Owners have filed 21 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 — 8
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Equinox EV. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 98
19% 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 6Aug 2026
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.
Peekskill, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, at approximately 12:00 PM, I was driving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS on the highway at about 65 mph. The weather conditions were clear and sunny. Without warning, the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system abruptly engaged with full force, causing a severe and sudden deceleration. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in front of my vehicle at the time. There was active traffic trailing my vehicle. Fortunately, the driver directly behind me had enough following distance to react in time and avoid a severe rear-end collision. Today, August 31, 2026, I spoke directly with my Chevrolet dealership, and they confirmed that my vehicle's software had already been updated to be compliant with GM TSB #N252521591 (Image Processing Module / Unwanted Integrated Brake Assist) prior to this event. This phantom braking event occurred despite the vehicle already having the official software patch applied, indicating that the safety hazard persists.
NHTSA complaint #11761002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peekskill, NY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, at approximately 12:00 PM, I was driving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS on the highway at about 65 mph. The weather conditions were clear and sunny. Without warning, the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system abruptly engaged with full force, causing a severe and sudden deceleration. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in front of my vehicle at the time. There was active traffic trailing my vehicle. Fortunately, the driver directly behind me had enough following distance to react in time and avoid a severe rear-end collision. Today, August 31, 2026, I spoke directly with my Chevrolet dealership, and they confirmed that my vehicle's software had already been updated to be compliant with GM TSB #N252521591 (Image Processing Module / Unwanted Integrated Brake Assist) prior to this event. This phantom braking event occurred despite the vehicle already having the official software patch applied, indicating that the safety hazard persists.
NHTSA complaint #11761002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I feel compelled to report this issue after 3rd incident and also after raising with the dealer service. I think this is a very very serious issue which should be investigated and dealt with promptly before it results in serious death or debilitating injuries. Let me describe the latest incident that happened yesterday with me in [XXX] between on XXX between 10:30 - 10:45 am PT. I was in a parking lot looking for a parking spot possibly driving at about 10-20 mph. A vehicle approached from the opposite side and it suddenly it slammed emergency braking. I and my family were shaken and felt a crushing jerk. This has also happened at least twice before - one time when I was pulling out of my driveway and another time on highway 1 in [XXX] near [XXX]. The highway incident could be very dangerous but possibly the slow traffic saved us. Driver behind me who is a friend called me immediately asking why I braked unsafely which I told him I did not. I have also 2 prior issues before the latest to the dealer who listened to me and documented it but I was told they don’t know anyone reporting this issue. Internet forum talks about this issue but OEM is possibly ignoring it. The dealer says they updated some camera software but that’s about it. This 3rd incidence has shaken me and I thought of reporting to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, LA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Three times over the past month, this car has slammed the automatic emergency brakes, thinking there was an obstacle in the road. Each time, it has caused whiplash to everyone in the car, feeling like we were slammed by another car. It is related to the collision avoidance and is triggered by either a shadow on the road or a glare. If I turn off the feature, I have to do it every single time I get in my car. If I forget to turn off this dangerous feature, it could trigger again. I'm beginning to get nervous driving it, thinking it could engage at any second. Eventually, someone will crash into me because it's so sudden, the car behind won't be able to stop. This is apparently a major problem with others I've seen online with no remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11757249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Three times over the past month, this car has slammed the automatic emergency brakes, thinking there was an obstacle in the road. Each time, it has caused whiplash to everyone in the car, feeling like we were slammed by another car. It is related to the collision avoidance and is triggered by either a shadow on the road or a glare. If I turn off the feature, I have to do it every single time I get in my car. If I forget to turn off this dangerous feature, it could trigger again. I'm beginning to get nervous driving it, thinking it could engage at any second. Eventually, someone will crash into me because it's so sudden, the car behind won't be able to stop. This is apparently a major problem with others I've seen online with no remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11757249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I feel compelled to report this issue after 3rd incident and also after raising with the dealer service. I think this is a very very serious issue which should be investigated and dealt with promptly before it results in serious death or debilitating injuries. Let me describe the latest incident that happened yesterday with me in [XXX] between on XXX between 10:30 - 10:45 am PT. I was in a parking lot looking for a parking spot possibly driving at about 10-20 mph. A vehicle approached from the opposite side and it suddenly it slammed emergency braking. I and my family were shaken and felt a crushing jerk. This has also happened at least twice before - one time when I was pulling out of my driveway and another time on highway 1 in [XXX] near [XXX]. The highway incident could be very dangerous but possibly the slow traffic saved us. Driver behind me who is a friend called me immediately asking why I braked unsafely which I told him I did not. I have also 2 prior issues before the latest to the dealer who listened to me and documented it but I was told they don’t know anyone reporting this issue. Internet forum talks about this issue but OEM is possibly ignoring it. The dealer says they updated some camera software but that’s about it. This 3rd incidence has shaken me and I thought of reporting to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.