While driving my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle experienced a sudden power and drivability issue. The vehicle began to decelerate on its own while in motion, even though I was actively driving. A warning notification appeared on the driver dashboard, and shortly after, the vehicle power shut off. This creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose speed and/or power while driving in traffic. The issue appears to involve the transmission, powertrain, or vehicle electrical/power management system. The loss of acceleration and sudden deceleration could increase the risk of a crash, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic. This incident occurred while the vehicle was being driven, not while parked. The warning message appeared on the dash before or during the power loss. I am reporting this because the vehicle’s sudden deceleration and power shutdown while driving could be a safety defect. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review whether this issue is related to a known defect, recall, transmission issue, powertrain control issue, or electrical system failure affecting the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox: sudden loss of power
5 of the 244 complaints about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 0
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
The vehicle’s high-voltage battery system and propulsion system appear to have failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection, The vehicle completely shut down while I was driving on Florida’s Turnpike, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a high-speed highway. There was no warning prior to the shutdown, and I am currently pregnant, which made the situation especially traumatic and heightened the risk to both myself and my unborn child, as well as other drivers on the road. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership for inspection. As of now, the problem has not been reproduced, but the shutdown event is confirmed and documented by the dealer during the incident report and intake process. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection. General Motors engineers or technical assistance center (TAC) may review the vehicle once the dealership reports the incident. No police or insurance representatives have inspected the vehicle for this issue. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms appeared prior to the sudden battery drop and complete loss of propulsion. The failure occurred without any prior indication while driving on the highway.
I drive 20+ miles each way to work every day. Much of this drive is on highways, and currently the bridge connecting Ohio and Kentucky is down to three lanes with no berm. On a windy road with low visibility and a steep hill near my home, the car completely lost power and acceleration without any warning. I wasn't able to drive it completely off the road before it came to a stop and due to the loss of power was unable to move into neutral to push it and the hazards would not work. Thank God that this didn't take place on the bridge or with my family in the car. I made the decision to exit the car while it was still on the road and find a safe area in the grass where I could call for help. When I exited the vehicle, it locked me out and the only way to get in was through the driver's side door, which would put me back on the road in traffic and at risk. The electrical failure prevented me from opening the other doors. The car's complete system failure put my safety/life at risk and could jeopardize the lives of others if it wasn't investigated. To make matters worse when the tow truck came via OnStar they weren't equipped to move a car stuck in park or drive due to the electronic gear shift so they drug it with the tires locked onto the bed. After several days of testing the electrical system, the dealership found a loose wire and informed me that it had been fixed. I picked up the car and after a mile or so, the check engine light came on. I contacted the dealership to come pick it up and that's where it stands at the moment. My intention was to pass this on to my boys when they start driving, but this experience will alter that plan.
FIRST INCIDENT: On uncertain date between 10/10/2024 (vehicle purchase date) and 04/22/2024 (initial service date), on a Sunday, 6:30 a.m., Infotainment and dash display went blank/dark on Sawyer County Highway B. Recovery within 30 seconds. Dark conditions, operating at recommended speed of 55 MPH. Fortunately no surrounding traffic at the time. Issue brought to attention of Don Johnson Motors Service Department at initial oil/filter/tire rotation on 04/22/2025. Mileage at time was 3287. SECOND INCIDENT: 07/15/2025 at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Sawyer County Highway N, Infotainment and dash display went blank/dark. Recovery within 15-20 seconds. Operating at recommended speed of 55 MPH. Fortunately no surrounding traffic at the time. Mileage at time of incident just over 7200. Have not contacted above dealership, but will do so shortly. This defect renders the vehicle out of the driver's control similar to a pilot losing engine power on an aircraft. Checked online to locate possible sources for the problem. Determined this is a known issue.
Was driving down the road with 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.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Condition in which the incorrect transmission parts were used
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California...
- Engine
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
- Service Update
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
5 of 244 owner complaints about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox (2%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
There are 0 recalls and 32 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Check engine light 23Screen failure 14Adaptive cruise 13Battery drain 10Brake failure 7Stalling 7Backup camera 6Collision warning 6Headlights 6Jerking 6Warning lights 6Hesitation 5
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