Automatic Emergency Braking Problems of Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

The driver pulled into a parking space at a local pharmacy. The space directly faced the building and was separated from the building by a sidewalk that was approximately 6 feet wide. After pulling into the parking space and releasing the accelerator (the vehicle was in the single pedal driving mode, so the motor braking should have been activated) the vehicle instead experienced three problems/failures. (1) sudden unintended acceleration - the vehicle suddenly lurched forward without driver input. (2) the automatic emergency braking system failed to activate or to override the acceleration command, even though the vehicle was directly facing the wall of the building, which was only a few feet away. (3) the collision warning system failed to activate. The system should have displayed a large red box with an x through it in the heads up display to warn of the pending building impact. No warning was received.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Stepped on brakes and were hard to break feels like no abs.

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While pulling forward out of a parking lot at a low speed, the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (aeb) system suddenly and aggressively engaged without warning. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles whatsoever in the vehicle's path. The deceleration was extremely severe and violent, mimicking the sensation of hitting a brick wall. This unprompted, false-positive system activation subjected my body to intense, sudden forces, resulting in a painful back injury that requires medical attention. The system completely failed to accurately evaluate the path of travel, creating an immediate and unexpected hazard to my physical safety and that of anyone following behind me.

Emergency braking engaged when backing into parking spot in between two vehicles. No obstruction was behind vehicle.

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On 3 occasions, the last happening today (xxx) traveling north on xxx toward [xxx] at approximately 14:05, the vehicle has stopped abruptly and hard, and will then release. Today, it took it longer to release. When it occurred this time, it braked just as hard but longer, so I had to cross two lanes so the cars behind me would not hit me. The cars swerved around me and the car eventually let go and I was able to accelerate from that dangerous position on the side of the highway. The first time it happened, someone was pretty close behind me. The car stopped hard, real hard, but let go quickly enough to accelerate before a collision. The second time, there was no one in front or behind us, and we were safe. It hadn’t happened in a while, today. We’ve downloaded 2 or 3 software update, and I was hoping it fixed the issue. It did not. Today the car stumbled and the rpm’s jumped. I feel like the car momentarily braked while I was accelerating. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On xxx, at approximately 5pm est, my wife stopped our 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ev after backing out of the garage and put the vehicle in park. After exiting the driver's seat, she was outside the open driver's door, had both feet on the ground and cleared the door enough that she was preparing to close it, when the vehicle began moving with no one in the driver's seat. The vehicle traveled down our inclined driveway, continued onto neighboring property, and continued through grass. A [xxx] neighboring child was in the vehicle's path. My wife believed the vehicle would strike the child and screamed for her to move. The child moved clear before the vehicle reached her, and no contact occurred. The vehicle stopped when it hit the left side of the neighbor’s garage causing damage to the stone siding and framing of the garage. The vehicle then started to move forward over the lawn and into the street. At some point after it started moving forward the neighbor, an adult male, was attempted to stop the vehicle physically but was unable to. I came out of the house and saw what was going on at this point and was able to help stop the vehicle, entered it and apply the brakes. My wife also tried to enter the vehicle and stop it during these events which ended in substantial scraps, bruising and other injuries. We are reporting unintended movement after driver exit and request investigation of park engagement, the shift-by-wire system, electric parking brake, automatic vehicle hold/driver-exit functions, reverse automatic braking and propulsion/brake controls. Two Chevrolet ev concierge agents separately were unable to retrieve remote diagnostic information. The vehicle is currently at my house and has only been driven to secure it in the garage since the incident. Opened a case with gm ev concierge and they escalated it to "the executive team". It should be towed to a dealer today. Police report submitted but I do not current know the report number. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5.

In my chevy Equinox 2018 my vacuum pump and brake booster failed when I was driving and I could not brake. I slid into the gravel side of the road on the 138, luckily there were not alot of traffic at the time cause I would have caused a major accident. Never had any braking issue till now. Now this is a major financial hardship on me to fix this issue that should have not happened if it got recalled to fix this issue on this certain model. No lights, no indicator lights or anything came on either which was scary. And I have no problems or any other issues with the Equinox. It just failed all of a sudden.

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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.

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).

My 2025 Chevrolet Equinox rs is experiencing critical active safety and electronic malfunctions. While reversing out of my driveway, the vehicle unexpectedly executed an aggressive "phantom braking" event, violently slamming on the brakes with no actual physical hazards or cross-traffic behind the vehicle. The reverse automatic braking (rab) and rear cross-traffic braking systems are hypersensitive and falsely triggering mechanical emergency stops, creating an immediate physical hazard and whiplash risk. Additionally, the google built-in infotainment system constantly suffers from communication freezes with apple carplay and media apps like pandora. Commands to select or play audio tracks freeze and fail to execute on the 11. 3-inch screen, indicating a systemic software architecture defect affecting the vehicle's dashboard modules. The vehicle has previously been out of service for an extended duration (30+ days)due to a broken telematics module causing parasitic battery drain down to 3 volts, along with multiple dashboard error messages. The manufacturer has been unable to permanently resolve these electronic and active safety failures.

