Weird noise in 2025

[51ChevyGuy]

My previous Equinox was purchased new in 2018. Yes, it had the whomping sound with one window down. The basic design of the cabin had something to do with that. Yes, the sound system was better in the ‘18. I purchased an ‘25 RS for the following reasons -

1. I drove the ‘18 AWD to 122000 miles with NO mechanical problems. I had it serviced every 5000 miles and had all required maintenance done. It was very reliable.
2. I drove the ‘18 through the Rocky Mountains (Colorado, New Mexico) MANY times and found it to have plenty of power for PASSING vehicles going UP the mountains.
3. It is not “sporty”. It handles like a small SUV. I owned a Camaro when I was younger and got that out of my system.
4. I live in Iowa and it’s cold so I have not rolled down the windows. When I do, I expect the whomping sound so I will roll down the passenger side window and the sound will disappear.

The list price of my new RS AWD with a sunroof was the SAME as my 2018 Premier AWD with a sunroof. How did Chevrolet accomplish this feat in an era of high inflation?

1. Chevy upgraded the tech and sacrificed the Bose.
2. Chevy sacrificed the leather for Evotex (it’s interesting that sales people still call it leather) and saved some money.
3. I’m sure that the bean counters at Chevrolet found some additional ways to save some money - but a good mechanic told me that the engine and transmission are the most important things to consider and they kept them the same and did not cut back there.

I’m pleased with the ride, the tech and connectivity, the added safety and the ability to turn off the start/stop. I’m looking forward to 4 or 5 years of enjoyable traveling.

I have a ZERO buyers remorse and a dependable dealer.

 

[Hey Vern!]

Good report. Thanks!

 

[2025blackout]

HI all. I am new to the Equinox world. I just traded in a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited for a 2025 Equinox RS. I'm loving a lot of the features so far but there are a few weird things that I've noticed in the week since I've had it.
I've noticed when I'm traveling around 35-45 mph and have the driver window slightly cracked, there is a loud "whomping" sound that comes from the passenger side area. I can't pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from, whether it's the windows or windshield. When I roll up the window it's stops, but its quite loud when it starts its "whomp whomp" sound. At first I thought it was the tires making the noise but think I've ruled that out as I only hear it when the driver's window is cracked. I only bought this last week and I've been so busy at work that I have not had time to go back to the dealership, but plan to do that Monday to see if they can give me any insight on this weird noise. Has anyone else with a 2025 noticed this?
Also in that same speed range, if I am in stop and go traffic, the car seems to struggle to shift properly. Like the rpm's will idle high around 35mph and I have to try to gas it to get to the next gear to try to get it back down or brake and go slower. IDK, maybe this is normal for a 4 cylinder car? It's been over 10 years since I've driven a 4 cylinder. The V6 in the Jeep was a smooth ride, smooth shifting, it was a great car but kept having electrical problems so wanted to get rid of it. These new Equinox seemed comparable in features, but coming from such a smooth driving and riding Jeep, I'm finding this to be a rougher and louder ride. And this is just ranting, but the sound system in this Equinox is god awful. Maybe I got spoiled by the Bose in the Jeep with the built in subs, but this is so so bad. Honestly if I would've tested that out better when I was test driving I probably wouldn't have bought it based on the sound system alone.
Anyways, anyone else with a 2025 notice the "whomping" or weird shifting?? Thanks!

Agree, the sound system is horrible. One saving grace I've noticed, for some odd reason (or not?) is the quality is much better when I'm streaming stuff bluetooth. That makes no sense to me, but it's day and night difference. Same in the 2014 Lacrosse I have.

 

[GaryM]

HI all. I am new to the Equinox world. I just traded in a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited for a 2025 Equinox RS. I'm loving a lot of the features so far but there are a few weird things that I've noticed in the week since I've had it.
I've noticed when I'm traveling around 35-45 mph and have the driver window slightly cracked, there is a loud "whomping" sound that comes from the passenger side area. I can't pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from, whether it's the windows or windshield. When I roll up the window it's stops, but its quite loud when it starts its "whomp whomp" sound. At first I thought it was the tires making the noise but think I've ruled that out as I only hear it when the driver's window is cracked. I only bought this last week and I've been so busy at work that I have not had time to go back to the dealership, but plan to do that Monday to see if they can give me any insight on this weird noise. Has anyone else with a 2025 noticed this?
Also in that same speed range, if I am in stop and go traffic, the car seems to struggle to shift properly. Like the rpm's will idle high around 35mph and I have to try to gas it to get to the next gear to try to get it back down or brake and go slower. IDK, maybe this is normal for a 4 cylinder car? It's been over 10 years since I've driven a 4 cylinder. The V6 in the Jeep was a smooth ride, smooth shifting, it was a great car but kept having electrical problems so wanted to get rid of it. These new Equinox seemed comparable in features, but coming from such a smooth driving and riding Jeep, I'm finding this to be a rougher and louder ride. And this is just ranting, but the sound system in this Equinox is god awful. Maybe I got spoiled by the Bose in the Jeep with the built in subs, but this is so so bad. Honestly if I would've tested that out better when I was test driving I probably wouldn't have bought it based on the sound system alone.
Anyways, anyone else with a 2025 notice the "whomping" or weird shifting?? Thanks!

