VIN REPORT

3GNAXHEG1TL5305452026 CHEVROLET Equinox1LT

9of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
1
1 campaign (all model years)
Safety Grade
D
61/100 composite
Complaints · 2026
79
NHTSA filed · 2026 Equinox
Vehicle Age
0 yrs
Made in MEXICO
BUYPurchase Verdict

2026 CHEVROLET Equinox was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 79 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2026 CHEVROLET Equinox

2026 CHEVROLET Equinox was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 79 owner complaints include 5 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 5 injuries reported across 79 owner complaints
  • Common owner-reported issues: check engine light, stalling, steering issues
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
Owner Complaint Intelligence

79 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (25%), Other (24%), Electrical (16%). Common issues: check engine light, stalling, steering issues. 5 crashes reported.

9
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
2 Contributing Risk Factors
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
CHEVROLET
Model
Equinox
Year
2026
Trim / Series
1LT
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 1.5L
Doors
4
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly
SAN LUIS POTOSI, SAN LUIS POTOSI, MEXICO
Curb Weight
3,629 lbs
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)

Assembly Plant Quality

GM San Luis Potosí Assembly

BQuality67/100
Standard📍 SAN LUIS POTOSI, SAN LUIS POTOSI

Builds GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. One of GM's better-performing Mexico plants.

Awards & Recognition
  • ✓JD Power IQS recognition — mid-size pickup (select years)
Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 61/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History13/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

88/100
Comprehensive
16 of 20 safety features detected
Low
  • ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
Elevated
  • ⚠5 injuries reported in complaints
  • ⚠79 complaints on a 0-year-old vehicle — unusually high

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning✓Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking✓Standard
Pedestrian AEB✓Standard
Rear AEB✓Standard
Lane Departure Warning✓Standard
Lane Keep Assist✓Standard
Lane Centering Assist✓Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring✓Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert✓Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam✓Standard
Parking Assist✓Standard
Backup Camera✓Standard
Electronic Stability Control✓Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support✓Standard
Keyless Ignition✓Standard
Recalls1

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

36/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The engine/powertrain system is the most-reported problem for the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox — 20 NHTSA complaints (25% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
⚠No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
20 owner complaints · 25% of all filings · 1 crash-involved · 1 injury
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox
Owners of the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDHighElectrical
13 owner complaints · 16% of all filings
Inspect the electrical system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox
Owners of the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox report electrical issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalBrakes
12 owner complaints · 15% of all filings · 3 crash-involved · 2 injuries
Inspect the brakes system before purchase — the 3rd most-reported problem for the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox
Owners of the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox report brakes issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

1 RECALL
1found
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

1 of 1 recall has a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

35%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

CHEVROLET Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
87%Fair

CHEVROLET completes recalls at a fair rate (87%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~20 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
20mo
#26V114000
Invalid Date

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SummaryGeneral Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
Read full details...
ConsequenceWithout an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~35%

~65% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

0
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 in 17

5 injuries reported across 79 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints79

Complaint Intelligence

79 complaints analyzed across 9 system categories

Forward Collision Avoidance leads owner complaints (27%), most reported when the vehicle was under 1 yr old. Also common: Service Brakes (25%), Power Train (22%).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
100%
1–2
0%
3–5
0%
6–9
0%
10+
0%

Based on 58 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (7) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Forward Collision Avoidance
typically under 1 yr old
27%
Service Brakes
typically under 1 yr old
25%
Power Train
typically under 1 yr old
22%
Unknown Or Other
typically under 1 yr old
20%
Electrical System
typically under 1 yr old
18%
5 injuries5 crashes1 fire
Engine/Powertrain
1 crash1 inj20
Other
1 inj19
Electrical
13
Brakes
3 crash2 inj12
Visibility
5
Safety Systems
1 crash1 inj4
Steering
3
Suspension/Wheels
2
2025
9
2026
70
Accelerating +100%
79
Last 24 months
0
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Fire/smoke4
Brake failure3
Engine stalling2
Transmission slip2
Electrical failure2
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (12)Parking/low-speed (11)Rain/wet (10)Startup (4)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

79 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

79found
1
Fire
5
Crashes
5
Injuries
ODI #11774375UNKNOWN OR OTHER

YOU CAN PUT THIS CAR INTO PARK AT ANY SPEED all you need to do is push the button when you are reaching for the radio or something this happen to me in a walmart parking lot

ODI #11773684UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving down the road in the car came to an abrupt stop. It would not start it just stalled out and we cannot get it to start. It will turn on via the battery, but the engine will not turn on. My children were also in the car during this time as we were driving through an intersection on a busy street.

