My 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT has experienced repeated failures involving the braking system and electronic safety systems. While driving, multiple warning lights illuminated, including ABS, BRAKE, check engine, traction control, parking brake, and “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” Most concerning, my brakes became extremely hard to press, and the vehicle failed to slow down or stop as expected. This malfunction placed my life and the safety of other motorists and pedestrians at serious risk. The unexpected loss of normal braking ability could have resulted in a major collision, especially while approaching an intersection or traveling at higher speeds. Apple Chevrolet has inspected my vehicle multiple times for these recurring issues. Previous diagnostic testing identified communication-related trouble codes involving the braking and electronic control systems. General Motors Technical Assistance was involved. Despite previous repairs and being told my vehicle was safe to drive, the problems returned. My vehicle is currently at Apple Chevrolet for its third service visit involving related concerns. GM is involved and dealership technicians are working with GM technical personnel to investigate. The problems began earlier in the vehicle’s ownership, with a check-engine warning appearing around 6,249 miles. Additional braking and electronic safety warnings subsequently developed. The most recent incident occurred at approximately 8,266–8,283 miles. I purchased this vehicle brand-new in March 2026. It has already required three dealership visits, and I have been without reliable transportation for at least nine cumulative days. I am extremely concerned that this recurring safety defect has not been properly identified or repaired. I am requesting a thorough investigation before this malfunction causes serious injury or death.
Chevrolet Equinox abs comes on
207 of the 9,236 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Equinox describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2006 model year.
- owner complaints
- 207
- worst model year
- 2006
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,070
- typical mileage
- 85,000
By model year
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 32Check engine light 30Brake failure 21Stalling 13Oil consumption 10Warning lights 9Loss of power 9Jerking 7
Trouble codes mentioned
U0073 2U2105 1U0101 1U0100 1P1626 1P0700 1P069E 1P0575 1C0276 1C0045 1
What owners say
Stepped on brakes and were hard to break feels like no ABS
Vehicle suffered an intermittent, severe, and dangerous total loss of acceleration while driving in rainy conditions. Upon pressing the accelerator pedal from a stop, the vehicle rolled slowly for 5 to 10 seconds and completely ignored all gas pedal input before finally accelerating. The engine remained at a smooth, dead idle and failed to rev up entirely during the failure, creating an immediate traffic hazard. A scan revealed an active ABS system failure. This dangerous safety hazard occurred less than 4 weeks after a certified GM dealership (Grieco Chevrolet of Fort Lauderdale) performed the official GM Safety Recall N222372310 for Inadequate Fuel Pump Flow on September 4th. The fuel pump recall requires lowering the fuel tank, which sits directly adjacent to the rear ABS wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses. Both GM Corporate and the local dealership have refused to safety-inspect the vehicle's rear wiring harness workmanship for post-recall damage or water intrusion without charging a diagnostic fee, despite the severe driving risk. There were no warning messages or other symptoms prior to this occurring.
While operating my vehicle, I experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure of the power-assisted braking system. The brake pedal completely lost hydraulic pressure, plunging effortlessly all the way to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to respond to normal foot-pedal application. Emergency stopping power was only achieved by pushing the pedal into the absolute floorboard, which engaged an emergency mechanical override and forced the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) pump into a violent stutter/pulsation to halt the vehicle. No dashboard warning lights, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), or fluid level sensors illuminated prior to or during the braking failure. A certified automotive repair facility diagnosed the root cause as a total internal seizure and mechanical failure of the engine-driven brake booster vacuum pump. Because the vacuum pump is driven directly by the engine, its sudden lockup sheared and severely damaged the drive slots on the exhaust camshaft, necessitating an intensive engine teardown, camshaft replacement, and secondary component repair totaling $2,390. This design poses an extreme, life-threatening safety risk. The total loss of braking assist occurs without warning, and the mechanical failure simultaneously compromises internal engine timing components while moving at speed.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The warranty company was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test by the warranty company. The vehicle was taken to the certified service center, where it was diagnosed with front passenger-side wheel bearing failure. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired, the contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The warranty company inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not the responsibility of the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Had to get engine replaced 2 months after I bought it in May 2022, warranty covered the replacement. Ongoing issues with catalytic converters, O2 sensors, check engine light coming on due to those reasons for approximately almost 2 years now. Powertrain (Stablitrak, ABS & ECO) stopped working 6 months after purchase - stablitrak warning light came on, took to dealer that I bought it from, quoted almost $900 to fix it, then took it to a private shop then had them fix it due to affordable cost, but somewhat still having some issues. Now Equinox is burning through oil fast. I can bring it in upon request via TEXT ONLY as that I'M DEAF. Those issues have put my children's and my safety at risk because the powertrain caused my Equinox to shut off in the middle of the highway going uphill and other times as I was driving with my kids. All of those need to be fixed by the manufacturer or totaled and I get reimbursed for it. Can provide receipts of repairs & quotes to repair upon request via email.
While in a parking lot going about 10mph or less, a car pulled out from a parking space on the left. I did a full brake and despite being dry, warm pavement, the car activated abs and released some brake pressure and allowed the car to continue to move. This ment that my braking distance increased by about 5-10 feet more than you'd expect. I have had this happen 3 times, each time a car was pulling out perpendicular on the left. I tried to replicate this in an open parking lot and it never repeated therefore I think it has something to do with the car approaching on the left and the active braking system.
On Monday, April 6th, I was turning into a parking lot and the braking system, specifically the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake control module, appeared to malfunction. While driving, I received a warning indicating the ABS was off, and the brake pedal became soft with reduced stopping ability. The check engine light also came on. I had to coast the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The loss of normal braking function significantly reduced my ability to stop the vehicle safely, increasing the risk of a collision. This created a dangerous situation for myself, passengers, and other drivers on the road. Brake failure at any speed presents a serious safety hazard.I am aware of similar complaints reported for this issue. My vehicle was towed to and inspected by a dealership where it sat overnight before being diagnosed; however, they were unable to reproduce the issue at the time of service. Despite this, the braking failure did occur and remains a safety concern. The service advisor told me to "bring it back if it happens again" and that it "lost communication with the EBCM" which sometimes happens. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer directly, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms of this problem prior to the failure.
I have confirmed with a reputable repair shop that my alternator is defective and is dangerous to drive. No dealership in my area will entertain that this is a possibility. I have consistently had problems with braking, accelerating and steering. My vehicle throws codes constantly for suspension, communications, safety restraints, air bags, rear differential, ABS and more. This vehicle is a significant danger to myself and others. This has been happening since the day I purchased it. There is also an active safety bulletin regarding my fuel pump that the manufacturer will not address. Again, This vehicle will hurt someone.
The abs braking and stability control light came on and has stayed on and took to mechanic shop and was told to repair would be $4000 .that's more than what the car is worth!changed motor oil many times since I owned the car and it uses oil quite much.ihe oil gauge can say I have 70 percent oil and the dipstick reads no oil so I must put 2 -3 quarts of oil in car because I can hear lifters rattle due to lack of oil.the abs stability control keeps car steady especially in i snow or rain weather and can lose control of the 2012 Chevy equinox.if I was to drive vehicle on long trip the motor could freeze up while driving and shut down and cause dangerous situation in traffic.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.
- Risk
- Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.
Recall number 19V704000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Recall number 18V576000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Equinox abs
Why does the abs come on in the Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who report it most often also describe grinding or squealing brakes, check engine light and brake failure, and the codes they mention most are U0073, U2105 and U0101.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2006 (61 complaints), 2005 (48 complaints) and 2011 (13 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,070 (median of 19 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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