Chevrolet Equinox EV phantom braking problems

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

Multiple phantom braking events have occurred since we purchased this vehicle, but traveling forward and reverse. We have been forced to turn this automatic emergency braking off and set to alert only.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · FL

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: On October 20, 2026, at approximately 11:15 AM, I was driving my Chevrolet Equinox EV and was stopped at a red traffic signal. When the light turned green, I began accelerating normally into the intersection. Suddenly and without warning, the vehicle experienced a severe "phantom braking" / false Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) event. The vehicle’s emergency braking system engaged violently, bringing the car to an abrupt, full stop in the middle of the intersection. There were NO vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in front of my car or anywhere in my path. A vehicle traveling directly behind me was forced to slam on their brakes and narrowly avoided a rear-end collision. This unexpected hard deceleration caused severe panic and created an immediate, life-threatening traffic hazard. Had this sudden stopping occurred at highway speeds or above 25 MPH rather than starting from a green light, it would have resulted in a severe crash. CRUCIAL CONTEXT / RECENT SERVICE HISTORY: This life-threatening failure occurred directly after taking my vehicle to Coggin Chevrolet at the Avenues (Jacksonville, FL), where technicians performed software servicing under Open Recall N262545360 ("Early ABS engagement on slippery road surfaces"). The dealership verified completion of this recall update. This phantom braking event occurred immediately after this recall software was flashed to the vehicle's brake control module. I suspect this software recalibration introduced a critical bug or miscalibration affecting the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), regenerative braking system, or Forward Collision Avoidance system on dry pavement. I am requesting an immediate investigation by GM Engineering and the federal safety agency regarding the safety of Recall N262545360 software calibration.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Driver assistance · 50,500 miles · CA · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The failure caused the brakes to lock up. The contact and the child seated in rear in a car seat sustained whiplash and seat belt bruises. The failure mileage was 50,500.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NY

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, at approximately 12:00 PM, I was driving my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV RS on the highway at about 65 mph. The weather conditions were clear and sunny. Without warning, the vehicle's automatic emergency braking (AEB) system abruptly engaged with full force, causing a severe and sudden deceleration. There were no vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles in front of my vehicle at the time. There was active traffic trailing my vehicle. Fortunately, the driver directly behind me had enough following distance to react in time and avoid a severe rear-end collision. Today, August 31, 2026, I spoke directly with my Chevrolet dealership, and they confirmed that my vehicle's software had already been updated to be compliant with GM TSB #N252521591 (Image Processing Module / Unwanted Integrated Brake Assist) prior to this event. This phantom braking event occurred despite the vehicle already having the official software patch applied, indicating that the safety hazard persists.

Filed Aug 30, 2026 · Driver assistance · CA

I was going about 65 and the car suddenly brakes for no reason and dropped to about 50. Thought I was going to be rear ended

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA · 1 injury

On numerous occasions, while driving either on highways or streets, vehicle would brake on its own or aggressive braking when this type of braking was unnecessary. I was hospitalized for whiplash in one incident. After braking for NO REASON!!! GM sent a tow truck to pick up my vehicle, and I have not heard back for more than 100 days. If GM cannot fix this issue as stated in [XXX] then I should be compensated for the lack of use and my medical bills as well as loss of use. Not having a recall does not mean DEFECTS are not occurring!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MD

Driving at 50 mph car applies brakes for no reason

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Driver assistance · 7,861 miles · MI · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced phantom braking on two separate occasions. The contact stated that while slowly reversing out of the garage, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and suddenly stopped. Additionally, while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and decelerated abruptly, causing the contact to sustain a mild neck injury. No medical assistance was required. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact stated that she had previously experienced the same failure with a company vehicle of the same make and model. The failure mileage was 7,861.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Driver assistance · MI

The inability to permanently turn on the warning only option for front and rear emergency braking after the latest OTA update. Phantom braking conditions still exist for this model and occur at unexpected times causing potential rear end collisions with following vehicles.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Driver assistance · OH

While driving on the highway during morning rush hour the automatic braking fully engaged during slow traffic almost causing me to be rear-ended. The braking engaged after a split second collision warning after a car had merged in front of me. I was already slowing down via one pedal driving and about to begin applying my brakes when this occurred and there was plenty of space before any type of collision. I was going roughly 5-10 mpg when this occurred having slowed down to allow the car to merge. Afterwards it took a few seconds for the car to allow me to re-engage the gas to start moving again. This type of phantom braking has occurred in other instances in my driveway and in store parking lots but this is the first time it's put me at risk. It is available for inspection as needed. This has not been examined or reproduced by the dealer on my vehicle or inspected.