2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Service Brakes Problems
104 complaints about Service Brakes
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Service Brakes Complaints (104)
Driving down a curvey road and my brake pedal was hard without no warning or indication. Almost was hit head on because of this. Looks like the Vacuum Pump Seal failed and I lost all of my engine oil, which caused that to happen.
Vehicle displayed reduced engine power, check engine light, and service brake assist all at the same time. Brake pedal wouldn't move leaving me without brakes. Coasted to stop and shut off car. Brake did not release and now engine won't start. Informed brake vacuum booster pump is problem and ruined motor now.
While going 80mph on the highway at 2:00am on or around 10/6/2023, my power braking system went out without warning. I was able to get it off the road and to a shop where they told me it was the vacuum pump and cam shaft. Repair took a week. 7 months later on 5/31/2024, it went out again, luckily in town going 35mph, and involved the vacuum pump, cam shaft, and this time the oil pump as well. Repair took 5 months due to parts availability. The only time the engine light came on, it was for a sensor unrelated to this issue.
The brake vacuum pump has went out twice with no warning and has caused my breaks to become instantly extremely stiff.
I own a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with a 1.5L engine. While driving with my children in the vehicle, the car experienced a sudden and frightening failure. The engine began malfunctioning, and after inspection, my mechanic and the repair shop confirmed damage to the vacuum pump, broken engine pieces, and issues with the timing chain and camshaft. These issues are identical to those described in an existing recall for this vehicle, but my VIN is not included. The shop even questioned why my mechanic had to replace the vacuum pump, which shows this failure is directly related to the known recall problem. This situation created a very unsafe condition while my kids were in the car. It is unfair and dangerous that my VIN is excluded when the exact same recall defects are present. I am requesting that my vehicle be included in the recall and that NHTSA investigate this defect further, as it poses a serious safety risk for me, my family, and potentially other drivers.
I was exiting the expressway coming up to the back of a semi truck & the brake became hard to push down. Thankfully I was able to stop in time & didn't rear end the truck. It put me & my [XXX] old in danger had I not been able to apply the force needed to push the brake petal down. No dash alerts appeared until at least 10 min after I noticed the issue. I have a mechanic changing the brake booster. The first part we received was faulty & had to be returned. Currently waiting for another brake booster to come in & attempt another repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2018 equinox was running perfectly. Then several warning lights popped up on the dash. I pulled into my daughter's school and didn't have power breaks. Even though brake fluid was full. It wouldn't start back up. A mechanic shop looked at the car and said they thought the timing was off. But couldn't guarantee it. Another mechanic looked at it a few days later and said I needed a new power break pump that the had broken at the camshaft connect. He said the car would need to rebuild the motor or buy a used motor because of the damage. I have heard of several people who have had the same exact issue with the chevy 1.5 turbo motor in many chevy vehicles. There should be a recall as there is never a warning that the vacuum break pump is getting ready to go bad and cause severe engine damage.
The vehicle calls power module has failed
I was driving on the highway and when I exited and tried to stop at a red light the brakes stopped working. No warning, the brake assist engaged so I barely came to a stop in time before hitting the car in front of me. I can barely use the brake pedal and my check engine light came on with it. Its very hard to press the pedal like its got something stuck under the pedal but there was nothing. The brake assist stays on and basically is the only way the car will stop and still doesn't completely stop.
The vacuum pump went out on the car while I was on I-70 in a rain storm construction traffic… I absolutely had no brakes they were so hard to push… I was stuck I almost crashed this crappy designed car… The brake light engine light came on.. I barely made it to the side of the highway… Now my engine is messed up cause of some faulty brake pump… What kinda silly design is this… I could have died out there on that highway.. I was on the way to the airport and I missed my flight… GM needs to get their stuff together on this they’re going to kill somebody….
On or about 2/8-2/13/2025, I was on my way home when suddenly, without warning, I applied my brakes to slow down and the brake pedal was so hard, so stiff that even while I was literally standing on the pedal, I was unable to stop. I nearly rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. I was honking , and honking to get the car to move and thank God without another second to waste, he moved over. I could not stop the car, I had to let off the gas and let it coast to a stop. I called a mechanic friend and he towed my car in. My car is not under warranty any more therefore Alan, my mechanic friend went over my car and determined my Vacuum Brake Booster failed. I did do some research along with the mechanic and found that the Chevy Equinox (several yrs, including mine) had a recall for this same exact problem. I ran my VIN and my car is not included in the recall. The mechanic believes my car should be recalled for the brake system being faulty and he installed the new Vac Brake Booster. Now on 4/12/2025, only 2 months later, the same thing happened, my pedal is hard and I can't stop. The first time I felt like I was going to crash, kill myself or somebody else. The 2nd time I had to exit the roadway where there was only dirt, I ended up nearly flipping my car because the dirt caused me to nearly lose control. Again, I escaped causing a crash but at the risk of my own life by not being able to stop and having to leave the roadway to avoid a collision. I had the same mechanic, along with a family member who is experienced enough to understand what the mechanic showed him. It is the vac brake booster, the same part I just replaced, it failed. Without warnings, without any other factors that can explain what is causing this system to fail. I have not replaced this part again because I believe it is faulty by the GM factory and it will keep happening. I am scared it will continue to cause brake failure and I could potentially cause an accident that could be fatal.
I reported the first incident that happened in Feb 2025 when my brakes failed and nearly crashed due to my Vacuum Brake Booster failing, and I replaced it. Less than 2 months later, 4/28/2025, my breaks failed again, the same thing happened. My break pedal was hard and I was unable to stop my car. This time I had leave the roadway to avoid a collision and nearly lost control of my car. After having the mechanic check it out he told me it is a faulty system that GM/Chevrolet needs to replace or redesign. I have not fixed it because I am not only afraid to drive it anymore for fear of crashing but I don't have the money to just keep replacing a part that is never going to be ok. I am without a car, my job is at risk bc I can't always find a way to work, it has cost me money that if it wasnt faulty I would not have had to shell out the money to repair 2x in 2 months. I need GM to take responsibility before someone is hurt or killed. I need a dependable vehicle like I thought I was getting when I paid cash outright for the vehicle in 2022. The mechanic has also said he thinks it could have damaged my motor. This is a life & death situation that I can't even sale the car without worrying someone else may lose their life. Essentially I was sold a vehicle that is no good, dangerous, and it's due to GMs negligence bc they are aware that the brake booster is faulty and can't be fixed by replacing the faulty part. It is likely to keep causing a brake failure.
The brake booster vacuum pump; available upon request. Yes, the brake assist stopped working while driving on the interstate making it unsafe for my vehicle and others. Problem was confirmed by an inspection at Brakes Plus. The warning light came on after the failure, Service Brake Assist.
Vacuum brake pump broke while driving leaving me unable to stop, luckily I was not in a horrible accident. No indicator lights came on. The part that broke went into my engine and was inspected by a mechanic.
