Chevrolet Equinox body problems

STRUCTURE:BODY

I was driving and my sunroof exploded. This sent shards of glass lose in my car and glass flying onto the road as well. The sunroof was replaced and was inspected by the service department as well. No warning signs or message.

NHTSA complaint #11757892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon hooking up a trailer to the vehicle, a severe amount of rust and corrosion was noticed along the entire bottom of the vehicle. The contact emphasized a concern for safety with all the corrosion uncovered underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

In early XXX, I noticed that water was pooling in the spare tire well. I took it to a Chevrolet dealership and they concluded that the rear sunroof drains were clogged. After unclogging the drains and confirming adequate sealing of the tubes, rain water was still leaking into the spare tire well. This is causing mold on the carpet and rust. This same issue, with the same year/make/model, happened to somebody else around the same time, and they made a post on Reddit ([XXX]). I believe there is an issue with the drainage system, leading to auto parts potentially rusting and mold growth, both of which severely harm the driver and passengers. Two cases of the exact same situation, starting around the same time, may not be a coincidence and it’s possible this is a widespread issue that has yet to be reported. An investigation into this issue could help drivers stay safe on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11750076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

I am writing to report a safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The rear bumper has begun to separate from the body of the vehicle and becomes loose during normal use. This issue appears to be related to how the bumper is attached (clips, fasteners, or design), not due to any collision or damage. A loose rear bumper creates a potential safety hazard, as it could detach while driving or pose a risk to other drivers. I recommend that Chevrolet investigate this issue for a possible defect and consider a recall if this is found to be a common problem among similar vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11733877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

While driving under normal conditions, a body panel detached from my vehicle and flew off without any collision, impact, or external cause. This was not an accident. The vehicle was being operated properly, and the failure occurred spontaneously, creating a significant safety risk to myself and other motorists. Since purchasing this vehicle less than one year ago, it has been subject to multiple recalls, raising further concerns about overall build quality and safety. I am also aware of reports from other Chevrolet Equinox EV owners who have experienced similar component failures, suggesting a potential pattern of defects. When I attempted to address this issue through the dealership and insurance channels, my concerns were dismissed, and the incident was incorrectly characterized as an “accident,” despite the absence of any collision or driver error.

NHTSA complaint #11717368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving at approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated with the message “Reduce Engine Power – Drive with Care” displayed, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, where the failure was diagnosed as an active shutter system failure, not allowing air into the turbocharger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,736.

NHTSA complaint #11713577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

When I purchased the car new, and brought it home I noticed the windows seemed a little dirty, so I proceeded to wash them, At that point I noticed a blurry windshield with what appeared to be sticky spots. No matter how often I washed them it never got better. Went back to the dealer, they washed them, but no better. After making an appointment with the service department they confirmed the windshield was defective and that they would replace it (one) time but could not guarantee the replacement would be any better, because the 2025/2026 Chevy Equinox SUV's are noticing this type of defect with the windshields, I went on line and read the same thing. So even though the windshield has been replaced, it is no better with the same problem, also a little worse. When you drive into the sun it becomes very blurry and somewhat distorted, and more noticeable, And there is some sort of a film over the windshield causing the glare and blurriness. Since they replaced it there is nothing else the car dealer can do for me, So I'm stuck with it. It is very difficult to drive into the sun, it really effects me. This is not regarding an accident, but the fact that the dealer sold me a brand new 2026 Chevy Equinox with a defective windshield. Date of purchase: 7/15/25.

NHTSA complaint #11708652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Problem with transmission not shifting properly. Also, the subframe is rusting out because water from the air conditioning unit falls directly on the subframe at that point both are safety hazards My service provider told me about the subframe rusting when I had my oil changed and why it was rusting and I have my transmission checked by a transmission specialist and the oil changed at that point in time

NHTSA complaint #11695595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, water accumulated on the front seats floor mats and on the second-row floor mats. Upon inspection, the contact found potential white mold under the seats. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer informed the contact that the failure might be related to the water hose to the A/C, or the failure might be related to the moonroof. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending a repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was left in the sun for four days with the windows rolled up, and white mold spread through the vehicle. The contact had not notified the manufacturer of the failure; however, a representative from GM stopped by the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the insurance company had an adjuster inspect the vehicle at the dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a puddle of water on the front passenger's side floor mat. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the seal on the luggage rack had failed. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #11675129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the A/C failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the frame on the front passenger’s side near the radiator had been put together with Bondo and was not welded. The contact was informed bottom part of the radiator had fractured and was not intact, and the A/C lines were damaged, and the front bumper was damaged. The mechanic refused to repair the vehicle due to the liability and informed the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle back to the private dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the dealer agreed to repair the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased a Carfax Report indicated that the vehicle had been in an accident prior to the purchase. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,100.

