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2025 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems

moderate 58 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →

Complaints
58
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
What stands out

Owners have filed 58 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.

Electrical accounts for 30% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin 24-NA-227 Nov 2025

This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vibration Rattle or Boom at 1800 to 2000 RPM.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 24-NA-227 Oct 2025

This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vibration Rattle or Boom at 1800 to 2000 RPM.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 25-NA-021 Jun 2025

This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Radio Software Update W23E-178.1.2-M174-SQBR6-93.3.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin PIE0829A Jun 2025

This engineering information (EI) closure ends the need for gathering further information from technicians in regard to the liftgate not opening and/or partially opening.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 25-NA-085 May 2025

This service bulletin provides information on software related issues and provides technicians information to update the radio software to the latest version.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

The 2025 Equinox electrical system shows a clear pattern: the OnStar telematics module is draining batteries, causing repeated complete shutdown, loss of power to doors, screens, and safety features. Owners are dealing with vehicles stranded multiple times, jump-starting becoming routine, and dealerships confirming the part is on backorder with no ETA. Multiple owners have been out of service for weeks or months.

Display systems are also unreliable. The instrument cluster and infotainment screens black out without warning while driving—owners lose speedometer readings, navigation, and warning alerts for several seconds before rebooting. This happens intermittently and persists even after software updates.

Braking and collision avoidance systems are problematic. Owners report soft brake pedals with reduced stopping power, ABS failures, phantom emergency braking at low speeds with no obstructions, and false collision warnings that jerk the vehicle to a stop. One EV experienced acceleration instead of braking at 3,900 miles.

Transmission issues appear as well: stuck shifters, transmission remaining in drive when reverse is commanded, and jerking before stalls. One owner's vehicle had a loose connector that went unseated—suggesting assembly or design concerns.

Additional failures include the left turn signal requiring repeated pushes to engage, HVAC actuator requiring full dash removal, sunroof stuck open with obstruction codes, and one power liftgate that crashed down on an owner's head causing concussion. Owners also report GPS showing vehicles 100 miles from actual location, loss of emergency calling capability, and stolen-vehicle tracking offline.

Same Chevrolet Equinox electrical reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2024

Failure modes owners describe

Telematics/OnStar Module Battery Drain

OnStar/telematics control module malfunctions causing continuous battery drain, repeated dead batteries, and loss of vehicle power. Multiple owners report the module is on backorder with no ETA for replacement parts. Dealers confirm the module drains the battery and is the root cause of complete vehicle shutdown.

When: Occurs across wide mileage range from 2,600 to 28,000+ miles; reported from October 2025 onward

Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical failure requiring jump starts; Vehicle will not start; Inability to lock/unlock doors; Loss of GPS/navigation connectivity; Loss of OnStar emergency calling capability; Loss of data connectivity and app access; Erroneous date/time display

Codes mentioned: U1610, U1639

Repairs/costs cited: Telematics control module replacement required; parts on national backorder with multiple owners waiting weeks or months. No estimated arrival dates provided by dealers.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletin PIP6077B referenced; manufacturer has opened cases; parts backordered with no ETA

Display Blackout – Infotainment and Instrument Cluster

Digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen suddenly go completely black during driving, lasting several seconds to minutes, then reset. Some incidents follow software updates. Visual loss includes speed, navigation, and warning alerts.

When: Reported at various mileages; one case at 3,287 miles; occurs both shortly after purchase and at higher mileages

Symptoms owners cite: Complete blackout of instrument cluster and center screen; Loss of speedometer visibility; Loss of navigation display; Loss of warning alerts visibility; Inability to see turn signal status or other vital information; Audio system restart; Red collision warning lights may illuminate; Systems reboot and return to normal function

Repairs/costs cited: Software update attempted without resolving issue. Dealers unable to reproduce intermittent condition during service visits.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update GM N25-F172AE released but did not resolve recurring blackouts

Telematics Connectivity and GPS Failures

Integrated telematics system experiences loss of GPS location accuracy, loss of data connectivity, and navigation malfunction. GPS shows vehicle location 100 miles from actual position. Voice command and steering wheel controls intermittently fail.