ODI #11773138ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is more about this issue online What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle’s body control module, infotainment software, and HVAC (climate control) system malfunctioned. The system entered an unresolvable software loop that forced the temperature to lock at 76 degrees Fahrenheit, engaged the max defroster/defogger, and blasted the cabin fan at maximum speed while ignoring all manual overrides or touchscreen inputs. The vehicle is fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and the safety of others on the road were severely compromised by extreme driver distraction and hazardous environmental conditions. Because the software locked the cabin controls, the interior of the vehicle rapidly became unbearably hot during high-summer temperatures. To stop the system from overwhelming the cabin, I was forced to constantly look away from the road to repeatedly press non-responsive touchscreen buttons while driving. Furthermore, the only known remedy to break the software freeze requires pulling over, turning the vehicle off, and letting it sit completely powered down for 20 minutes. This forced me into dangerous situations where I had to choose between driving while completely distracted in extreme heat, or pulling over and waiting in high-risk areas where it was unsafe to stop. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? UNKNOWN. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? UNKNOWN. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, error messages, or prior symptoms before the failure. The climate control system suddenly locked and became completely unresponsive without warning while the vehicle was in operation

ODI #11772933ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving, the driver’s side mirror indicator light illuminated spontaneously without an object nearby. In addition, the front driver's seat vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed but the dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The dealer advised the contact to continue driving the vehicle as-is. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

ODI #11772371POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle misfired and hesitated. The vehicle momentarily lost power, during which it would not accelerate or brake. Power then returned, and all vehicle functions resumed. The contact stated that during the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the dealer reprogrammed the vehicle; however, the reprogramming did not resolve the failures. The failure mileage was 32,000.

ODI #11771855UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

When I drive my 2026 Chevy Equinox when you accelerate there is a wobble and shake. Sometimes my side mirrors give off warning and nothing is beside me and flashes on and off.

ODI #11771504SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

My 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT has experienced repeated failures involving the braking system and electronic safety systems. While driving, multiple warning lights illuminated, including ABS, BRAKE, check engine, traction control, parking brake, and “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” Most concerning, my brakes became extremely hard to press, and the vehicle failed to slow down or stop as expected. This malfunction placed my life and the safety of other motorists and pedestrians at serious risk. The unexpected loss of normal braking ability could have resulted in a major collision, especially while approaching an intersection or traveling at higher speeds. Apple Chevrolet has inspected my vehicle multiple times for these recurring issues. Previous diagnostic testing identified communication-related trouble codes involving the braking and electronic control systems. General Motors Technical Assistance was involved. Despite previous repairs and being told my vehicle was safe to drive, the problems returned. My vehicle is currently at Apple Chevrolet for its third service visit involving related concerns. GM is involved and dealership technicians are working with GM technical personnel to investigate. The problems began earlier in the vehicle’s ownership, with a check-engine warning appearing around 6,249 miles. Additional braking and electronic safety warnings subsequently developed. The most recent incident occurred at approximately 8,266–8,283 miles. I purchased this vehicle brand-new in March 2026. It has already required three dealership visits, and I have been without reliable transportation for at least nine cumulative days. I am extremely concerned that this recurring safety defect has not been properly identified or repaired. I am requesting a thorough investigation before this malfunction causes serious injury or death.

ODI #11769112EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE

After a large rain storm the Blindspot warning detector was malfunctioning. It was saying there was something in your blind spot on the driver side when nothing was there. The light was flashing on and off. Also, when it does that your automatic lights will not turn to bright as it assumes something is coming up on your side. You then had to take your lights to manual to get the brights to work. There are technical bulletins from GM out on this. I called the dealership at the location I was at, and they said that it may take up to a week if they have to get parts and then I would need to probably wait till I got home. I called the dealership when I got home and made an appointment the very next business day. I am being told since they can’t reduplicate the error or error code that there’s nothing they can do. The parts dried out and it should be functioning properly now. I contacted GM customer care corporate and I’m trying to get them to do something about this with the dealership, but they’re saying there’s nothing they can do. They can’t force the dealership to do something so I’m waiting to figure out what’s gonna come of this, if I have to go to executive leadership or higher. The car is still under the original three year 36,000 mile warranty. The blindside detection system is sold as a safety feature to the Chevy Equinox. I am shocked at the fight I am receiving to get this fixed, especially since it is a known issue with GM technical bulletins.

ODI #11765451ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE

I have owned my Chevy since 6/30/25 when I bought it new. Since then, the blind spot warning system has activated many times when there hasn’t been anything there or remotely nearby. It’s like a ghost. It’s usually the driver’s side mirror that gets activated. I have cleaned the sensors too and it still occurs, making me think I’m going to get hit, or hit a person, pedestrian etc. i have read of other owners on social media experiencing same issue & thought I should report it.

ODI #11764675UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1 INJURY

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.

ODI #11762656ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

Breaks failed almost crashed on a highway

ODI #11762353UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When you accelerate from a stop, the car wobbles and shimmy’s until you reach about 15mph and then it stops and drives normally.

ODI #11762382POWER TRAIN

I am driving a rental Chevrolet Equinox with the steering-column-mounted electronic gear selector. I believe this shifter design creates a serious safety hazard. The gear selector is a stalk on the steering column positioned and operated similarly to controls commonly used for windshield wipers in other vehicles. While driving, pulling back on this stalk can immediately shift the transmission into Neutral, even at highway speeds. My wife and I have unintentionally shifted this vehicle into Neutral approximately a dozen times because of this control arrangement. Once the vehicle is in Neutral while moving, we have been unable to shift it back into Drive until coming to a complete stop. This creates a dangerous situation: the vehicle suddenly loses propulsion in moving traffic, and the driver cannot simply restore Drive. The driver must coast, find a safe place to stop, come to a complete stop, and then select Drive. This is particularly dangerous while merging, crossing an intersection, driving on a highway, or anywhere that maintaining acceleration may be necessary to avoid a collision. This is not a complaint that the controls are merely unfamiliar. The vehicle accepts a Neutral command at road speed from a simple movement of a steering-column stalk, while preventing the driver from immediately restoring Drive. Because the stalk’s location and operation can conflict with established driver muscle memory for steering-column controls, I believe this represents a foreseeable human-factors safety hazard. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this design and determine whether it presents an unreasonable risk to drivers and other road users.

