In FMVSS 138, it says that the tire pressure monitoring system will warn drivers of under inflated tires. My TPMS system failed on my MY19 Chevrolet Equinox around 49,000 miles and no longer warns me of underinflated tires for all four tires. To fix it I would have to pay out of pocket costs starting at $732, per the dealership, on a safety critical system that should not fail at 6 years/49,000…
2019 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems
severe 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Equinox has widespread electrical and computer control issues: sudden unintended braking at highway speeds, complete electrical shutdowns, engine stalling, software crashes, and battery drain are frequently reported. Expect to troubleshoot extensively with dealers and specialists—some issues remain unresolved even after thousands in repairs.
Electrical and computer faults dominate owner complaints. The most severe failures involve sudden, unintended hard braking at highway speeds (sometimes reaching from 55+ mph down under 30 in seconds), emergency brake engagement without driver input, and complete electrical blackouts during driving that disable emergency flashers and leave cars stalled in active traffic. Multiple owners describe vehicles losing all power for 15–20 minutes before restarting, with no warning.
Engine stalling occurs frequently—both from normal driving and from the Auto Start/Stop feature failing to restart. Some owners report being stuck at intersections for ten minutes waiting for the engine to restart, or engine shutoffs during highway driving with no prior warning. Adaptive cruise control triggers false collision alerts and hard braking at highway speeds. The infotainment system crashes repeatedly, reboots during drives, and loses radio, phone, and GPS functionality. Owners describe software glitches and multiple computer module reprogramming attempts that fail to resolve issues.
Ancillary electrical failures include rear door locks that won't engage, side mirrors that reset position at every startup despite repair attempts, sunroofs that open and close unprompted, instrument clusters that go completely blank, brake lights that stay on after shutdown (draining batteries), and vacuum pump failures that destroy engines. Water leaking into the fuse box and one post-collision fire are also reported. A rebuilt salvage unit exhibited severe electrical instability despite manufacturer refusal to service it.
Dealerships and specialists often cannot pinpoint root causes despite extensive diagnostics, and repairs frequently fail to stick.
Same Chevrolet Equinox electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
ECM and Wiring Faults Leading to Unintended Braking
Engine Control Module programming issues and internal wiring defects cause sudden, unintended hard braking events at highway speeds, emergency brake engagement, and limp-mode operation. Multiple repair attempts fail until wiring loom is replaced. Problem recurs despite ECM replacement and reprogramming.
When: Between 5,938 and 50,000 miles; occurs during highway driving, some triggered by cruise control activation
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden hard braking at highway speeds; Emergency brake engagement without driver input; Limp-mode operation and loss of top speed; Check engine light illumination; Derate messages and warnings on display; Vehicle continues to engage brakes despite repairs
Codes mentioned: P0627, P0629, P01400, U18A2, U1524, U18B4, U0284
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced pedal sensor, throttle body, ECM, and wiring loom. Costs cited by owners: $3,000 minimum. Dealerships unable to locate root cause; specialist required. Problem persists on some vehicles after $3K in repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some ECM reprogramming offered by dealers; no formal recall issued. Manufacturer refused to service vehicle in one case. Monitor placed on 2019 model but no feedback provided.
Complete Electrical Shutdown and Loss of Power
Vehicle loses all electrical power and stalls without warning while driving in traffic. No emergency lights or flashers function. Engine and all systems black out for 15–20 minutes before restarting. Diagnostic codes present but dealer finds no actionable fault.
When: Occurs at low speeds (intersections, stop lights) and highway speeds; can happen multiple times per vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Engine shutdown with no warning lights beforehand; No emergency flasher or lighting function; Vehicle blacks out entirely; Inability to roll, brake, or steer; Restart after 15–20 minutes
Codes mentioned: P0627, P0629, P01400, U18A2, U1524, U18B4
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic identifies codes but vehicle not repaired because 'no issue found.' Owners report hazard of stalling in active traffic at night without emergency lighting.
Adaptive Cruise Control and Braking Faults
Adaptive cruise control disables without driver input and triggers false forward collision warnings, causing sudden hard braking at highway speeds. Computer module reprogramming fails to resolve. Multiple modules out of date on programming.
When: Early ownership (approximately 2,000 miles); recurs multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Adaptive cruise control sudden shutoff; False forward collision warning; Unexpected hard braking at highway speeds; Service ESC and service brake assist warnings illuminate; Traction control and stability control lights; Brake engagement when foot on accelerator
Codes mentioned: Module programming/software defects
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reprogrammed computer modules twice; failure recurred both times. Dealer confirmed 4 computer modules out of date on programming. Owner reports this as known recurring issue with heavy repair costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall; dealership reprogramming attempted but unsuccessful.