When: Reported from November 2025 onward; occurs at various mileages

Symptoms owners cite: Loss of GPS signal or incorrect GPS location; Loss of data connectivity; Navigation malfunction; Voice command failure; Steering wheel controls not functioning; OnStar LED shows green despite no connectivity; Loss of emergency communication features; Loss of stolen vehicle tracking capability

Repairs/costs cited: Telematics control module replacement performed; connectivity failures recurred after replacement in at least one documented case. Diagnostics and programming performed without permanent resolution.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Module replacement under warranty; manufacturer contacted and cases opened; parts backordered

Loss of Braking Function

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake control module malfunction, resulting in soft brake pedal and reduced stopping ability. Vehicle experiences loss of brake assist and loss of friction braking. One incident involved complete acceleration instead of braking.

When: Reported April 2025 onward; one EV incident at 3,900 miles with drive and friction brake failure

Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning indicator illumination; Soft brake pedal; Reduced stopping ability; Loss of brake assist; Check engine light activation; Loss of communication with EBCM (electronic brake control module); Vehicle acceleration instead of braking (EV); Forward collision warning activation

Repairs/costs cited: Loose connector K160 found unseated on one EV; reseated and greased. Dealership unable to reproduce condition on standard Equinox; advised to return if occurs again.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; advisors stated loss of EBCM communication 'sometimes happens'

Transmission Control and Electronic Shift Failures

Transmission remains in drive when reverse is selected; gear shifter sticks; transmission jerks, hesitates, and stalls. Electronic shifter unable to move vehicle into neutral, creating towing difficulty. Service transmission warnings appear.

When: Reported from November 2025 onward; one incident at 28,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Transmission remains in drive when reverse selected; Sticky gear shifter; Vehicle jerking and hesitation; Transmission stall; Service transmission warning light; Electronic shifter unresponsive; Unable to shift out of park or drive

Repairs/costs cited: Codes cleared by dealer without diagnostics in one case. Parts status unknown; vehicle unavailable for immediate repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletin referenced but not provided; manufacturer contacted; cases opened

Complete Electrical Shutdown

Vehicle experiences sudden complete power loss, losing all electrical functions simultaneously. Doors will not lock or unlock, screens remain off, vehicle will not start. Hazard lights inoperative.

When: Reported December 2025 onward; one incident post-software update

Symptoms owners cite: All screens remain off; Vehicle will not start; Door locks inoperative; Door unlock inoperative; Hazard lights will not work; Complete loss of vehicle control while in motion; Loss of brake assist when power lost

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported loose wire found and fixed; check engine light appeared one mile after repair. Another owner reports vehicle deemed unsafe to drive by dealership pending telematics module replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed safety concern; telematics module identified as drain source

High-Voltage System Failures (EV Models)

2025 Equinox EV models display high-voltage system service warnings and lithium-ion battery alerts. MyChevrolet app continuously shows 'Lithium-Ion Battery – Schedule Service Now' alert. Dealership declined to act on app alerts.

When: Beginning November 2025; one case at approximately 6,065 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Service High Voltage System warning message; Lithium-ion battery service alert in myChevrolet app; Potential loss or limitation of driving capability; Potential loss or limitation of charging capability; Risk of being stranded

Repairs/costs cited: AC receiver ordered but incorrect part supplied; correct part on backorder. Vehicle not yet repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed unknown diagnostic test; manufacturer case opened

Phantom Braking and False Collision Warnings

Vehicle automatically applies brakes when backing at low speed without any obstructions present. Rear traffic alert and automatic emergency braking activate without cause. Backup camera detects objects that are not there. Red collision warning lights illuminate without threat.

