Service Brakes Problems of Chevrolet Equinox - part 2

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a failure of the vacuum pump in my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The failure occurred without warning and severely impacted the vehicle’s braking performance, posing a serious safety risk while driving. When the vacuum pump failed, I experienced a hard brake pedal and a significant loss of braking power, which made it difficult to stop the vehicle safely. Thankfully, I was not in heavy traffic or approaching a stoplight at high speed when it happened—otherwise, it could have resulted in a serious accident. After researching this issue, I discovered that vacuum pump failures appear to be a recurring problem in other gm vehicles of similar model years. It is extremely concerning that such a critical component could fail prematurely and without adequate warning. I believe this issue should be investigated for a potential defect and safety recall. I urge the NHTSA to look into this matter to ensure the safety of other drivers who may be at risk due to this defect. Thank you for your time and attention.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

My breaks stopped working while I was driving, they became hard to press and unable to function. The vacuum pump attached to the engine failed. The vacuum has broken pieces that are now inside of the engine. No warning indicator lights appeared before the incident. As far as I'm aware other similar models are having the same issue but my VIN was not included in the recall.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal seized while depressing the brake pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that a gasket had detached and was missing, and there were plastic pieces inside the engine, and there was oil intrusion into other parts of the vehicle and engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was parked at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 200,000.

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I own a 2019 chevy Equinox lt 1. 5l and am experiencing the exact symptoms described in gm recall 18v576000. After 1–2 hours of driving, the rear brakes begin to drag, creating hesitation during takeoff. The issue resolves after the vehicle cools down. Both my mechanic and independent research confirm this is the same safety defect described in that recall, but my VIN is not included.

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I was driving and all of a sudden my brake assist light and engine light come on and then when I tried to brake, the brake pedal was very hard to push and it was very hard to stop.

I reported the first incident that happened in Feb 2025 when my brakes failed and nearly crashed due to my vacuum brake booster failing, and I replaced it. Less than 2 months later, 4/28/2025, my breaks failed again, the same thing happened. My break pedal was hard and I was unable to stop my car. This time I had leave the roadway to avoid a collision and nearly lost control of my car. After having the mechanic check it out he told me it is a faulty system that gm/Chevrolet needs to replace or redesign. I have not fixed it because I am not only afraid to drive it anymore for fear of crashing but I don't have the money to just keep replacing a part that is never going to be ok. I am without a car, my job is at risk bc I can't always find a way to work, it has cost me money that if it wasnt faulty I would not have had to shell out the money to repair 2x in 2 months. I need gm to take responsibility before someone is hurt or killed. I need a dependable vehicle like I thought I was getting when I paid cash outright for the vehicle in 2022. The mechanic has also said he thinks it could have damaged my motor. This is a life & death situation that I can't even sale the car without worrying someone else may lose their life. Essentially I was sold a vehicle that is no good, dangerous, and it's due to gms negligence bc they are aware that the brake booster is faulty and can't be fixed by replacing the faulty part. It is likely to keep causing a brake failure.

The abs light came on the dash and traction control. I was driving in a rain storm and went around a corner and front end started to slide. Was only going 35 mph so I didn't lose control. This happened on. 04/15/2025 . If I would have been going any faster I would have lost control. This is very dangerous as I realized. It should be fixed by gm for safety concerns.

See all problems of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Brake system failure brake assist failure speed limited 3800 mill ev Equinox 2025.

The brake booster vacuum pump; available upon request. Yes, the brake assist stopped working while driving on the interstate making it unsafe for my vehicle and others. Problem was confirmed by an inspection at brakes plus. The warning light came on after the failure, service brake assist.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact had to firmly depress the brake pedal for the vehicle to respond. The "service brake assist" message was displayed. Additionally, the engine made a clicking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19v645000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vacuum pump was replaced, but the mechanic discovered metal shavings from the vacuum pump in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Service brake assist.

Our car has just around 77,000 miles and the brakes stopped working while driving. To our luck my husband quickly thought to use the e brake to prevent a car crash. We took it into our mechanic who diagnosed a brake pump failure. It looks as though the 2020 Equinox has recalls for brake issues but our VIN number was not listed. This is very dangerous and could have caused a deadly or serious injury crash. We had no prior warning to this happening. The shop owner is fixing the issue and we are holding onto receipts if this becomes a recall available on our vehicle. Very unsafe and according to my research has happened to alot of gm owners.

