There are two issues with the headlights as it relates to the instrument panel and controls. First, the symbol on the instrument panel is the same for both headlights and running lights. This means at dusk, I cannot know whether my auto-headlights have turned or if I need to override the auto-feature to turn them on manually. Second, the headlight controls are buried in a menu, hidden behind the steering wheel. The "quick menu" is inconvenient, but the fact that it is hidden bedding the steering wheel means that I have to lean forward and around to fiddle with it, which has led to me drifting into another lane as I am distracted. From the driver's perspective, the "quick menus" are all hidden behind the wheel, and the control panel is just far enough out of reach that the driver must adjust and lean forward to reach for any controls not on the steering column.
Chevrolet Equinox headlights problems
108 of the 9,233 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Equinox describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 108
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 68,555
By model year
Often reported together
Wipers 6Door locks 5Check engine light 5Water leak 3Oil consumption 3Key fob 3Airbag light 3Seat belt 2
What owners say
The illuminated dashboard, center control console, and headlights suddenly turned off while the vehicle was in motion during a dark night. The blackout lasted approximately 10 seconds and I was unable to see to keep the vehicle on the roadway. After running onto the unpaved shoulder, I was able to fully stop the vehicle without hitting anything. All of the lights came back on and the dashboard showed a message that said "Auto shutoff". Then everything returned to normal. This problem hasn't been reported to the dealer yet, but will be discussed during an upcoming service to correct one of the other problems that keep occurring with this vehicle.
The instrument cluster and driver information center is completely blank, and none of the steering wheel controls are operating. Vehicle starts and runs normally, but no indication of speed, turn signals, headlights, gas level, etc.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signal flashed two or three times and then stopped. In addition, the doors independently locked and unlocked, and the TPMS sensors were inoperable. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the front headlights flashed off and came back on. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,050.
Light from recessed LED headlights becomes obscured by packed snow when traveling in a snowstorm. LED lamp does not emit enough heat to keep clear. Loss of light is gradual and can reach an unsafe level almost without notice.
While driving in snowy conditions the headlights become packed with snow and slush. Lights become dim and I’ve had to pull over in unsafe conditions to clear them.
The headlights are recessed. When driving in the snow they catch the snow and block the light from coming out. I was driving home last night in a snow storm and couldn’t see very far ahead of me because my headlights were packed full of snow. The LED lights don’t produce heat to melt the snow, and there’s nowhere for the snow to fall out from so the snow and road grime just keeps getting packed into the recessed light. Very poor design.
Electronics on car entirely go out including: Headlights, Turn signals, Hazard lights, Airbags, Electronic braking, Traction control, Tire pressure monitor, Fuel gage measurement, Speedometer, Odometer, Temperature gage and All Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The vehicle has been to the dealership on 4 separate occasions from May 16th - June 27th 2025 Various inspections and repairs have been confirmed and completed by Dealership: Empire Chevrolet of Hicksville located at 236 South Broadway, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801. After driving for about 1 day the problems persist. The car is being brought back to the dealer tomorrow 6/28/25 for a fourth service call for the same issue. Driver and passenger safety is at risk due to lack of headlights, turn signals, hazard lights, airbags, electronic braking and speedometer etc... Warning lights appear simultaneously with electronics malfunction
The speedometer does not operate. The gas gauge does not operate. The odometer does not operate and is not tracking miles driven. The blinkers work but no blinker sound occurs. Head lights must be turned on and off manually. The radio must be turned off manually. I ran out of gas on the freeway and Highway Patrol had to close the freeway to remove me safely under quite dangerous conditions. There is no way to monitor my speed. The milage is not being reported to reflect the miles put on the engine.
Center screen went black and is completely inoperational. Cannot utilize any center screen functions including headlights and rear backup camera. Took vehicle to dealer and they diagnosed as a bad display control unit, which is on backorder.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Chevrolet Equinox headlights
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (26 complaints), 2005 (14 complaints) and 2007 (11 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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