When: Reported throughout 2025 model year

Symptoms owners cite: Automatic emergency braking activation without obstruction; Abrupt vehicle stopping without warning; Rear traffic alert activation at low speeds; False collision warning lights; Backup camera malfunction detecting phantom objects; Forward collision warning activation without threat; Brake assist reduced warning

Repairs/costs cited: Oil change visit found 'nothing wrong'; one owner injured back due to force of unexpected stop. Backup camera issues persisted across multiple service visits.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented manufacturer response

Power Surge and Electrical Instability

Vehicle experiences sudden power surges detected during operation. Complete drive mode unavailability message persists daily after telematics module replacement. System instability with multiple warning signals and erroneous readings.

When: October 2025 to January 2026

Symptoms owners cite: Power surge detection; Drive mode unavailable warning (daily occurrence); Erroneous date/time display; ABS warning; Check engine light; Multiple simultaneous warning messages; System diagnostic shows no issues despite symptoms

Repairs/costs cited: Telematics control module replaced but drive mode unavailable message persists beginning the next day after replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Telemetric control module (alternative spelling of telematics) replaced; persistent message indicates unresolved systemic issue

Turn Signal Stalk Malfunction – Left Side

Left turn signal lever requires multiple pushes to engage and frequently disengages before turn completion. Right turn signal operates normally. Occurs consistently eight out of ten times.

When: Started around 1,700 miles; reported with approximately 2,500 miles on vehicle

Symptoms owners cite: Left turn signal stalk requires repeated pushes to engage; Turn signal disengages before turn completion; Signal not flashing during active left turns; Inconsistent engagement (8 of 10 occurrences)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership test drove vehicle and new lot vehicle both exhibited same behavior; advised pushing more firmly, which did not resolve issue.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership supervisor indicated issue is design norm for all vehicles; no repair performed

Software and Connectivity Issues Post-Update

Vehicle systems malfunction following over-the-air software updates. Multiple owners report issues with onboard apps, WiFi connectivity, phone projection, and screen functionality occurring after updates.

When: Reported after GM N25-F172AE and other updates in 2025

Symptoms owners cite: No access to WiFi or onboard apps; Maps app inoperative; Music app inoperative; Radio malfunction; Settings inaccessible; Apple CarPlay failure; Volume control unresponsive; Display blackouts following updates

Repairs/costs cited: Software updates attempted to resolve display blackouts without success. Dealers unable to reproduce intermittent issues.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update GM N25-F172AE released but did not permanently resolve issues

HVAC System Actuator Failure

HVAC system malfunction linked to faulty actuator requiring complete dash disassembly for repair. Owner reports widespread issue among 2025 Equinox owners based on forum research. Concern over invasive repair and post-repair reliability.

When: Reported on low-mileage new vehicles

Symptoms owners cite: HVAC system malfunction; Clicking or noise from HVAC; Inadequate heating or cooling; Reduced cabin visibility in cold conditions

Repairs/costs cited: Technician and GM engineering support confirmed faulty actuator diagnosis. Entire dash removal required for replacement. Vehicle has been at dealership over one month.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin issued despite reported widespread occurrence

Liftgate Unintended Closure

Power liftgate crashes down without warning while owner was using remote to open it. Caused head injury with concussion and ongoing symptoms. Vehicle available for inspection.

When: May 8, 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate crashes down without warning; No safety force limiting mechanism; Sudden closure during use

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle available for inspection; only GM inspector has examined it so far. Dealership unable to perform repairs pending GM directive due to filed complaint.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM inspection performed; dealership directed not to repair pending investigation

Instrument Display Shutdown While Driving

Instrument panel or digital dashboard goes completely black during vehicle operation, causing loss of critical driving information. Occurs without warning and resolves after seconds to minutes.

When: Reported throughout 2025 model year at various mileages

Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel/dashboard goes completely black; Loss of speedometer display; Loss of critical driving information visibility; Automatic recovery after several seconds

Repairs/costs cited: Not formally diagnosed or repaired; reported as separate incidents at dealership visits.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response

Radio and Speaker Malfunction

Infotainment radio system goes blank and speakers stop working. System reboots during driving. Volume and audio controls become unresponsive until system fully restarts.