ODI #11762083UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTIONCRASH1 INJURY

At approximately 5pm EST, my wife stopped the EV vehicle 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, across the street and striking my neighbor's house. 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 and was able to help stop the vehicle, entered it and apply the brakes. My wife also tried to enter the vehicle to stop it during these events causing her to get ran over, 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. 2 GM EV Concierge agents separately were unable to retrieve remote diagnostic information. The vehicle was towed to [XXX] in [XXX] with very specific instructions. I opened a case with GM EV Concierge and they escalated it to "the executive team". Despite multiple calls and emails the executive team has not reached out. The case was even closed once and I had it reopened. I opened ticket # XXX but can't find it so I'm opening this one. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11762008LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION

my 2026 equinox is having an issue with the blind spot warning on my driver side mirror will either say on or flash. this is regardless of driving, or being parking. i have washed my car, checked my sensor, and i am still having issues. the dealership does not see any issue with the car, however, while driving at night, this is such a distraction because i'm constantly checking my mirror to make sure there's nobody there. there was one day, i had open my trunk from my keyfob, in the house, and when i walked up on the driver side of my car (the car was turned off) it beeped and when i looked over, the blindspot light was on and flashing.

ODI #11761245POWER TRAIN

Under light-moderate acceleration, a feeling of the transmission slipping is felt. From my understanding, this is a known issue with the newest generation of Equinox & Terrain. I previously owned a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD and it had the exact same issue. My local GM Dealership replaced the CV Axle and Axle and the issue was corrected temporarily, but soon after the issue returned. I then recently purchased a brand new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD and the issue started with mine around 300 miles, but worse than my previous 2025 model. I am not sure if this an issue with only the AWD models or not, but an investigation needs to be conducted because I am concerned about the safety and longevity of the the axles and or other affected components on the vehicle that is causing the persistent issue.

ODI #11761249POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECRASH1 INJURY

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 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11760739UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Had problewith the gas pedal being to close to the brake pedal found later from the head mechanic after we had a problem with it. He taught us this problem with big people and big feet their shoe catching on the brake pedal which causes your foot to hold down the gas pedal. We should have been told about this when we brought car

ODI #11759727SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with wheel bearings failure on the shaft. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 343.

ODI #11759542SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECRASH

I was on the way back home from the office driving [XXX]. Speed limit of the road was 45mph and I was driving around 40 mph. There was a traffice light and it changed to yellow. The card in front of me stopped but the brake was slipping and my vehicle couldn't stop, ended up hitting vehicle in front of me. My vehecle equipped with Automatic Emegency Brake and Front collison warning but no warning popped up and automatic brake didn't work. I pushed brake so hard but it was slipping. I was holding steering wheel with both hand and stepping on the brake. and triied to avoid crash by turning vehicle to the right. But couldn't avoid crash and hit the passenger side of the vehicle in front of me with my driver side corner. Brake did not work and none of the emergency features equiped in the vehicle responded, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11759591ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. While I was driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly shut down and became completely immobilized in a travel lane. I was unable to move the vehicle out of the lane or shift the transmission into Neutral. This created an extremely dangerous situation, and a truck nearly struck my vehicle while I was stopped in the roadway. The vehicle had to be towed to a Chevrolet dealership. It has now been at the dealership for three days, and as of this complaint, the dealership has not been able to determine the cause of the failure. I am extremely concerned that the vehicle suddenly lost power while being driven and could not be moved to a safe location. I believe this presents a serious safety risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists if the failure occurs again. I have also opened a case with Chevrolet/General Motors regarding this incident. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect.

ODI #11753238VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving with the cruise control activated, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated from 50 MPH to 80 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. During the failure, three minor occupants were seated inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,500.

ODI #11751307SERVICE BRAKES

This has happened 5 times since purchasing this 2026 Chevy Equinox RS. While driving, all of a sudden, without any notice, the dashboard lights up with warnings about "BRAKES"...Not exactly sure what is said because it doesn't stay on the screen very long. Next it says, STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED..DRIVE WITH CARE....and a small area under, "Mileage till empty" says....BRAKE...in red, while still being in DRIVE. When pressing on the brakes to slow down to pull over, there ARE NO BRAKES.!!! The brake pedal goes to the floor and Equinox very slowly comes to a stop, so I can pull off the road and stop. Now if I turn off the engine, turn it back on, it seems to reset itself and I start driving again, not knowing when I might die because of the brakes going out again when someone pulls out in front of me. HOW CAN A VEHICLE THAT SPORADICALLY LOSES THE BRAKES, BE ALLOWED TO BE SOLD ON THE MARKET ??? This vehicle now has 13,147 miles on it and had very few when it first happened. We are now at 5 times, not knowing if the 6th time there will be death for my family to deal with. My dealer said they would let us know as soon as they learn about this issue, as they know nothing the 1st time..Several cases have been reported and our dealer failed to notify us about anything...Do I drive the Equinox until someone is killed or do I demand my dealership to furnish me a SAFE Equinox to drive until they fix mine. ? It's obvious that I will eventually be injured or killed in this Chevy Equinox caused by General Motors' incompetence..I am going to demand my dealer to furnish me with an equivalent vehicle.

