Service Brakes Problems of Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

This issue has happened to me twice now. Dec 19th 2024 I driving on a highway at about 60mph, traffic slowed, I tried to stop and instantly had no brakes at all. There was a light that came on as I was applying the brakes, "service brake assist". Had it towed to a mechanic and they replaced the brake vacuum pump. We ordered this part from a Chevrolet dealership so we knew it was the proper part. Most recent was two days ago, Nov 10th 2025, not even a full year later. Driving about 55mph, tried to stop and no brakes again with the same service message. It is currently at the shop being repaired. The part is under warranty but of course labor isnt. Both times this happened, I had to drive over on to the shoulder to avoid causing an accident. Prior to this, there was no warning that there was anything wrong with the brakes. The only place that can confirm this issue is the mechanic shop as they are the ones doing the work. Attached is a copy of the receipt from the first time.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

I was driving my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ev on the highway with adaptive cruise control (acc) engaged. The vehicle was also set to "one-pedal driving" (high regenerative braking). The vehicle in front of me slowed down abruptly. My vehicle's acc began to slow the car, but it was not decelerating quickly enough to avoid a collision. I immediately intervened by pressing the brake pedal as hard as I could, pushing it completely to the floor. Critical safety failure: the vehicle's physical brakes failed to engage. Despite my foot being pressed hard to the floor, the vehicle did not slow down. It felt as though only the regenerative braking was (slowly) working and that my manual brake application had zero effect. The vehicle continued to glide forward with no significant braking power, and I was unable to stop the car in time, resulting in a collision with the rear of the vehicle ahead. Summary of defect: the primary safety failure was the complete lack of response from the manual brake pedal. My attempt to override the vehicle's automated systems in an emergency was unsuccessful, as the brake pedal was unresponsive. Reporting history: I have already reported this incident to my auto insurance, my local Chevrolet dealership, and the Chevrolet customer assistance center. A representative from Chevrolet recommended that I file this report with the NHTSA to help identify and track similar safety-critical incidents.

On th, Nov 6 ~1700, the 25 Equinox ev being driven encountered an electric drive failure and brake failure, including friction brakes. This Equinox ev is essentially still brand new with 3900 miles and no accident history. The vehicle was driven off the eb sr 528 exit ramp to narcoossee rd in orlando and driven to the stop light at the wb on ramp. After the light changed and began driving, the vehicle console reported an exception with drive assist. At this time the driver attempted to slow down to take stock of the situation and the vehicle accelerated, at which time the driver took their foot off the brake pedal and attempted to identify a place to take the vehicle off the roadways. Thankfully a stoplight at mccoy rd was green and the driver continued through that light and while attempting to brake, the vehicle accelerated instead. The driver then coasted, maneuvering the vehicle was into the vista palms commercial center. The vehicle, unresponsive to braking, propelled through a stop sign into the kohl's parking lot at which time the driver began looping around the lot until the weight of the vehicle brought the motion down. While the vehicle was stopped, it rotated through warning messages indicating. . Forward collision, brake assist is reduced, steering assist is reduced, then finally service transmission now unable to shift soon. The vehicle was towed by aaa to autonation Chevrolet airport in orlando. Technicians found codes u1610 and u1639, and found k160 connecter unseated. It was reseated and greased. The concern is that this should have been locked and unable to be unseated. Is this an indication of manufacturing problem or operating problem? all braking was dysfunctional. How can we be certain that this was not a one off event?.

The vaccum pump for the braking system exploded in the cam shaft. Check system brake assist came up on the dash. The power brakes were non operational making it incredibly difficult to stop and increasing the distance by at least double. This is a 'known' issue with Chevrolet but they have chosen not to issue a recall.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The brake vacuum pump has went out twice with no warning and has caused my breaks to become instantly extremely stiff.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Brake vacuum pump has failed. My brake pedal I had to put my full weight on to stop my car. I almost crashed into the person in front of me. It was my full weight and all the way to the ground in my car wasn’t stopping.

The stabilitrac , brake & traction control would not reset. Took to shop replaced abs module & t/c switch. Cost me $1999. 32 to fix. Problem solved.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

When trying to disengage cruise control, with button on steering wheel, brakes locked up going 75mph on the interstate. Would not unlock until I physically pressed brake pedal. If I had not been able to control the car, we would have been sent head first into the concrete barrier wall. Also, when trying to start car or put in into gear, it tells me to "press brake" when the brake pedal is pressed as far as it can go. Radio will randomly cut off and screen goes blank. Trunk button on drivers door does not open trunk without pushing it minimum of 5 times. Sometimes it takes more.