When: Reported throughout 2025 model year

Symptoms owners cite: Radio display goes blank; Speakers stop functioning; Volume control unresponsive; System requires restart to restore audio; Auto volume adjustment failure

Repairs/costs cited: Software update performed to prevent recurrence but issue persists.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update attempted without permanent resolution

Wiper System Malfunction in Wet Conditions

Front wipers fail to operate at full speed on low or high settings during rain and snow, instead behaving as if set to intermittent mode. Intermittent setting functions properly. Issue resolves spontaneously.

When: Reported twice in falling snow conditions

Symptoms owners cite: Wipers do not operate at constant speed on low setting; Wipers do not operate at constant speed on high setting; Wipers behave as intermittent despite low/high selection; Intermittent setting works properly

Repairs/costs cited: Problem resolved spontaneously without restart or repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

PCV Valve Wiring Harness Electrical Short

Wiring harness on PCV valve causes check engine light to illuminate when exposed to moisture. Dealer attempted multiple repairs without success. Parts on national backorder. Dealer confirms known issue with model year.

When: Occurs when vehicle is exposed to rain or wet conditions

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light activation during rain or wet conditions; Intermittent issue dependent on moisture exposure

Codes mentioned: Check engine (P-codes not specified)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted multiple fixes; parts on national backorder and unavailable. Dealer acknowledges this is a known issue with 2025 Equinox.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB issued; known issue per dealership

Turn Signal Stalk Bounce-Back and Malfunction – Right Side

Right turn signal occasionally bounces back after completing turn and engages left turn signal instead. Signal appears to toggle between right and left spuriously.

When: Multiple occurrences since September 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal stalk bounces back excessively; Left signal engaged when right signal intended; Signal cycling multiple times after single input; Signal not staying fully clicked in

Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Dashboard Electrical Fire/Smoke Hazard

Burning odor develops followed by visible smoke entering passenger cabin from dashboard and HUD area while driving. Vehicle pulled over and towed due to fire safety concern. Dealer unable to replicate issue despite dashboard disassembly.

When: Single incident reported

Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor from dashboard/HUD area; Visible smoke entering cabin; Electrical fire hazard

Repairs/costs cited: Dashboard disassembly required to investigate; issue not replicated during service.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Display Control Unit Failure

Center screen becomes completely inoperational and goes black, preventing access to critical vehicle functions. Diagnosed as bad display control unit on backorder.

When: Reported on newer vehicles

Symptoms owners cite: Center screen completely black and inoperational; Cannot access headlight controls; Cannot access rear backup camera display

Repairs/costs cited: Display control unit diagnosed as defective; part on backorder.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Vehicle Start Failure

Vehicle fails to start as needed despite functioning battery and electrical system. Cause not determined during service; vehicle towed to dealership.

When: Reported at 2,600 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; cause not determined; not yet repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure

Date and Time Display Errors

Time and date display on dashboard will not maintain correct settings, frequently reverting to incorrect values. Persists despite multiple adjustments.

When: Ongoing throughout ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Date display incorrect; Time display incorrect; Settings will not remain set

Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; cause unknown.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Heating System Inadequate Performance

Vehicle heating system operates intermittently or requires excessive time to produce heat. Reduces cabin visibility in cold conditions and creates potential safety concern.

When: Cold weather operation

Symptoms owners cite: Heating system operates intermittently; Excessive delay before heat production; Reduced cabin visibility in cold conditions

Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Sunroof Obstruction Code and Closure Failure

Sunroof throws obstruction code and will not close despite no obstructions present. Chevrolet unable to fix. Owner sent home without diagnosis.

