Chevrolet Equinox EV other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Automatic emergency breaking engaged while driving through an intersection when there was no danger or incoming car or need for it. If the car behind us was not paying attention they could have rear ended us.

NHTSA complaint #11722528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle will hard brake on its own while going down the freeway, no blockage of the camera or vehicle in front when it happen

NHTSA complaint #11721150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We just bought the car and are realizing that by removing CarPlay from the EV versions (the ICE versions have it in the same hardware) hands free texting is very problematic. Group texts com through as individual texts, voice texting back to groups doesn’t work. This is a safety issue since it will cause people to go back to looking at their phone and the lack of CarPlay is simply a money grab that comes at the expense of safety.

NHTSA complaint #11688604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The onstar module in the vehicle has not worked in two months. Its the only way the vehicle can receive updates and many safety features linked to it. No Help or response from GM or Dealership. They just say we don't have an ETA and its a waiting game. Note, no software updates can be installed without this service.

NHTSA complaint #11685991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

OnStar module has failed and malfunctioned. Vehicle is available for inspection. Vehicle now sates it needs an important safety update from GM, but vehicle will not update. Vehicle has not been to a dealership at this time, because I can not get a dealership to give me an estimate for repairs, not will they provide a loaner. But the error code has been verified in writing by OnStar- yet they refuse to just send a new module to preferred dealer so I can get it repaired. Absolutely no warnings on vehicle. Forward emergency braking system engaged when not needed and almost put myself and my grandkids through the windshield. (even though we were all properly restrained) I have since had to disengage this feature because it has now happened 2 times. There are thousands of persons with these same issues as can be found on the OnStar community or Chevrolet Forums.

NHTSA complaint #11683821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Telecommunications module is out. No timeline on parts. National issues. All safety features malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11683426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased this vehicle new. Within weeks started having issues with the OnStar system. Obviously with the module not working, other things began happening. I can't see status of charge. I can't find charging stations when driving. My hands free doesn't work because google is always off line. Can't use OnStar system because it doesn't work. Came out one morning to find my vehicle unlocked and all the windows down. I live in Florida, have never once used the defrost system or set the vehicle temperature above 72. Turned the car on one day and the defrosters magically turned on and the temperature went up to 76 full blast. The the forward braking system started slamming the brakes when I was already stopping. One day it slammed us so hard that my grandchildren screamed because their car seat belts cut into their shoulders. Contacted OnStar numerous times. Contacted dealerships numerous times. After weeks and weeks, I finally have a dealer willing to look at it. I have been provided one fault code by OnStar. There are so many people with issues and research shows the module is and has been on back order for months and months. Vehicle also makes noises like it is trying to lock or unlock whenever I open a door. There were no warnings for any of it. Just began. Safety is at risk because vehicle malfunctions. OnStar confirmed there is an error. Going to dealer finally this week. No warning lamps and issues got bad enough for concern approximately one month ago but were noticed within weeks of purchasing vehicle which was purchased [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11683138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The instrument cluster screen displayed a message that said "service vehicle display" then went completely black. Without this screen, I have no idea how fast I'm going, the charge of the car, if there is some kind of hazard around the car. I brought the vehicle in for service on 7/2/25, where I was told the car attempted to update but failed, so they pushed through the update and it should be fine now. I then took it home, charged the car, and let it sit. As soon as I turned it on again, the "service vehicle display" message reappeared. Then as I was driving, the instrument cluster screen went out, followed by the infotainment screen. The instrument panel screen then got vertical rainbow lines across it and didn't return. I brought the vehicle back in on 7/17/25. They took the whole dashboard apart, determined that it was a loose cable, plugged it back in, and told me it should be fine now. I took the car home, charged it, and let it sit. The next time I drove it, the "service vehicle display" message returned, then the instrument panel went out. I brought it back in on 8/6/25. The car stayed there until 8/22/25, when they told me that they replaced some of the cables and it should be fine now. I am not comfortable driving this car with my 4 month old if I can't see how fast I'm going, how much charge is on the car, or worrying that the infotainment screen, and therefore the back-up camera, are going to suddenly go out.

