NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine Auto START/STOP system intermittently failed to restart the vehicle while at a complete stop, requiring the driver to shift to park(P) to manually restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor entering the vehicle from the A/C vents. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10-15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with GM Customer Satisfaction Program: N242489010 (Possible Leak at Fuel Injector Rail Assembly). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 75,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 252,000.
Brake system has failed. “Brake Assist Service” has popped up on screen. Taken to two separate facilities who said this is a KNOWN problem with this vehicle make and model.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle stalled, shut off, and failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed back to the residence. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that the fuel pump had failed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer had not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 85,900.
Losing all power to the brakes.
Vehicle does NOT come to a complete stop. It moves forward about an inch after I stop and park. It's being going on since I got the car. I assumed it was normal until I drove another car and it didn't happen.
My wife was leaving work. She pulled out onto the highway and while accelerating she heard a loud thumping noise under the car. When she stopped and looked under the car, the driveshaft was broke in half. The repair shop we took it to said that they couldn't find anything that would have caused that to happen except that the driveshaft was rusted about halfway through and probably got week and broke under the stress while accelerating. They also said that the metal used to make the driveshaft was almost very thin. He has seen muffler pipes that were thicker than the driveshaft.
The contact's mother owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump and other fuel system parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle sputtered, and there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to move off from a stop light, the engine shut off. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving her minor child to school. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was not provided to the contact. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Got word from the mechanic at the dealership that the cam shaft is leaking oil as well as the fuel injectors retainers are out and need to be sealed as they are also leaking. the engine went into safe mode to prevent any engine fires.
The TCM went out with zero warning and I know that this is a huge problem known with many of the Chevy equinox and traverse. Recalls on my equinox have not been updated since August of 2021....that's a very long time with no updates
Vehicle is leaking coolant excessively. Faulty 55513550 water pump (ACDelco/GM OE) commonly causes engine overheating, coolant leaks (often from the weep hole), and unusual noise (squeaking/rumbling) in 1.6L diesel engines for Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox, and GMC Terrain. It may cause cabin heating issues and trigger engine codes. Major Problem #2: Electrical Described by Tony Dubois at Midas (Cinco Ranch location) - Electrical pulse are being received through the wiring causing lights to go on and off. No other manufacturer or repair shop can fix this issue because of the inability to access the coding. This is an Dealership software issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake pads were wearing abnormally quickly. The message speed reduced was displayed. The engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to three separate Smog Local State Inspections; however, the vehicle failed to communicate with the system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an unstated module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, Product Emission Recall: N202298780; repair was available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
While backing out of a parking space, with my 1 year old infant in the back seat, my vehicle became stuck in reverse and would not shift into drive or park. The vehicle became disabled and the warning dash stated to put the vehicle in park but i could not park or do anything else and couldnt take my foot off the brake or else i would continue reversing. Eventually i was able to at least turn the vehicle off but the vehicle remains with the shifter stuck in reverse after being towed. The lights and power to the vehicle remained on and this was not a battery issue. This was extremely terrifying for me especially with a baby in the car and getting it hooked up to the tow truck was also nervracking for all involved as the vehicle was in reverse. While there is not a current recall related to this issue on my vehicle, research shows that there have been in the past and this is a common issue for this vehicle.
Driving down a curvey road and my brake pedal was hard without no warning or indication. Almost was hit head on because of this. Looks like the Vacuum Pump Seal failed and I lost all of my engine oil, which caused that to happen.
My car has a slow crank and when I am driving down the road it cuts off completely and does not want to crank. I have a signal on my car that says reduced speed and the speed is cut down and drags . My car also smells like gas and there is a leak coming from the vehicle it drains really bad . my brakes goes out every few months . My Car radio goes out like there is a shortage. Its horrible
My wife and I were driving to Galveston on I-45 and were driving through La Marque when our car suddenly lost power. I started moving over to the outside lane and went to turn on the emergency lights. I realized the lights were already on. We heard a thump and thought that the serpentine belt had broken and that the engine would overheat, followed up by white smoke coming from the dash vents. My wife opened her window and leaned out the window while I tried to control the SUV without power. A truck pulled next to us and the passenger screamed that our car was on fire. I stepped on the brakes, but my foot went to the floor without effect. I hit the button for the emergency parking brake, but it didn't stop the car. I let the car slow down and then black smoke was coming from the vents. We were choking from breathing the smoke and I tried to open my window, but all electrical systems had quit working. The car finally slowed enough for me to shove the gear shift into park. My wife jumped out of the car and fell to the pavement, also hitting the concrete barrier on the side of the highway. My seat belt was stuck and I kept pushing the button and reached for my pocket knife to cut the belt when it released. At this point, flames were coming from the vents when I reached for the door handle and open the door. I fell out of the car onto the highway, rolling away. I was finally able to get up and saw several vehicles stopped behind us, but some were still driving through. I got away from the car and found my wife who was being helped by another man who stopped ahead of us. The car was on fire, mostly from the back, heavily in the left rear where the gas tank is. The car was completely burned and an unknown retired firefighter said all of the signs point to a defective fuel pump.