When: Reported on 2025 model

Symptoms owners cite: Obstruction code displays; Sunroof will not close

Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealership unable to resolve.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership promised contact but owner not followed up; no diagnosis provided

Backup Camera Display Intermittent Failure

Vehicle display screen intermittently goes black, rendering rearview camera inoperative. Loss of rear visibility during reversing creates safety hazard.

When: Intermittent occurrences throughout 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Display screen goes black intermittently; Rearview camera inoperative when display is black; Loss of rear visibility during backup

Repairs/costs cited: Reported to dealership; no repair status documented.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Engine Idle Noise – Loud Roaring Sound

Vehicle produces loud roaring sound while driving with no associated diagnostic codes appearing. Sound occurs frequently but cause unknown. No diagnostic procedure has identified root cause.

When: Frequent occurrences; reported throughout ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Loud roaring sound during operation; Sound occurs frequently and unpredictably; No diagnostic codes generated

Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; no codes available for troubleshooting.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

One-Pedal Driving System Deactivation

One-pedal driving system deactivates without warning while on highway, requiring driver to use traditional braking. Deactivation has occurred multiple times per month and nearly caused collision.

When: Multiple occurrences monthly on EV model

Symptoms owners cite: One-pedal driving system deactivates unexpectedly; Loss of single-pedal deceleration capability; Requires transition to friction brakes without warning

Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; manufacturer refuses to fix per owner.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and Chevrolet tell owner they will call back but do not follow up

Navigation System Location Errors

Navigation system displays incorrect vehicle location, sending driver down wrong streets against traffic. One-pedal driving system deactivation occurs during navigation use. Issues persist despite multiple contact attempts with manufacturer.

When: Ongoing throughout ownership; repeated monthly incidents

Symptoms owners cite: Navigation displays wrong location; Navigation sends driver down one-way street against traffic; Location error never resolved; Coordinates with one-pedal system deactivation

Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; manufacturer states they will call back but does not follow up.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM/Chevrolet promises to resolve but no action taken

Steering Wheel Control Button Malfunction

Steering wheel-mounted controls intermittently fail to function. Voice command and control input not responsive.

When: Reported throughout 2025 model year

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel controls unresponsive; Voice command failure; Intermittent control responsiveness

Repairs/costs cited: Telematics module replacement performed but controls remain unreliable.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Module replaced; issue persists

Doors Locking/Unlocking Without Driver Input

Doors automatically lock and unlock without driver action. Occurs after software update. Keys became locked inside vehicle as a result.

When: After software update on 2025 model

Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock without driver input; Doors unlock without driver input; Keys locked in vehicle; Uncontrolled door locking/unlocking

Repairs/costs cited: Occurred after software update; telematics module identified as drain source.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case opened; telematics module replacement planned

Vehicle Randomly Shuts Off and Phantom Electrical Resets

Vehicle randomly and unexpectedly shuts down or loses power momentarily. Cruise control remains active during blackouts in at least one case. Vehicle restarts without driver action. Unknown if safety systems fail during shutdowns.

When: Reported throughout 2025 model year

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle randomly shuts off or loses all power; Cruise control remains active during shutdown; Vehicle reboots without driver input; Display screens go dark during shutdown; Unknown impact on advanced safety features

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had vehicle for a week at dealership without update.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response

Electronic Parking Brake Engagement While Braking

Emergency/parking brake automatically engages when driver applies service brake pedal. Occurs without warning or driver input.

When: Reported throughout 2025 model year

Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake/parking brake engages during normal braking; No warning before engagement; Unexpected engagement during driving

Repairs/costs cited: Owner adjusted gap settings but believes should not occur.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Odometer Display Error or Fraud – Mileage Rollover

Odometer displays incorrect mileage. Vehicle purchased at 66 miles but odometer rolled to 1,000 miles before reaching actual 100 miles. Multiple dealership inspections confirmed vehicle had been driven over 1,000 miles despite sales odometer reading.

