Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2025 | 14 | 6% | 0 miles |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% | 3,000 miles |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% | 32,000 miles |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% | 4,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% | 8,000 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% | 6,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% | 88,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% | 50,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% | 84,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 1% | 67,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% | 115,000 miles |
| 2008 | 23 | 6% | 50,000 miles |
| 2007 | 17 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 2% | 132,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% | 56,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and pushing down the turn signal lever, the lever rose back unintendedly, causing the turn signal to unintendedly disengage. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
When attempting to engage the Left turn signal, the lever has to be pushed down several times to "catch or engage" and stay engaged. Frequently it won't stay engaged and turns off before the turn is completed. (The Right turn signal works properly). This happens 8 out of 10 times on a consistent basis. The dealer shop supervisor and tech test drove it as well as another brand new lot vehicle and both did the same thing. They said that that's what they all do, and I should push down more firmly, which doesn't help. I'm in my late [redacted] , have driven new GM vehicles for decades and know how to use a turn signal. I have been in the middle of LH turns and the turn signal was not flashing to advise other drivers of my intent to turn. I believe that this is a significant and dangerous safety issue. …
My front collision alert system has stopped working, I have taken it to multiple dealerships within my certified vehicle company. Next, my automatic High beams do not function at all, which is difficult to navigate at night without them. I have tried to update my vehicle and sent it to other dealerships and they cannot figure out what is wrong. And lastly, my lane assistance system is not working either, every time I have tried to reset, nothing has happened. Due to all of these functions not working the automatic high beams, I have had to be extra careful when driving at night. The lane assist system not functioning at all has made driving in compact roadways more difficult. Lastly the front collision alert system not working at all has caused many incidents that could have led to multiple accidents. …
Modern white LED Headlights too bright, even on Equinox (constantly flashed with low beams on). My son (20), wife (56), and I (52) are dazzled by new LED headlights. It's actually a huge problem, headlights are too dazzling. I know we're not the only ones dazzled.
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.
On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the right, the brakes finally slowed the vehicle to around 40mph. Luckily, the traffic light turned green, allowing me to continue moving with the remaining momentum. As I attempted to take a turn on a bridge above the freeway, the steering wheel became stiff. At this point, I was unsure whether I could turn the car at that speed with the steering not responding. I need General Motors and Chevrolet to take action on the severity of the situation and make the necessary and appropriate restitution to me for the traumatic and physical injuries sustained during the incident. …
Intellibeam feature is not dimming the lights when oncoming vehicles are present or there are vehicles in front of me. This has happened twice now in cold weather only (late November/early December) in Michigan. Also, they do not dim while driving when it's snowing. I have tried to disengage the feature using the button on the left stalk on the steering wheel but the button doesn't seem to turn the feature on or off. This issue could be affecting other drivers as the high beam lights are on as they pass or travel in front of me. Eventually the feature seems to work properly once the vehicle has been driven for 15-20 minutes.
Headlight aim is too high, blinding oncoming drivers. Dealer says that the headlight aim on this vehicle is not adjustable. When I am driving at night oncoming drivers are constantly flashing their lights at me, but my lights are on low beam.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (23), 2007 (17), 2005 (16), 2025 (14) and 2006 (12) model years. Headlight complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Equinox headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any Chevrolet Equinox model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Equinox headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (11 mentions), followed by the turn signal (5).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.