The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while pulling in the driveway the vehicle shut off. Contact mention she was not able to restart the vehicle and when depressing on the brake pedal the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic at contact's residences. where it was diagnosed the brake booster vacuum pump line detached and that the brake booster needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,888
Mileage: 109,888
Vacuum pump for brake system failure
My car alerts shift to park when it is already parked and will not shut off. The battery has to be disconnected to turn the car off. It won't start and the dash displays multiple lights park, check engine lights, tire lights and more
The 2. 1018 Equinox has a brake booster.Vacuum pump on the side of the engine that is a known Failure. The vehicle has very hard brake pedal and barely stops. If left unfixed? The vacuum pump seizes and will blown the engine resulting in full engine replacement. The chevy dealer (local) acknowledges the issue and has stocked the parts shelf at $159. The problem is with multiple makes with the 1.5 l turbo engine. The cost of a new engine is around $5200.
Without warning my brakes just stopped working, had to push all the way to the floor and even then barely stopped. There were no warnings or lights.
I'm writing to request an extension of the recall for the Brake Vacuum Pump issue and seek compensation for repairs on my 2018 Chevy Equinox. In November 2023, while exiting [XXX] in Warwick, RI, my brakes failed despite full pressure. I had to steer into the breakdown lane and eventually stopped in a parking lot. At the time, I was nine months pregnant and extremely shaken. After stopping, the vehicle exhibited erratic behavior and not stopping, entering "limp mode." The car was towed to a local mechanic who initially thought the brakes were at fault. It was later diagnosed at Sullivan Tire that a "catastrophic failure of the Brake Vacuum Pump" caused camshaft damage, leading to repair costs of $3,197.17. The mechanic stated this failure was unprecedented for a vehicle with only 64,271 miles. I discovered that a recall for this issue exists but does not cover the 2018 Equinox. Many owners of this model have reported similar problems. Requests: Recall Extension: Please extend the recall to include the 2018 Equinox and other affected models to prevent further incidents. Compensation: I seek reimbursement of $3,197.17 for repairs. I have documentation and faulty parts available for inspection if needed. I have contacted Chevy and they have not been helpful, and this needs to be filed for a full recall. Attached are the repair invoice, proof of faulty parts, and links to related complaints. I look forward to your prompt resolution to prevent future issues for consumers. I still have the damaged parts for proof failure in my possession. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Was parking and the brake went hard without warning. Using both legs pressing as hard as I could, but the brakes would not work. Had to tow this to a repair shop - No warning light at all. Brought to the shop, they confirmed a faulty vacuum pump that had gone completely bad. Very dangerous!
Vacuum pump failed and broke with no warning signs at all. After replacement now it will not start well and when it does I have lose off power. Lost brakes while driving on a country road and had to have it towed.
Driving towards to an address in Orlando, FL, tried to stop at a red light and the vehicle didn't stop, the car driver in front stop short my vehicle just ran behind the car causing a crash. Three additional cars were involved in the accident. My 2018 Chevy Equinox was purchased from Carmax back in 2021 and a recall of breaks was released in August 2018. I just learn about those safety problems or system failed or malfunctioned. My insurance call me and confirm a total loss for the vehicle. Now I still have to pay for a vehicle that I dont have anymore since the market value is much less than what I owe to Carmax Auto Finance. What should I do? This is a safety problem that affected me financially and emotionally. Please your help! (Recall # 18V576000) Service brake assist Breaks failure
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Service Battery Charger" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the alternator, but the failure persisted. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal felt spongy, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Mileage: 159,000
Brake assist light went on, had the brake pads and rotors replaced, light went off. 6 months later the light came back on but this time the brake pedal was hard. I did not drive it after that. After looking online and seeing dozens of people with the same issue, I took a chance and bought the brake booster and had my friend, who is a certified mechanic, replace the part. The old vacuum pump had frozen up and broken along with the gears, which had fallen into the engine, just like what I was seeing all over the Internet. People are getting hurt and lives are at risk, this should have been recalled!!!!
My son was driving our 2018 Equinox on the interstate when he went to brake while turning to an off-ramp. He discovered he had almost no ability to brake and narrowly avoided an accident. We discovered later that the vacuum pump responsible for the brake assist failed in catastrophic fashion. It not only failed but deposited numerous metal fragments in the crank case.
Driving interstate without difficulty. Made stop at rest area, got out with children, turned vehicle off. Returned to vehicle to leave, cranked vehicle put in reverse but had no brakes. Brakes in down position. Brakes would not return to normal position. Turned vehicle off and Looked under vehicle and noticed oil on the ground. No indicator lights on dash to alert of any issues. Tried to crank vehicle all power came on but motor would not turn over (long crank) Brakes remained in down position. Had vehicle towed home and upon inspection, oil was seen leaking out of the side of motor where brake vacuum pump is housed and noticed a crack in the brake vacuum pump housing. Oil leaking onto ground.
Service brake light comes on. Can hardly push brake pedal down.
The brakes in our 2018 chevy equinox have went out three times in the past month. First time the car was parked fully functioning the night before, woke up the next morning for work and there was no brakes. Replaced the vacuum pump and they worked good as new. Second time we are driving down a busy highway and had been for half an hour. 2 minutes from our destination at the ONLY turn we had to make the whole trip, the brakes all of a sudden went out. This could have easily resulted in a fatal crash. Again, the vacuum pump. Now were to today, the third time our brakes have failed and this time it came with the check engine light and “engine power reduced”. GM NEEDS TO RECALL.
Due to mechanical error with the vacuum brake pump that has had millions of vehicles listed in the recall except for the Equinox, it caused $4,000 worth of damage to my vehicle and almost caused a crash on a highway in close proximity to an ambulance that was actively on an emergency run. I was on a major highway traveling at about 60 MPH. I was able to coast enough to wear I could safely get to the shoulder of the highway, take an exit ramp, and coast up the hill out of the way of the ambulance. I contacted GM and have yet to hear anything further back. This incident could have cause a catastrophic crash and further delayed medical treatment for whomever was needing the ambulance. After some research on the matter, I found that 3.4 million vehicles of GM were recalled after this exact issue had resulted in 113 accidents and 13 injuries. 2014-2018 model year Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon were all listed under the recall, but not the Equinox. After being forced to have the vehicle towed to a dealership, they confirmed that the vacuum brake pump seizing up is what caused the pedal to lock up and send metal into my engine, which has now cost me upwards of $4,000. General Motors failed to include the Equinox in this recalls and still refuses to do so. I fear this will happen, in time, to other owners of a Chevrolet Equinox. I am reaching out to all possible avenues for what my next options are and attempting to prevent this from happening to someone else. GM needs to be held responsible for this matter and issue a recall for the Equinox as well before something catastrophic happens if it hasn't all ready.
