2025 Chevrolet Equinox Powertrain (other) Problems

On XXX while traveling near the posted speed limit and entering [XXX], my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV FWD suddenly lost propulsion and no longer responded normally to the accelerator. My friend was driving. The vehicle coasted to a stop but remained partially in the travel lane, creating a serious risk of being struck from behind. I immediately activated the hazard flashers and contacted OnStar SOS. There were no warning chimes, and neither of us noticed any warning message. I did not think to check the dashboard gear-selection indicator during the event, so I cannot say whether it continued to show Drive or had changed to Neutral. After the vehicle stopped, I instructed the driver to place it in Park so it would not roll. After waiting several minutes for assistance, I attempted to restart the vehicle. It started immediately and subsequently operated normally. When I first asked my friend to move it, I initially failed to remind her that the brake pedal had to be pressed before shifting out of Park. Once the brake was applied, the vehicle shifted normally. I then drove it completely onto the shoulder and continued to our hotel without further incident. OnStar later performed remote diagnostics and reported no faults. The MyChevrolet app showed all vehicle systems as normal. OnStar also reported that the vehicle software was fully up to date and that there were no open recalls. The vehicle has continued to operate normally, but the cause of the sudden loss of propulsion remains unknown. No collision or injury occurred, but the event presented a substantial safety hazard because the vehicle became disabled at road speed and stopped partially in an active traffic lane. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11751235

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

The vehicle lost acceleration/propulsion while traveling at highway speed on a major bridge with limited safe shoulder space. The vehicle suddenly stopped providing power needed to maintain speed in fast-moving traffic. Passengers included an infant, young child, and other family members. This created a serious safety risk because there was little room to safely pull over while traffic continued around the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealer and is available for inspection. The cause has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle has about 15,000 miles. Shortly after the lease began, the check engine light came on intermittently and then turned off the next time the vehicle was driven. There have also been prior concerns with unexpected automatic emergency braking behavior. This complaint is being filed because sudden loss of acceleration/propulsion at highway speed on a bridge creates a serious crash risk.

NHTSA ID

11744154

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

While driving my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle experienced a sudden power and drivability issue. The vehicle began to decelerate on its own while in motion, even though I was actively driving. A warning notification appeared on the driver dashboard, and shortly after, the vehicle power shut off. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose speed and/or power while driving in traffic. The issue appears to involve the transmission, powertrain, or vehicle electrical/power management system. The loss of acceleration and sudden deceleration could increase the risk of a crash, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. This incident occurred while the vehicle was being driven, not while parked. The warning message appeared on the dash before or during the power loss. I am reporting this because the vehicle’s sudden deceleration and power shutdown while driving could be a safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether this issue is related to a known defect, recall, transmission issue, powertrain control issue, or electrical system failure affecting the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox.

NHTSA ID

11740469

Incident

May 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped in the middle of a busy road. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. In addition, the contact stated that later the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle had not been inspected. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID

11738781

Incident

May 18, 2026

Mileage

24,000 mi

This vehicle makes a noise that sounds like your driving over rumble strips. The front end shakes and there is a hard vibration. I purchased this vehicle used on 5/5/26 and it’s been in the dealership twice already. The Onstar module is defective and now this noise and vibration. The shaking starts upon accelerating. The dealership, Central GMC/Buick of Jonesboro, AR. told me that GM knew about the problems and that their Engineers did know the fix yet. They say it’s not a safety issue but This is an unsafe vehicle and GM knows it’s unsafe. I’m afraid to drive it.

NHTSA ID

11738193

Incident

May 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 10 MPH with no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle following the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,700.