Poor quality vacuum pump failed, resulting in debris in crack shaft assembly and preventing brake functionality. Check engine displays and error message stated "service brake assist" which does not indicate a vacuum pump failure, which is misleading in troubleshooting issue. Hard brake pedal is a symptom, which would lead a repair facility or consumer to replace brake power booster, which does not resolve issue, but will temporarily resolve brake pedal symptom, leading to further damage to crank shaft.

Equinox ev multiple charging errors replaced 3x’s phantom automatic braking transmission error. Getting stuck in reverse while trying to move forward.

Abs and breaks exploded at 67k miles and at 78k miles car shut off in middle of the street with no warning. Electric issues confirmed by mechanic.

Unknown, my wife was driving my 2020 chevy Equinox on the freeway when suddenly the vehicle shut down with no warning signs . . She tried to turn on the emergency lights and did not function slowly she yield to other lanes and cars honking she safely made it to the side of the freeway. . She tried to turn the car and did not wanted to restart everything shutdown . She call roadside assistance. . They came and try to give her a jumpstart and it fail. They tried to tow it and they couldn't cause the brakes were also locked. . This. Was a scary situation that would had cause major accident.

I was driving down the road and my engine stopped. It stopped so suddenly that I did not have time to get out of the road and my safety was put at risk. When I took it to a certified Chevrolet dealership, they told me that the vacuum pump failure caused extensive damage to the motor and I needed to have my entire motor replaced. When I asked them what I could have done to prevent such catastrophic failure, they stated that there was nothing to prevent it. I did not have any warning on my dash at the time of the incident. This was at least the 2nd vacuum pump failure on this vehicle since I've owned it. I got it replaced at a certified Chevrolet dealership in 05/2022 when my brakes went out. In 05/22, the brakes went out but I was in a driveway and I did not feel my safety was a concern at that time. Now it's not even been 3 years and the vacuum pump failure risked my safety and caused catastrophic damage to engine to be replaced.

Loss of brakes needing a "factory reset" that I would know nothing about it being needed until happens. Happened second time!! same thing loss brakes on highway. Lucky both times waiting for tow truck.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

On or about 2/8-2/13/2025, I was on my way home when suddenly, without warning, I applied my brakes to slow down and the brake pedal was so hard, so stiff that even while I was literally standing on the pedal, I was unable to stop. I nearly rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. I was honking , and honking to get the car to move and thank god without another second to waste, he moved over. I could not stop the car, I had to let off the gas and let it coast to a stop. I called a mechanic friend and he towed my car in. My car is not under warranty any more therefore alan, my mechanic friend went over my car and determined my vacuum brake booster failed. I did do some research along with the mechanic and found that the chevy Equinox (several yrs, including mine) had a recall for this same exact problem. I ran my VIN and my car is not included in the recall. The mechanic believes my car should be recalled for the brake system being faulty and he installed the new vac brake booster. Now on 4/12/2025, only 2 months later, the same thing happened, my pedal is hard and I can't stop. The first time I felt like I was going to crash, kill myself or somebody else. The 2nd time I had to exit the roadway where there was only dirt, I ended up nearly flipping my car because the dirt caused me to nearly lose control. Again, I escaped causing a crash but at the risk of my own life by not being able to stop and having to leave the roadway to avoid a collision. I had the same mechanic, along with a family member who is experienced enough to understand what the mechanic showed him. It is the vac brake booster, the same part I just replaced, it failed. Without warnings, without any other factors that can explain what is causing this system to fail. I have not replaced this part again because I believe it is faulty by the gm factory and it will keep happening. I am scared it will continue to cause brake failure and I could potentially cause an accident that could be fatal.

Vacuum brake pump broke while driving leaving me unable to stop, luckily I was not in a horrible accident. No indicator lights came on. The part that broke went into my engine and was inspected by a mechanic.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the "brake system failure" message was displayed while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal was firm. The contact continued driving to the residence. The contact parked the vehicle, and inspected the calipers but found no cause for the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the abs warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the abs module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

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I was driving on the freeway way and during rush hour at 65 miles per hour the brakes completely stoppped working the peddle wouldn’t press I had to swerve to avoid an accident and slowly exited the freeway when it was safe to coast over from the number one lane to the exit. The vacuum pump failed which exploded inside my engine which in turn makes the engine stop functioning and destroys the whole engine with out warning.

Unknown.