ODI #11750550STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle gradually came to a stop. The service brake and service power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ECM failure. The contact was informed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with brake control module failure. The contact was informed that the brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired again; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with brake master cylinder failure. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder needed to be repaired. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 700.

ODI #11749865POWER TRAIN

Possible O2 sensor. Engine misfired, bucking under acceleration, engine light flashing and auto hold system shutdown. Upon pulling out into traffic, I hit the gas and this happened, which was a risk to me and other drivers as I could not accelerate properly. I am taking my car to Reedman Toll on July 13. I can reproduce the problem every time I heavy accelerate.

ODI #11749643ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS

My name is [XXX], I live at [XXX]. I own a 2021 Honda Passport, VIN ending in [XXX]. Two serious safety issues: 1. The multifunction camera behind the windshield has failed with codes [XXX] and U0416-F8. This is the same known defect that is the subject of a class action lawsuit. The dealer quoted me $1700 to fix it. I have only had the car for two years and I should not have to pay this much for a major safety failure. 2. The front passenger power seat moves backwards on its own and does not stop. On one occasion it trapped my young nonverbal autistic son in the car seat. I had to physically intervene to stop it from crushing him. I reported this issue to Honda USA customer service, and they told me to take it to the dealer. Both of these are serious safety defects. The seat issue especially is extremely dangerous for a child who cannot speak or scream for help. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate these defects immediately. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11748677SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

No warning messages or check engine lights. However, I am concerned for my safety as my 2026 equinox I bought last year in may of 2025 from motion chevy in hackettstown NJ with 21k miles (as of now, bought it brand new last year) has a windshield distortion that when looking to the passenger side of the windshield, it’s very wavy and distorted and I already had a Chevy dealership named Mcguire’s Chevy in newton dismiss it saying others on the lot had the same issue (which they did as I saw but still unacceptable!!) I also noticed many other owners of my vehicle have the same complaint via online forums and even after several replacements from GM the issue persists which is unacceptable. The next issue are the rotors. They most likely are warped as when I step on the brakes the steering wheel vibrates slightly and the car shakes slightly which is not safe. Again, McGuire Chevy in newton dismissed it saying normal. And lastly, the front end of the car shakes when starting vehicle with or without the air conditioner on. It shakes for 10-30 seconds and you can feel it strongly in the brake pedal area as well as rest of the front end of vehicle before going away which seems unsafe, yet the first dealer Mcguire’s said it’s normal. I am having these issues looked at by a local GMC dealer and hope they rectify the issue or else GM may need to do a buyback if they can’t fix the issues and keep saying it’s “normal”. They opened a case with GM for the shaking so far not the other issues yet so we will see. Honorable mention is the blend door actuator making a noise (another known issue) on this car via online forums making a noise every time you go from hot to cold and vice versa. Mine is affected to just not severely but enough to where it’s very irritating and it’s had this issue since new and the McGuire dealer said it’s normal….. at this point GM needs to issue recalls instead of dismissing customers.

ODI #11748606UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

The interior trim has many problems affecting safety. 1. Plastic chrome trim reflects blinding sun in my eyes. 2. Dash finish reflects severely onto the windshield, cannot see clearly. These are extreme safety issues. I believe GM should provide fix kits in a recall before someone is killed. And required design standards for this. Note: the camera lessens the glare in the attached pictures

ODI #11746399PARKING BRAKE,SERVICE BRAKESCRASHFIRE

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front of the vehicle. During the crash, the parking braking activated, and smoke and flames were coming from both the rear wheels. The contact used a bottle of water to extinguish the flames. During the failure, the maintenance icon was displayed. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was advised to notify the insurance company of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,100.

ODI #11745575ENGINE

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil gauge fluctuated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. An appointment was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,678.

ODI #11744984ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

Walked out of the car into the gas station came back out the brake pedal was locked up literally didn’t even wiggle at all couldn’t start the car I tapped it a couple times and then it made a horrible snap/pop sound and works fine for now

ODI #11743667FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

While cruise control was active, the vehicle initiated un-commanded physical acceleration and deceleration in unpredictable 5 mph increments (up or down), forcing the vehicle to change speeds without driver input. This required me to immediately deactivate the system and override the accelerator/brakes to maintain control of the vehicle in while driving, creating a severe and direct safety hazard. With cruise off I could see the erratic jumping of the set-speed number on the digital display. This issue has occurred on two separate instances. In both cases, pulling over, turning the vehicle completely off, and turning back on completely cleared the glitch and restored normal operation of this feature.

ODI #11743805UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,BACK OVER PREVENTION

Driving towards direct light/sunlight is damn near impossible with this vehicle die to the extreme amount of glare from the dashboard. It makes me worried especially now that summer is approaching, feels like it can be catastrophic. Rear brake assist is horrible on more than one occasion the car will stop as if it has just been hit by a semi. Leaving the vehicle unable to proceed in reverse(one has to shift to drive or put in park before continuing to reverse). This is not only a nuisance but can lead to an accident especially during the mad rush of drop off at the elementary.

