My Investigation Into the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Problems and Owner Complaints
Problem analysis of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox found issues including faulty gear shifter design, defective windshields, and unexpected automatic braking activation.
My name is Sergei Lemberg. For more than twenty years, I have represented vehicle owners in lemon law, warranty, and vehicle defect matters. As part of that work, I regularly conduct problem breakdowns and independent research to help keep vehicle owners informed about recurring defects, safety concerns, and manufacturer response patterns.
While I do not have access to every individual vehicle, my firm maintains internal case and intake data. I review that information alongside consumer complaints, recall activity, technical service bulletins, and available manufacturer statements.
The purpose of this analysis is to share what I found in a clear and practical way, so owners can better understand their rights and available options under applicable lemon law and consumer protection statutes.
Most Common Problems with the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
After reviewing multiple data sources including NHTSA complaints, social media feedback, and Lemberg Law’s internal records, I identified several issues that Equinox owners frequently report. Based on the frequency and severity, the top problems are:
Gear Selector Malfunction: The steering column gear shift often requires multiple attempts to engage the intended gear.
Windshield Defects: Many owners report blurry, distorted windshields that cause glare and motion sickness. Replacement windshields often do not resolve the problem.
Unexpected Automatic Braking Activation: Faulty or corroded front sensors cause the emergency braking system to activate unexpectedly, sometimes causing whiplash or near accidents.
Infotainment and Electrical Failures: The vehicle’s screens intermittently shut down, disabling speedometers and other critical functions, often requiring time-consuming resets.
Top Problem #1: Gear Selector Malfunction
I have found that owners frequently struggle with the gear selector design located on the steering column. Several drivers report multiple attempts are needed to shift into Park, Reverse, or Drive. This can create dangerous delays when merging into traffic.
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty engaging the correct gear on the first try
Gear lever unexpectedly bouncing to other gears or Park
Delayed movement causing near accidents
Lack of clear guidance or workaround from dealers or GM
One owner said, “The gear selection is on the steering column and to change from Park to Reverse or Drive takes usually over six attempts to get in the right gear. When you’re entering traffic and you get delayed trying to put the car into the proper gear this becomes a very dangerous safety issue.”
Top Problem #2: Windshield Defects
The other top issue for the 2026 Equinox is about defective windshields. Owners describe persistent blurriness and warping that worsen when driving into the sun. Dealers may replace the windshield, but the issue remains or returns.
Symptoms reported include:
Distorted vision and glare that cause eye strain and dizziness
Multiple windshield replacements with no improvement
Difficulty driving safely in bright sunlight
One driver shared, “After I purchased my vehicle, 2026 Chevy Equinox rs, I noticed severe distortion on the front windshield. I had it replaced once, with the same problem. They were going to put another windshield in but we wanted to see it first, which was worse than the first two. I do not like the feeling of being car sick.”
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Top Problem #3: Unexpected Automatic Braking Activation
I found multiple complaints of the automatic emergency braking system activating without warning. The automatic system can abruptly apply brakes in traffic or at red lights without apparent cause.
Common issues include:
Emergency braking activating at slow speeds for no apparent reason
Warning lights such as “Service Driver Assist System” remaining on
Whiplash injuries caused by sudden stops
Dealers denying coverage citing corrosion caused by dirt or weather
Here’s an account from one owner:
“I was traveling about 45mph and the SUV emergency brake system activated, it scared me and my passengers, the guy behind me was even more scared. I had the front seat passenger immediately deactivate the emergency braking system.”
What Should You Do If Your 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Is a Lemon?
I want you to understand what qualifies as a lemon under state laws. Generally, a lemon vehicle has significant defects that impair its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of attempts to fix the problem without success.
First, I recommend documenting every issue carefully. This includes saving repair orders, service visits, repair estimates, warning light photos, and detailed notes on symptoms and dates.
If your dealership fails to repair your vehicle in a timely and effective manner, you may have legal options to seek a refund, replacement, or cash compensation.
Lemberg Law offers free lemon law consultations to assess your situation and protect your rights. We work on a no out-of-pocket cost basis—meaning you do not pay unless we win your case. Contact us today so we can help you before lemon law deadlines expire.
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."
I have been experiencing gearshift problems with a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and have had a dealer deny any known problems yet I see posted problems with internet searches. The car will not shift directly into the gear as attempting in numerous attempts. When going to a car wash the shift will not let you go from drive to nuetral to engage the conveyer and this is putting strain on the transmission. I have purchased 10 of the Equinox models from 2007-2026 and this major problem is the result of poor design with a gear selection on the steering column
I have been experiencing gearshift problems with a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and have had a dealer deny any known problems yet I see posted problems with internet searches. The car will not shift directly into the gear as attempting in numerous attempts. When going to a car wash the shift will not let you go from drive to nuetral to engage the conveyer and this is putting strain on the transmission. I have purchased 10 of the Equinox models from 2007-2026 and this major problem is the result of poor design with a gear selection on the steering column