Engine power low
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vents while driving 45 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where the contact was informed that there was a fuel leak, which could cause fire. The contact was advised to park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that all four fuel injectors were leaking and required immediate attention. The contact was advised that the parts needed to be ordered to do the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Vehicle chocks when starting, once started the vehicle begins to smell of gas. There is a leak on the underside of the vehicle which also smells of gas.
Vehicle displayed reduced engine power, check engine light, and service brake assist all at the same time. Brake pedal wouldn't move leaving me without brakes. Coasted to stop and shut off car. Brake did not release and now engine won't start. Informed brake vacuum booster pump is problem and ruined motor now.
Automatic transmission slips and shutters/shakes when accelerating and going from a complete stop. Vehicle is not drivable long distances as the issue gets worse as the car heats up. No codes or sensors are indicating a problem. This is an ongoing problem despite having the transmission rebuilt. Issues first started a year ago and have been progressively getting worse.
For the 4th time since November 2025, my vehicle has shut off while driving and there was a severe gas smell. Check engine and traction control lights on dash. So far the turbo booster and fuel injector have been replaced but the issue keeps happening. This vehicle is not on recall list for high pressure fule pump recall. I think it should be. Vehicle goes into limp mode and all the gas leaks right out of the vehicle making it unsafe to drive due to a fire hazard. I have spent over $4000 trying to make this vehicle safe to drive.
My Code for the transmission is showing up for inspection the engine light on but no noted transmisson prolems noted 2017 is showing up.
The brake vacuum pump has went out twice with no warning and has caused my breaks to become instantly extremely stiff.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer mileage was 60,248. The contact stated that upon applying for extended warranty services, the contact was informed that the odometer was last reported at 155,000. In addition, the contact purchased a Carfax Report, which indicated that in September 2024, the odometer mileage was 144,738. The dealer was made aware of the discrepancy.
While driving the brake pedal suddenly became hard to push making the car unable to slow down. Put car in neutral and managed to get off street into parking lot and coast to a stop. Car would no longer start. Towed to dealership for assessment. Reports of broken vacuum pump pieces and related metal debris found in engine. Dealership recommended engine replacement. Notified GM, they provided a case number and helped discount the full cost of engine replacement down to $6,225.00 which we paid out of pocket (or risk losing the full value of our equity in the vehicle against a replacement).
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after having a software update to the ECM following the notice of an unknown recall, on several occasions while in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed like it would accelerate forward. The contact had to push the vehicle for the vehicle to reverse. The contact that while pressing the ignition button on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The contact continued to press the ignition button, and the vehicle eventually started. Additionally, when the vehicle was started, the "Parking Brake Release" message was displayed even though the parking brake was not engaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
I own a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with a 1.5L engine. While driving with my children in the vehicle, the car experienced a sudden and frightening failure. The engine began malfunctioning, and after inspection, my mechanic and the repair shop confirmed damage to the vacuum pump, broken engine pieces, and issues with the timing chain and camshaft. These issues are identical to those described in an existing recall for this vehicle, but my VIN is not included. The shop even questioned why my mechanic had to replace the vacuum pump, which shows this failure is directly related to the known recall problem. This situation created a very unsafe condition while my kids were in the car. It is unfair and dangerous that my VIN is excluded when the exact same recall defects are present. I am requesting that my vehicle be included in the recall and that NHTSA investigate this defect further, as it poses a serious safety risk for me, my family, and potentially other drivers.