I was turning at a green light while following behind a truck pulling a trailer. All of the sudden, the car did the automatic emergency braking. It slammed on the brakes in the middle of an intersection while I was going ~15mph, and gave me whiplash. I am not sure if the car got confused by the trailer in front of me, but this is the first time this has happened in my first few weeks of owning this car. I've read that many others have had this issue with the Chevrolet Equinox ev, and this poses a serious safety issue for drivers of this car and others on the road.

I have had multiple times where my car kicks in the automatic emergency brake because it things I’m about to hit something. All those instances that it has happened, I was not about to hit something and the car short stops and stops in the middle of the street which is so dangerous because then I quickly have to start my car so that someone doesn’t crash into me since I’m stopped in middle of the road.

Driving at 50 mph car applies brakes for no reason.

At around 7k miles while driving the brakes and steering suddenly stopped working and all warning lights came on including check engine light. The dealership said it was the main brain and the fixed it. Then last Thursday night while driving on the highway my brakes stopped working suddenly and all warning lights came on again. It is at the dealership now and they are now saying the problem is the bcm. I’m honestly scared to drive on the highway now. I’m really scared someone will get hurt or killed from this vehicle if it happens again.

On may 9, 2026, while pulling into a parking garage parking space at low speed (below 5 mph), the brake pedal was pressed but failed to engage or slow the vehicle. The pedal was pressed completely to the floor with no resistance, and the vehicle continued moving forward until it struck a wall, causing damage to the vehicle. Earlier the same day, the brakes produced an abnormal hissing sound while pulling out of a parking space. No other symptoms or abnormalities were present prior to failure. The vehicle may also have recently received a software update, although it is unknown whether that is related to the incident. The failure appears to involve the brake system and the driver safety assistance systems equipped on the vehicle like forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support systems. The exact failed component is currently unknown and remains under inspection by a Chevrolet dealership. No warning lights, messages, or audible alerts appeared before, during, or after the incident. The automatic braking/collision avoidance system also did not activate. Because the vehicle had no braking capability at the time of the incident, the occupants and nearby pedestrians were placed at risk of serious injury. On may 10, 2026, the vehicle was taken to a Chevrolet dealership for inspection. The dealership has been unable to reproduce the issue, and no mechanical defects or diagnostic trouble codes related to the incident were identified. On may 13, 2026, the issue was escalated to the gm technical assistance center (tac) for further review, and the vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting a response to the tac case. The dealership acknowledges similar brake-loss concerns referenced in gm service bulletins involving the 2025 chevy Equinox and other models, including bulletin n24471431, although they stated the bulletin does not apply to this specific VIN.

The vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral if the vehicle runs out of gas. There is no way to shift to neutral and roll it to the side of the road. The vehicle ran out of gas on the interstate, automatically braked and could not be moved out of the middle of the interstate. To make matters worse, this was in a construction zone.

I was driving down my neighborhood road about 20mph there were no other cars around on the road at all only mailboxes and cars parked in driveways. The car suddenly slams the brakes hard enough the tires were squealing and threw us forward thankfully me and my child had our seat belts on. It scared the heck out of us cause there was no warning and definitely not expected.

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.

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.

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.

The Chevrolet Equinox ev has a large blind spot because of the size of the front window pillars and the adjacent side view mirror. To quote from an internet search, "this creates a significant blind spot when preparing to make left at intersections, making it difficult to spot pedestrians cyclists, or oncoming traffic. " my vehicle was involved in an accident during a left turn in which I believe the blind spot was a significant factor. The Chevrolet Equinox ev is supposed to be equipped with "enhanced automatic emergency braking" which, if so, did not function to prevent an accident.

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the forward collision avoidance automatic emergency braking engaged, with the forward collision avoidance warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure due to an ongoing lemon law case against the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 17,280.

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and abruptly stopped on three occasions. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving approximately 60-70 mph on the highway, while driving and approaching a stoplight approximately 300 ft. Away. The failure also occurred while driving from a complete stop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and attempted to diagnose the vehicle through the onstar app, but no diagnostic trouble codes were found. The manufacturer contacted the dealer to schedule a service appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,500.

Braking issues sensors go off when nothing aroung slow backing car engages brakes bad smell like a strong bo persists after cabin an oil fulter changed battery / alternator drain 12-07 2025 to 01-17 2026 in auto shop I was told wainting for part ( onstar ) prior brake issues early April 2025 the week of having auto brakes and steering lock up during 45mph drive it was documented as a camera issue no power as if brakes applied while, car has felt when turning like it skips while in a turn during driving all 8 visited on document other 4 not documented system dignostic or dealer service doesn't show issues. Issues have been on going without success other issues possible related or newer miles first reported brake and steering lockup 145 miles most recent 7750.

While pulling into a parking spot of a business and approximately 6 feet from the curb, the automatic emergency brake engaged forcing my whole body forward, slamming my head on the visor/roof of the car very forcefully/painfully. I was not in traffic, I was getting ready to park. My front seat passenger slammed against her seatbelt and I had a child in the back seat who slammed forward as well. No dash indicators or seat rumbling occurred, it was just an immediate jolt/hard stop that I was not braced for. At risk of concussion or tbi.

