Owners have filed 15 complaints
about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV with NHTSA between 2026 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 6
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Equinox EV. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2026 compares with every other Chevrolet Equinox EV
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2026peak 6Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA26006Opened 21 Aug 2026Still openSERVICE BRAKES
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a “Brake System Failure” message at start up or while driving. GM shared records regarding several internal investigations for loss of brake assist due to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost system. GM has stated that in the event of a spindle fracture, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control remain functional until th...
Recalls on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20260861,255 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain vehicles, the owner's manual may be missing. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Note: For the Escalade model, the recall also affects certain 2026 model year Escalade IQ and Escalade IQL models. Safety Risk: A missing owner's manual could cause confusion on how to safely operate the vehicle and increase the risk of injury or a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install the owner's manual.
Recall 202569720,824 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the pedestrian warning system not to work properly. Canadian regulations require electric vehicles to make sounds at certain levels when operating at low speeds. Safety Risk: A pedestrian warning system that doesn't work properly could create confusion and increase the risk of injury for other road users. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and send a wireless over-the-air software update to eligible vehicles to update the body control module software. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed at a GM dealership.
Recall 20255648,345 units in Canada
Tires
Issue: On certain vehicles, one or more of the tires may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the tread could separate, and the tire(s) could fail. Note: This recall only affects certain vehicles equipped with 21-inch Continental CrossContact RX 275/40R21 all-season tires with a date code of 4024. Safety Risk: A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the tire(s).
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On numerous occasions, while driving either on highways or streets, vehicle would brake on its own or aggressive braking when this type of braking was unnecessary. I was hospitalized for whiplash in one incident. After braking for NO REASON!!! GM sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle, and I have not heard back for more than 100 days. If GM cannot fix this issue as stated in [XXX] then I should be compensated for the lack of use and my medical bills as well as loss of use. Not having a recall does not mean DEFECTS are not occurring!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
On numerous occasions, while driving either on highways or streets, vehicle would brake on its own or aggressive braking when this type of braking was unnecessary. I was hospitalized for whiplash in one incident. After braking for NO REASON!!! GM sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle, and I have not heard back for more than 100 days. If GM cannot fix this issue as stated in [XXX] then I should be compensated for the lack of use and my medical bills as well as loss of use. Not having a recall does not mean DEFECTS are not occurring!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On numerous occasions, while driving either on highways or streets, vehicle would brake on its own or aggressive braking when this type of braking was unnecessary. I was hospitalized for whiplash in one incident. After braking for NO REASON!!! GM sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle, and I have not heard back for more than 100 days. If GM cannot fix this issue as stated in [XXX] then I should be compensated for the lack of use and my medical bills as well as loss of use. Not having a recall does not mean DEFECTS are not occurring!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced phantom braking on two separate occasions. The contact stated that while slowly reversing out of the garage, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and suddenly stopped. Additionally, while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and decelerated abruptly, causing the contact to sustain a mild neck injury. No medical assistance was required. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that she had previously experienced the same failure with a company vehicle of the same make and model. The failure mileage was 7,861.
NHTSA complaint #11742642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On numerous occasions, while driving either on highways or streets, vehicle would brake on its own or aggressive braking when this type of braking was unnecessary. I was hospitalized for whiplash in one incident. After braking for NO REASON!!! GM sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle, and I have not heard back for more than 100 days. If GM cannot fix this issue as stated in [XXX] then I should be compensated for the lack of use and my medical bills as well as loss of use. Not having a recall does not mean DEFECTS are not occurring!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
On numerous occasions, while driving either on highways or streets, vehicle would brake on its own or aggressive braking when this type of braking was unnecessary. I was hospitalized for whiplash in one incident. After braking for NO REASON!!! GM sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle, and I have not heard back for more than 100 days. If GM cannot fix this issue as stated in [XXX] then I should be compensated for the lack of use and my medical bills as well as loss of use. Not having a recall does not mean DEFECTS are not occurring!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On numerous occasions, while driving either on highways or streets, vehicle would brake on its own or aggressive braking when this type of braking was unnecessary. I was hospitalized for whiplash in one incident. After braking for NO REASON!!! GM sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle, and I have not heard back for more than 100 days. If GM cannot fix this issue as stated in [XXX] then I should be compensated for the lack of use and my medical bills as well as loss of use. Not having a recall does not mean DEFECTS are not occurring!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11751192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced phantom braking on two separate occasions. The contact stated that while slowly reversing out of the garage, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and suddenly stopped. Additionally, while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and decelerated abruptly, causing the contact to sustain a mild neck injury. No medical assistance was required. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that she had previously experienced the same failure with a company vehicle of the same make and model. The failure mileage was 7,861.
NHTSA complaint #11742642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Equinox EV has rear Automatic Emergency Braking. On multiple occasions while backing up the vehicle's AEB has activated by slamming on the parking brake. A check of the rear camera and sensor system shows the vehicle detected nothing. A visual check also shows nothing behind the vehicle that's outside the sensor system's.
NHTSA complaint #11735367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prescott, AZ
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
The Equinox EV has rear Automatic Emergency Braking. On multiple occasions while backing up the vehicle's AEB has activated by slamming on the parking brake. A check of the rear camera and sensor system shows the vehicle detected nothing. A visual check also shows nothing behind the vehicle that's outside the sensor system's.
