2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 228 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2025 reports, 10 involved a crash. 4 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
49 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 20, 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.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2026
Turn Signal starts flashing left after turning right. Happens fairly consistently.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2026
Pulling into our parking lot of apartments. After picking car up from dealership for a different problem. The “service high voltage” light came on. Turned car off restarted. Same issue.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, 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.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 22, 2026
Sometimes when I am backing up, the breaks will slam on. Back in 2025 first I noticed, but thought it was human error, just wasn’t sure. After it happened more than a couple of times in 2026, I realized it wasn’t me and must the safety warning system? I googled after it happened this month and (phantom breaking) popped up for the Chevy equinox. I Have an appt. With Chevrolet to check it out in 2 weeks. Scary when it happens. I’ve only noticed it so far when backing up. If it were to happen other than in a parking lot, that could be dangerous, especially if I am going faster.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 20, 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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2026
OnStar Module failure. This did not trigger any type of notification. I had to make several phone calls to OnStar to determine I would need to schedule a service appointment for a technician to look at the vehicle. After inspection it was noted that the OnStar Module is not working and will need to be replaced. Upon ordering the part I was informed it is on backorder with no delivery time noted. If I were to get into a crash OnStar would not have triggered a call to first responders for my safety - which is a service that I pay for. No warning lights appeared and the the OnStar button still shows "green" as in active service.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 24, 2026
Notice the windshield was cracked after leaving a restaurant!
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2026
On Star module failure with severe backorder on parts
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2026
The telematic control module drains the battery. I bought the car in February 14, 2026 and it was towed to the dealer on February 20. Today is March 17 and I have had no results. I opened a case with GM directly but I receive nothing but canned automatic emails. The dealer isn't taking my calls. Please help.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2026
My vehicle has had recurring interior water intrusion and related safety concerns. The most serious symptom was interior window fogging on the inside of the vehicle for multiple days during or following rainy, snowy, and cold conditions, which significantly reduced visibility while driving and made it difficult to see out of the windshield and side windows. To clear the fogging quickly, I have had to turn off the heated seats and defrosters and open the windows; otherwise, I have needed to pull over and wait until I could safely see through the windshield again. A strong mildew odor would also develop and could last for days after rain. Sometimes the seats felt damp and the odor became worse when the heated seats were turned on. The first repair visit for this issue was January 13 to 19, 2026 and during that visit, the dealer was unable to recreate the issue. The problem continued, and after my navigation/infotainment screen began having issues, I returned the vehicle to the dealer again on March 7, 2026. I was then informed there was water intrusion and water-damaged carpeting, and I was told there was a known issue involving a faulty or broken seal on this model and there was a recall, but I have not been able to confirm that recall by VIN online. It remains unclear whether the leak is the full cause of the repeated interior fogging condition. In addition to the water intrusion issue, the vehicle has also had other electrical and safety-related concerns, including the infotainment screen turning white for weeks, abnormal turn-signal behavior after completing turns, lane-assist steering irregularities that pulled the vehicle toward the lane line, and braking irregularities, including the brakes locking up while backing into a parking space or during slow stop-and-go traffic. It is currently unknown whether moisture intrusion contributed to any of these other issues. My vehicle is still with the dealer for repairs until around April 15.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2026, crash
After hitting a deer, the body shop fixed the damage to the front part of the vehicle. They realized the battery kept being drained even after purchasing a new one. It’s now at a dealership and they are staying it needs a new ONSTAR module, not sure when it will come in either. I’m paying for a rent car that I can’t afford to pay for anymore. I wanted them to just do away with the ONSTAR but they said it’s not possible.
Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2026
Driving down the road with my mom and my panoramic sunroof randomly exploded sending glass through the car. This was a very dangerous situation. Is the glass defective ? This should not happen and is a safety concern.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2026
2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX HAD, ON NUMROUS OCCASIONS, COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED MORE THAN ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP, BY THE OWNER, WITH POWER FAILURE CONCERNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO COMPLETE POWER FAILURE CONCERNS. THE VEHICLE HAD BRAKE PEDAL ISSUE WHEN POWER FAILURE OCCURRED. MEANING THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PRESSED. DISPLAY SIGNALS: ERRONEOUS DATE/TIME, ABS, CHECK ENGINE, VEHICLE DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE YOUR VEHICLE MAY NEED SERVICE. FURTHERMORE, ON ONE OCASSION A POWER SURGE WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND AN ADVISOR STATED THE TELEMETRY MODULE IS GOING OUT. HOWEVER, THE PART THAT WAS REPLACED IN THE 2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, WAS ACTUALLY THE TELEMATIC CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS DRIVE MODE UNAVAILABLE YOUR VEHICLE MAY NEED SERVICE, EVEN AFTER TELEMATIC CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT BEGINNING THE NEXT DAY AFTER PART REPLACEMENT. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED BY THE 2025 EQUINOX OCCURS ON A DAILY BASIS. ISSUES ARE OCTOBER 2025 TO PRESENT DAY.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 20, 2026
The onstar telematics module has stopped functioning. That means I am not receiving any systems updates, cannot use onstar, and cannot use the my Chevrolet app for remote start or remote unlock. I took it to the dealer 2 weeks ago and they said the telematics module is backordered. They did do a number of system updates. After those updates my adaptive cruise control has completely stopped working. When I called about that, the service department said that one module could have caused the other module to fail and that they won’t try to look at my cruise control until after they can replace the telematics. There is currently no ETA to receive the part.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 4, 2026
Just after Thanksgiving, my vehicle displayed a “Service Emergency Calling” message. I brought it to the dealership and they documented the concern, referencing GM bulletin PIP6077B, but no repairs were performed. On December 30th, while parking, I shifted into reverse and the vehicle would not reverse and instead moved forward. A “Service Transmission” warning appeared and the vehicle was towed. The dealer cleared the codes and released the vehicle without performing any diagnostics. About two weeks later, when starting the vehicle after work, several warnings appeared, including “Service Safety Restraint System,” “Forward Collision System Unavailable,” and a rear-seat alert despite no passengers. While driving, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and blind zone steering assist were not functioning. The next morning, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure. It would not start, the screens stayed off, and the doors would not lock or unlock. The vehicle was towed again. The dealer replaced the battery, claimed it had simply died, and attempted to return the vehicle to me. I refused because none of the prior warnings were diagnosed, and I was told the codes “erase when the battery is changed.” After I demanded full electrical and transmission diagnostics, including a parasitic draw test, the dealership informed me the vehicle was unsafe to drive. They stated the OnStar/telematics module was draining the battery and the replacement part was backordered with no estimated arrival date. I was told multiple customers are waiting for the same part, which means this is NOT an isolated event and needs way more attention than it's being given. This defect results in loss of essential safety systems and complete vehicle shutdown, creating a significant safety risk.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2026
Onstar module isnt working and was told to report it to you guys.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2026
IN THE EQUINOX LT, VIN [XXX] , THE TELEMETRY MODULE HAS AN ISSUE PER THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER DUE TO THE TELEMETRY MODULE ISSUE. THE PART IS ON ORDER AND AS OF JANUARY 16, 2026. IT WILL TAKE 4 TO 6 WEEKS TO ARRIVE. IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TWICE IN TWO WEEKS, AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN JUMPED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES. ONCE PRIOR TO THE DIAGNOSIS, AND THREE TIMES SINCE THE DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 16, 600 MILES, AND IS DRIVEN TO AND FROM WORK. THE TELEMETRY MODULE IS THE CAUSE OF THE OVER ALL ISSUE, PER THE DEALERSHIP. THE BATTERY CONTINUES TO GO DEAD ON VEHICLE [XXX] , 2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
My Onstar module and Telematics is not working and Chevy/GM is trying to refuse to fix it and claim it's due to not having the Onstar internet plan. If that was the case it would never work, yet it works some days then other days it shows me in another city. My Google assistance will show not connected when Google maps doesn't work. I've only had this car since April 2025. This needs to become a recall. GM can't keep doing this to their customers.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Jan 7, 2026
I purchased my 25 Equinox in December 2024 and immediately started having issues. I worked with multiple dealerships when the issues began and then reached out to GM for further help. After more than 6 months of GM giving me the run around, I've been left with an unsafe vehicle that even they don't want back. I had no intention of trading the vehicle within the first 3 years, but I don't feel safe in this vehicle. When I left the dealership the day I bought it, the vehicle drastically depreciated once I cleared their mailbox and to this point, GM hasn't offered any assistance with offsetting my trade difference. I also got 0% financing with GM that isn't currently being offered if I were willing to take the massive loss on my trade in. Here are just a few of the issues that I'm dealing with. The blind spot warning light stays on for no reason. Multiple updates have been done, and modules were changed and the issue remains. At night the warning light shines right in my face. I've tried adjusting the mirror completely outward and it's still an issue. I try avoiding driving at night all together because it makes it very unsafe. If I do have to drive in the dark, I have to use my arm to try blocking the light from my face, but my arm isn't big enough to block all of it. The entire dash has gone black leaving me with no speedometer or gauges. It did come back on, and the dealership ran updates. Most recently, while driving the car will slam on the brakes and put the red triangles on the windshield for no reason. I've had vehicles behind me that almost hit me because it is a drastic drop in speed. Like brake checking. Sometimes the adaptive cruise will start slowing me down like when a car is in front of you only there's nothing there. Dealership doesn't have a solution for these issues. I've also been places and come back out to the car to find that the rear hatch has opened on its own. The dealership ran updates to hopefully prevent this from reoccurring.