ODI #11742937SUSPENSION

Front end suspension creaking and a moderate vibration under the gas pedal that gets worse over time

ODI #11743018POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

I was heading home from my vacation with my lady and had cruise control on and then all of a sudden my Rpms shot through the roof and then a flashing check engine light showed up and a message that said “acceleration reduced drive with care” when I took it to the dealer they told me it was due to the side object detection system malfunctioned and caused that issue then today I felt the car idle weird so I hooked up a scanner and it’s got a misfire on cylinder 2 and 4

ODI #11741936STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11741483POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged, and the vehicle shut off completely. The message "Please Hit The Start Button Again" was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact press the start button, but the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the gear shifter was stuck in park(P), forcing the tow agency to drag the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,900.

ODI #11740823FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This vehicle has been repaired (4) times for the same issue (vehicle turns off while driving and won’t immediately re-start and check engine light comes on) The First incident happened on or about 3/25/2026 (1083 mileage) and the fuel pump power control module was replaced at the dealership. The Second incident happened on or about 4/8/2026 (1347 mileage) and again the fuel pump power control module was replaced at the dealership. The Third incident happened on or about 5/6/2026 (2249 mileage) to which the dealership opened a TAC case #95864465 and was told a software update was available and updated the software. The Fourth incident happened on or about 5/18/2026 (2625 mileage) and the fuel pump power control module was once again replaced at the dealership. Every incident occurred while I was in traffic with my minor child and dog

ODI #11740629VISIBILITY

See attached document for complaint.

ODI #11740636ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

The starter on a new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS failed at approximately 6,500 miles. While the vehicle was being driven home during evening rush hour, it shut off at a red light and would not restart. The vehicle was stranded in the left lane of a four-lane highway. It could not be moved because the engine would not start, and the vehicle would not even roll in neutral, as the wheels were locked and would not turn. The disabled vehicle blocked a live travel lane in heavy traffic. The driver was a [XXX] new driver. Being stranded in a moving traffic lane during rush hour created a serious risk of a rear-end collision to the occupant and to surrounding vehicles forced to maneuver around the disabled car. Police responded because the vehicle was creating an active roadway hazard and arranged for a tow. The tow operator had to drag the immobilized vehicle onto the flatbed because the wheels would not turn. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Chevrolet dealer, which diagnosed a failed starter and replaced it under the manufacturer's warranty. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle shut off and failed to restart without any advance indication. The vehicle has been repaired and is available for inspection. The failed starter was replaced by the dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11738835POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at 63 MPH and above, he notices that the vehicle is not able to go into the 8th gear. The contact stated that for the vehicle to reach 8th gear, he would have to slow down to between 62 MPH and 55 MPH while driving on a 75 MPH highway, causing serious safety concerns while merging into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not able to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000.

ODI #11738577FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Sign recognition in advanced cruise control fails to slow prior to slower speed limit signs. Fails to decelerate in accordance with traffic regulations.

ODI #11737963POWER TRAIN

At approximately 75 mph on the highway, the vehicle suddenly shifted into Neutral after the Park button was accidentally pressed. Once in Neutral, the vehicle would not re‑engage Drive or any gear. The vehicle lost propulsion in fast‑moving traffic. I had to coast to the shoulder, stop completely, and shut the vehicle off. Only after restarting did the transmission respond again. No warnings appeared before the incident, and no software updates were pending. Loss of propulsion at highway speed is a serious safety hazard and indicates a possible failure of the shift‑by‑wire system or transmission control module to prevent unsafe gear changes. A transmission error did show up when coming to a complete stop.

ODI #11736615UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11736126SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11734354SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

I am experiencing multiple unresolved defects with my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox affecting drivability, braking behavior, and vehicle structure/fit and finish. The primary issue is a persistent vibration, shimmy, or wobble during moderate acceleration from a stop. This condition is felt through the steering wheel, seat, and floor, and occurs consistently during low‑speed launch and normal acceleration. In addition, the vehicle produces a snapping or grunting noise during hard braking, as well as rough and loud movement noises from underneath the vehicle during normal operation, which raises concerns about braking and drivetrain integrity. There are also body and interior fitment defects. The front passenger door does not sit flush with the rear door panel and appears slightly open when closed. The dealership service manager stated that correcting this condition would require removing and pulling the rear door panel outward so both doors align. The glove box door also does not sit flush when closed, and the service manager advised that replacement might make the condition worse. These concerns were reported to an authorized Chevrolet dealer. The dealer confirmed that General Motors has acknowledged the acceleration vibration condition in a Preliminary Information service bulletin (PIT6466) affecting 2025–2026 Equinox vehicles and advised that GM engineering is investigating the issue and that no repair is currently available. The combination of drivability issues, abnormal noises during braking, underbody movement sensations, and body misalignment affects the use, value, and safety perception of the vehicle. The vehicle has very low mileage, and several of these issues have been present since early ownership. I am submitting this complaint to document these conditions and request that NHTSA monitor potential powertrain, braking, suspension, and vehicle structure concerns if a defect trend exists. All of these defects have been acknowledged by the Dealership Service Dept

ODI #11733148SEAT BELTS

Front seat passenger side seat belt. Does not have a height adjustment for the shoulder strap. Belt comes across the neck of shorter individuals.

ODI #11732441ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I felt ill for a few months. Started to smell gasoline in my garage and inside the car. When I sent in, the Fuel Feed Hose was leaking and not attached and damaged. My car could have blown up at any time, and I inhaled fumes probably for months

ODI #11732190LANE DEPARTURE

Vehicle will detect objects in the blind spot when there are none there. I will look back and see that nothing is in the blind spot. Turn my turn signal on to indicate a lane change. I get half-way through the lane change and the light on the mirror starts to flash indicating that something is in my blind spot. I react and return to my original lane. I look back again and ther is nothing there. This is the classic false positive. It is dangerous because I am learning that the system is unreliable and an unreliable system eventually gets ignored. This is the classic "Boy Who Cried Wolf." GM is aware of the problem but it is not getting the urgent attention that it needs. This is a bad situation. I would prefer it the system were turned OFF. This happens quite regularly in the drivers side blind spot.