I’ve heard about some recalls and Technical Service Bulletins related to the transmission, especially the start-stop accumulator bolts possibly missing and some transmission lubrication concerns. I checked my VIN on the NHTSA website, and it shows no open recalls. However, I want to confirm: Whether my vehicle was part of any recall related to the transmission or start-stop accumulator bolts. If the recall was completed or if any transmission-related TSBs apply. Whether there are any service campaigns or software updates for the transmission control module that I should be aware of. Start-stop accumulator bolt missing leading to fluid leaks and possible failure, Missing transmission cup plugs causing lubrication issues, Valve body spacer plate replacement and transmission control module reprogramming. I am currently experiencing significant transmission issues including, symptoms like: rough shifting, slipping, hesitation, noises, fluid leaks, loss of power, which are severely affecting the vehicle’s drivability and safety. This vehicle only has 107K miles which only go over 7K from warranty. I am concerned that my vehicle may be affected by one or more of these issues — even if the recall was marked as closed or VIN was excluded in error. Given the volume of known transmission complaints for this model year and my relatively low mileage, I strongly believe this could be part of a broader safety defect that deserves further investigation. Please review this issue for potential inclusion in an investigation or expanded recall campaign. These transmission issues are not only costly but potentially dangerous, especially if they result in sudden loss of propulsion. This transmission issue is seriously impacting my vehicle’s safety and reliability. This matter is urgent due to the impact on vehicle safety and reliability.
My vehicle suddenly began giving a message engine power reduced. This happened on a highway that required with a maximum speed of 65 mph. My vehicle reduced speed to under 40mph which may be beneath the minimum speed limit. I took the vehicle to a chevvy dealer who said my transmission was slipping. I took it to AAMCO spent 6000 on repairs only to have the engine power reduced error continue to appear. AAMCO claims they have made all repairs yet the light is still on and my vehicle continues to lose engine power on fast highways (the intended interstate). I called chevy because I had seen similar issues in older models and they refused to accept me rendition of events because my vehicle was not serviced by chevy. I tried to upload a photo of the error message The upload is not working.
I was exiting the expressway coming up to the back of a semi truck & the brake became hard to push down. Thankfully I was able to stop in time & didn't rear end the truck. It put me & my [XXX] old in danger had I not been able to apply the force needed to push the brake petal down. No dash alerts appeared until at least 10 min after I noticed the issue. I have a mechanic changing the brake booster. The first part we received was faulty & had to be returned. Currently waiting for another brake booster to come in & attempt another repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle calls power module has failed
Loss of propulsion as well as hard shift
I was driving on the highway and when I exited and tried to stop at a red light the brakes stopped working. No warning, the brake assist engaged so I barely came to a stop in time before hitting the car in front of me. I can barely use the brake pedal and my check engine light came on with it. Its very hard to press the pedal like its got something stuck under the pedal but there was nothing. The brake assist stays on and basically is the only way the car will stop and still doesn't completely stop.
1st Incident: Code P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Sensor In March of 2024 - driving on highway dashboard warning lights illuminated(traction control & reduced engine power) vehicle went into limp mode putting my family & I in danger due to traffic volume and speed on highway. Had to drive on berm at speeds below 25mph to exit freeway safely. Removed battery cable to reset computer. Taken to Serra Bartlett Chevrolet in Memphis- couldn't get vehicle to repeat error. 2nd Incident: Code - P2138 June 2024 - while traveling on highway same dashboard warning signals & car went into limp mode. Had to maneuver to the berm to exit the highway safely once again putting my family in danger at speeds below 25 mph exit. Vehicle was towed to Serpentini Chevrolet the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor was replaced under the extended warranty. 3rd Incident - Code P2138 June 2025- while traveling on highway, same dashboard warning signals & car went into limp mode again. Had to maneuver to the berm to exit the highway putting my family in danger again at speeds below 25mph. Removed the battery cable to reset computer - was unsuccessful. Contacted Jeff Schmitt Chevrolet - had to drive the vehicle over 35 miles on the berm of the highway at speeds lower than 25 mph to get to dealership. Upon arriving they ran the codes and annotated the P2138 code. The next morning when the Technician checked the vehicle the computer had reset itself and everything was checking out fine, the code was still in the vehicle history . The sensor was under warranty and we inquired about replacement because the code showed failure, the dealership stated GM would not replace the part because it tested good. But I could pay to have it replaced if I paid for it. GM Service Bulletin No:074-06-04-019F clearly states they are aware of issues with this vehicle, yet I cannot get it repaired to my satisfaction It puts myself and my family under extreme danger while driving this vehicle on the freeway.
