This engineering information (EI) closure ends the need for requesting further information from technicians in regard to the Service AWD Lamp illuminated on Driver Information Center (DIC) and to refer to SI for further diagnosis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain problems
moderate 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 powertrain 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates diagnostic aids for a surge or fishbite concern
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a transmission fluid leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regard to the Service AWD Lamp illuminated on Driver Information Center (DIC).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a pattern of powertrain failures across multiple systems. The telematics/OnStar module is a frequent culprit: it dies early in ownership, drains the battery dry (requiring jumps every 8 hours), and knocks out WiFi, navigation, lane assist, cruise control, power steering, and transmission warnings all at once. When the module fails, dealers order replacements that don't arrive—vehicles sit at dealerships for two months or more with no repair timeline.
Transmission troubles plague owners from 870 miles onward. Shifting becomes impossible or sticks in Park until restart; the car unexpectedly lurches from Drive to Park or Neutral while sitting in traffic. One valve body was replaced, then failed again. Transmission fluid leaks at 8,000 miles, and metal shavings turned up in the rear differential oil at 1,600 miles—that rear end assembly went on backorder in January with no fix in sight. A few owners report the transmission won't shift to eighth gear on the highway, and one reports a fluid pump that was replaced and broke down 30 seconds later.
Engine stalling during critical moments—merging onto interstates, accelerating at traffic lights—happens every drive for some owners. Brakes activate randomly on clear highways and nearly cause rear-end crashes. One pregnant driver lost all power and propulsion on Florida's Turnpike with zero warning. The all-wheel drive switches itself to two-wheel drive unexpectedly. A few owners see infotainment blackouts, fuel gauge swings, and one found the vehicle locked in Park and immovable when the engine shut down.
Same Chevrolet Equinox powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
OnStar/Telematics Module Failure
OnStar or telematics module malfunction causing complete electrical system cascade failures, battery drain, and loss of multiple vehicle control systems. Module failures documented as requiring replacement with extended backorder delays.
When: Early ownership, as early as a few weeks to first service interval; one report at 35k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains repeatedly, dead battery requiring jump starts every 8 hours or less; WiFi and navigation quit working; Multiple warning lights and messages illuminating simultaneously; Lane Change Alert System Off; Service Parking Brake; Adaptive Cruise Control Temp Unavailable; Service Power Steering; Service Electronic Stability Control; Service Transmission; Cruise control and lane assist disabled; App and key fob function loss; Inability to access vehicle with key fob
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes reported; one owner cited 3 pages of codes
Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement required but parts are on backorder with no estimated arrival date. Vehicles have remained at dealer for 2+ months awaiting parts. GM reimbursed rental costs up to $45/day for some owners. Loaner vehicles provided when available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated willingness to reimburse rental costs; General Motors engineers or TAC may review some vehicles; email sent confirming part unavailability
High-Voltage Battery/Propulsion System Complete Loss of Power
Complete sudden loss of propulsion and power while driving at highway speeds with no prior warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Vehicle shuts down without warning on active roadway.
When: Random occurrence during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete vehicle shutdown while driving on highway; No warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to shutdown; Complete loss of power and propulsion; Vehicle unable to restart immediately
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealership for inspection; shutdown event documented but not yet reproduced by dealer
Transmission Shifting and Control Failures
Transmission exhibits multiple control failures including inability to shift into gear, unexpected gear shifts (D to P), shifts to neutral without driver input, delayed or missing shifts to higher gears, transmission hesitation during initial gears, and transmission fluid leakage. Valve body replacements have not resolved recurring failures.