ODI #11730322SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Vehicle went into Brake Assist Failure and would roll in neutral but no drivetrain power or brakes. Dealer took 3 months to find part. Acceleration jerky at stop or while driving. Pedal too sensitive. Constant traction loss from stop at lights and stop signs if not careful on dry pavement. Mode selection to Rain/Snow helps by restricting power, if it is remembered to be turned on. With rain and snow on the road it becomes challenging. Aggressive safety features that include the automatic braking and alerts. Brakes and alerts on double turn lanes and going forward near passing objects on the side.

ODI #11728164STEERING

Loss of power steering

ODI #11727806UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The Chevrolet Equinox EV emits an unusual and loud sound while in "Drive" or "Reverse" and stopped or at low speed. The sound has widely been described as "angelic" - it is a higher pitched sound which does not sound similar to any other vehicle or even a "white noise" sound. This sound is played both inside and outside the vehicle, but only up to a specific speed threshold. I believe that the unnatural tone and volume of this sound is not reminiscent of an approaching vehicle, limiting its utility as a safety feature for the blind or particularly children who are more likely to be attracted to the unusual sound if they do not recognize it as a vehicle. Moreover, the sound is played separately by a speaker inside this vehicle. This serves no useful safety purpose. It starts and stops abruptly as you move above and below the speed threshold, potentially distracting or disturbing the driver. Moreover, drivers who are seeking to avoid hearing this sound inside the vehicle or disturbing neighbors with the unnatural sound may be subconsciously learning to maintain a speed above the threshold (around 22 mph), even when it is unsafe to do so. I believe this vehicle should be recalled to shift to a more natural white noise sound, reduce the exterior volume, and restore the ability to disable the interior sound.

ODI #11727675POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Incident Date: February 10, 2026 Mileage: 1,260 On the morning of February 10, 2026, my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV (1,260 miles) would not start. The instrument cluster simultaneously displayed three warning messages: 1)“Service Battery Fault — Vehicle Won’t Restart,” 2)“Charging is unavailable,” and 3)“Charge Vehicle Soon.” The vehicle could not be placed in neutral and required dolly tow from my garage, as the front wheels were locked and could not roll freely. AAA and I measured the 12V battery at 11.8 volts. AAA technician made attempt to jump 12 volt battery with no success. He made the observation that it was very rare for an EV not to start once the 12 volt battery was jumped. The vehicle was towed to Folsom Chevrolet (Repair Order #558923, opened February 10, 2026). The technician performed a global reset, BECM reprogramming, standalone radio programming, and a manual reset procedure. The repair order was closed with “confirmed no further concerns,” however the root cause — identified in the repair notes as a possible HV module communication fault — was never confirmed diagnosed or repaired. Seven days later (February 17, 2026, RO #559167), the vehicle returned to the dealer with overnight 12V voltage loss, starting at 12.12V and continuing to drop. A parasitic draw test found an 11mA draw. After a second overnight test the dealer closed the repair order as “no concerns found” without identifying or repairing a root cause. Safety concern: A vehicle that cannot be started, cannot be charged, and cannot be placed in neutral poses a serious safety risk — particularly if such a failure occurs on a roadway rather than in a driveway. The inability to shift to neutral prevents the driver from clearing the vehicle from traffic. The root cause of this dual electrical failure has never been confirmed repaired despite two repair attempts.

ODI #11727571FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11726337ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

On Friday March 20, 2026, we traded in a Chevy Equinox to get a newer model which is the VIN number we listed in this complaint. Driving home from the dealership the vehicle went from drive to park on its own (driving at 65 miles/hr) and my husband had to immediately put the car physically back into drive. Once we finally got the vehicle to our house, I went out to check it, and the vehicle would not even start. Every single light came on yet it would not start up. We called On-Star and they couldn't do anything and told us we'd have to take it to the dealership. We finally got it to start up again, but the check engine light never went off. The next day my husband was able to get it started and immediately took it back to the dealership it was bought from, which it was actually transferred to from another dealership within the state, but on the way to the dealership we bought it from the car went into park on its own 5 more times, very dangerous and unacceptable. Once the car made it to the dealership, they could not even get the vehicle to shut off once they pulled in into the service area. My husband luckily is a professional driver, but is this was someone not as familiar or calm, this could have been a horrible catastrophe.

ODI #11725067ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle’s blind spot monitoring / side object detection system frequently activates alert warnings when no vehicle is present. These false alerts occur intermittently and are more common during rain or wet road conditions. Over time, the repeated false warnings create a “boy who cried wolf” condition, where the driver becomes conditioned to ignore or discount blind spot alerts. This undermines the effectiveness of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and increases the risk that a real blind spot warning may be ignored during an actual lane change. The alerts activate without any adjacent vehicles visible, causing confusion and distraction. This results in hesitation, aborted lane changes, and reduced driver trust in the system. The issue has occurred multiple times and is not an isolated event. The dealer has acknowledged the concern but advised that no repair or software update is currently available. The manufacturer has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a fix. I believe this represents a safety concern because a safety warning system that generates frequent false alerts can condition drivers to disregard legitimate warnings.