Vacuum pump coming apart internally making it virtually impossible to stop the car using the brakes. This was a known issue on other GM Models the vacuum pump failing caused damage to my camshaft and possibly to my engine.
No warnings or lights. Brakes failed taking vehicle out of garage with foster children. All maintenance was kept up. 55,900 miles. Towed to Nissan dealer where purchased. Shop didn't know the cause. Vehicle could not be repaired because the cause was never found. Could it happen again, out of the blue, without warning. Documents available on request only. Dates of incident may be off a bit.
My 2018 equinox is not included in any recalls. However, it has been in for engine repair, even though the vehicle only had 70,000 miles on it at the time. After that, the ABS system was acting up, the automatic door locks and locking mechanism failed and went outs, the brakes have been repaired three times and the suspension is worn down. I only have $86,000 mi on it. I am now getting ready to take it in again for transmission issues. My car is not included in any recalls, but seems to have the issues stated and all the recalls
The service brake assist light came on and the brakes stopped working properly while driving on the highway. The car gave no indication that anything was wrong prior to the brakes going out and the message engine limited to reduced speed. I had to use all the power in my body to slow the car down and once stopped it did not start again. At that point the light came on. Now they are saying the problem is the brake vaccum pump which has a recall for many vehicles including the year just not my particular vehicle. If someone was driving in front of me, I could have possibly had a serious accident.
I have a 2018 Chevy Equinox. Was driving one day when the lights for service brake assist, park brake released, and traction control came on. The brake petal went extremely hard and was almost impossible to stop. Had the vaccum pump replaced. Drove for two-three weeks, same lights, brakes go hard off and on, vaccum pipe with sensor changed, only one week later same issues, another vacuum pump put on and oil changed due to metal from faulty pump in oil. We are now 900 dollars in repairs and no fix. Same issues over and over. GM is well aware of the issue with their faulty pumps and system but refuse to fix the issues and continue to put them in the vehicles which will lead to fatalities.
the vacumm pump grenaded and sent metal chunks into the camshaft knocking the reluctant wheel out of position causing the car to shut down and lose brakes and power steering. There were no prior engine codes or warning. multiple mechanics verified this and it is a known issue. Gm needs to deal with this and should put out a recall. such a new vehicle should not need motor work at 70k miles!!
The vacuum pump that provides brake assist failed without any prior warning. This resulted in an inability to properly stop the vehicle. This could have resulted in serious injury or death, but we were fortunate that the failure occurred at night in an area where there was no traffic or pedestrians. This failure appears to be similar to a previous recall that affected slightly earlier model years of GM cars and trucks. The vacuum pump was replaced and corrected the problem.
Vacuum pump for brake booster failed. Lost braking power. Caused debris to be injected in to engine. Caused camshaft failure. Dealership confirmed, and inspected. Check Engine light and Reduced Engine Power message at time of failure. Slight rear brake pulsation 1/2 hour before. I thought it was just moisture/rust on the rotor as the car had been in the body shop for 2 months following a deer collision.
1. My brakes failed as I was getting off the highway and I flew past my turn. There was no warning light at the time of the failure and there was no prior indication or warning that there was an issue with the brake booster vacuum pump, sensor, and vacuum line. 2. Luckily it was around midnight and no one was on the road and I was able to roll to a stop about 200-300 yards past where I wanted to turn. If the failure had happened during the day it would have resulted in a crash involving myself and possible another vehicle or building. 3. I have read similar stories to my own online and almost all instances I read involved a crash. 3/4. The dealership found the problem and fixed the problem, but very very expensive fix. 5. No Warnings of any kind before or after the the failure. The brakes failed in real time (out of the blue). There was nothing before, during, or after. Didn't even know this was a concern as an Equinox owner.
A message has begun appearing in my 2018 Chevy Equinox LT that states "Parking Brake Released". This message did not previously appear and seems to be a potential issue to fix. After doing some online research, I found 3 technical service bulletins for parking brake issues/messages for the 2018 Equinox on an automotive repair website. However, when I contacted the Chevy dealership and did a VIN search, there were no open recalls or any recalls for my car. I am not clear why other 2018 Equinox models have recall notices but my VIN number is not impacted by those notices, even though it was manufactured during the same year. Please help investigate if my car should be included in those TSBs and dealer repairs. The TSB numbers are: 20NA094, 19NA213, and PI1410B.
I was in an accident when my 2018 Chevy Equinox rear ended a stopped vehicle at a traffic light. There was significant damage to the front of my vehicle 12k plus. The emergency braking system did not activate, nor did the airbags. My wife experienced severe contusions to the chest area.we wonder why the emergency braking system or airbags failed to deploy.
Mileage: 19,712
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and coming to a traffic signal, he depressed the brake pedal and felt extreme resistance. The brake pedal would not depress and the contact stated he observed a warning that stated "brake system fault." The contact ran through the intersection and crashed into a vehicle that was crossing the intersection on the rear passenger side quarter panel. The contact stated that the other vehicle stopped, his vehicle continued through the intersection, and was stopped by the curb on the opposite side of the intersection. The contact stated that the entire front end of his vehicle was damaged, both headlights were fractured and the front bumper had detached. The contact stated that all the front and side air bags had deployed. The contact reported he had sustained minor scratches on his arms and legs and a minor abrasion on his left arm. The contact and the other driver refused medical treatment. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed away from the scene of the crash. The contact's vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to remain running after being started. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that his brother used an ODB scanner and retrieved DTC codes: P0017 (Crank shaft Phaser, Exhaust Camshaft, Valve Cover Gasket), P1556 (Variable-Solenoid), P0011 (Camshaft), PO0014 (Engine), and P2227 (Turbo Charger). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the timing chain, cam shaft, brake booster, and vacuum pump. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that there was no coverage for the repair under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.
Mileage: 182,000
lost brakes had to have a pump booster pipe sensor the pump broke inside of motor i read on the internet this has happened to a few people
Pulling out of a parking lot. Service brake assist light came on. Brake malfunction. My kids and my safety at risk because I could have crashed had I not stopped. Car stalled and unable to restart. Car had to be towed. Mechanic looked at the care and the vacuum pump is broken and affected the timing chain. 2018 chevy Equinox. Many other reports online of this issue with Chevy. Per Chevy there are no recalls on this issue.
The vacuum pump that controls the power brakes broke/went tight, causing the brake pedal to get extremely hard and almost caused us to crash on the interstate. It turns out that this vacuum pump is attached to the camshaft on the 2018 Equinox and it doesn't have a shear pin, so when it goes tight, it destroys the camshaft and timining chain as well. It will cost over $4k to repair. This is a huge safety concern, not to mention the unexcpected costs to the consumer. GM is well aware of this issue, and has issued recalls on the same vacuum pump on different models of Chevrolets/GMCs
Vaccum for the brakes have gone out 3 times in the last 2 years. This is the second time I have almost crashed with my kids in the car!!