The vacuum pump went out on the car while I was on I-70 in a rain storm construction traffic… I absolutely had no brakes they were so hard to push… I was stuck I almost crashed this crappy designed car… The brake light engine light came on.. I barely made it to the side of the highway… Now my engine is messed up cause of some faulty brake pump… What kinda silly design is this… I could have died out there on that highway.. I was on the way to the airport and I missed my flight… GM needs to get their stuff together on this they’re going to kill somebody….
My fuel pump just gave out randomly while driving on the highway. Unable to drive over 14mph. I head other 2018 Equinox’s experienced this problem often. I believe my vehicle should be included as well. In the past I’ve also gotten a random alert that my forward collision was disabled while driving on the highway with no warning. It always goes away on its own.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was started after several attempts. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light the vehicle began shaking and lost motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into park(P), the vehicle stalled three times, and the vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that all four fuel injectors were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
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.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Premier. The engine connecting rod to the #1 piston separated, causing the engine to stop while the vehicle was in motion. The only warning light at the time was the tire pressure monitor system. The incident had no warning. My husband was driving the vehicle. Initially he thought the car blew a tire by the noise, but then the engine stopped/stalled while I was driving. He was able to get to a side road. The vehicle would not start. He smelled burnt rubber and then thought he broke a belt. He pushed the On-star button for roadside assistance. The car was towed to Ferman Chevolet, Adamoo Dr., Brandon, Florida where they inserted a camera scope and confirmed the rod separation. I do not have paperwork except to show they gave me $2500 towards a trade-in. Over the phone they said it would be $1800 to take apart the engine to confirm the separation. The mechanic suspected the engine was scarred as a result. It would cost $12,000 to replace it, or they could talk to the sales side and see if they can let us trade it in on a different car. We traded the vehicle in. I just saw news of another GM recall affecting the 6.2L V8 and thought it odd that the same thing happened to my vehicle, which is not included in the recall. The engine stall caused my husband to stall in the middle of the traffic lane on a side street. Had he not gotten to the side street in time, he would have blocked a traffic lane on a very busy road which could have resulted in a major accident with injuries.
I am filing this complaint regarding a defective CYBEX Callisto car seat and the company’s mishandling of my replacement request. The tension door of the car seat has malfunctioned three times while driving, causing the seat to become unsecured and putting my child’s safety at significant risk. This malfunction is deeply concerning and could lead to severe consequences. Details of the Incident Component Failure: The tension door of the car seat pops open during use, rendering the seat unsecured. This has occurred three times. Availability for Inspection: The defective car seat is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Each malfunction directly jeopardized my child’s safety while driving. Inspection: A certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and CYBEX customer service both confirmed that the car seat was installed correctly. CYBEX Customer Service Interaction: When I contacted CYBEX customer service to report the issue, they initially refused to replace the defective seat unless I provided a video of the malfunction. This request was unreasonable, as capturing the incident is nearly impossible due to its random nature and dangerous to attempt while driving. After further discussion, CYBEX agreed to replace the car seat under the condition that I remove all identifying product information (serial number, manufacturer date, etc.) and submit photos. I complied with their instructions, but I was subsequently informed that the car seat was out of stock in all colors, requiring me to wait for a replacement. When I later noticed that the car seat was back in stock in certain colors, I followed up with CYBEX, only to be told that they had reversed their decision and were now refusing to replace the seat. This decision, after I complied with all of their requests, including removing the product’s identifying information, is unacceptable and unprofessional.
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.
My son was coming home from work 3/26/2025 after 5 pm, when a warning message came on that said "Engine Power Reduced". My son attempted to pull over, however, the brakes did not work. This caused a definite safety risk to my son and others as he could not stop the vehicle. Gratefully, he was on the street and not on the freeway where speeds are higher which could have caused injury or possibly death. He found a clear area to pull over and put the car in park and pushed the start/stop button to turn off the car. The car had to be towed to my home. The car was towed to the repair shop 4/1/2025. There were no previous warning messages regarding the engine or otherwise until the day of the incident. The vehicle is currently in the shop and has been inspected.
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.
This rare equinox has a Turbocharge issue that causes rapid engine power loss, and melting under the manifold and around the fuel injector pipes. The recent recalls do not include this GM made diesel equinox due to its rarity, and small consumer ownership of 506,775 units sold in its lifetime. However, GM has been just as negligent with this diesel 1.6L, as with the other major model lineup. Diesel particulate sensor goes bad every year around installation anniversary (previous recall). Stated every year in purchase anniversary month 10/2021, 10/2022
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.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026