Service Brakes Problems of Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

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.

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The brake booster vacuum pump, in the words of meineke, massive failure. The pump locked up and exploded, there are parts of at least under the valve cover. The failure resulted in the ruining of the camshaft, as this pump is controlled by the camshaft. The end of my camshaft looks like a mushroom head. This failure is currently in the investigation part of a class action law suit in which I am adding my name to the hat. My wife was driving at the time and fortunately was not injured during this catastrophic failure with what seems like planned obsolescence. I am also glad the kids weren’t in the car when this happened. We had just crossed 100k miles.

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Losing all power to the brakes.

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Brake system has failed. “brake assist service” has popped up on screen. Taken to two separate facilities who said this is a known problem with this vehicle make and model.

Vehicle does not come to a complete stop. It moves forward about an inch after I stop and park. It's being going on since I got the car. I assumed it was normal until I drove another car and it didn't happen.

The car has a grinding that I am not sure where it is coming from, it maybe coming from the wheel and it also has a battery problem.

On February 23, 2026, while driving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ev home from folsom Chevrolet following a prior repair visit, the “service park assist system” warning illuminated, first intermittently, then after a few miles, continuously for the remainder of the 11-mile drive home. During the same drive, while reversing with no objects present behind or around the vehicle, the automatic emergency braking system activated and applied the brakes with significant force without cause. The vehicle was returned to folsom Chevrolet (repair order #559378, opened February 23, 2026). Diagnostic code u1126 was found — indicating the left rear short range radar sensor had lost communication on can bus 8. The sensor module was on national backorder, keeping the vehicle out of service for approximately two weeks. The module was replaced and programmed on March 7, 2026. Safety concern: unexpected activation of automatic emergency braking with no objects present creates a serious collision risk from following traffic. This failure occurred on public roads during normal driving. Additionally, the u1126 can bus communication fault is the same vehicle communication architecture implicated in the battery/electrical failure documented in repair orders #558923 and #559167, suggesting these failures share a common root cause in the vehicle’s electrical communication network rather than representing isolated component failures.

On multiple occasions my vehicle (2019 Equinox lt) that I bought just over 30 days ago has falsely activated the forward collision feature and slammed on its own brakes followed by “service esc” and “service brake assist” with traction control lights and stability control lights illuminating. Dealership has confirmed that 4 computer modules are out of date on programming/updates. This is a critical safety issue and I am unsure why it hasn’t been recalled as I have read multiple instances of this. Unfortunately because it has not it is a hefty repair bill. When this happened the last time before heading into the dealership, there was a vehicle behind me that could’ve rammed into my rear due to the sudden and excessive braking at highway speeds when I was pressing on the gas.

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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.

The abs braking and stability control light came on and has stayed on and took to mechanic shop and was told to repair would be $4000 . That's more than what the car is worth!changed motor oil many times since I owned the car and it uses oil quite much. Ihe oil gauge can say I have 70 percent oil and the dipstick reads no oil so I must put 2 -3 quarts of oil in car because I can hear lifters rattle due to lack of oil. The abs stability control keeps car steady especially in I snow or rain weather and can lose control of the 2012 chevy Equinox. If I was to drive vehicle on long trip the motor could freeze up while driving and shut down and cause dangerous situation in traffic.

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Vehicle safety complaint – 2024 Chevrolet Equinox I am reporting a safety defect involving unintended vehicle movement and improper shutdown behavior. While operating my 2024 Chevrolet Equinox, I was able to shut the vehicle off even though it was not in park. After shutdown, the vehicle rolled forward on its own and struck a tree. At the time of the incident, the radio remained on despite the vehicle being turned off, indicating the vehicle may not have fully entered ignition-off state. This incident suggests a potential malfunction involving one or more of the following systems: gear position detection system transmission park engagement mechanism electronic shift control module ignition state logic or body control module the vehicle should not allow shutdown unless it is in park, or it should provide clear warnings and prevent unintended movement. This behavior presents a serious safety risk of rollaway incidents. I am requesting a full diagnostic inspection and documentation of all stored fault codes, including history codes, prior to any resets. Please also check for software updates, technical service bulletins, or known defects related to shift position recognition or ignition state control. This issue resulted in unintended movement and property damage and poses a significant safety hazard.

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Am writing again regarding serious safety concerns with my Chevrolet Equinox ev rs. This is my fourth attempt to contact Chevrolet, as my previous emails have not received a response. These issues present a significant safety risk and require immediate attention. The problems I am experiencing include: unintended lane movement: the vehicle shifts into another lane without any steering input from me. Brake response delay: the brakes fail to respond appropriately, causing a delay in stopping the vehicle. Steering wheel vibration: the steering wheel begins to shake after the vehicle exceeds approximately 55 mph. Steering wheel vibration: the steering wheel begins to shake after the vehicle exceeds approximately 55 mph. Due to these issues, I have almost been involved in three separate accidents, which is extremely concerning. These conditions make the vehicle unsafe to operate. I am requesting the following as soon as possible:a formal case number for this safety complaint. Immediate guidance on inspection or repair through an authorized Chevrolet dealership. Confirmation that these safety concerns will be investigated and resolved promptly.