Engine Stalling and Auto Start/Stop Failures
Engine stalls unexpectedly during normal driving and at traffic stops. Auto Start/Stop feature malfunctions: engine shuts off but will not restart when driver depresses brake or accelerator. Vehicle stuck in intersection, requiring tow truck. Computer communication faults prevent restart.
When: Throughout ownership; stalls occur at stop lights, in traffic, and on highways
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving or at complete stop; Auto Start/Stop engages but engine fails to restart; Vehicle does not respond to brake or accelerator pedal; Check engine light on and off repeatedly; Vehicle lurches forward unexpectedly after auto stop restart; Delayed acceleration after brake release
Codes mentioned: U0284, B2575, Computer communication error codes
Repairs/costs cited: Repair attempts have not resolved underlying issue; computer code errors persist. Owners report repeat failures 10 days after 'repair.' No parts mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered $2,500 settlement on one vehicle with non-disclosure agreement (owner declined).
Software Glitches and Infotainment System Failures
Dashboard computer and infotainment system experience frequent software glitches, crashes, and malfunctions. LCD screen blanks out and repeatedly restarts during drives. Radio, audio, phone features, and display controls fail intermittently. Radio volume self-adjusts.
When: Present from early ownership; occurs intermittently throughout vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: LCD/infotainment screen blanks out and reboots repeatedly; Radio screen turns black with no sound; Phone feature nonfunctional; Radio volume increases and decreases on its own; GPS displays incorrect temperature and wrong unit (Celsius vs. Fahrenheit); Turn signal audio does not work; AC fan display shows off when it is on
Codes mentioned: Codes for radio, OnStar codes, Brake control module codes
Repairs/costs cited: Scanner found multiple radio and OnStar codes; codes cleared on scan but return later. No permanent fix provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership cited software update requirement; owner also told 'not using iPhone cable' was cause. No recall for software defect.
Rear Door Latch Actuator Failure
Both rear door lock actuators fail, leaving doors unable to lock or unlock. Safety hazard: doors fail to lock during acceleration, exposing vehicle to theft or hijacking. Dealer confirmed internal actuator failure.
When: A few months into ownership (around 5 years old at complaint)
Symptoms owners cite: Rear doors will not lock; Rear doors will not unlock; Doors fail to lock during acceleration; Actuator testing shows INOP (inoperative)
Codes mentioned: Latch actuator failure (circuit checks OK)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair: $1,500 for both rear door lock actuators. Dealer confirmed actuators failed.
Side Mirror Position Memory Loss
Both side view mirrors fail to retain their adjusted positions when vehicle is restarted. Mirrors reset to factory position or random position each startup, obstructing driver vision at various speeds.
When: Around 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Mirrors do not retain adjusted position; Mirrors reset on vehicle startup; Vision obstruction while driving at various speeds
Codes mentioned: Actuator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced driver side actuator and arm rest switch on two separate dealer visits; failure persisted after both repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referral to alternate dealer provided; no successful repair outcome.
Sunroof Unintended Opening and Closing
Sunroof opens and closes independently while driving and while vehicle is parked and off with no keys nearby. Dealer unable to replicate failure even after following manufacturer instructions.
When: Around 57,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof opens independently while driving; Sunroof closes independently while driving; Sunroof opens and closes while parked with engine off and no keys present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer followed manufacturer instructions but failure persisted. Vehicle remained at dealer unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided repair instructions to dealer; instructions did not resolve issue.
Brake Assist System Failure
Brake assist warning light illuminates repeatedly and causes check engine light to come and go. Vehicle exhibits hard surges in engine operation ('bucking'). Brake system electrical instability confirmed.
When: After scheduled service in May; check engine light intermittent throughout vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Brake assist warning light on constantly; Check engine light intermittent; Hard engine surges during driving; Inconsistent electrical power to car
Vacuum Pump Failures Causing Engine Damage
Vacuum pump fails suddenly while driving, causing total loss of engine power without warning. At least two failures in short timespan (05/2022 and again before 2025). Second failure required complete engine replacement due to extensive internal damage.
When: 05/2022 (first failure, brakes failed in driveway); second failure roughly 3 years later, prior to early 2025, resulting in catastrophic engine damage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops suddenly while driving; Brakes go out (first failure); Complete loss of engine power without warning; No dash warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: 05/2022: vacuum pump replaced at Chevrolet dealership. Second failure: dealership stated entire engine replacement required due to 'extensive damage' from pump failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated 'nothing to prevent' such failures.