I was driving at a speed of 15/20mph on the snowy road with the awd activated, suddenly the car lost control and started going from one side to the other, crashing several times against the sidewalk, covered in ice. The fear that caused me was horrible, to take it back was very difficult, the car had no control even at 10 mph. The application diagnostic indicated antilock braking system and stabilitrak® stability control system. I do not feel safe in this 2024 Equinox rs.

The vaccum pump seized which is connected to the camshaft which broke causing the timing chain to break. This caused the vehicle to lose breaking g power and almost wreck.

Question 1) what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? answer 1) the brakes and yes the automobile is available for inspection. Question 2) how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? answer 2) my wife and I deliver meals on wheels in the georgia appalachian mountains every day. There are hundreds of curves on our route. When we (we have both experience this effect when driving) gently press the brakes most of the time the car responds by slowing down gently. But there is at least a dozen or more times a day when, while pressing down on the brakes in exactly the same way the car will slow down 5-10 mph in second or two. This jerks us forward and multiple times our head slam back into the headrest. When a vehicle is behind us they have to slam on their brakes also. Someday we will be rear ended because of these brakes. It is a completely random occurrence - we never kno when a gentle push on the brakes is going to cause this dangerous show down. Question 3) has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? answer 3) we complained to valley river Chevrolet in murphy nc. The service guy told me that they examined the brakes and they looked ok. He said that these are new electric brakes chevy is using and that happens with them. Question 4) has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? answer 4) it has been inspected only by the Chevrolet dealership. Question 5) were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? answer 5) they first appeared when we bought the vehicle, my wife thought that I was pressing down too hard on the brakes to make it happen and I told her I pressed the brakes the same way each time. Then she drove it for a number of weeks and found the brakes did exactly the same thing to her. There was no message.

The vehicle vacuum system and the power brake booster has caused the vehicle brake to fail in motion the second incident was almost fatal.

Entering a freeway off-ramp at about 65 mph, I depressed the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor with little resistance. Two error messages were displayed on the dashboard: "brake system failure - 62 mph top speed" and "service esc". The following dashboard lights came check engine, brake, esc, abs. I held the brake pedal to the floor and coasted to a complete stop at the intersection, then proceeded slowly into a nearby parking lot and stopped. Braking effort did not become difficult, rather it was reduced to a small fraction of normal braking power. An online search indicated that disconnecting/reconnecting the negative battery terminal might resolve the problem, and it did, allowing me to carefully drive home with full braking. The local Chevrolet dealer replaced the brake system control module based on gm document 5081450.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The brake vacuum booster failed, causing the brake assist system to malfunction. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. While merging onto the highway, the brake pedal became extremely tight, making it difficult to slow down or stop, creating a hazardous situation. Yes, the issue was confirmed by a service center, and the brake vacuum booster is being repaired. No, the vehicle and component have not been inspected by these parties, but the service center is addressing the repair. Yes, a “service brake assist” warning appeared immediately before the brake pedal tightened. Afterward, the check engine light came on.

Vacuum pump for brake system failure.

My car alerts shift to park when it is already parked and will not shut off. The battery has to be disconnected to turn the car off. It won't start and the dash displays multiple lights park, check engine lights, tire lights and more.

The 2. 1018 Equinox has a brake booster. Vacuum pump on the side of the engine that is a known failure. The vehicle has very hard brake pedal and barely stops. If left unfixed? the vacuum pump seizes and will blown the engine resulting in full engine replacement. The chevy dealer (local) acknowledges the issue and has stocked the parts shelf at $159. The problem is with multiple makes with the 1. 5 l turbo engine. The cost of a new engine is around $5200.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "reduced engine power" message flashed on the instrument panel with an audible beep coming from the vehicle. The vehicle started to lose power and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the vacuum pump had damaged the cam shaft, causing the cam shaft to explode, releasing particles into the engine long block. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 19v645000 (service brakes, hydraulics) which was then linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

My 2018 Equinox was running perfectly. Then several warning lights popped up on the dash. I pulled into my daughter's school and didn't have power breaks. Even though brake fluid was full. It wouldn't start back up. A mechanic shop looked at the car and said they thought the timing was off. But couldn't guarantee it. Another mechanic looked at it a few days later and said I needed a new power break pump that the had broken at the camshaft connect. He said the car would need to rebuild the motor or buy a used motor because of the damage. I have heard of several people who have had the same exact issue with the chevy 1. 5 turbo motor in many chevy vehicles. There should be a recall as there is never a warning that the vacuum break pump is getting ready to go bad and cause severe engine damage.