ODI #11720651AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

The contact rented a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, a deer ran in front of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into the deer. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe damage to the passenger-side front end, but no air bags deployed. During the incident, the contact sustained a lower abdomen injury, but no medical treatment was sought at this time. The dear sustained fatal injuries. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the incident. The vehicle was later returned to the rental company. The failure mileage was unknown.

ODI #11717192SERVICE BRAKES

Chevrolet service states brake master cylinder failed prematurely.

ODI #11716660SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11715792SEAT BELTS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

Blind spot indicator malfunction. Seat sensors alert for no reason. Cruise control stops working. Vehicle automatically brakes for no reason. Information screen malfunction and goes black at random.

ODI #11715605FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that in the first month after the vehicle was purchased, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the alert system warned about vehicles or objects too close, while there were no objects or vehicles around. The blind spot detector failed to function as intended. The warning light on the driver’s side mirror was illuminated; however, there was no vehicle on the side of the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. Most recently, while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact used force while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle in front was almost rear-ended. The contact stated that the failure was more prevalent while raining. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15.

ODI #11715624SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11711655ENGINE

I purchased a brand new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Sport Utility on 8/22/2025. 4 weeks later the front end started leaking oil. It has been back to the dealership 4 times for repairs, including replacing the engine. After all these attempts to fix the oil leak it continues to leak oil and we are waiting for the dealer to pick it up again. We are not sure if it is safe to drive but the dealer says to keep driving it. No warning lamps or system messages were triggered during this entire time.

ODI #11709910FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1 INJURY

Car info – 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Purchased 9/25/25 Stock# [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Type: LT 4dr All-Wheel Drive On 1/8/26, I took my 2026 Equinox to Northpointe Chevrolet because I had a warning light that came on every time I started my car. The warning light states, ‘Service Driver Assist System’. The alert had been coming on for about a month but I had to cancel my previous two appointments due to bad weather. I explained to the man in service that I would like the automatic braking feature deactivated on my car as well as the alert light corrected. I told him that I was coming up to a red light and I was slowing down when my car automatically slammed on the brakes and gave me whiplash. The man in the service department asked me if I lived on a back road. I told him that I did and he told me that is why I am having this issue. He stated that the dirt and mud caused the wires on the sensor under the front bumper to corrode. He stated that the sensor was supposed to be waterproof/weatherproof but they are not. He showed me where the sensor was on my vehicle. He also stated that the automatic braking was not something that they could turn off because it was a safety feature. He also told me that the broken sensor causes the automatic braking system to operate. I am now afraid every time the red light comes on in my car that the brakes are going to slam on again so I slow way down. My neck has not fully healed from the first time. What would happen if I am driving down the interstate going much faster that I was the last time they automatically stopped the car suddenly. He then explained that the issue was not covered under my bumper-to-bumper warranty because the dirt caused the issue – apparently the waterproof sensor box had no bearing??? I have only made 2 payments so far on this brand-new car. I was charged $87.34 for the diagnostic check and I will be charged another $558.25 when the part comes in to repair my sensor. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11709597POWER TRAIN

GM has redesigned the gear shift of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox to be placed on the steering wheel. That's fine except engineers put it in the exact spot of where the windshield wiper lever traditionally is AND made it look and act and move like a windshield wiper lever, which instinctively means you as a driver will hit that gear shift when it starts raining or when you want to trigger windshield wiper fluid. Doing so, as we experienced twice (once on a highway exit and another time on a major road) will cause the car to go into neutral since pulling the lever toward you (a movement that used to trigger fluid on the windshield) triggers the car to go into neutral. When you're driving on a major road, this is dangerous, slows the car, forces you to have to figure out how to get it back into drive and there's no obvious workaround for that. You can't come to a complete stop on a highway or a major busy road when in neutral and the car doesn't have easy/instinctive ways to send it back into drive. Numerous drivers have complained of this on Reddit and Facebook and presumably to GM. I sent a complaint to GM today. This is the first time in 40 years of car ownership that I've felt nervous driving a car because I'm worried I will cause a wreck because of poor design. There needs to be a workaround or alert to to this. Very dangerous.

ODI #11709363VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was a distortion in the windshield glass, which caused visibility issues while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the Service Manager informed the contact that the distortion was due to the sunglasses the contact was wearing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

ODI #11709230SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side seat belt became loosened. The contact pulled on the seat belt, which went across the chest, and the seat belt failed to lock and restrain as intended. The contact was able to pull and stretch the seat belt up to the steering wheel. The contact then pulled the lap belt, and the lap belt failed to lock securely as intended. The contact was able to pull and stretch the lap belt upwards. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the dealer; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

ODI #11709261FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11708812POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY

See attached document for complaint.

ODI #11708652STRUCTURE

When I purchased the car new, and brought it home I noticed the windows seemed a little dirty, so I proceeded to wash them, At that point I noticed a blurry windshield with what appeared to be sticky spots. No matter how often I washed them it never got better. Went back to the dealer, they washed them, but no better. After making an appointment with the service department they confirmed the windshield was defective and that they would replace it (one) time but could not guarantee the replacement would be any better, because the 2025/2026 Chevy Equinox SUV's are noticing this type of defect with the windshields, I went on line and read the same thing. So even though the windshield has been replaced, it is no better with the same problem, also a little worse. When you drive into the sun it becomes very blurry and somewhat distorted, and more noticeable, And there is some sort of a film over the windshield causing the glare and blurriness. Since they replaced it there is nothing else the car dealer can do for me, So I'm stuck with it. It is very difficult to drive into the sun, it really effects me. This is not regarding an accident, but the fact that the dealer sold me a brand new 2026 Chevy Equinox with a defective windshield. Date of purchase: 7/15/25.