NHTSA ID

11736394

Incident

May 7, 2026

Mileage

5,700 mi

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

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

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

The vehicle’s high-voltage battery system and propulsion system appear to have failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection, The vehicle completely shut down while I was driving on Florida’s Turnpike, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a high-speed highway. There was no warning prior to the shutdown, and I am currently pregnant, which made the situation especially traumatic and heightened the risk to both myself and my unborn child, as well as other drivers on the road. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership for inspection. As of now, the problem has not been reproduced, but the shutdown event is confirmed and documented by the dealer during the incident report and intake process. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection. General Motors engineers or technical assistance center (TAC) may review the vehicle once the dealership reports the incident. No police or insurance representatives have inspected the vehicle for this issue. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms appeared prior to the sudden battery drop and complete loss of propulsion. The failure occurred without any prior indication while driving on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11723474

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

When accelerating to enter a road with high speed traffic the engine dies for a few seconds resulting in on coming traffic having to brake to avoid a collision. Then, the engine suddenly accelerates wildly. This problem occurs every time the vehicle is driven. The dealer service people has "tested" by driving the vehicle for 7 miles and declared there is nothing wrong. This is dangerous because the vehicle engine dies/stalls at a critical moment and if an oncoming driver isn't paying attention this could result in a collision.

NHTSA ID

11722757

Incident

Apr 20, 2025

Was told bad fluid pump at 35k. Replaced. Car broke down 30 seconds from dealer. New transmission to be replaced now. Parts on backorder. Will be without car for “months”. No symptoms prior to failure. No warning lights. Car just wouldn’t start.

NHTSA ID

11719618

Incident

Feb 11, 2026

GOT THE EQUINOX BRAND NEW ON MARCH 2025. FEW WEEKS LATER HAD TO TAKE IT TO SERVICE/DEALER WITH BACKUP CAMERA PROBLEMS AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT STARTED TO HAVE SPEAKERS ISSUES DUE TO A VERY LOUD HUMMING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. ALSO WINDOW FROM DRIVERS SIDE RUNS SLOWER THAN THE REST OF WINDOWS. THE VISIBILITY THROUGH FRONT GLASS IS NON EXISTENT WHEN RAINING DUE TO THE ANGLE. TRANSMITION STARTED SLIPPING AND STARTED TO HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POP UP AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO SERVICE AGAIN... AND FINALLY AT THE BEGGINING OF NOVEMBER HAD TO TAKE IT TO SERVICE DUE TO A SUDDEN BATTERY DRAIN. SHE WOULDNT TURN ON FOR NO REASON.THE DEFECTIVE MODULE IS ON BACKORDER WITH NO ESTIMATED ARRIVAL DATE, LEAVING THE VEHICLE UNUSABLE. ITS BEEN THERE FOR 2 MONTHS NOW... THEY PROVIDED A LOANER. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY DEALER. THEY SAID THAT HAD 3 PAGES OF CODES POP UP TO BE FIXED.

NHTSA ID

11710126

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

Transmission fluid leaking from the bolts

NHTSA ID

11709487

Incident

Dec 29, 2025

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

OnStar Module malfunctioned, has been diagnosed and awaits identification of specific type of module to determine if one is available or if it is one that will be on back order. The safety of myself and my family was put at risk, along with others, when vehicle braking system randomly activated and slammed on the brakes despite clear highways all around, almost causing us to be rear-ended more than once. This has happened prior to 12/01 several times randomly but we assumed the sensor was sensitive and was picking up something we couldn't see, however this was not the case in this situation. The battery keeps going dead and needing jumped and there are numerous warning messages/lamps. Dealer service department confirmed OnStar module failure and need for replacement, has not yet reproduced braking issues. Vehicle is currently at dealership service department for inspection and was deemed unsafe to drive at this time. Dealer stated they had no loaner vehicles to supply and instructed us GM would reimburse up to $45 daily for rental at Enterprise, so a rental vehicle was obtained and placed on waiting list at two different dealerships for loaner vehicle. WiFi and Navigation System originally quit working, then car battery started dying and requires being jumped multiple times if not driven within 8 hours, Received alerts off and on of "Lane Change Alert System Off", "Service Parking Break", "Adaptive Cruise Control Temp Unavailable", "Service Power Steering", "Service Electronic Stability Control", "Service Transmission Now, Unable to shift soon", and cruise control/Lane assist etc quit working. We became stranded in another town and had to purchase a portable jumper. Dealer currently has no anticipated repair date.