Auto stop caused Service Brake Assist warning to pop up on dash. Resolved on its own. A week later, steering assist disabled message pops up while driving and car didn't start after coming to a stop. Service ESC, Traction off, service brake assist messages, all pop up. Car did not restart. Vehicle is currently at Cooley Chevrolet in Irving, TX awaiting results of tests. Obviously, this is a common issue judging from the number of complaints on the Internet about it.
The emergency break was stuck it wouldn’t allow the parking break to release which caused me to not be able to stop. It drove fine for 40 miles then when I turned into a parking lot it wouldn’t stop even with the emergency break released.
I was driving in a major city near Mt house when I went to return rught and apply the brakes my petal went right to the floor and suv wouldn't stop so I firmly mashed brake pedal and got vehicle to stop. Upon hitting out of suv I xhexked brake resuvour abd it still had brake fluid in it. I sat a few moment tovaee ifvit was just hot and after a few minutes unstated suv and xstill had no power brakes. And so I carefully drove the suv back ti Mt house. When I'm trouble shooting it now I suspect the master brake cylebdwrxwent out on the suv. Luckily ivqas able to stop safely and didnt get into an accident. And cause major vehicle damage or guttvirckmkill soneine or even my self. Thecsyv is a 2018cwgixh I fibdxl it strange that a fairly new shouldn't have a master cylender go out that fast. I just wanted to letsomeone know avout thisoproblem before it happens to someneone else which could seriously hurt or kill someone thankbyou
Service brake assist
My own words, That my vehicle didn't stop, the car driver in front stop short my vehicle just ran behind the car. My 2018 Chevy equniox I have purchase last year for it safety reason pay extra now and days, those safety is not there very disappointed with GM What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic Emergency Braking - Together - Forward Collision Warning
Vaccum pump brake failure while coming to a red-light. Lucky to avoid serious injury. Definitely put my children at risk! No warning lights or dash notices until after the incident. Vehicle was inspected two days prior.
I constantly get error messages When the ambient (outside) temperature exceeds 100 degrees. The lane keeping assist, the forward collision sensors, etc. When it gets below freezing, the forward collision sensors, the brake assist and the service indicators go bonkers.
I have never experienced an issue prior to today, no warning lights on, no symptoms. While driving down the highway I had to slow for traffic and my brake pedal would not push down, a terrible noise was heard and it took everything in my body to stop my vehicle. I thought I was going to kill everyone in front of me. Had to swerve to the right to prevent this. I then see the words, “service brake assist”. Then the check engine light came on. In researching I see there is a history of brake issues. I haven’t taken it to a repair shop because it literally just occurred and I can’t stop shaking to take it or tow it
I have a 2018 chevy equinox that I bought brand new back in December of 2018. The vacuum pump failed therefore breaking the camshaft which in turn caused failure to my brakes. I went to stop at a light and my brake pedal was hard and my car skidded to a stop through the light. No warning that anything was wrong nothing. My brakes worked fine up until I went to stop at the next light. Then out of the blue my brake pedal was hard and I had no brakes. I almost got into a severe accident due to the brake failure. Evidently there have been other people this has happened to. Extremely dangerous and unsafe. There have been lawsuits filed against GM for faulty vacuum pump part although they were for the year of 2020. GM needs to take a look at this issue and also install some kind of warning. I get warnings for a tire being a little low you would think they could put a warning in for the brake system!! The warranty is still good on my car do I do not have to pay for the repair. In addition when the camshaft broke it threw pieces of metal into the top part of the engine!!
When I applied brakes, the pedal was hard to push down and the service brake assist light came on.
Vacuum pump, check valve failure led to loss of function while exiting interstate. Less than two weeks later, “service brake assist” notification followed by degraded brake performance in busy city traffic.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact was able to steer the vehicle safely to the side of the road. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
Mileage: 66,000
The car brakes were working fine went to Clarksburg wv and back to pennsboro Wv The brakes acted little hard to push but when I was turning off at pennsboro I didn't think I was going to get slowed down enough to make the turn off 📴. I did get it to the house and the brakes are hard as a rock there is no pedal at all
While driving to Tennessee my brakes went out on the car. The vacuum pump broke into pieces and made braking nearly impossible. Had it repaired and less than a week later the same thing happened coming off the interstate no brakes again on the off ramp. We had to glide to a stop for the brakes to kick in a little past the hard brake pedal. Checked the vacuum pump and again no suction so it’s bad again, not only that it appears that the rear main could be leaking but could be something else all together.
When my cats gets turned on my radio doesn’t turn on so I have to reset it until it turns on meaning I have to press and hold for 20sec to get the volume knob lite but my radio doesn’t work and on top of it the auto stop is tripping when I do auto stop the car turns off and restarts on its own and shows light on dash saying traction control on or off and then it will say brake release and than brake check my steering wheel controls don’t work meaning my auto control isn’t working to set and one day out of nowhere it will all work like nothing happen radio will turn on but I can’t turn volume on or change station and it’s a frozen screen and sometimes it goes all blank black but I can hear music with no screen
The check engine light comes on for a few days and when on the brakes are stiff and hard to push. When this is also going on the brake assist light will come on while driving and not pushing on brakes. It came on while on highway going 65mph
at stop signs, when autostop/start re engages the vehicle jerks and shows several warnings on the dash saying service brake assist, parking break released, forward collision reduced. the steering wheel locks up for under 3 seconds before it releases and can be steered again
The vacuum pump in my 2018 Chevrolet Equinox no longer works. I have a “hard brake” and when I attempt to stop At low speeds there is a grinding sound with my vehicle.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal became very firm and difficult to depress and the braking distances was extended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Mileage: 75,000
While driving brakes suddenly became very hard to press. We could not stop our car. We luckily were in a toll plaza and not moving at high speed. This problem was scary , no warning and my family could have been harmed. We had a mechanic come and fix the problem, but this needs to be fixed.
After auto stop/ start system engages messages on dash appear “ service brake assist”, “service steering assist”, “service parking brake”, “service stibilitrac”, Failure at 55,400 miles Dealership found a loss communication error to the muddles due to low battery voltage. Fix: replaced battery at 55,436 miles Battery has been replaced 3 times in 4 years starting at 18, 500 miles, then at 32,562 miles, now at 55,436 miles due to the same issue with the auto stop start operation. Car is out of warranty as of 58,300 miles or October 2022
Service Brake Assist warning. Same issue as NHTSA campaign number 20V603 and GM recall N202300860 but no active recalls on this VIN.
