This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to the liftgate glass breaking unexpectedly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Chevrolet Equinox visibility problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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 bulletin provides information on Wiper Blade Maintenance Tips.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on Wiper Blade Maintenance Tips.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct customer concerns of Air Conditioning (A/C) Not Working and/or Blows Warm Air.
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 has two distinct visibility defects owners are complaining about. First, the windshield itself has optical problems—distortion, waviness, and blurriness, particularly on the passenger side. Some owners report S-shaped cracks appearing in the glass. Multiple dealers have confirmed these defects; when owners get replacement windshields, the new ones exhibit the same distortion. Owners describe the windshield defects as causing nausea and dizziness while driving.
Second, the windshield angle and glossy black dashboard create severe glare reflection that blocks visibility in sunny conditions. Owners report 30-50% visibility loss when driving toward the sun and extreme difficulty seeing into dark areas like parking garages. The chrome trim on the center console adds to the problem. GM issued a free dash mat as a fix, but owners say it didn't work and even made things worse. Dealerships have told owners this is a design defect that can't be corrected. The 2026 model year features a new dashboard that addresses the glare issue. One owner also reported a sunroof panel that fractured spontaneously at 13,500 miles without any impact.
Failure modes owners describe
Windshield distortion and optical defects
Owners report distortion, waviness, blurriness, and warping in the windshield glass itself, particularly on the passenger side. Multiple owners describe S-shaped cracks and note that replacement windshields from the dealer exhibit the same defects. Dealers and GM have acknowledged the distortion as present across multiple vehicles.
When: Present from purchase or early ownership; crack reported at 21,000 miles; one failure at 13,500 miles related to sunroof
Symptoms owners cite: Blurriness and distortion on passenger side windshield; Wavy appearance in windshield glass; S-shaped cracks in windshield; Visual distortion causing nausea and dizziness; Objects appear distorted through windshield
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement performed by dealers; replacement windshields exhibit same defects. One owner reported windshield on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged distortion in windshield defect through dealer confirmation. Dealers advised no fix available until GM issues guidance. No formal recall or TSB cited for windshield defect itself.
Dashboard and interior trim glare reflection on windshield
Intense glare and reflection from the glossy black dashboard and chrome interior trim reflecting off the windshield at severe angles. The windshield angle design creates a mirror effect that blocks visibility in sunny conditions and at night. Problem occurs in daylight, night driving, and entering dark areas like parking garages. Owners report the defect is widely discussed on Equinox EV forums and is attributed to an engineering design flaw.
When: Occurs during sunny daylight conditions, partly sunny conditions, night driving, and when entering dark areas
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme glare from black dashboard reflecting on windshield; Glare from chrome trim on middle console; Windshield acts as mirror in sunny conditions blocking vision 30-50% of the time; Unsafe visibility when heading toward sun; Poor visibility entering parking garages and car washes; Glare creates blinding effect and vision impairment; Reflection visible at night inside the vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: GM issued a free dash mat as interim fix. Owners report the dash cover did not resolve the issue; one owner stated it made the problem more annoying and distracting. No permanent repair available through dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offered free dash mat as 'safety fix' but parts reported on backorder. 2026 model year features new dashboard design that addresses the problem. Dealers stated this is a design defect that cannot be fixed. One owner requested vehicle buyback due to unresolved safety issue.
Sunroof panel fracture without impact
Front sunroof panel fractured spontaneously without any impact or collision. Owner reported hearing a loud sound described as a gunshot at the moment of failure.
When: At approximately 13,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front sunroof panel fractured; Loud gunshot-like sound at moment of fracture; Fracture occurred without impact to sunroof
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer; sunroof replacement was required. Repair was in process at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of failure but provided no assistance. Owner was advised to contact NHTSA Hotline.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
You can't see clearly out the windshield while driving during the day or night due to dashboard reflection on the windshield. The defect is highly publicised on the internet and on Equinox EV forums. I was told it is an engineering defect due to the windshield's angle and cannot be fixed. I have asked Chevrolet to do a buyback because, even with the TSB fix for the dash cover, it doesn't fully…
Had visibility 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 visibility problem on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 17,250 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 $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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.