NHTSA ID

11709087

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

This complaint is to clarify and supplement a previous report. The issues began in August 2025, not September. Initially, the vehicle presented abnormal fuel range fluctuations, including while stationary, as well as intermittent “Key Missing” warnings while driving and display black spots. These issues were reported to dealerships and GM without resolution. Over time, the condition has progressively worsened, and additional symptoms have developed, including abnormal noises and, more recently, transmission hesitation during the initial gears, requiring me to reduce speed for the vehicle to respond properly. The escalation of these issues over time raises ongoing safety concerns.

NHTSA ID

11706384

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

The vehicle has ongoing and worsening electronic and safety-related issues. The fuel range and fuel economy fluctuate abnormally and frequently, sometimes even while the vehicle is stopped. The infotainment screen has experienced intermittent black areas/partial blackout while driving, affecting system reliability. Recently, the automatic transmission began hesitating during the initial gears, behaving abnormally and requiring me to reduce speed for the vehicle to respond properly. This occurs consistently. These issues have been reported multiple times to the dealership and GM with no resolution, and communication has stopped. I am concerned the vehicle is unsafe to drive and could fail unexpectedly.

NHTSA ID

11705196

Incident

Sep 2, 2025

When the vehicle was stopped in an intersection, the vehicle would shift from D to P by itself. The check engine lamp was subsequently lit. I would not able to shift it out of P until I restart the vehicle several times. During such incidents, I was stuck in the middle of the intersection for a few minutes, impeding traffics and endangering myself and other motorists on the road. This problem first happened on September 20, 2024. The vehicle's odometer was at 1824 miles. The dealer made a repair. This problem happened again on October 14, 2025. The odometer was at 22065 miles. The vehicle is current still in the dealership. The vehicle was normal before such incidents. There was no warning light or any other noticeable anomaly before such incidents.

NHTSA ID

11697502

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission automatically shifted to park(P). The vehicle was towed to a service station and the vehicle was refilled. The contact was able to start the vehicle, and the message "Auto Shut Down" was displayed and a 5-minute countdown was started, and the vehicle turned off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

NHTSA ID

11697368

Incident

Oct 18, 2025

Mileage

13,000 mi

Vehicle rolls back very often when in drive. Even holding down the brake at a hill then hitting the accelerator it still rolls back. When in cruise control and I take over it also tends to make the vehicle jump when the vehicle takes back over. Overall harsh riding. Feels like it’s all coming from that CVT. Dealer says that it may be an issue but can’t replicate it unless it stays there with them for a while until they can replicate the issue. There have been incidents where I’ve almost rolled back and hit other vehicles due to this cause. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. No warning lamps or anything on the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11685773

Incident

Sep 5, 2025

8 speed transmission will not shift to 8th gear at highway speeds. It will shift at a lower speed which makes merging onto an interstate dangerous. The vehicle gets better fuel mileage if it will use 8th gear. For it to use 8th gear on the interstate you must merge onto the road at a much slower speed than posted speed limit and then very slowly accelerate to posted speed limit which puts driver at greater risk of an accident.

NHTSA ID

11681826

Incident

Feb 22, 2025

Telematics module stopped working out of nowhere and drains my battery to my vehicle. Had to have the vehicle towed to nearby dealship. Huge safety hazard as it is essentially the brains to my computer. App doesn't work without it, battery doesn't work and can't even get inside vehicle with key fob. Please issue recall.

NHTSA ID

11680143

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon attempting to park their vehicle, or attempting to shift into reverse, neutral, or into drive, the shifter becomes extremely difficult to put into gear, and a message will display on the instrument panel that stated "Conditions not correct for shift", and all of the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the valve body and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure persisted. The contact noted that this is the second occurrence of their vehicle needing to have the valve body replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 870.

NHTSA ID

11669810

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact became aware that transmission fluid was leaking from the bottom of the vehicle and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

NHTSA ID

11663111

Incident

Nov 27, 2024

Mileage

8,000 mi