NHTSA complaint #11674370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Report of Dangerous Rental Vehicle and Serious Safety Incident – Rental Agreement #289216922 I am submitting this report to formally document a serious safety issue involving a rental vehicle I received from Avis in May 2024. Several safety components malfunctioned and put the safety of my and my passenger in a life threatening situation. At the time of pickup, the vehicle had a visible dent near the front right tire, which was acknowledged by the rental agent and dismissed as cosmetic. I also noted a faulty rear hatch, which opened unpredictably and struck occupants in the head on multiple occasions as it behaved erratically. Over the course of the rental, the vehicle displayed additional signs of mechanical failure — including instability at highway speeds, loud squealing, and parts of the bumper physically falling off during the trip. On May 30th, while driving at highway speed, the vehicle suffered a sudden tire blowout. Critically, the onboard system misidentified the location of the blown tire, indicating the front right tire had failed when it was actually the rear right. This misinformation delayed proper response and nearly resulted in a rollover. We were stranded on the roadside for over an hour, narrowly avoiding several collisions. A critical system failure. A responding tow truck driver observed signs that the vehicle may have previously been involved in a collision — which aligns with the visible damage present when the vehicle was picked up. Avis has, despite multiple attempts, refused to confirm whether the vehicle was removed from service after the incident or whether any safety inspection was conducted -- we remain severely concerned for the safety of anyone else using this vehicle. This vehicle should not have been rented in its condition. The failure of safety systems, mechanical instability, prior collision damage, and the loss of exterior components created a serious and unacceptable risk to the driver, passenger, and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11670063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

On May 8,2025 the lift gate failed and crashed down on my head, vehicle is available for inspection and only a GM inspector has looked at it so far. The dealership told me because I filed a complaint with GM they can't touch it unless directed by GM now. It almost knocked me out, I saw black and was hard to see for at first within a few hours it was a huge goose egg on my head. It put me and my 6yr old at risk as she was with me but luckily in the car already. When approaching my car I used the liftgate remote to open it ahead of time, got my daughter in car and went to put our backpacks in the back when it crashed on my head full force no warning. It was extremely painful and caused a concussion with multiple symptoms. Headaches, painful bump, ear ringing, feeling so hot, major brain fog, forgetfulness, watery eyes, feeling really tired and hard to wake up in the morning. It has been about 3 weeks and the symptoms are mostly gone except bad ear ringing, light sensativity, on and off headaches easily, can't put my hair in ponytail as it hurts still. I still have a small dent in my head. The doc says these lasting concussion symptoms could last for months. I don't understand why this has problem has not been fixed when research shows it has been a problem since 2010. The only other issue I had with the car was my instrument panel going black while I was driving a few weeks prior.

NHTSA complaint #11663391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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NHTSA complaint #11663014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

We have had this issue for going on two years. When we bought the car, we immediately started having problems. When we were driving the car, it would start popping in the steering column. We then started having rattles within the body, that are still going, to this day. We have had 4 radios put in due to electrical, still having the same Issues with it, TO THIS DAY. There is some kind of leak inside the body that is causing water to get into the doorframe and slosh around. Chevrolet is not wanting to take accountability and lemon this car, as we’ve had it in the shop right at 10 times for the same issues.

NHTSA complaint #11622165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

The contact's friend owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while picking up his friend from the emergency room after she had undergone hip surgery, his friend grabbed the front passenger's side roof handle. The contact stated that the roof handle separated, causing his friend to fall back on the seat. The contact's friend did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised that the VIN was included in an unknown recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11619795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Water leaks into the rear of the vehicle from The shark fin (I am told from the dealership GM I purchased the car from). It has however now entered into the fuse box and is getting fuses wet which IS a safety issue if they were to short while driving in a rainstorm. This is a major issue with multiple reports online on forums and complaint boards.

NHTSA complaint #11611812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

There have been 4 radios in the car installed and it has continually cause multiple issues with the electrical system. We’ve had the car in the shop for 7 different times and there is no correction as of now. Additionally, we’re continuing to have a constant rattling sound and it has been looked at and ‘corrected’ multiple times and there is still not a fix. We’ve had this car in the shop 10 different times over the two issues and still no correction nor any assistance from the manufacturer. Something has to give.

NHTSA complaint #11594816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.