NHTSA complaint #11682765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT FWD was purchased with an HD Surround Vision system that advertises multiple camera views including standard and overhead front/rear perspectives and rear hitch area monitoring, but lacks any convenient dashboard control to access these features when needed. Currently, drivers must shift into reverse gear then back to drive to activate the cameras, creating safety hazards when maneuvering in tight parking spaces, street parking, or narrow garages where visibility is most critical. Despite eight months since purchase and three service visits to Capitol Chevrolet Austin, no solution has been provided, with the dealership service team showing reluctance to address this functionality issue. This matter requires escalation to appropriate stakeholders, as customers should not pay for advertised safety features that lack practical usability—the current implementation renders the HD Surround Vision system ineffective for its intended purpose and creates the very safety risks it was designed to prevent, necessitating the implementation of proper dashboard controls to access all camera views without requiring potentially dangerous gear changes.

NHTSA complaint #11682802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA Safety Complaint (Loss of Emergency Connectivity) Subject: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV — OnStar/telematics failure disables Emergency Services & Automatic Crash Response; part on national backorder VIN: [XXX] Make/Model/Year: Chevrolet Equinox EV, 2025, RS trim Mileage at first occurrence: 4000 Date problem first occurred: [XXX] Frequency: Continuous (services remain unavailable) Injuries/Crashes: None to date Component(s) affected: Electrical system — telematics/communication (OnStar); emergency calling/SOS; crash notification (ACR). Description of the safety defect: The vehicle’s OnStar/Connected Services display “Services Unavailable.” The dealer diagnosed a failed telematics module. Replacement is on national backorder with no estimated timeframe. While in this condition, Emergency Services and Automatic Crash Response are disabled—the SOS button does not connect, and the vehicle will not automatically contact OnStar after a crash. Parts availability (scope/delay): My dealership and multiple GM/Chevrolet and OnStar owner forums indicate 3+ month waits for the telematics module with no ETA, leaving vehicles without emergency connectivity for extended periods. What has been done so far: Dealer confirmed module failure and opened a parts order; advised no ETA due to national backorder. Manufacturer has not provided an interim fix or loaner vehicle. Issue remains unresolved as of Aug 11, 2025. Why this is a safety concern: Loss of emergency calling and crash notification defeats safety features marketed as critical for post-crash response. Owners cannot rely on the vehicle to summon help after a collision or medical emergency. Requested NHTSA action : Track this failure and parts unavailability, assess scope, and determine whether a safety investigation or recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11679898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Discovered water underneath passenger footwell carpet, causing a musty and mildewy smell. Many reports of similar discoveries online prompted the initial search. Safety concern is mold growth and rust. Dealer was unable to replicate issue after two attempts (ran through car wash, hose over windshield, ran A/C for extended period, checked AC condensate drainage). Dealer dried up water and carpet and told owner to monitor. Owner pulled up carpet to do own investigation after the second failed attempt by the dealer. Confirmed dry before starting investigation on warm sunny day (no rain). Owner found leak in passenger footwell underneath black access plate that only appeared with A/C usage AND during/after driving, not while car was stationary. Owner brought vehicle back to dealer. Dealer removed black access plate and confirmed leak was coming from a compromised body seam weld. Dealer repaired the failed body seam and no water intrusion has been seen by owner since repair was completed. Owner still has concerns about underlying cause of where water was coming from - theory is that condensation is forming ON the the A/C lines and is pooling somewhere in the body then sloshing around while the car is moving, causing further potential for water related issues, including rust.

NHTSA complaint #11679715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

At certain times of the day and depending on the lighting, the dashboard of my vehicle, has a very significant reflection that interferes with my ability to see through the windshield clearly. This puts myself and those in my path at risk of injury or death. I have contacted the person who sold me the car but he has not responded. I have read numerous online accounts of the same concern. GM is aware of the issue and chooses to do nothing.