I was pulling into the parking lot of my job. The one pedal driving mode was on, and my vehicle was not slowing down like it generally does. So, I immediately stepped on the brake, and it still didn't slow down, it felt like a brick, I stepped on it harder. It still did not stop! I ran into the barn/building I work in. I was terrified!! what if there was a person there, or another car, or kids playing, etc. I immediately called the chevy dealership in woodland at 8am, they had me tow the 2025 Equinox to them. I just talked to them at 4:30pm. They said there were no messages with regard to the braking system. They said they would install the update, and would continue to diagnose the problem. I do not feel safe in this vehicle, it poses a significant risk as a driver!.

I own a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with a 1. 5l engine. While driving with my children in the vehicle, the car experienced a sudden and frightening failure. The engine began malfunctioning, and after inspection, my mechanic and the repair shop confirmed damage to the vacuum pump, broken engine pieces, and issues with the timing chain and camshaft. These issues are identical to those described in an existing recall for this vehicle, but my VIN is not included. The shop even questioned why my mechanic had to replace the vacuum pump, which shows this failure is directly related to the known recall problem. This situation created a very unsafe condition while my kids were in the car. It is unfair and dangerous that my VIN is excluded when the exact same recall defects are present. I am requesting that my vehicle be included in the recall and that NHTSA investigate this defect further, as it poses a serious safety risk for me, my family, and potentially other drivers.

With the vehicle around 73,000 and while driving on the highway, the brake system failed to fully function. Using extreme pressure to compress the brakes the vehicle finally slowed and came to a stop with out injury or vehicle accident. After getting the vehicle moved to an independent service center, and further inspection it was found that the vacuum pump exploded. After researching it appears the problem is consistent with other reports but no resolution has been made until it's too late. The component is not currently being inspected by the manufacturer and has only been inspected by independent service center. No warning lights or other symptoms displayed prior to the failure and the only time it first appeared was on the highway at high speeds.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal was extremely hard and tight. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle because the vehicle was not being driven at a high speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as cam shaft failure, timing chain, and vacuum pump failure. The contact was informed that the cam shaft, timing chain, and vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact, who was an independent mechanic, stated that it was very important that the braking system operated independently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,400.

When you hit the brakes on hurry car don’t stop it rolls and take longer to engage. Was involved on a rear end accident because of saw the car in front stop press the brake and SUV just slow down but keep rolling forward.

I was exiting the expressway coming up to the back of a semi truck & the brake became hard to push down. Thankfully I was able to stop in time & didn't rear end the truck. It put me & my [xxx] old in danger had I not been able to apply the force needed to push the brake petal down. No dash alerts appeared until at least 10 min after I noticed the issue. I have a mechanic changing the brake booster. The first part we received was faulty & had to be returned. Currently waiting for another brake booster to come in & attempt another repair. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle calls power module has failed.

(1) on Saturday 8/23/25, the braking system failed while driving on gravel roads going downhill. ? (2) I could not stop the vehicle going downhill. I thought I was going to crash. As I started to go downhill @ ~5 mph, I put my foot on the brake pedal, the car would not brake. Pressing hard or lightly didn’t make a difference. It felt like an anti-lock brake (alb) pulse 1x and then gave up releasing all braking even though the foot is on the brake. The 2-way road is heavily used, smooth, wide, and maintained. Other vehicles were going down the gravel fine. The grade is ~10%. (3) the problem was reproduced numerous times on 8/24/25, while my husband drove on gravel going downhill and attempting to slow down or stop the car. This gravel is with potholes and some rocks starting w/ grades 5-6%. I was a passenger in the car. At one point I thought we were going to hit the on-coming car, because the brakes were not working properly. (4) an appointment is being made w/ the dealer to inspect the car. (5) (on 8/23) I am not aware of warnings or messages. (on 8/24) a “abs” alert appeared on the display sometimes. Additional info: (6) on 6/15/25, I drove on gravel with 5-10% grades w/o issues for ~6 miles. When I pressed on the brake pedal, the car slowed down without issues. Alb did not engage. (7) I have recently read break failure stories that are similar from other Equinox ev owners. ". . . My car has had two separate brake failures. . . " "… now going down a fairly steep gravel hill daily, I experience very little braking. . . " "… I pressed the brakes and there was no perceived braking for at least 20 feet. . . " . . . Brake failure this past weekend while descending a dirt/stone road… the abs, would not shut off for our entire descent, which lasted for about 2 full minutes. During this time, we could not stop the car and were accelerating out of control…. ".

