warning — it could not be unlocked or started. It happened at home, but had it happened on the road I would have been stranded. The keyless entry also no longer works, so I cannot reliably get into the vehicle. 3. Yes. The dealer confirmed the telematics module failure and replaced it, and replaced the battery. The ongoing problems — failed software updates, "no cellular signal" message, check engine light, and keyless entry failure — have not been diagnosed yet. 4. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by [XXX] Chevrolet GMC in [XXX]. GM's customer resolution team is involved in the case but has not physically inspected the vehicle. No police or insurance inspection. 5. The navigation/GPS was glitching intermittently before the vehicle went dead in August 2026. The last successful software update was XXX — every update since then has failed. The check engine light came on at pickup on XXX. The "no cellular signal" message appears every time an update is attempted. The keyless entry stopped working recently. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11769397

Incident

Aug 13, 2026

On XXX I was driving a rental car that I was placed in due to my vehicle being repaired. I was placed in a Chevy Trailblazer VIN#: [XXX] My rental with this Chevy Trailblazer began on XXX. Using the available features in the vehicle, the center console has an area that you can place your cellular phone to charge your cellular phone. Which is used this option on XXX. On XXX, I placed my cellular phone in the charging bank location while I was operating the vehicle. When I arrived at my destination I took my cup out of the cup holder and grabbed the keys, and grabbed my phone and tucked it against my arm to get out the car and the charging bank my cell phone case so hot that it burnt my forearm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11767445

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

After taking a long drive, our phone suddenly stopped connecting via Apple car play, all of a sudden the screen went black while we were doing 80 miles an hour on the highway using GPS and then the phones wouldn’t connect again at all. Multiple attempted to restart the car and display did nothing. This has now become an intermittent error on the vehicle. I was told by a Chevy dealership there was nothing they could do & I just needed to wait for an update to come out. Fast forward two months and countless hours of research I attempted to call onstar to have our connection reset to onstar because I saw that helped out. I found out our vehicle had not been connected for over 6 months while I was paying for the service and the telematics unit was likely the issue. 3 visits to the dealership, 3 modules later & the problem is still persistent. GM will not cover my rental, will not give me a loaner vehicle and will not accommodate my schedule to have the 4th module attempted to be replaced. This is an extremely scary and frustrating concern. I fear for my safety when I’m on the road and my dashboard goes black for several minutes at highway speeds. the issue has been confirmed and is widespread in this model and should be recalled - GM should be forced into a lemon law for anyone who has had this many problems as most of us have.

NHTSA ID

11757907

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

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