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2026
I am submitting this letter to formally notify the NHTSA of a safety critical defect in my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ starting on 12/9/25 involving the Telematics Control Module (TCM), GM part number 85669062. This defect results in intermittent or complete failure of essential OnStar safety functions, including Automatic Crash Response, emergency communication, and accurate GPS location reporting. During normal driving, the vehicle experiences the following failures: •Loss of telematics connectivity •Inability of OnStar services to initialize or maintain a connection •GPS location drift or inaccurate positioning •Failure to reliably transmit vehicle location or contact emergency services These failures occur without user action and under normal operating conditions. The defect directly impairs systems intended to provide crash detection and emergency communication. If a collision occurs, the vehicle may not contact emergency services or may transmit an incorrect location. This represents a loss of a safety system that General Motors advertises as part of the vehicle’s crash response capability. On December 9, 2025, my Chevrolet dealer confirmed that the Telematics Control Module had failed and requires replacement. General Motors has placed this part on national backorder with no estimated availability, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition with no available remedy. General Motors has not issued a recall, service bulletin, or customer satisfaction program addressing this defect. The absence of available replacement parts suggests a potential supplier level issue affecting multiple vehicles. Given the safety implications, part unavailability, and potential for a broader pattern of failures, I respectfully request that NHTSA: •Review this defect as a potential systemic issue •Evaluate whether similar failures are occurring in other GM vehicles •Consider opening a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) if warranted. Thank you.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2026
The vehicle’s heating system operates intermittently or takes an excessive amount of time to produce heat, reducing cabin visibility and comfort in cold conditions and creating a potential safety concern.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 5, 2026
The vehicle’s display screen intermittently goes black, rendering the rearview camera inoperative. This failure significantly impairs rear visibility and creates a safety hazard while reversing
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2026
Telematics unit in my Chevrolet equinox EV 2025 has failed. GPS/navigation/wifi does not work anymore. Calls to onStar for collision data / support in emergencies also do not work anymore. Also, basic features on the myChevrolet app to unlock/lock the car do not work. This happened gradually over time. Around 6 months after owning the vehicle, the GPS unit would sometimes randomly turn on/off and show my current location 1-2 miles away from my actual location. Then around 9 months after owning the vehicle, the unit as a whole failed and the whole tablet doesn’t work anymore. The dealer initially claimed that it was an issue with my onStar plan, but it is actually an issue with the telematics unit that needs to be replaced. This is a very well known problem is searched online across all newer GM vehicles that depend on Onstar.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2025
The vehicle became completely disabled due to a sudden battery drain at approximately 5482 miles. I purchased the car with 2553 on it in May. The vehicle would not start a few times and had to be towed to the dealership on Friday Dec. 26, 2025. The dealer confirmed that the OnStar/telematics module is malfunctioning and continuously draining the battery. The defective module is on backorder with no estimated arrival date, leaving the vehicle unusable. They also do not know if they have a loaner for me. This creates a safety risk because the vehicle can become inoperable without warning, potentially stranding the driver. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. Prior to the failure, the OnStar system stopped functioning, but no warning lights appeared on the dashboard. My Chevy App stopped working 26 days ago as well. I now have a Loan payment to make for a car that isn't even working and brand new. Dealership doesn't know a timeframe either.