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Sudden Power Loss on the Highway: What’s Going On With the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox
Problem analysis of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox found issues including sudden power loss, brake failures, infotainment glitches, fuel pump defects, and premature tire wear.
As a lemon law attorney, it is very common for me to spend hours researching car problems across all corners of the internet, from our internal data and government filings to comments and threads found on social media.
Our internal data showed a large number of 2024 Chevrolet Equinox owners reporting sudden loss of power while driving, and that was corroborated by the NHTSA data. Sudden power loss is among the most serious issues a modern vehicle can have.
As part of our ongoing series on year-specific car problems, I dug in. My name is Sergei Lemberg, and I’m a lemon law attorney with over twenty years of experience representing consumers in vehicle defect cases.
Let’s get started.
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Most Common Problems
After examining multiple data sources, I identified five primary problems affecting the 2024 Equinox. Here they are:
- Sudden Power Loss and Limp Mode: The engine unexpectedly enters limp mode or shuts off, drastically reducing acceleration and putting drivers at risk, especially in traffic.
- Brake System Failures: Instances where the brakes fail to respond properly, including delayed or no stopping power, creating serious safety hazards.
- Infotainment and Electronics Malfunctions: Glitches causing frozen touchscreens, delayed controls, loss of camera functionality, and audio system issues.
- Fuel Pump and Control Module Defects: Frequent fuel pump failures leading to stalls and maintenance delays due to parts shortages.
- Tire Premature Wear and Vibration Issues: Rapid tire wear and unexpected vibrations affecting ride quality and safety.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox Complaint Summary
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Engine | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Power Train | |
| Exterior Lighting |
Top Problem #1: Sudden Power Loss and Limp Mode
My research led me to found sudden power loss as the top issue. Owners describe frightening episodes where the vehicle suddenly loses power without warning. The engine goes into limp mode, limiting speed to around 35 mph and sometimes shutting off completely. Here are the most common patterns with this issue:
- Engine warning lights, including “Engine Power Reduced,” appear after the power loss.
- Occurrences happen during highway speeds and heavy traffic.
- Dealerships often unable to replicate or diagnose the problem despite multiple visits.
- Repeated fuel pump and module replacements, but problems persist.
- Near-accident situations as drivers struggle to control slow-speed vehicle in traffic.
One owner reported: “I was traveling at approximately 55 mph on Highway 74 when the vehicle suddenly decelerated to about 35 mph without warning. We had to engage hazard lights, swerve through traffic. This could have ended badly.” Another stated, “My daughter drove to the store and the car cut off in the middle of the street. It was terrifying.”
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Top Problem #2: Brake System Failures
Next up is brake system failures. The most common symptoms are:
- Brake pedal depresses to floor with little or no slowing effect.
- Unexpected vehicle rollaways and delayed brake response.
- Dashboard warnings such as “Service ESC” and “Service Brake System.”
- Dealers acknowledge electric brake system quirks but provide limited fixes.
- Some drivers experienced crashes due to brake failure without airbag deployment.
A driver shared: “The brakes failed twice on the highway. On one occasion, it felt like the car accelerated when pushing the brake. I crashed and had a concussion.” Another stated, “My wife tried to stop but the vehicle rolled 20 feet before stopping.”
Top Problem #3: Infotainment and Electronics Malfunctions
I found various complaints about the vehicle’s electronics such as:
- Screens freezing, delayed or queued button responses, and garbled audio.
- Bluetooth and Android Auto connectivity issues cause distractions.
- Backup cameras and windshield wiper systems malfunction intermittently.
- Some safety features like headlights and warning systems fail unexpectedly.
- Reflections from the dashboard create visibility problems on sunny days.
An owner explained: “The infotainment system freezes on the highway with loud static, disabling controls. I had to use my phone for navigation, which was unsafe.” Another remarked, “The dashboard glare restricted clear vision of road and associated pedestrians and other vehicles, almost causing crashes.”
Top Problem #4: Fuel Pump and Control Module Defects
This is primarily related to the first issue of stalling and loss of power. Multiple owners reported fuel pump control module failures causing engine shutdowns.
- Replacements often under warranty but part shortages cause delays.
- Recurring check engine lights and limping despite repairs.
- Some owners had close calls in heavy traffic when the fuel pump failed.
One owner said: “My Equinox stalled on the freeway three times. The dealer replaced the fuel pump each time but the problem kept returning.” Another noted, “The fuel pump requires replacement at 18,000 miles, nearly causing a serious accident.”
What Should You Do If Your 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Is a Lemon?
If your Equinox suffers from significant defects that impair its use, value, or safety and these problems persist despite repeated repair attempts, it may qualify as a lemon under your state’s consumer protection laws. I recommend you:
- Document every issue thoroughly, including dates, symptoms, and repair attempts.
- Keep copies of all maintenance and communication records with dealerships and manufacturers.
- File formal complaints with the manufacturer and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Understand your state’s lemon law requirements and deadlines to preserve your rights.
At Lemberg Law, we provide no-cost representation to help consumers like you pursue legal relief. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case. I encourage you to contact Lemberg Law today for a free lemon law consultation before it’s too late to file a claim.
Click 877-795-3666 now to call us.
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About the Author:
Sergei Lemberg is an attorney focusing on consumer law, class actions related to automotive issues, and personal injury litigation. With nearly two decades of experience, his areas of practice include Lemon Law (vehicle defects), Debt Collection Harassment, TCPA (illegal robocalls and texts), Fair Credit Reporting Act, Overtime claims, Personal Injury cases, and Class Actions. He has consistently been recognized as the nation's "most active consumer attorney." In 2020, Mr. Lemberg represented Noah Duguid before the United States Supreme Court in the landmark case Duguid v. Facebook. He is also the author of "Defanging Debt Collectors," a guide that empowers consumers to fight back against debt collectors and prevail, as well as "Lemon Law 101: The Laws That Lemon Dealers Don't Want You to Know."
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