ODI #11696717FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

While driving South bound on an early morning drive in bright sun, the Forward Collision Avoidance/Alert System and Adaptive Cruise Control kept intermittently disabling itself. This continued to happen for 20 minutes.

ODI #11695776POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY/WIPER

After I purchased my vehicle, 2026 chevy equinox rs, I noticed severe distortion on the front windshield. I had it replaced once, with the same problem. They were going to put another windshield in but we wanted to see it first, which was worse than the first two. I do not like the feeling of being car sick. Also, the transmission slipped once, while driving. It felt like it went into neutral and then back into gear. The dealer looked at it and could not find anything wrong. It was good for a few weeks and then it did it again.

ODI #11693821ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11688301SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

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.

ODI #11687720UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car has never been aligned and pulls to the right. The dealership can not fix it, they advised me they have put in an escalation with Chevy. I have seen multiple social media posts regarding this same issue, with the same model of car.

ODI #11686175ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

My 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has been having problems; when cruise control is set it randomly puts itself into emergency park mode, the infotainment system loves to shut down which affects the entire vehicle. When this happens I can’t see my speed, every screen goes black and I have to pull over and reset the entire thing which takes a good 30 minutes, sometimes more. I have taken it to a shop which they said it was electrical and module issues, never told me exactly what or where and I’m having to struggle just to get the invoices. The problems are not currently resolved, it would’ve had to been in the shop for over a month and I can’t afford to be without a car that long with zero option of a rental. I have children. I got my car in May of this year with only 4 miles on it, been having the issues ever since.

ODI #11682275POWER TRAIN,SEATS

I purchased this vehicle in June 2025 and the gear selection lever is constant problems. It will never go into or go out of gear on the first attempt. This has caused some near accidents on two occassions as I backed out of a parking space trying to get in gear and proceed timely to avoid on-coming traffic but the lever will constantly bounce to another gear or park which was not selected. The car also has a seat problem in which the seat will start a quiver motion which does startle me as the driver. As an 82 year old driver this becomes a safety issue since is very disruptive and unexpected which makes the driver panic. I notified Chevrolet of these problems but that communication was ignored. The vehicle now has 1400 miles, the selling dealer is 320 miles away. I was told by Chevrolet that to return the vehicle to the dealer would require that I pay $6 per mile charge. This is simply malicious treatment to a senior. There is one GM dealer in my county but they do not want to address another dealers problem. Yes this safety issue has put other drivers at risk because I pull into traffic and cannot get going with traffic flow with a defective gear selector. Anyone can come to my home to inspect this problem

ODI #11678454VISIBILITY/WIPER

Faulty windshield. Replaced with two additional windshields (1GM, 1 Aftermarket) which were both defective. All Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles on the lot had defective (Warped) windshields. These windshields distort images, cause dizziness and motion sickness. The Dealer purchased the vehicle back.

ODI #11671755POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE

The gear selection is on the steering column and to change from Park to Reverse or Drive takes usually over six attempts to get in the right gear. When your entering traffic and you get delayed trying to put the car into the proper gear this becomes a very dangerous safety issue. General Motors refuses to advise me how to deal with this problem unless I give them the name of an attorney who will represent me.

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for CHEVROLET Equinox — recall years marked in red
0357005010020252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 79 total NHTSA complaints filed over 2 years, with the worst year being 2026 (70 complaints, including 5 crash reports).

The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 70/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.

Notably, despite 79 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2026, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$31,344
~$522/mo over 5 yrs
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$4,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$8,344

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $31,344 (~$522/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
Total recommended deduction−$500

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2026 CHEVROLET Equinox — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Verify recall EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL has been repaired
Recall on record for: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$2,040–$2,590/yr
~$170–$216/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▲ New / recent model year: +15% (high replacement cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History

Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations

CHEVROLET has been fined $35M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Delayed ignition switch recall — 124 deaths linked to defect known since 2001.

2014$35MDelayed ignition switch recall — 124 deaths linked to defect known since 2001

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN3GNAXHEG1TL530545
Model Year2026
MakeCHEVROLET
ModelEquinox
Trim1LT
SeriesCab/Utility Body Style
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Drive TypeFWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)1.5

Manufacturer

ManufacturerGENERAL MOTORS LLC
Assembly CitySAN LUIS POTOSI
Assembly CountryMEXICO

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)3GN
Check Digit (Char 9)1
Model Year Code (Char 10)T
Plant Code (Char 11)L
Sequence (Chars 12–17)530545

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count79

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

3
1
G
2
N
3
A
4
X
5
H
6
E
7
G
8
1
9
T
10
L
11
5
12
3
13
0
14
5
15
4
16
5
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
3
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
G
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
N
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
AXHEG
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
1
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
T
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
L
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
530545
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Mexico
From VIN position 1 (3)
Model Year Character
"T" → 2026
Could also be 1996
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/3/2026, 4:26:41 AM.