When: As early as 870 miles; recurring at 22,065 miles; range from 999 miles to 35k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult or impossible to shift into gear; Unexpected shift from Drive to Park while stopped in intersection; Spontaneous shift to Neutral during driving; Message 'Conditions not correct for shift'; Transmission stuck in Park, unable to shift out until restart; Transmission hesitation during initial gears; Abnormal clunking sound during reverse; Transmission fluid leaking from bottom of vehicle; Transmission won't shift to 8th gear at highway speeds; Check Engine light illuminated during incidents
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement performed but failure persisted and recurred. Transmission fluid leaks require drainage and inspection. Metal shavings found in rear differential oil requiring rear end assembly replacement, parts unavailable. One owner reports transmission will be replaced after fluid pump replacement failed (new transmission on backorder). Vehicles remain at dealers for months pending parts availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of recurring valve body failures after first replacement; part sourcing remains unresolved
Rear Differential Assembly Failure
Rear differential develops metal shavings in oil requiring complete rear end assembly replacement. Part sourcing issues have left vehicle at dealer since January 2025 with no repair timeline.
When: Approximately 1,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal sound while driving at various speeds; Metal shavings present in rear differential oil
Repairs/costs cited: Rear end assembly replacement required; part ordered but not available. Vehicle at dealer since January 10, 2025 awaiting replacement part. Manufacturer recently sent email confirming part unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and email sent confirming part unavailability and ongoing backorder status
Automatic Braking System Malfunctions
Random unintended automatic braking activation and emergency braking without obstruction detected, occurring while driving at various speeds including highway and intersection contexts. System engages despite clear driving conditions and no detected hazards.
When: Multiple random occurrences; documented prior to December 1 multiple times; recurring through ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Random brake system activation on clear highways; Emergency braking with vehicle slamming on brakes; Brake application without any obstruction or hazard detected; Vehicle applies brakes while reversing without obstruction present; Multiple near rear-end collision incidents from sudden braking
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed OnStar module failure as likely root cause; braking issues not yet reproduced by dealer for specific diagnosis
All-Wheel Drive System Failure
All-Wheel Drive system unexpectedly disengages or switches vehicle to two-wheel drive mode during driving, displaying 'Service All-Wheel Drive System' warning and resulting in sudden loss of traction control.
When: Random occurrence during normal freeway driving
Symptoms owners cite: 'Service All-Wheel Drive System' warning displayed; Unexpected switch from AWD to two-wheel drive mode; Sudden loss of traction and vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at dealership for repair; due to unpredictable nature, diagnosis challenging
Engine Stalling and Acceleration Anomalies
Engine stalls during critical driving moments such as merging onto highways or accelerating at traffic lights. After stalling, engine suddenly accelerates wildly. Problem occurs consistently on every drive cycle.
When: Recurring on every drive; also reported at low mileage (approximately 13,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls for a few seconds during acceleration or at traffic signals; Engine suddenly accelerates wildly after stalling; No warning light prior to stalling event; Vehicle displays 'Auto Shut Down' message with 5-minute countdown; Vehicle automatically shifts to Park when stalling occurs
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle refilled (suggesting fuel system issue) and restarted successfully but message persisted; dealer tested 7 miles and found nothing wrong despite owner reporting consistent failure every drive
Transmission Fluid Leakage
Transmission fluid leaks from bottom of vehicle, indicating seal or gasket failure. Leaking fluid loss degrades transmission operation and necessitates transmission replacement.
When: Approximately 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid visible leaking from bottom of vehicle; Vehicle shudders when reversing; Vehicle stalls while reversing
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (intermittently illuminated)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; vehicle not repaired
Infotainment and Display System Malfunctions
Infotainment and instrument panel displays experience intermittent blackouts, black spots, or partial display failures affecting driver visibility of critical information. Issues worsen over time.
When: Beginning August 2025 onwards; recurring through ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent black areas or partial blackout of infotainment screen while driving; Display black spots appearing; Screen failures affecting system reliability and driver information access
Repairs/costs cited: Reported to dealership and GM multiple times with no resolution
Fuel System and Gauge Anomalies
Fuel range display and fuel economy calculations fluctuate abnormally and frequently, including while vehicle is stopped with engine running. Inaccurate fuel consumption data affects driver ability to plan refueling.