NHTSA complaint #11679395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The air conditioning (AC) condensate drain system is either blocked, misrouted, or improperly sealed, causing AC condensation to pool and leak into the front passenger-side footwell through the factory floor sealant. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The continuous leak has caused significant mold growth on the interior insulation behind the passenger footwell, creating a potential health hazard for occupants, especially those with respiratory conditions or allergies. Prolonged exposure to mold inside a sealed cabin environment poses a serious risk to occupant health. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The vehicle was brought to a dealership for this issue, but the problem persists. I later reproduced the issue myself by running the AC for 30 seconds, after which water visibly seeped through the floor seam. Mold growth was also confirmed behind the interior trim. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The dealership previously inspected the vehicle but failed to resolve the issue. No other parties (e.g., manufacturer representatives, police, or insurance) have inspected the vehicle at this time. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lights or messages. The only symptoms were damp carpet in the front passenger footwell and a persistent musty odor, which appeared prior to discovering the mold and leak source.

NHTSA complaint #11678962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The glare on the windshield and side mirrors from the dashboard/vents is unsafe. When driving during the day, I’m unable to clearly see out of windshield and side mirrors, views heavily obstructed by the glare off the interior surfaces of my car. Tinting the windows hasn’t helped the situation at all. Driving with the windows down, helps with the wide mirrors but the windshield glare is so fucked. I wouldn’t have bought this damn car if i test drive it during the day. How does this pass inspection? These cars shouldn’t be on the road in their current state

NHTSA complaint #11674390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Test drove and bought the car on an overcast day. Next day is bright and sunny - the dashboard glares like a mother. What moron designed this Picasso? Did GM R&D even drive the car? The safety hazard is you can’t see the road through the dashboard glare. I’d say that puts myself and others at risk. Should’ve known not to buy American.

NHTSA complaint #11671470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Equinox Ev Multiple charging errors Replaced 3x’s Phantom automatic braking Transmission error. Getting stuck in reverse while trying to move forward

NHTSA complaint #11670917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The volume control in my vehicle will randomly change volume, up to and including full volume. This has almost caused a few crashes because it is very startling and the only way to lower the volume is to use the steering wheel controls (the volume knob does not accept input when this happens - it has a mind of its own). It is relatively simple to fight the volume when going straight, but it is very hard to do when it happens while trying to maneuver while the wheel is not centered as the controls are not accessible. While always annoying, it is very dangerous when trying to make such a maneuver and losing all concentration by blaring radio or attempting to move my hands on the wheel mid turn. This was a problem from the first day we bought the car and it was noted that my local dealer could fix it under warranty (I purchased from an out of town dealer). That dealer told me that GM was refusing to fix anything, insisting that I wait six months to see if a seemingly unrelated software update fixes the issue. The manager at my dealership has been trying to get approval and did get approval to replace a part in attempt to fix it. That did not work and they are now refusing to replace the other part that has fixed a similar issue for others. I believe they replaced the module that processes the sensor information, but are refusing to replace the sensor (volume wheel) itself. This car would have been crashed by many other drivers who could not cope with such in-vehicle distraction - this includes my daughter who refuses to drive the vehicle and really doesn't like riding in it. GM needs to fix this ASAP for myself and any other experiencing the issue. I do have videos of the behavior available, but can not attach them here because they are not accepted. It has been over 2 months since the dealer initially looked at the issue and the warranty repair was denied.

NHTSA complaint #11668641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When bluetooth is on takes the radio out every a couple minutes and you have to keep switching it back and fourth or turn off the Bluetooth to keep the radio playing or music playing

NHTSA complaint #11665520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I recently purchased this vehicle. The dash has a horrible reflection in the windshield creating some visibility issues the it is daytime especially in direct sunlight. I am worried that this hindered vision is going put drivers, pedestrians and animals at an increased risk of accidents. This is a known problem among the Equinox EV community, but I was unaware at the time of purchase.

NHTSA complaint #11663125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

due to the large windshield and the dashboard design, the glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the dashboard onto the windshield is unbearable to the point where i've had to pull over. this is a huge problem and will lead to severe accidents.

NHTSA complaint #11655113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.