NHTSA complaint #11735367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrieta, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Driving in the freeway at 70 miles per hour with adaptive cruise control on car went crazy with emergency lights and braking the vehicle In middle of freeway No accident Also lane Asíst is not working
NHTSA complaint #11735179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrieta, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Driving in the freeway at 70 miles per hour with adaptive cruise control on car went crazy with emergency lights and braking the vehicle In middle of freeway No accident Also lane Asíst is not working
NHTSA complaint #11735179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrieta, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Driving in the freeway at 70 miles per hour with adaptive cruise control on car went crazy with emergency lights and braking the vehicle In middle of freeway No accident Also lane Asíst is not working
NHTSA complaint #11735179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The inability to permanently turn on the warning only option for front and rear emergency braking after the latest OTA update. Phantom braking conditions still exist for this model and occur at unexpected times causing potential rear end collisions with following vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11735025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
POWER TRAIN
On February 23, 2026, while driving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV home from Folsom Chevrolet following a prior repair visit, the “Service Park Assist System” warning illuminated, first intermittently, then after a few miles, continuously for the remainder of the 11-mile drive home. During the same drive, while reversing with no objects present behind or around the vehicle, the automatic emergency braking system activated and applied the brakes with significant force without cause. The vehicle was returned to Folsom Chevrolet (Repair Order #559378, opened February 23, 2026). Diagnostic code U1126 was found — indicating the left rear short range radar sensor had lost communication on CAN Bus 8. The sensor module was on national backorder, keeping the vehicle out of service for approximately two weeks. The module was replaced and programmed on March 7, 2026. Safety concern: Unexpected activation of automatic emergency braking with no objects present creates a serious collision risk from following traffic. This failure occurred on public roads during normal driving. Additionally, the U1126 CAN bus communication fault is the same vehicle communication architecture implicated in the battery/electrical failure documented in Repair Orders #558923 and #559167, suggesting these failures share a common root cause in the vehicle’s electrical communication network rather than representing isolated component failures.
NHTSA complaint #11727678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On February 23, 2026, while driving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV home from Folsom Chevrolet following a prior repair visit, the “Service Park Assist System” warning illuminated, first intermittently, then after a few miles, continuously for the remainder of the 11-mile drive home. During the same drive, while reversing with no objects present behind or around the vehicle, the automatic emergency braking system activated and applied the brakes with significant force without cause. The vehicle was returned to Folsom Chevrolet (Repair Order #559378, opened February 23, 2026). Diagnostic code U1126 was found — indicating the left rear short range radar sensor had lost communication on CAN Bus 8. The sensor module was on national backorder, keeping the vehicle out of service for approximately two weeks. The module was replaced and programmed on March 7, 2026. Safety concern: Unexpected activation of automatic emergency braking with no objects present creates a serious collision risk from following traffic. This failure occurred on public roads during normal driving. Additionally, the U1126 CAN bus communication fault is the same vehicle communication architecture implicated in the battery/electrical failure documented in Repair Orders #558923 and #559167, suggesting these failures share a common root cause in the vehicle’s electrical communication network rather than representing isolated component failures.
NHTSA complaint #11727678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Dorado Hills, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
On February 23, 2026, while driving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV home from Folsom Chevrolet following a prior repair visit, the “Service Park Assist System” warning illuminated, first intermittently, then after a few miles, continuously for the remainder of the 11-mile drive home. During the same drive, while reversing with no objects present behind or around the vehicle, the automatic emergency braking system activated and applied the brakes with significant force without cause. The vehicle was returned to Folsom Chevrolet (Repair Order #559378, opened February 23, 2026). Diagnostic code U1126 was found — indicating the left rear short range radar sensor had lost communication on CAN Bus 8. The sensor module was on national backorder, keeping the vehicle out of service for approximately two weeks. The module was replaced and programmed on March 7, 2026. Safety concern: Unexpected activation of automatic emergency braking with no objects present creates a serious collision risk from following traffic. This failure occurred on public roads during normal driving. Additionally, the U1126 CAN bus communication fault is the same vehicle communication architecture implicated in the battery/electrical failure documented in Repair Orders #558923 and #559167, suggesting these failures share a common root cause in the vehicle’s electrical communication network rather than representing isolated component failures.
NHTSA complaint #11727678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving and slowed down to enter a small roundabout. upon trying to enter the roundabout the cars emergency braking slammed on the brakes to a sudden hard stop. No other cars were in the roundabout, but i believe it may have seen the curb. in any case, i was extremely lucky that nobody was behind me, or coming around the roundabout, as it took a bit to get the car to let me go again.
NHTSA complaint #11723475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My wife was driving home after picking up my daughter from a nearby school around 3:30pm on Thursday 1/22/2026. She was driving down a road maybe at 35mph and while her foot was on the accelerator the car did a hard brake though there's nothing in front of her nor is the adaptive cruise on. She didn't hit any button and was taken by surprise along with my daughter. Luckily the car behind her was far away and didn't hit them. We haven't yet informed the dealer. This has happened before and the car has about 3900 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11713011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.