When: At time of purchase and early ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Odometer displays incorrect mileage; Mileage rollover to 1,000 from 66-100 range; Oil life indicates vehicle driven over 1,000 miles despite low odometer reading

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was dealer demo; multiple dealers confirmed mileage discrepancy via oil life inspection.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Headlight Control Loss and Steering Wheel Light Shutdown

Vehicle loses power to headlights and steering wheel control lights suddenly while driving. Steering wheel lights flash and shut off, will not turn back on.

When: Single incident during highway driving

Symptoms owners cite: Loss of headlight power while driving; Steering wheel control lights flash and shut off; Steering wheel lights will not respond to inputs

Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented

Cruise Control Malfunction and Lane Departure Warning Failure

Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and blind zone steering assist fail to function. Cruise control behavior questionable during electrical events.

When: Reported post-software update in December 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Lane keep assist not functioning; Lane departure warning not functioning; Blind zone steering assist not functioning; Multiple safety systems offline simultaneously

Repairs/costs cited: Telematics module identified as draining battery and disabling systems.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Telematics module replacement on backorder

Forward Collision System Unavailable

Forward collision/pre-collision system becomes unavailable. Warning message appears and system does not engage.

When: Reported December 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision system unavailable warning; Pre-collision system offline; Reduced vehicle safety capability

Repairs/costs cited: Associated with telematics module failure and battery drain.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Telematics module diagnosed as root cause; replacement pending

Rear Seat Occupancy Alert False Activation

Vehicle displays rear-seat occupancy alert despite no passengers in rear seat. False warning indicates system malfunction.

When: December 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Rear seat occupancy alert displays; Alert activates with no rear passengers present; False positive sensor reading

Repairs/costs cited: Associated with electrical system malfunction and telematics module failure.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case opened; telematics module replacement planned

Safety Restraint System Warning – Diagnostics Unavailable

Service Safety Restraint System warning appears but dealer unable to diagnose issue. Warning persists after telematics module replacement.

When: December 2025

Symptoms owners cite: Service Safety Restraint System warning displayed; Seatbelt/airbag system suspected malfunction; Unable to determine root cause

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to perform full safety restraint diagnostics due to associated electrical issues.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case opened; telematics module replacement did not resolve warning

Synthesized from 58 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 6 most recent

electrical · filed 12/29/2025

The vehicle became completely disabled due to a sudden battery drain at approximately 5482 miles. I purchased the car with 2553 on it in May. The vehicle would not start a few times and had to be towed to the dealership on Friday Dec. 26, 2025. The dealer confirmed that the OnStar/telematics module is malfunctioning and continuously draining the battery. The defective module is on backorder with…

electrical · filed 12/29/2024

Both the speedometer/digital information center and radio went black while driving. I had no access to either of these for about 5-7 seconds. I had cruise control set at the time, and it did not affect my speed. I heard a “click” after everything went black and after restarting, it was normal. My red indicator above the steering wheel flashed a couple times and the radio came on first, then the…

electrical · filed 12/23/2025

I bought this vehicle brand new on January 18th 2025 and it has been into the dealership 3 times now for a backup camera malfunction. My rear traffic alert or any of my other safety features when backing up are not working. On several occasions the entire instrument display including my speedometer and everything has completely blacked out.

electrical · filed 12/22/2025

My Equinox EV telematics module does not work. Prevents the use of navigation features and Onstar navigation features.

electrical · filed 12/18/2025

- The telematics module is bad, resulting in vehicle having no connectivity (GPS, entertaintment system, updates) - The car has no other means of hands-free operation for navigation software (no CarPlay or similar phone projection technology) - GM is unable or unwilling to supply the parts for warranty repair. - It is illegal to use the phone while operating vehicle in my state (Florida)

electrical · filed 12/09/2024

Infotainment and Main Driver Information Center blank. While driving on highway Infotainments screen went blank followed by the Main Driver Information Center. Problem only lasted for 2 seconds before screens reappeared.

Had electrical trouble with your 2025 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 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 58 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?

Based on the 58 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 9,416 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

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/2025/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.
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