I own a 2018 Chevy Equinox. The brakes have now failed 3 times. Dealership confirmed each time it was an issue with the brake vacuum pump. The Equinox has not been included in a recall, yet there are clearly safety issues. GM had numerous cars recalled for this exact same reason. There is a serious safety issue here. I am now without a car again because of a third brake vacuum pump failure. I have not been able to get any assistance from GM or my local Chevy dealership. I now am faced with a bill for repair for almost $2000. It is ridiculous to think that such a serious safety issue would exist and the industry will not acknowledge that it goes far beyond the vehicles they have already recalled. I wonder how many more accidents will happen before this is corrected. To be honest, when I do get my vehicle back I’m not sure I will drive it. When you lose your breaks 3 times it’s very difficult to trust. I would like to see this corrected and the Equinox needs to be added. My car has 128,000 miles on it at the time of the third failure. The other two failures were at approximately 60,000 miles and 92,000 miles. Thank you.
When I lift my foot off brake the car Stop/Start feature engage causing lurching jerks forward or roll backwardson hill I fear the roll back on inclines praying vehicles are to close behind and rolling backwards into another vehicle, censors lights take turns coming on each time I lift my foot off the brake pedal. All of the following, service brake assist, service stabilittrak, park brake released, service hill start assist action not working, car locks unlock and relock by themselves. I have had these issues since. These issues have been occurring since around 16,000 miles and keep getting worst everyday. GM claim not to have a fix for these issues. They offered a few thousand to buy back the vehicle claiming drastic depreciation for milage and wear. At that time owed over $25,000 balance for the vehicle. No one stood to benefit but the lemon law attorneys.They did not consider the milage when these issues started and this is my only source of transportation to use which I told the lemon law attorneys. The lemon law attorneys were going to charge their fee from me if GM refused to pay their fees. I told them I felt in my best interest I should wait for GM's recall for this vehicle as I'm sure I wasn't the only consumer that was having these same issues. My problem is my vehicle is becoming dangerous to drive due to the rolling back and, jerking of the steering wheel, engine cutting off, locks unlocking and relocking and unstable steering. These issues were hit and miss now happens every time I drive which is daily. These issues started 2020. Last correspondence with GM they still claim they did not know how to fix these issues. I question why they are making vehicles and are not able to fix these issues. I have given my family a list of these issues because they create a safety hazard and in case I, a passenger or someone in another vehicle is injured or killed due to GM's negligence, lack of concern and greed.
While attempting to apply the brakes to slow down a message appeared on the instrument panel that said Service Brake Assist.. My safety was put at risk by not having proper breaking. The problen was addressed at a gm dealer and I was told there are no recalls for this type of problem for my vehicle.
The power booster brake assist vacuum pump, without any warning, failed while exiting the freeway. My wife couldn't stop the vehicle. Replaced unit for $750.00. Now Fine SCARED the crap out of her. Approximately 84,000 miles. This is a sealed unit. I am a highly skilled machinist and I have made braking components for auto and aircraft and disassembled and reassembled for evaluation to determine cause and to remedy problem. What happened? DEFECTIVE PARTS OR POOR DESIGN. I request all replaced damaged parts so I have the part here. I did my research and have seen this is an ongoing problem with GMC and yet NO recall. HELP!
1. The brake component that failed was the vacuum pump. It has been repaired and is not available for inspection. 2. I lost braking ability(the ability to brake normally) on a major interstate in Georgia while driving 74 mph. By stomping on the brakes with full body weight, I was able to drop back in traffic, eventually find an exit to pull off the road. 3. The service report from the dealership that fixed it stated, "Customer states the vehicle has very limited brakes. You have to apply brake pedal extremely hard to stop.....Customer concern verified. No brake vacuum present." 4. Do not know. 5. Right before the incident occurred a light signaling something about the brakes came on. That was wile the car was moving at 74 mph.
While driving on an interstate I had to brake suddenly and the brakes were extremely difficult to engage. I was able to get to the shoulder and down shift the transmission in order to stop. The vehilces brake booster had failed. There were no warning lights to inform me. Fortunately, I had a repair warranty to fix the brake booster. However, I feel this may be a problem that GM should be made aware of.
While driving the traction and stability lights came on along with the ESC service light. Also my Lane assist stopped working. It stayed on for at Least 30 mins until I turned off the car and restarted. Stopped at the closest garage and they checked the battery and used a scan tool to identify that it had a fault code U0121 Lost Communication with Anti-lock Brake System Module.
Was heading to run some errands and when I parked my car I try to release my seat belt buckle and it was not releasing. So I had a knife and I tried wiggling it so the buckle would release and it did not so I was frustrated and broke the seatbelt for driver as well as my rear seat belt. My transmission has been acting weird since 2019 and it happen every morning when it starts running my car shakes for a little then it would run fine. And for brakes my brakes would hesitate and shake as is braking.
The electronic parking brake unexpectedly and automatically engaged while I was driving. The car would jerk and instantly slow down. It didn't matter if I was on a freeway going 55 mph or on a side street going 20 mph. In the course of 24 hours, it got worse and worse. It was extremely dangerous, because I would slow and / or stop unexpectedly in front of cars behind me. I could disengage it with the button, but in just a matter of minutes it would engage again. Finally, I could not disengage it anymore, and I had to park it on the side of the road and get it towed. This was a car rented from Hertz in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dealership stated that it is an internal failure of the vacuum pump. Have had the Vacuum pump fail 2 times since I got it and now it just occurred for the 3rd time. Had it replaced by a dealership both times before and will be bringing it back there this afternoon. No warning light. Brakes just stop working while driving. They feel very hard and barely stop the car. Have to use the emergency brake to stop the car. First and second time it happened I was going about 45-50 mph, coming up to the red light and had no brakes. No previous issue or warning. This time I was in a parking lot so not that fast but had no brakes all of a sudden again.
I waa getting off the highway on an exit ramp and my brake pedal started vibrating. Then I could not depress the brake pedal, it wouldn't budge. It was as hard as a rock. I then lost my breaks and almost had a major accident. I swerved and ended up on the grass shoulder near the woods. Then the “Service Brake Assist” message came on the dashboard, and the engine light came on. It was the most scariest experience I have encountered and now I no longer want to own this car. I had it towed to Apple Cheverolet in York Pa.
WHILE IN MOTION DRIVING ON RT 73 HEADED NORTH IN A STRAIT DRIVING DIRECTION. BREAK PEDAL WOULD NOT GO DOWN. STUCK IN UP POSITION ENABLING THE VEHICLE TO STOP.