My wife and I were in our car driving on [xxx] on [xxx] at about 4:30 in the afternoon. I was about three car lengths behind the car in front of me and I was doing 30-32 miles per hour. The brake lights in front of me went to red and I immediately stepped on my brakes but my car would not stop nor slow down causing me to hit the person in front of me. It was a matter of seconds passing but when I hit the back of that car in front of me I had both feet on the brake pedal. My car would not stop. My wife was injured, the young lady that I hit hurt her leg and the back end of her car was destroyed. Our car was totaled. The vehicle is now in possession of aaa auto insurance where I was told the brakes would be looked in to. I will be placing a call to the general motors customer service to lodge a complaint. There were no warning signs of any type prior to this accident. This car is a 2019 model with only 30,200 miles on it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Hello, since I purchased the vehicle on October 1, 2025, there have been issues regarding collison system and adaptive cruise control. When driving down the road it will try to come to a complete stop with no reasoning. It happens more often when it is rainy and night time. I believe the collision system is conufsed with oncoming traffic and it thinks they are on my side of the road but they are not. I also get alerts with side mirrors and shaking of my seat when no one is beside me. It triggers to say someone or a vehicle is approaching from the side, but there is no one or nothing there. The issue that is most troubling is I almost hit someone in the rear end on 02-03-2026. I went to slow down for a traffic light, and it started slowing down, but then got a surge and would not allow me to stop any more. It kept going. I had to remove my foot from the brake and hit it again harder. It has happened a few times, but not in a situation like this. Thankfully I was following a safe distance or I may have hit the vehicle stopped in front of me. Similar situation happened a few times, one when I was pulling into an applebees to eat, the brake did not want to stop the vehicle. It was like a surge of power again. This time was not as bad as no one or a vehicle was not in front of me. I have also noticed it a few times driving and when I go to stop the surge, but it seems to be escalating. I do not have the auto start stop on, I switch it off as soon as I start the vehicle. I do not have the auto hold on when it happens either. I have an appointment on the 16th of February to hopefully get it looked at, but will see.

Chevrolet service states brake master cylinder failed prematurely.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the rear tire treads were prematurely worn. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and the mechanic determined that the brakes were dragging. The brakes were replaced. The vehicle was taken to a tire dealer, where the rear tires were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the defective tires were inspected. The service manager associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 19v704000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 48,800.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake pads were wearing abnormally quickly. The message speed reduced was displayed. The engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

My son was driving the car the service brake assist message popped up on the screen, and the brake pedal went stiff. He was coming to a red light and had to swerve to the right to avoid hitting the cars in front of him as he had no brakes at this point. We had the vehicle towed to our house, had the vehicle looked at by our mechanic. The diagnosis was the brake vacuum pump, part number #12684050 exploded. It is available for inspection, at this point we don't know if the metal pieces have fallen into the engine compartments and we would rather not replace the engine as well. We had contacted the local chevy service dept. Who said we can pay $1500. 00 to for them to take apart the top of the engine to look for broken pieces, but the best option is to trade it in as soon as possible.

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.

On three occasions, gas pedal went limp, and required restarting engine to reset controls to get gas pedal working again. On one occasion, brakes failed to operate leading to a collision. And forward collision warning did not activate.

The car automatically brakes when nothing is in front of you and all of sudden it slams on its breaks. This is going to cause someone to rear end you. The steering is all over the road and does. It feels safe to drive. Transmission gets stuck and revs really high until it catches and they say nothing is wrong. Safety sensors go off all the time and nothing is near you. Key fob not detected, multiple awd issues.

I am on 20 service calls. Mine is currently having onstar issues screens glitching, apple carplay won’t connect, sensors on mirrors are going off nothing beside me, when I hit my breaks it keeps turning my emergency brake on and engine power reduced keeps coming on dash but the dealership is saying gm said my warranty is voided due to a aftermarket part.

Driving down a curvey road and my brake pedal was hard without no warning or indication. Almost was hit head on because of this. Looks like the vacuum pump seal failed and I lost all of my engine oil, which caused that to happen.

My car has a slow crank and when I am driving down the road it cuts off completely and does not want to crank. I have a signal on my car that says reduced speed and the speed is cut down and drags . My car also smells like gas and there is a leak coming from the vehicle it drains really bad . My brakes goes out every few months . My car radio goes out like there is a shortage. Its horrible.

