2025 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Complaints

Vehicle slammed on brakes on highway with no obstruction in front. Emergency system reacts to shadows

While operating the vehicle on both interstate highways and local roadways, an intermittent malfunction occurs involving the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The instrument panel displays a warning message stating, “Service All-Wheel Drive System.” When this warning appears, the vehicle automatically disengages from AWD and reverts to Two-Wheel Drive (2WD). Once this occurs, the system does not allow the driver to manually return the vehicle to AWD. This issue has occurred on more than three separate occasions. Notably, there have been instances where the warning indicator illuminated immediately upon starting the vehicle, prior to any extended operation. When the malfunction is present, the vehicle exhibits abnormal driving behavior, including a noticeable jerking or hesitation that feels consistent with a transmission-related issue. The failure is unpredictable in nature, with no clear pattern or triggering condition identified. This creates a significant safety concern, particularly when operating the vehicle at highway speeds or in conditions where AWD capability may be necessary for proper traction and control. An appointment has been scheduled with an authorized dealership for diagnostic evaluation; however, at the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or repaired, and the issue remains unresolved.

While driving on the freeway, my vehicle displayed a “Service All-Wheel Drive System” warning and unexpectedly switched into two-wheel drive. This created a serious safety concern due to sudden loss of traction and control. Additionally, on multiple occasions while reversing, the vehicle abruptly applied the brakes without any obstruction present, displaying a message that automatic braking had engaged. My foot was on the accelerator at the time, and this created a sudden and unsafe situation. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership for repair, but due to the unpredictable nature of these issues, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle.

On numerous occasions, the multiple automatic collision braking systems have engaged in what I would describe as phantom breaking. For me personally, the automatic breaking has on multiple occasions caused a serious crash, both while backing out of parking, at intersections and most recently on Interstate 880. The AEB system engaged and slammed the breaks while changing a lane in traffic and the car came to a complete standstill. Two cars almost crashed into me. I feel less safe with AEB engaged than I feel without it and I this incident was the final straw. I will be disabling AEB. The system is severely flawed and will be the cause for serious accidents.

Occasionally, the vehicle will jerk the steering wheel when going around a curve (almost like its trying to center the line while driving in a curve) and sometimes it steers out of the lane or simply won’t function correctly at all.

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.

This is a 2025 vehicle with 25,000 miles and the Check Engine Soon light stays illuminated due to a faulty PCV Valve or possibly a poorly designed crankcase. The engine code is P04FB and is commonly found as an issue when you do a search. As a safety precaution, the vehicle is programmed to not allow the remote start to work as designed when the engine light is on so this issue affects the overall functionality of the car. Having spoken with the dealership, they report seeing that engine code often and that the part is on backorder. The dealership seems to think it's the crankcase causing the issue and not the PCV Valve as the fix they have been ordering for them is the case. It will potentially go away as the weather is hotter, but if a chilly night or morning comes up, then the light will come back on because there is moisture buildup on the PCV Valve when the temperature drops that causes the light to come on. With all of the complaints I have read online for this very issue, I would like to see NHTSA step up and make Chevy fix their problem. Thank you.

For the second time the service high voltage system warning has came on first time it was updated the dealership said now it’s back on again A/C not working properly

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.

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.