Mileage: 67,000
TL* THE CONTACT WAS SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACTS DAUGHTER WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AT LOW SPEEDS, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGED PROPERLY AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACTS DAUGHTER MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PRIORITY CHEVROLET (1495 S MILITARY HWY, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320 757) 424-1811) WHERE IT WAS PENDING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT GRILL AND BUMPER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE NUMBER WAS PROVIDED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V576000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) WAS MENTIONED AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000. *DT*JB
Mileage: 61,000
WAS DRIVING IN STOP/GO TRAFFIC - ABOUT 35-40 MPH. WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE PAD WOULDN'T MOVE. I PUMPED AND NOTHING HAPPENED. NO LIGHTS/WARNINGS ON THE DASH, AND THE CAR HAD FUNCTIONED FINE PRIOR TO THEN. I HAD TO THROW THE CAR TO NEUTRAL, TRY TO VEER INTO ANOTHER LANE, THEN PULL EMERGENCY BRAKE TO KEEP FROM HITTING ANOTHER CAR. WARNING THEN CAME ACROSS THE DASH SAYING "BRAKE ASSIST SERVICE NEEDED" (OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT). THE CAR IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP- WAS TOLD THAT THE VACUMN PUMP FAILED, THE GEAR INSIDE BROKE APART AND THE PIECES HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO THE ENGINE, SO THEY HAVE TO REPLACE THE PUMP AND GET THE PIECES OUT OF THE ENGINE. NO ABS WARNING PRIOR, NO OTHER ENGINE TROUBLE OR OTHER WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. 86K MILES, 2018 EQUINOX.
Mileage: 86,000
BRAKES FAILED FOLLOWING A VACUUM PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT FASTER SPEEDS ON A BUSY CITY STREET (45MPH). "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" WAS DISPLAYED AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL FELT SOLID AND DID NOT DEPRESS. USING THE NEUTRAL GEAR AND PARKING BRAKE I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL FAILURE IN A DIFFERENT SCENARIO WITH A LESSER DRIVER
Mileage: 62,144
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE 70 MPH SPEED LIMIT, I ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN AND COULD NOT WITHOUT UTILIZING MY EMERGENCY BRAKE. I ENDED UP TAKING MY CAR TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP AND HAD TO GET A NEW VACUUM PUMP AND PRESSURE SENSOR. I IMMEDIATELY LOOKED UP THE ISSUE AND SAW THAT THERE HAD BEEN MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE. I HAD TO PAY IN ORDER TO RECEIVE MY VEHICLE BACK, BUT THIS TYPE OF ISSUE SHOULD NOT RELY ON A CONSUMER. MY VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND I'VE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS INCIDENT, AS I ALSO HAD MY WIFE AND 2 YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 75,000
WHILE DRIVING ON A COUNTY HIGHWAY, THE SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST LIGHT APPEARED. UPON BRAKING, BRAKES WERE EXTREMELY HARD (LIKE PUSHING ON A BRICK) TO STOP. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY GETTING STOPPED, I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. UPON ATTEMPTING TO RESTART, CAR FAILED TO START. TOWED FROM HOLSTEIN IOWA TO MILFORD, IOWA LATE ON A FRIDAY. NEXT MORNING, DEALER IN SPIRIT LAKE IOWA WAS CONTACTED. A 2ND TOW TO THE DEALER HAPPENED ON SATURDAY. DEALER BRIEFLY LOOKED AT IT AND STATED IT WAS A CAMSHAFT ACTUATOR OR SENSOR AND THEY WOULD GET TO IT AFTER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. THE GAVE ME A RENTAL TO GET HOME (5 HRS SOUTH) HOWEVER, I AM STILL PAYING ON A UHAUL TRAILER RENTAL AS THE RENTAL VAN DID NOT HAVE TOWING CAPABILITIES. TOW 1 WAS $250 AND TOW 2 WAS $125. RENTAL IS $50 PER DAY. PARTS/LABOR IS EXPECTED TO BE A LITTLE OVER $2200 PLUS THE VAN RENTAL, PLUS THE UHAUL TRAILER EXTRA DAYS RENTAL, PLUS THE GAS TO GO BACK AND GET THE VEHICLE AND BRING IT HOME WITH THE UHAUL TRAILER. DEALER WAS ADVISED BY ME TO LOOK AT THE VACUUM PUMP ON TUE A.M. TUE P.M. DEALER CALLED BACK. VERIFIED VACUUM PUMP ISSUE AND STATED IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT IT DISINTEGRATED. IT WAS ALSO SITTING ON THE FRONT DUAL OVERHEAD EXHAUST AND THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE CAMSHAFT EXHAUST. BOTH OF THOSE BROKE AWAY AS WELL. NEED TO REPLACE THOSE AND THE TIMING CHAIN WITH AN OIL CHANGE TO ENSURE NO METAL REMAINS IN THE ENGINE. GM/CHEVY SHOULD BE FIXING THIS AT NO COST PLUS PAYING FOR THE TOWING CHARGES, EXTRA RENTALS, AND GAS. NOT HAVING BRAKES IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND PUTTING MY LIFE, MY FAMILY'S LIFE AND THE LIFE OF PEOPLE ON THE ROAD AROUND US IS NOT WHAT I CONSIDER A GOOD PRODUCT. PHOTOS FROM THE DEALER WILL BE ASKED FOR, ESPECIALLY THE VACUUM PUMP. I WILL PROMPTLY FORWARD BILLS AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE.
Mileage: 64,000
10/2019 - WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, COMING INTO A CONSTRUCTION ZONE, I WENT TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN I PUSHED MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, THEY WERE VERY HARD AND WAS UNABLE TO PUSH THEM DOWN. ENDED UP HAVING TO DRIVE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION. VACCUM PUMP FAILED WHICH CAUSED A FAILURE IN MY BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM. IT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. 9/2020 - DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WENT TO SLOW DOWN WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AND I WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN. AGAIN HAD TO DRIVE OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION. THIS TIME WHEN THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED, IT BROKE A GEAR CAUSING METAL PIECES TO BE SUCKED IN THE ENGINE AND NOW MY ENGINE IS NEEDING REPLACED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR BASED ON THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO HAPPEN TWICE IN LESS THAN A YEAR WHILE TRAVELING HIGH SPEEDS AND BEING UNABLE TO STOP. I HAVE 2 YOUNG CHILDREN THAT I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE PUTTING IN THIS VEHICLE
Mileage: 64,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT WAS FIRM CAUSING THE BRAKING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. THE SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. RADLEY CHEVROLET (3670 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408, (540)898-4000) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
Mileage: 54,000
9 MONTHS AGA, COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. DASH SAID SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST. TURNER CHEVROLET IN CROSBY, TX REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP MAKING THE BRAKES WORK. NOW WE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IN BOTH CASES, WE INSTANTLY LOST ALL BRAKING, BUT WERE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN BY LETTING OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND HAD ENOUGH DISTANCE TO SLOW DOWN.