When: Beginning August 2025 onwards; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel range fluctuates abnormally and frequently; Fuel economy fluctuates abnormally; Fluctuations occur even while vehicle is stopped; Issues progressively worsen over time
Repairs/costs cited: Issues reported to dealership and GM multiple times with no resolution
Park Shift Interlock Failure
Vehicle remains locked in Park gear when engine is off or not running, preventing manual shifting to Neutral. Vehicle cannot be rolled or moved unless lifted with jacks and wheel dollies, creating roadside safety hazard.
When: Occurs when vehicle is not running
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle locked in Park with no ability to shift to Neutral or Drive when engine not running; Vehicle cannot be rolled or towed without lifting all four wheels
Repairs/costs cited: Design limitation requiring vehicle to be jacked up and set on wheel dollies for movement when disabled on roadway
Transmission Rollback on Incline
Vehicle rolls backward when placed in Drive on inclines even when brake pedal is held down and accelerator depressed. Occurs with or without cruise control engaged. Creates collision risk with vehicles behind.
When: Multiple incidents during normal driving on hills
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on incline despite brake being held; Rollback occurs even when accelerator is depressed; Rollback occurs when cruise control takes back over from driver; Multiple near-collision incidents; Harsh ride quality overall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suspects CVT transmission issue but unable to replicate without extended observation period
Battery Cooling System Failure
High-voltage battery cooling system fails, triggering 'Service High Voltage Battery' warning and loss of cabin climate control (heating and defrosting). Battery cooling and cabin HVAC systems share cooling circuit.
When: Random occurrence during driving
Symptoms owners cite: 'Service High Voltage Battery' message displayed; Message to reduce charging to 68%; No cabin heat; No windshield defrosting capability; Shared cooling system between battery and cabin HVAC
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified shared cooling system between battery and cabin HVAC
Backup Camera Failure
Backup camera malfunctions and requires replacement within first few weeks of ownership.
When: Few weeks after purchase in March 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera not functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Camera replacement performed by dealer
Audio System Humming Noise
Speakers produce loud humming sound while vehicle is being driven, indicating electrical or grounding issue in audio system.
When: Few weeks after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Very loud humming sound from speakers while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Issue confirmed by dealer but specific repair not detailed
Power Window Speed Anomaly
Driver's side window operates significantly slower than other windows on vehicle, indicating motor or regulator malfunction.
When: Early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's side window operates slower than all other windows
Repairs/costs cited: Confirmed by dealer; specific repair not detailed
Front Windshield Visibility Issue
Severe water beading or coating issue on front windshield causes visibility to become non-existent during rain due to windshield angle or treatment, creating safety hazard.
When: Early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Front windshield visibility non-existent when raining; Water beading or coating issue affecting visibility
Repairs/costs cited: Confirmed by dealer; related to windshield angle or treatment
Transmission Vibration and Shuddering
Vehicle vibrates hard at low RPM (1.7 to 2 RPM range) resembling rumble strip vibration, occurring intermittently. Transmission fluid leakage detected and addressed but vibration recurs.
When: Low mileage (4,500 miles); recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Hard vibration like rumble strip but only at 1.7-2 RPM range; Vibration occurs intermittently; Transmission Light illuminated; Vehicle shudders during reversing
Codes mentioned: Transmission Light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid leak repaired by dealer; vibration returned within days; vehicle returned to dealer
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
This complaint is to clarify and supplement a previous report. The issues began in August 2025, not September. Initially, the vehicle presented abnormal fuel range fluctuations, including while stationary, as well as intermittent “Key Missing” warnings while driving and display black spots. These issues were reported to dealerships and GM without resolution. Over time, the condition has…
The vehicle has ongoing and worsening electronic and safety-related issues. The fuel range and fuel economy fluctuate abnormally and frequently, sometimes even while the vehicle is stopped. The infotainment screen has experienced intermittent black areas/partial blackout while driving, affecting system reliability. Recently, the automatic transmission began hesitating during the initial gears,…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 25 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 8,893 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.