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2019 Chevrolet Equinox Airbags Problems

8 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data

8
Complaints
7
Crashes
1
Fires
Jan 2026Sep 2022
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (8)

criticalAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2026

Your 2019 Equinox was involved in a crash on an icy road where it hit both guard rails after losing control. Despite significant front-end damage, the airbags did not deploy during the collision. Both occupants sustained injuries including whiplash, concussion, and rib injuries. The airbag system should be inspected by a dealer to determine why it failed to activate during this impact.

NHTSA #: 11711379
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jul 2025

On July 1, 2025 I was involved in an accident and none of my airbags deployed. Car was inspected by police, insurance company and General Motors who haven’t sent me the report yet. No warnings or symptoms appeared.

NHTSA #: 11677338
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jan 2025

Component or System Failed: The airbag system failed to deploy during three separate accidents in 2024. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: The failure of the airbags to deploy during all three incidents increased the risk of injury to me and my passengers. While the seatbelts provided some protection, the lack of airbag deployment compromised the safety system and could have resulted in serious injuries in higher-severity impacts. Accident Details: 1.Accident #1 (July 2024): •Type: Side collision on the driver’s rear door. •Other Vehicle Speed: Estimated 30–40 mph. •Damage: Significant damage to the driver’s side rear door. •Airbag Deployment: None. •Warnings or Errors: No warning lights or messages before or after the incident. 2.Accident #2 (March 2024): •Type: Sideswipe collision on the passenger front end. •My Vehicle’s Impact: Passenger side front wheel and body. •Damage: The front wheel was severely damaged. •Airbag Deployment: None. •Warnings or Errors: No warning lights or messages before or after the incident. Inspection Status: The issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership or independent service center. Insurance adjusters inspected the vehicle after each accident, but no specific investigation into the airbag system was performed. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle. Warning Lamps or Symptoms Prior to Failure: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms.

NHTSA #: 11638989
mediumAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jul 2024

The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle collided with a second vehicle and flipped over one and a half times. During the crash, the vehicle sustained front-end damage, and the bumper was partially separated from the vehicle but the front driver's air bag did not deploy. The driver sustained a head injury and was treated at the hospital. The occupant of the second vehicle sustained a shoulder injury but no further information was available. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA #: 11600062
mediumAIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Sep 2022

The brake system failed and my car is now in a salvage lot. I believe the car will remain there only until I submit the car title. While driving in heavy traffic I was unable to make a sudden stop to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I had enough time to stop, but the brakes failed to engage properly. The brakes were very stiff and vibrated or pulsated as I applied the brakes and my car wouldn't stop prior to colliding with the car in front of me. My safety and the occupants in the other car were at risk. The life of a pedestrian, if involved, could have resulted in death. Luckily, there were no serious injuries and exterior damage appeared minimal but my car suffered serious internal damage. I was not able to confirm the problem with the dealership. My phone calls were not returned. I also contacted Chevrolet and now waiting for a follow-up call. The car was only inspected by the insurance appraiser, who deemed my car a total loss because the car frame was cracked on both sides, air condenser damage, exterior damage plus more. The insurance co. had my car towed to a holding parking lot for salvage. My greatest concern is if this had been a situation where I was unable to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a pedestrian and killed someone! The appraiser suspected the air bag sensor might have failed since the impact was hard enough to crack the car frame. Seven days prior to the accident I had rear brakes and roters replaced at a Chevrolet dealership. They also looked into a warning message on my dash - Service brake assist system. I was told nothing was wrong with that.

NHTSA #: 11484445
mediumAIR BAGS
Crash / FireFiled: Jun 2022

I was involved in a car accident where all of the side airbags deployed. On the drivers side just behind the arm rest the airbag that deployed caught on fire and burned all th way through my shirt, jeans and underwear leaving two large burns on my left side. Some areas are 3rd degree.

NHTSA #: 11470532
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Jan 2020

THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED BY HEAVY SNOW/SLUSH THROWN FROM A SNOWPLOW MOVING WESTBOUND ON A CITY STREET AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 40 MPH. MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING EASTBOUND AT ABOUT 35 MPH. THE FRONT GRILL OF MY VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND THE FRONT BUMPER WAS PUSHED OUT OF PLACE. I THINK THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED?

NHTSA #: 11301017
mediumAIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Mar 2019

BRAKES FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO FENCE WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE & WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE - THRU FRONT DOOR & OUT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH CENTRAL CLAIMS CASE (XXX) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CW

NHTSA #: 11183990

Other 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Issues