Mileage: 105,000
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING. WHEN I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT AND HIT A CAR ALMOST HEAD ON. AS MY TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED RED I STARTED TO BREAK BUT MY BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME. WHICH FELT LIKE A BRICK. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BRAKES BUT IT WOULD NOT PUMP IT JUST STAYED VERY HARD LIKE A BRICK. I START TO SLIDE WHILE NOT REALLY REDUCING SPEED I TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL A LITTLE BIT TRYING TO AVOID THE ON COMING TRAFFIC WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS WELL CAUSING ME SLIDE RIGHT INTO A CAR. *TR
Mileage: 4,000
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I JUNE 28TH OF 2018. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT INTO THE SHOP AT LEAST THREE TIMES WITH COMPLAINTS OF SQUEAKING FROM BRAKES MIRROR ALERT PROBLEMS TRUNK STICKING AND THE SUSPENSION HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE I FIRST STARTED DRIVING IT I'M NOTICING IT. EVERY TIME I COMPLAIN THEY TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG EXCEPT FOR AT THE BEGINNING OF MY LEASE IT HAD TO BE TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKES SQUEAKING IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT WAS RECOMMEND TO CHANGE MY BRAKE PADS AND IN THE SAME CONVERSATION WAS TOLD THAT MY BRAKES WERE FINE. I SPOKE TO THE MANAGER AT BALISE CHEVY BECAUSE I FELT LIKE THIS VEICHELE WAS A LEMON. I ASKED IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO KEEP TAKING THIS BRAND NEW VEICHELE BECAUSE IT WAS A LEASE SO THEY DID NOTHING. BALISE CHEVY IN WARWICK SHOULD HAVE NOTES OF COMPLAINTS. I ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HURD AUTO MALL IN JOHNSTON. THERE WAS A SLOW LEAK IN ONE OF MY TIRES AND BALISE COULD NOT FIND THE LEAK SO I WAS TOLD IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN THEY WOULD SUBMERGE THE TIRE AND CHECK THAT WAY. THEY SENT ME HOME THE TIRE CONTINUED TO LEAK AIR MY LAST OIL CHANGE WAS DONE AT HURD AUTOMALL IN JOHNSTON WHERE THEY DID AN OIL CHANGE FOUND THE TIRE LEAK NO PROBLEM AND FIXED IT.
Mileage: 800
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND I GOT AN ERROR SAYING ENGINE POWER REDUCED, AND MY ENGINE CUT OUT, AND THEN RIGHT AFTER, I GOT AN ERROR SAYING BRAKE ASSIST ON, AND MY BRAKES FELT LIKE A BRICK WHEN I TRIED TO PUSH THEM. I MADE IT TO THE EMERGENCY LANE ON THE HWY, AND PUSHED MY BRAKES REALLY HARD AND THEN PUT THE PARKING BRAKE ON. AFTER GETTING IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH EQUINOXS WITH MY ENGINE TYPE, WHERE THE VACUUM PUMP GOES OUT, AND THEN THE GEAR RUNNING IT BRAKES, AND THEN THE METAL FROM THAT GEAR GOT SUCKED UP INTO MY ENGINE. THAT VACUUM PUMP CONNECTS TO BOTH MY BRAKES AND MY ENGINE, WHICH IS WHY I LOST BOTH AT THE SAME TIME WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS OR ANY INDICATION ANYTHING COULD BE WRONG BEFORE IT HAPPENED. MY ENGINE IS NOW COMPLETELY BLOWN WITH NO WARNING. IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE FACTORY PART, AND THEY ASSURED ME IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MAINTENANCE OR ANYTHING, SOME OF THE VACUUM PUMPS THEY USED ARE JUST BAD. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VIN. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. I LOST MY BRAKES AND MY ENGINE GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON A BRIDGE. I WAS JUST LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND STOP WITHOUT GETTING HIT OR HITTING ANYONE ELSE.
Mileage: 77,000
JUST FINSHED MY SECOND YEAR INTO MY 3 YEAR 2018 CHEVY EQUINOX LEASE AND FOR THE LAST MONTH OR SO THE SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST HAS APPEARED AND DISSAPEARED DOZENS OF TIMES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND OFF FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS. ORGINALLY MAD AN APPOINTMENT BUT THE DEALER SHIP CANCLLED IT AND THEN MY CAR SUDDENLY HAD REDUCED POWER THE DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD. NOT A HIGHWAY. GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE SAY A VACUM PUMP SEIZED? NOW ARE SAYING THERE IS METAL IN THE ENGINE AMD THEY DONT KNOW WHY. TRYING TO GET ME TO PAY FOR COST. HAVE TAKEN CAR OF VEHCHILE AND DONE THE REQUIRED MATINENCE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A 2 YEAR OLD CAR WITH ON 32000 MILES. VERY CONCERNED THERE IS SOMETHING DEFECTED WITH THE CAR. AS NUMEROUS VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR ISSUES TO MINE BY GM.
Mileage: 32,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO TWO VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE ARMS AND HANDS, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THIRTY DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MATTHEWS-HARGREAVES CHEVROLET (2000 TWELVE MILE RD, ROYAL OAK, MI 48067, (866) 275-2746), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *LN ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB*JB
ROUGHLY 38K MILES ON VEHICLE, WENT ON A ROAD TRIP AND ABOUT 80 MILES INTO THE TRIP, WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR TRAFFIC AND BREAKS WENT OUT, THE MASTER CYLINDER. IT WAS INCREDIBLY HARD TO PRESS DOWN ON THE BREAKS TAKING ALL MY EFFORT TO STOP THE CAR.
Mileage: 38,500
BRAKES GRABS,MAKES LOUD SCRUBBING NOISE WHEN APPLIED TO SLOW DOWN,STOP,OR TURN.SOUND LIKE RIGHT FRONT END RODS GOING TO BREAK, AND FEELS LIKE BRAKES SLIPPING, AND NOT WANTING TO STOP AT TIMES.
I WAS TRAVELING 70+MPH ON A FREEWAY AND I WENT TO SLOW DOWN FOR A SPEED LIMIT CHANGE FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION. I COULDN'T PUSH DOWN ON THE BRAKES!! THANKFULLY THERE WASN'T ANYONE IN FRONT OF ME! I WAS ABLE TO PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND COAST WHILE PUSHING AS HARD AS I COULD ON THE BRAKES. I MADE IN TO AN OFF RAMP AND WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO STOP AND THROW IT IN PARK AND E-BRAKE IT. THIS COULD HAVE ENDED VERY BADLY! I FOUND THAT THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ON THE VACCUM PUMP, BUT NO OFFICIAL RECALL... (WHICH IS WHAT MINE TURNED OUT TO BE) I HOPE THEY ARE NOT WAITING FOR FATALITIES!!
Mileage: 38,000
I AM DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN I GET A WARNING SAYING SERVICE BRAKES. I WENT TO HIT MY BRAKES AND I HAD NONE AT ALL! I ALMOST HIT A CAR BECAUSE IT WAS GETTING OFF THE RAMP AND HIT ITS BRAKES. I HAD TO GO OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO KEEP FROM HITTING IT. I FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP WENT OUT. I KNOW THAT GM IS DOING A INVESTIGATION ON THIS. MY CAR IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP GETTING REPAIRED. I DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE. I HAD NO WARNING AT ALL THAT MY BRAKES WAS NOT GOING TO WORK. THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO GET STOPPED WITHOUT BEING IN A ACCIDENT. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD!!!!!
