2025 Chevy Equinox Problems Research Guide

Our research found that the most common issues for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox include telematics module failures, transmission problems, and dashboard and infotainment malfunctions.

Updated on February 5th, 2026 Author: Sergei Lemberg

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is positioned as a compact SUV designed for everyday driving with modern technology and style. While it targets families and commuters who value comfort and connectivity, numerous consumers have reported a range of problems affecting vehicle safety and reliability. This article investigates the most frequent issues using data from NHTSA, consumer forums, and our firm’s internal data. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of these issues and recommend steps for potential lemon law situations.

Click on another model years to view more problems: 2021   2022   2023   2024   2026

Most Common Problems

Multiple data sources  reveal several recurring problems with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. Owners report issues impacting drivability, safety features, and the user experience. Below is a summary of the top five complaints:

• Telematics Control Module Failure: Repeated failures cause loss of OnStar services, GPS inaccuracies, and battery drain.
• Infotainment and Instrument Cluster Failures: Sudden blackouts of the digital dashboard and radio screen have been reported, causing serious safety risks by removing access to speed and critical alerts.
• Transmission Malfunctions: Problems shifting gears, transmission slipping, and failure to engage certain gears compromise vehicle control and acceleration.
• Windshield Distortion and Cracking: Owners have noted severe visual distortions and cracks in multiple windshield replacements, impacting driver visibility.
• Unexpected Vehicle Acceleration and Braking: Reports of unintentional acceleration, sudden braking, and safety system malfunctions raise serious concerns about the vehicle’s automatic controls.

2025 Chevy Equinox Complaint Summary

Top Problem #1: Telematics Control Module Failure

The telematics control module (TCM) is essential for many vehicle functions including OnStar connectivity, GPS navigation, emergency crash response, and over-the-air updates. Multiple complaints reveal widespread failures of this component in 2025 Equinox models. Owner reports show that the module intermittently or completely ceases operation, causing:

• Loss of OnStar services including automatic crash response and emergency calls
• Inaccurate GPS positioning, with location errors ranging from miles to tens of miles
• Inability to access remote vehicle functions such as unlocking or remote start via mobile apps
• Continuous battery drain leading to unexpected vehicle shutdowns

Dealerships confirm replacement parts are on national backorder, leaving many vehicles unusable for extended periods. GM has yet to issue a recall or service bulletin addressing this severe defect.

One owner wrote this about the issue:

“The OnStar module installed originally from [the] manufacturer was faulty, causing electrical issues. This ended up draining the battery unexpectedly. No warning that the battery was low. Only had .03 volts left when tested at [the] dealership. The OnStar button was experiencing issues such as blinking and loss of connection. Onstar Support was no help, and the car manufacturer ignored issues [such] as my phone’s software problem, until [the] new battery was drained and issues persisted while driving. Ultimately this left the OnStar not working for weeks leading up to the drained battery which was unsafe in case of accident as well.”

Top Problem #2: Infotainment and Instrument Cluster Failures

The most frequently occurring defect involves the infotainment screen and the main instrument panel going dark suddenly, sometimes for several seconds while driving. This blackout disables critical driver information including speed, warning lights, and navigation. Consumers have noted the following symptoms:

• Dashboard and radio screens blank out simultaneously
• Red collision warning lights flashing without obstructions
• System rebooting while vehicle remains operational
• Intermittent loss of speedometer and other essential readouts

Take a look at what one owner stated:

“[I] was driving down the road when a sudden loss of power to the infotainment system plus dashboard resulting in all black and being unable to see your speed/turn signals. The steering wheel lights suddenly flashed then shut off and won’t turn back on.”

Top Problem #3: Transmission Malfunctions

Several reports highlight transmission problems, including difficulty shifting gears, random shifts into neutral, and failure to engage top gears at highway speeds. These defects impact driving safety and fuel efficiency. Symptoms frequently described include:

• Shifter lock messages such as “Conditions not correct for shift”
• Hard-to-shift gear selector requiring excessive effort
• Intermittent vehicle stalling or sudden loss of power
• Failure to shift into 8th gear, limiting highway speed capabilities
• Abnormal clunking noises during shifting or reversing

Here’s what one consumer experienced, “…upon attempting to park their vehicle, or attempting to shift into reverse, neutral, or into drive, the shifter becomes extremely difficult to put into gear, and a message will display on the instrument panel that stated “Conditions not correct for shift”, and all of the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the valve body would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure persisted.”

What Should You Do If Your 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Is a Lemon?

A lemon vehicle is one that repeatedly fails to meet quality and safety standards despite multiple repair attempts. Under state lemon laws, owners experiencing substantial defects can seek replacement or refund.

If your Equinox has ongoing problems such as those described, it is critical to:

• Document all issues in detail, including dates, symptoms, and repair attempts
• Keep records of dealer visits, service orders, and correspondence with Chevrolet or dealerships
• File complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other consumer agencies
• Understand your legal options under lemon law protections and consumer rights statutes

Don’t wait—lemon law claims have strict deadlines. Repeated unresolved issues with your Equinox may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement. Contact Lemberg Law today for a free consultation and explore your legal options. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win, making legal help risk-free for consumers facing defective vehicles.

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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