Creaking sound right before coming to a stop 2026 Equinox LT

[Magsie]

@Imalabil - how many miles does your equinox have on it now?

 

[Imalabil]

Between 2 and 3 thousand

 

[Magsie]

Hi there, any updates from you? I took mine to another dealer and they had another 2026 come in the same day with the exact same issues. It’s still at the dealers and I have a loaner for the foreseeable future.

 

[Imalabil]

Nothing yet, I'm trying to work out with my daughter when she can take the car to the dealer and let them have it for an extended period.

 

[Magsie]

Wanted to provide an update to everyone in this forum. I worked with a dealership that worked with a GM engineer to get answers. It’s the front lower control arms that need replaced. I had that done on 8/14 and today 8/18 I would say 96% of the sound is done. I do believe the back arms may need swapped out as well, but it is DRAMATICALLY quieter now.

 

[Imalabil]

Great that you were able to get yours addressed! I've forwarded this and will need to have my daughter get it taken care of.

 

[Magsie]

Update: after a week with the new arms, the sound came back. A GM field engineer came out to the dealership and replaced the arms again, concluding that the sound was still there after. He drove another on the lot and sure enough, the sound was in that one as well.

I’ve pursued a buyback with GM via lemon law. It seems like it’s a common issue with the 26s, coming from the control arms but not fixable at this time.

 

[Imalabil]

Well that's not encouraging. I'm to take mine in next week to have my local dealer address it.

 

[Imalabil]

Update from the dealership, they replaced my brake pads and resurface the rotors but the noise is still there. Evidently new control arms isn't the solution either. From the experience you have shared. I'm wondering about the strut mount bushings.

 

[Magsie]

Thanks for the update. GM is buying mine back according to the lemon law here.

 

[Imalabil]

The response I got from the dealer and GM is that there is no fix and no explanation on why my 2025 did not do that.

 

[macdowae1]

With my 2026 Equinox, I am experiencing a creaky sound from the front end when braking right before coming to a full stop. It also occurs when gently accelerating from rest. It's been to two dealers and they hear the sound but can't seem to diagnose and repair it. All I am getting from them is "cannot duplicate". Has anyone else experienced this? When my daughter had her 2025 she didn't notice this at all, but with the new 2026 it is stumping the dealers.

I have this same issue with my 2026, I was starting to think I was crazy and couldn’t really describe it. But your description is spot on. Did you ever get it fixed?

 

[Imalabil]

No, the dealer contacted GM and was informed that they all do it. I need to call and ask if they have any updates.