The vehicle’s high-voltage battery system and propulsion system appear to have failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection, the vehicle completely shut down while I was driving on florida’s turnpike, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a high-speed highway. There was no warning prior to the shutdown, and I am currently pregnant, which made the situation especially traumatic and heightened the risk to both myself and my unborn child, as well as other drivers on the road. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership for inspection. As of now, the problem has not been reproduced, but the shutdown event is confirmed and documented by the dealer during the incident report and intake process. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection. General motors engineers or technical assistance center (tac) may review the vehicle once the dealership reports the incident. No police or insurance representatives have inspected the vehicle for this issue. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms appeared prior to the sudden battery drop and complete loss of propulsion. The failure occurred without any prior indication while driving on the highway.

Vehicle will randomly apply brakes detecting something with the automatic brake system that is not there. I was driving at 30 mph with nothing in front of me and the vehicle applied full brakes and beeped. Also at a light I went to take off as the first car and it immediately applied brakes when trying to accelerate on green. My 5 y/o in the back had her head slammed forward and was crying because of the force from accelerating/decelerating. It’s happened 5 or 6 times since January purchase.

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.

The aeb feature is very sensitive and has often activated when there was no good reason. For instance, it has activated a few times while moving slowly in heavy traffic. Additionally, the feature frequently activates when reversing out of a parking spot or garage, especially when the weather is rainy. In one instance during light rain, the car slammed to a halt more than five times while trying to back out of a parking spot, and there were no obstacles anywhere near the vehicle. I believe that this feature has nearly caused several accidents and has made me feel less safe while operating the vehicle. A software solution has been implemented for the 2026 model year, but not for the older models.

Vehicle information vehicle: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox (gas) purchase price: $46,000 in-service date: January 28, 2026 current mileage: 2,433 miles first repair attempt: approximately 200 miles defect description (safety-critical) the vehicle experiences intermittent but recurring safety system failures while driving, including: • complete instrument cluster blackout (all gauges dark) • all warning lights and alerts disappear • adas / driver-assist systems shut down • system appears to reboot for approximately 15 seconds while in motion • vehicle settings reset to default (vehicle systems, not radio) • brake pedal becomes hard during these events • stopping distance feels increased during braking events this behavior indicates a brake assist interruption and a loss of critical driver information while the vehicle is moving. Repair history summary • vehicle has been in the dealership approximately 4–5 times for the same or substantially similar defect • dealership has performed software updates • dealership has replaced computer modules controlling the information center and related systems • the defect persists safety assessment loss of braking assist (hard pedal with increased stopping distance) combined with full instrument cluster blackout while driving constitutes a substantial impairment of vehicle safety. This is not an infotainment issue.

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.

The brake system, specifically the master brake cylinder and/or associated brake system components, failed or malfunctioned. The defect results in a sudden loss of braking performance without warning. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. It has remained in the continuous possession of the authorized Chevrolet dealership since January 13, 2026, and has not been returned to service. The defect involves the primary braking system, which is a critical safety component. Sudden and unexpected loss of braking ability significantly increases the risk of a collision, serious injury, or death to the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to operate due to the risk of brake failure. The problem has been confirmed by the authorized Chevrolet dealership. The service department diagnosed the issue as a defective master brake cylinder and/or related brake system components. The dealer advised that the condition presents a safety risk and that the vehicle cannot be safely operated until the issue is addressed. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealership acting as the manufacturer’s representative. The manufacturer has been made aware of the problem. No inspection by police or an insurance representative has occurred, as no crash took place. The vehicle remains unrepaired as of February 9 due to parts unavailability. There was no adequate warning that would have allowed the driver to anticipate the loss of braking performance. The defect results in sudden brake failure without sufficient advance warning, which is a significant safety concern. The issue was identified in January 2026, at which time the vehicle was taken to the dealership. On January 13, 2026, the vehicle was removed from service and has remained at the dealership continuously since that date. The vehicle remains out of service because the master brake cylinder is on backorder. There is no eta, and as a result, no repairs.

I was waiting behind 2 cars at a red light to turn left. Once the light turned green, I slowly started to accelerate and turn, the car then came to an immediate stop in the middle of the intersection. The hud indicated the front automatic braking was enabled. Luckily there was no one behind me so I wasn’t rear ended. This was at night time. This was a completely empty intersection besides the 2 in front of me.

The Equinox is detecting objects in the rear camera that are not there and automatically applying the automatic emergency breaking. This is causing the car to completely stop and has now caused me to injury my back due to the force of the stop. There is no warning given that the breaks are being applied. I was backing up at 7 miles an hour and the Equinox just stopped dead and there was absolutely nothing near the car. The car was in for an oil change and they said nothing was wrong with it. This latest incident of 4 now happened today and caused me to almost be hit in the parking lot of my child’s school while backing into a parking spot.

I was traveling about 45mph and the SUV emergency brake system activated, it scared me and my passengers, the guy behind me was even more scared. I had the front seat passenger immediately deactivate the emergency braking system.