This has happened about 4 times in 4 months. In each scenario I am driving very slowly (3 times forwards, one time in reverse) with no obvious obstacle or crash potential. The brakes will slam suddenly very aggressively, I assume it is the e-brakes as it feels like I hit a wall. It is a safety issue as if someone was behind me it could cause an accident. This is discussed on multiple message boards(e. G. Hard braking without warning! | chevy Equinox ev forum https://share. Google/eugsd4xpqzopnluwy) but the manufacturer is not acknowledging any issue when contacted. I called the dealer as well and they were not aware of any issues. I have not had the vehicle inspected.

Getting off the highway and brake pedal is just hard can barely push it. It stopped but barely.

The vacuum pump seized and broke and sent debris into the camshaft.

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was a crackling sound coming from the brake pedal while depressing the brake pedal, with the message a "service all wheel drive system" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while the awd feature was activated and driving up an incline, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal with the "service all wheel drive system" message displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was made for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150.

I experienced a brake failure this past weekend in my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ev lt while descending a dirt/stone road. The moment we started descending, the abs system engaged and did not brake the car adequately. In my opinion, the abs system should not have engaged in this terrain. The abs, would not shut off for our entire descent, which lasted for about two full minutes. During this time, we could not stop the car and were accelerating out of control. We got going far faster than I was comfortable with, and my passenger & I thought we were going to end up crashing. After about a minute of inability to brake properly or stop, we ended up getting a flat tire. The flat tire, combined with the terrain flattening, eventually helped us come to a complete stop. After stopping, the car was also having software issues (infotainment system resetting), and the infotainment system was very hot to the touch, suggesting an electrical or software malfunction tied to the braking system. It was a very scary situation, but my passenger and I were not injured. This failure left me and my passenger completely out of control of the vehicle, with a high risk of collision, rollover, or serious injury. In my opinion, a braking system that does not stop the vehicle when the pedal is fully applied constitutes a critical safety defect. Chevrolet has been contacted, but the dealer refused to treat this as a warranty safety issue so far. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

On two occasions as I have pulled in to park this vehicle, while pressing brake the car lurched forward. The first time no damage happened however the second time damage occurred. While pressing the brake as hard as I could would not stop the lurching car. None of the avoidance warnings helped either.

Break assist break vacuum pump.

I was driving on the highway and when I exited and tried to stop at a red light the brakes stopped working. No warning, the brake assist engaged so I barely came to a stop in time before hitting the car in front of me. I can barely use the brake pedal and my check engine light came on with it. Its very hard to press the pedal like its got something stuck under the pedal but there was nothing. The brake assist stays on and basically is the only way the car will stop and still doesn't completely stop.

On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the right, the brakes finally slowed the vehicle to around 40mph. Luckily, the traffic light turned green, allowing me to continue moving with the remaining momentum. As I attempted to take a turn on a bridge above the freeway, the steering wheel became stiff. At this point, I was unsure whether I could turn the car at that speed with the steering not responding. I need general motors and Chevrolet to take action on the severity of the situation and make the necessary and appropriate restitution to me for the traumatic and physical injuries sustained during the incident. For the amount of time I've been without a vehicle, I am now running high risk of loosing my job. $3,700. Is what they are charging me, which is conveniently not under warranty. When consistently stating that no one really sure what's covered and what's not covered.

Vehicle information: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox VIN: [xxx] mileage: [insert your current mileage] engine: 1. 5l turbo ? complaint summary: sudden and complete loss of brake assist while driving. Brake pedal became extremely hard to press, making it difficult to stop the vehicle safely. A warning message appeared on the dashboard stating “brake assist”. This happened without warning and made braking unpredictable and dangerous. If I had been driving downhill or in the mountains, I could have easily lost control or crashed. I was lucky to be on a relatively flat road when it happened. I inspected the vacuum hose and brake fluid level — both were normal. After researching, I discovered this is a known issue in 2019 Equinox models with the 1. 5l turbo engine, related to vacuum pump failure or loss of vacuum supply to the brake booster. There are service bulletins and limited coverage programs (n192268490 and n182202780), but my VIN does not show an open recall. I believe this is a serious safety defect that could affect many vehicles not yet covered by the recall or service campaigns. Gm needs to expand the recall and properly warn drivers before someone gets killed. Please investigate this problem and hold gm accountable for fixing this safety-critical issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving just got off the freeway and went to hit the brakes and the brake pedal was hard as a rock I had to use force to slow down to safely get over from the left lane to the right lane to get into a parking lot was a pretty scary experience, called aaa had it towed to the dealer they said the vacuum pump failed which I suspected because of the other complaints regarding the same thing, there was no recalls on my car dealer fixed it under warranty and they said there was no damage to the camshaft. The dealer was amazing and would reccamend them, I also had to pay 100 deductible. As others have stated theres a recall on the vacuum pumps but certain VIN #s are not included. Gm needs to included all VIN #s for the Equinox in the recall whats it gonna take somebody to get killed!.