Mileage: 62,000
BRAKES ON THE 2018 EQUINOX ARE TOO SENSITIVE, WHEN APPLIED THEY CAUSE OCCUPANTS TO LUNGE FORWARD.WE THOUGHT THEY WOULD WEAR IN BUT AFTER SEVERAL THOUSANDS OF MILES THEY ARE STILL THE SAME.WE TALKED TO DEALERSHIP, MCDANIELS AND SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT THIS BUT THEY SAID IT'S LIKE THE OTHER EQUINOX. CALLED GM CUSTOMER CARE AND CORPORATE OFFICE BUT THEY DIDN'T CARE TO FOLLOW UP. TECHNICIAN SAID YES THEY HAVE TO BE CAREFUL DRIVING THEM WHEN SERVICING BECAUSE OF BRAKES.THERE IS NO FREEPLAY AND THEY AGGRESSIVELY ENGAGE WITH THE VERY SLIGHTEST TOUCH. IT IS NOT GOOD TO TOUCH BRAKES TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAUSE IT JERKS THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. IT SEEMS THERE SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURING STANDARD FOR BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP AND GM IGNORE ANY QUESTION AND CANNOT PROVIDE TECHNICAL DETAIL OR WHETHER IF IT IS WITHIN STANDARD OR NOT. IT SEEMS PETTY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BRAKES WORKING "TOO GOOD" BUT IT REALLY IS A PROBLEM AND HURTS MY WIFES NECK WHEN BRAKING. IF YOU ONLY DRIVE THE EQUINOX YOU COULD GET USED TO IT AND ADJUST YOUR PRESSURE. THE PROBLEM IS WE HAVE A COUPLE OTHER GM VEHICLES AND IN THE OTHERS THERE IS FREEPLAY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES DO NOT GRAB IMMEDIATELY LIKE THE EQUINOX. EVEN MY C6 CORVETTE AND A NEWER SILVERADO WHOSE BRAKES WORK WELL. THEY NEVER GRAB WITH THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH.. SWITCHING BETWEEN VEHICLES CAUSES A SAFETY PROBLEM. WHEN GOING TO THE EQUINOX FROM ANOTHER CAR IT IS EASY TO CAUSE SEVERE LUNGING. THE BIGGER PROBLEM IS GOING TO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHERE YOU THEN TO LIGHTLY TOUCH THE BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENS, THIS DELAY COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT SEEMS THERE SHOULD BE A STANDARD FOR BRAKES AND THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE AND I DON'T SEE WHY GM IS IGNORING IT.. NHTSA SHOULD SET THIS STANDARD AND INSURE MAKERS VEHICLES COMPLY.
Mileage: 100
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A GRADE. THE VEHICLE WAS ON WITH GEAR IN PARK POSITION, WITHOUT THE PARK BRAKE ENGAGED, WHEN THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ROLLED-AWAY. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF CONTROL HITTING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE AND FIXED OBJECT.
Mileage: 6,500
TAKATA RECALL, I WAS TURNING INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDDLE WAS LOCKED AND I COULD NOT APPLY PRESSURE TO STOP. I CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED. WHEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THE AIRBAGS DID NOT INFLATE. WHEN THE CAR STOPPED THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED. WHEN THE OFFICERS ARRIVED THEY LOOKED AT THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND THEY WERE STILL LOCKED IN PLACE.
Mileage: 7,000
I BOUGHT MY CAR TO BE DINGHY TOWED. THAT MEANS THE CAR IS PULLED BEHIND A MOTORHOME WITH ALL 4 WHEELS ON THE GROUND.MY FIRST PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY WAS DYING WHEN IT WAS BEING TOWED. MY NEXT PROBLEM WAS THAT THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHEN IT WAS BEING TOWED CAUSING THE REAR TIRES TO BE GROUND DOWN PAST THE TREAD INTO THE BELT SECTION OF THE TIRES.IF ANOTHER MOTORIST HADN'T WARNED ME I WOULD HAVE HAD 2 BLOWOUTS IN THE NEXT MINUTE OR 2.WHEN I PULLED OVER I HAD A ABS WARNING ON MY CONTROL PANEL. I REPLACED THE REAR TIRES. I HAVE THE COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC THAT SHOWS SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE,CONTROL MODULE POWER PLUS LOW VOLTAGES.THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS CAR IS SAFE TO DINGHY TOW.
Mileage: 9,401
I HAVE MY 2018 AWD EQUINOX 3 WEEKS AND 800 MILES. SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST DISPLAYS ON THE INFO-CENTER. BRAKES ARE CONSTANTLY GRINDING AND INCONSISTENT. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES ENGAGE HARD WITH NORMAL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING THE CAR TO COME TO A SERIOUS AND UNEXPECTED ABRUPT STOP. THIS CAN CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION. OTHER TIMES IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS NOT GOING TO STOP AND IMMEDIATE AND ADDITIONAL PRESSURE MUST BE APPLIED. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THIS DEFECT WILL CAUSE ACCIDENTS. THE CAR WAS PRESENTED FOR SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE BRAKE ASSIST WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THEY ALSO CLAIMED THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.
Mileage: 800
THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS HAVING A TOW PKG WITH THE CAPABILITY OF PULLING A 3500 LB TRAILER. THERE IS NO BRAKE HARNESS AVAILABLE ON THIS CAR (A SEPARATE CAB BRAKE CONTROL IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN EVERY STATE BASED ON TOW LOADS, MICHIGAN IS 3000 LBS.) DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THEY CAN'T LOCATE IT, WE HAVE A COMPLAINT FILED WITH GM 8-3144268897 I FEEL THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH OR INJURY OR DEATH. WE HAVE HAD MANY TRAILERS AND RECOGNIZE THAT THIS CAB BRAKE CONTROLLER IS A NECESSITY IN PULLING A TRAILER. PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER PULLED A TRAILER BEFORE MIGHT NOT KNOW THIS'.ESPECIALLY IF THEY LISTEN TO THEIR SALESPERSON WHO TRIES TO TELL THEM THAT THEY DON'T NEED CAB BRAKES. (LIKE OUR SALESMAN TRIED TO TELL US) OBVIOUSLY THIS ISSUE ISN'T LIMITED TO OUR VEHICLE....EVERYONE WHO BUYS THIS VEHICLE WITH THE INTENT OF PULLING A TRAILER OVER 1000 LBS (SOME STATE REQUIRE CAB BRAKES ON THIS WEIGHT) WILL ENCOUNTER THIS PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/05/2017*JS