# Chevrolet Equinox traction control light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 58 - **Most complaints:** 2018 (17) - **Related recalls:** 0 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 58 owner complaints about the traction control light on the Chevrolet Equinox (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (17). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. ## Chevrolet Equinox traction control light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the traction control light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 3 | 680 | 0% | | 2016 | 4 | 399 | 1% | | 2017 | 2 | 276 | 1% | | 2018 | 17 | 410 | 4% | | 2019 | 2 | 310 | 1% | | 2020 | 13 | 318 | 4% | | 2021 | 1 | 100 | 1% | | 2022 | 3 | 183 | 2% | | 2023 | 4 | 99 | 4% | | 2024 | 5 | 84 | 6% | | 2025 | 3 | 241 | 1% | | 2026 | 1 | 79 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Equinox traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Chevrolet Equinox has 20 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Chevrolet Equinox page](/vehicles/chevrolet-equinox) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). ## What Chevrolet Equinox owners report - "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..." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2026 - "The report stated that the high temperature was caused by: -Antilock Braking System -Traction Control System -Vehicle Stability Control No warning lights shown in the vehicle. The dealer gave the owner the number 833-948-4631 to speak with GM tech support. The case was referred to GM Concierge 833-382-4389 Owner..." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2026 - "The application diagnostic indicated Antilock Braking System and StabiliTrak Stability Control System. I do not feel safe in this 2024 Equinox RS" -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the traction control light means A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **System switched off** (common) 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common) 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common) 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Equinox traction control light? Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often. ### Which Chevrolet Equinox years have the most traction control light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2020 and 2024 Equinox model years have the most complaints mentioning the traction control light, with 17 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Equinox with the traction control light on? Drive to a shop this week. Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Equinox has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Equinox warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-equinox): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-equinox): 28 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-equinox): 462 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-equinox): 21 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/chevrolet-equinox): 50 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-equinox): 48 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/chevrolet-equinox): 20 complaints ## Traction control light on other models - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints ## Chevrolet Equinox - [Chevrolet Equinox specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-equinox) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-equinox Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.