Headlight Aiming Defect
Low beam and high beam headlights are aimed incorrectly from factory and do not illuminate roadway properly. Dealership stated headlights are not adjustable, leaving safety hazard unresolved.
When: Present from early ownership (10,300 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Low and high beam headlights aimed incorrectly; Inadequate roadway illumination in low light conditions; Driving hazard in darkness
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated headlights are not adjustable; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed and stated vehicle 'operates as designed.'
Unexpected Vehicle Shutdown After Key Fob Removal
Engine shuts off independently after driver exits vehicle with key fob, even while vehicle is in motion or warming up. Vehicle can be started without key fob present in vehicle.
When: Early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off independently after driver exits with key fob; Vehicle can start without key fob in vehicle; Unintended shutdown creates safety risk
Instrument Cluster and Driver Information Center Blackout
Entire instrument cluster and driver information center go completely blank during vehicle operation. No speedometer, fuel gauge, turn signal indicators, or steering wheel controls function. Vehicle starts and runs but with zero information display.
When: During normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster completely blank; Driver information center blank; No speed indication; No fuel gauge display; No turn signal indication; No headlight indication; Steering wheel controls inoperative
Power Liftgate Unintended Operation
Power liftgate (trunk) opens and closes repeatedly without driver input. Liftgate attempted to close on owner while retrieving items, creating safety hazard.
When: During vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate opens without button press; Liftgate closes without button press; Repeated opening and closing cycles; Liftgate attempted to close on occupant
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Failure
Tire pressure monitoring system fails and no longer warns of underinflated tires on all four wheels. Safety-critical system fails well before warranty expiration.
When: Around 49,000 miles (6 years into ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light does not activate for underinflated tires; System nonfunctional for all four tires
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $732 out-of-pocket repair cost for safety-critical system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite FMVSS 138 requirement for under-inflation warnings; manufacturer warranty does not cover failure.
Fuel System Restriction and Fill Issues
Fuel tank cannot be filled to stated capacity. Vehicle only accepts 12 gallons when tank holds 14.9 gallons when empty. Filling takes 20 minutes of fighting with vehicle at pump.
When: Ongoing throughout vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Tank will not accept full fuel capacity; Pump repeatedly shuts off before tank is full; Extended fill time (up to 20 minutes); Vehicle restricts fuel intake at pump
Brake Failure During Auto Start/Stop
Power brake assist fails when engine Auto Start/Stop feature engages. Vehicle rolls backward at complete stop and does not respond to brake pedal. Braking seizes and locks driver out of vehicle for extended time.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership, at traffic lights and stops
Symptoms owners cite: Power brake assist failure display message; Vehicle rolls backward when brakes should hold; Brake pedal does not respond; Brake seizes, locking driver out; Brake lockout lasts up to 1 hour
Codes mentioned: Power brake assist failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner workaround: both feet on brake, push to floor, wait 1 second, then start. Failure occurs at highways, parking lots, grocery stores.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to address as factory defect; requested thousands in repair charges.
Battery Drain from Non-Shutoff Brake Lights
Brake lights remain on after vehicle is turned off and locked, draining battery. Vehicle requires jump-starting multiple times.
When: Intermittent but recurring (multiple instances in short timeframe)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights remain on after vehicle shut off and locked; Battery completely drained; Vehicle requires jump-start; Repeated drain events
Repairs/costs cited: Jump-starts required. Two jump-starts in one week reported.
Interior Electrical Power Loss and Circuit Breaker Faults
Intermittent loss of electrical power to circuits. Radio, power windows, and other systems shut off without warning. Warning messages appear about not using display while driving (indicating momentary power loss to info center).
When: Throughout vehicle operation; some instances related to cruise control events
Symptoms owners cite: Radio and power shut off at random; Windows stick during operation; Warning message about info display appearing (power loss indication); Multiple electrical systems affected simultaneously
Water Leak Into Fuse Box
Water accumulates in spare tire wheel well and leaks directly onto fuse box located in back panel on driver's side. Creates risk of short circuit and electrical fire during driving.
When: Discovered early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Water in spare tire wheel well; Water pooling in fuse box area; Potential for short circuit and fire
Post-Accident Fire
Vehicle catches fire and burns after minor collision with deer. Fire started under passenger-side hood after airbag deployment. Vehicle became total loss despite light structural damage.
When: At 10,300 miles, following collision at 9:30 PM
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke observed immediately after collision; Flames visible under hood; Fire spread and burned vehicle to total loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle damaged in collision but structurally repairable. Fire made vehicle total loss.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 5,938 and 23,071 miles, with the median around 10,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,938; a quarter make it past 23,071. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.