Braking failure on 2025 Equinox ev lt model - my car has had two separate brake failures going down a steep dry rocky road in clear weather, once with one pedal driving on and once without, on July 21st, 2025 and August 11th, 2025 respectively. It doesn't happen every time going down this road and each time at no more than 5 - 10 miles per hour, with the brake pedal to the floor the car was not slowing down and the weight of the car on the steep track made it speed up considerably which made it dangerous due to the steepness of the hill and turns in the road. The first time I drove off the road onto flat grass and the car came to a stop, the last time it happened I pumped the brakes until the car stopped and the "abs engaged" light came on the dashboard above the steering wheel. It happened twice on the road that time. There were no prior alerts or warning lights. The car has 5000 miles and is still under warranty, the chevy dealership had the car for 3 days. The dealership was not able to reproduce or confirm the problem with the brakes. The dealership told me they did a series of resets. They have not given me the written service report yet. I have an appointment to take the car back to the dealer. The brake fluid level is good, there are no current alerts on the dashboard while driving. The car is available for inspection upon request. I am concerned that my wife and I may be injured or killed in a braking failure or that we may injure or kill others or damage property.

My vacuum pump failed on this vehicle. Causing my brakes to lock and a crash to almost happen.

Vehicle may be involved in gm service update n252494220 , reduced brake performance. I cannot get a response from Chevrolet if the vehicle is part of the brake problem issue. Based on the information provided, this should be escalated to a recall. I also have not been able to get an answer from the selling dealer. Per the information in the service update bulletin, the vehicle was not to be sold until it was inspected for the problem.

The vehicle will randomly brake on its own. I can be doing 70 on the interstate with no one around and it will disengage cruise and brake hard. It has nearly caused one accident when I had someone following me too closely.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

•initial incident: July 2, 2025 •recurring occurrences: August 8, 2025 vehicle issue description: several months ago, the vehicle’s check engine light came on. A diagnostic scan was performed at o’reilly auto parts, but no error codes were detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for further inspection. The shop found no mechanical issues and confirmed the vehicle was operating normally at that time. On August 6, 2025, the “service brake assist” warning appeared briefly on the dashboard but turned off shortly afterward. The parking brake warning light also came on that same day, then went off. These warning lights reappeared intermittently on August 8, 2025. No repairs have been made as there are no active recalls related to these issues. However, it is noted that there are consumer complaints reporting similar problems. This raises concerns about potential intermittent or undetected safety system faults, particularly involving the brake assist system and parking brake functionality. Checked brakes again no issues determined per bridgestone and mavis.

I am experiencing a recurring issue with my vehicle where the park assist system keeps activating unexpectedly, and the check engine light (cel) also comes on. I have taken the vehicle to o’reilly auto parts for a diagnostic scan, and they reported no repairable codes present. Additionally, I visited tires plus, and their assessment was that if the light goes off on its own, then no issue is present that requires repair. Despite the temporary disappearance of the warning lights, the issue keeps returning, which raises concern. The park assist activation is not being manually triggered and appears without warning, often accompanied by the cel. This inconsistent behavior suggests there may be an intermittent or underlying issue with the vehicle’s sensors, wiring, or onboard systems that may not register a permanent diagnostic code. At this time, no repairs have been performed due to both locations stating that no actionable codes or faults were detected. However, the issue continues to happen periodically, and I would like further inspection or documentation of the problem, especially if it worsens or begins affecting vehicle safety or drivability.

While driving on the freeway at 75 mph my vacuum pump seized and shattered, causing me to loose all breaking power, damaging my engine beyond repair and endangering my life and numerous other drivers on the road. There is a current recall on the particular year, make and model for this issue but my VIN is not included so the dealership refuses to fix the issue.

The vacuum pump broke and caused the brake booster to lose vacuum and made the brakes hard and almost caused an accident.