Repaired a friend's vehicle that had a total brake failure. Vehicle only has 50k miles and no brake repair history. Blew all of the brake fluid out of the stainless braided line coming from master cylinder rear brake channel to abs module. Found the line coming from the front channel to master cylinder also starting to fray and come apart as well. Did not blow out yet. No evidence of brake lines rubbing on any components or that anything has been apart or touched before. Line looks to have failed from the inside out.

I was driving south on interstate 55 near arnold missouri in adaptive cruise control mode at approximately 65 mph when the car braked suddenly and came to a complete stop on the interstate. Car would not go forward after stopping. Turned the car off and restarted and the car now would drive normally. Have not used acc since and car has behaved normally. Took the car to dealership in farmington, mo and they reported no error codes and no recalls. I had driven over 13,000 miles in the car without any incidents previously.

See NHTSA safety recall report 25v-12- it appears it should apply to both 2025 front wheel drive chevy Equinox evs with adaptive cruise control (and without super cruise) in addition to 2025 all wheel drive Equinox evs with acc (also without super cruise). This is very dangerous. Here's what happened: my 8 month old 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ev front wheel drive w/acc(no super cruise) has had 2 instances where a very large "thunk" sound and vibration emanating from the rear of the car while stopped at an intersection, was immediately followed with sudden brake failure and sudden forward acceleration. The acc was on in both instances. The first time this happened was alarming but since the was nothing in front of me there was no damage and the problem seemed to resolve itself thereafter. The second time was while waiting at a red light about 10 feet behind another vehicle. My car shot forward and into the other car, which was then pushed into the car ahead of it. Both my car and the car ahead of me had very expensive damages, but fortunately, no injuries. What I experienced sounds exactly like the recall problem described in NHTSA safety recall report 25v-12 which has thus far only been applied to the awd version of the 2025 Equinox ev, not the fwd version that I have. I believe this needs rapid consideration due to the danger of of sudden acceleration resulting in serious property damage, injury, or death. It appears to me that other instances of this problem have been described in various online forums and youtubes.

I placed my foot on the brake to start my vehicle and when I pushed the start button my brake pedal went to the floor and warning came up stating brake failure ect. I contacted the dealership and was told to drive it to them so the could put it on the scope and tell me if it is safe to drive. I did and then was told it was a master brake cylinder failure and not safe to drive. In researching this is a know failure by gm service notice n252494220.

Vehicle displayed reduced engine power, check engine light, and service brake assist all at the same time. Brake pedal wouldn't move leaving me without brakes. Coasted to stop and shut off car. Brake did not release and now engine won't start. Informed brake vacuum booster pump is problem and ruined motor now.

I purchased a 2025 chevy Equinox ev last year out of the local chevy dealership it is my first brand new vehicle and I’m the only owner, I have only had this vehicle for a few months and it has already showed me significant issues with the electronic components main issues I’ve experienced are: randomly shutting off randomly phantom braking on star capabilities not working no access to wifi or any apps on the touch screen I. E. Maps, music, settings, volume, radio etc. A/c/heating unit not working won’t get cold or hot just blowing air issues with charging (almost left me stranded multiple times) not fast charging issues with my chevy app took the vehicle to the dealership to get looked at they have had it for a week already and have not given me any update except that I will need a new onstar module. The vehicle is not safe to drive and I’m afraid that it will shut off while I’m driving at a higher speed I. E. On the freeway or that it will phantom brake while I’m on the highway which can cause a life threatening injury this vehicle has not been in any accident no warning lights came on except one message that said service emergency calling no warning messages prior to any of these events.

While driving today at about 21 mph, when a warning came on that my car had brake assist failure. It said the speed would be limited and to break hard to enable the car to stop. . I was able to get to a parking lot safely, but my car did not break at the stoplight and went straight through. Luckily there was no one coming. . My car is at the dealership now and they are finding no issue and nothing showed up on my chevy app. From the articles I have read it said this issue is something that happens on cars that do not have super drive. I drive a 2005 chevy Equinox rs with super dr. So clearly the brake problem is happening on this vehicle as well. . It took all my strength to get the vehicle to stop. . I called onstar and was going to have it towed and turned the car off. Once the car came back on all of the warning lights were gone, and then the car drove fine. . I got lucky today, but this is an issue that still needs to be addressed. . The issue was supposed to be taken care of in 2024. I just purchased my 2005 in September and I have 3100 miles on the car. . I was driving in a rural area with many hills and was scared to death. I had to keep my foot all the way on the brakes the entire time to keep myself at a slow speed. .

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to reverse, the brakes unexpectedly engaged. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v639000 (forward collision avoidance). The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The power brake booster failed suddenly causing the brake petal to become hard. Almost caused an accident as I suddenly lost the ability to brake. There was no warning prior to the failure. After the failure a service warning for brake assist appeared. The vehicle was been inspected by an auto service provider.

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.