Hi there. Suggest you take it to the dealer. There's a service tech bulletin regarding that type of sound. It involves the noise cancelation system and positioning of the four microphones in the head liner. Apparently some were not seated properly.

 

[Swadeboots779]

I know these Firestone tires they have installed from factory make all kinds of noise. They are terrible , that coupled with cheap suspension , (9k miles already had dealer replace sway bar links in front and they said outer tie rods aren't far off also) coupled with the lack of sound deadening in throughout (especially floor /wheel wells ) this 25LT has more road noise than my old 91 miata!

 

[Michael_D]

We've had our '25 Eq. ( EEK! )for Six months now. Finally reached 1,500 mi. Yes/no, we don't drive much. We do enjoy it. After Driving over Two Million miles in several of those 80,000 Lb. Big Rigs, it doesn't take much to please us.
I did hear the most unusual noise/vibrations the other day. I backed out of a parking place, started forward, there it was. To me, it sounded and felt something like a cross between a high speed flat tire and a "HUEY" (military helicopter) about a half mile away, that had just came over a tree line. Or, Maybe, like when going over some of those ribs that are put on the roadway to wake you up.........Whisky-Tango-Foxtrot on that!
My first thought was that it was that "Engineering Wonder" of a modified Snow-Mobile Drive + gears transmission. Not likely, but it could be.
There is a couple things that I would like for several people to try, then get back to the Forum on their thoughts after trying.
One is: When this occurs, press the "recirculate" air button wait a few seconds. see if that makes a difference.
Two is: Press the recirculate button (doesn't matter if it's on or off, just change it) then press up on the roof near the center as possible. See if that makes a difference.
Three is: This if it does it a little more than seldom, operate the electric parking brake a couple times a week. ( just on then off ) See if that makes a difference.
Four is: When this occurs, and you are traveling at a modest speed (slow), hold the accelerator steady, and lightly press the brake pedal. This should do nothing but slow you down a touch.
If any of those things make a difference..... Then I know EXACTLY ! what it is.
Good Luck. Be Safe. Be Aware.
Remember, it takes 300 miles for 5mph to make a difference of less than 20 minuets.

 

[JTav8r84]

Is it possibly being caused by the Active Noise Cancellation system?

 

[VfromOKC]

UPDATE! Was finally able to leave my vehicle with the dealer for a few days last month (April 2025). I've had it since September 2024 and have heard this weird noise ever since the day I drove it off the lot. It was so hard to explain to the techs when it happened because it was so random, other than it seemed to do it at certain rpms. I've been researching this since September because despite what the first tech told me when I took it in back in October, I did not feel like this was the normal cabin pressure noise that happens when 1 window is down. I insisted my service advisor check the Gm bulletins as I've seen there are several out regarding similar sounds. I am lucky that my advisor and tech actually listened to me this time, rode with me so I could point out the sound, and didn't think I was crazy when they finally heard the "whomping"! My issue turned out to be the Active Noise Cancellation system. Everything was seated correctly so they did a forced radio software update for the fix. That was almost 3 weeks ago now, and I haven't heard the noise since. Crazy to me that a software update could fix what to me sounded like a radial noise or something coming from the wheel well. I also asked them to do the update that gives you a universal garage door opener. It was a separate update, but they did it, I now have a garage door opener and it works great. And weirdly enough the sound system in general seems to have gotten better, but still plan on upgrading it eventually. So just throwing it out there for anyone experiencing a weird intermittent noise, have them check the ANC system!

 

[Tonebalone]

My 2020 Premier has the whomp sound when a window is opened. So does my brother's '17 GMC pickup. So did my '09 Pontiac Vibe. As far as stock audio, the one thing you can do is upgrade the speakers. In my opinion, OEM speakers are equivalent to a bar coaster glued to a refrigerator magnet. You could visit an audio shop and keep it local or go to crutchfield.com and plug in your car's information and see what upgrades are available. If you buy from them, they send adapters and detailed do it yourself instructions. You can also read user reviews. Good luck!

 

[PeteComp]

UPDATE! Was finally able to leave my vehicle with the dealer for a few days last month (April 2025). I've had it since September 2024 and have heard this weird noise ever since the day I drove it off the lot. It was so hard to explain to the techs when it happened because it was so random, other than it seemed to do it at certain rpms. I've been researching this since September because despite what the first tech told me when I took it in back in October, I did not feel like this was the normal cabin pressure noise that happens when 1 window is down. I insisted my service advisor check the Gm bulletins as I've seen there are several out regarding similar sounds. I am lucky that my advisor and tech actually listened to me this time, rode with me so I could point out the sound, and didn't think I was crazy when they finally heard the "whomping"! My issue turned out to be the Active Noise Cancellation system. Everything was seated correctly so they did a forced radio software update for the fix. That was almost 3 weeks ago now, and I haven't heard the noise since. Crazy to me that a software update could fix what to me sounded like a radial noise or something coming from the wheel well. I also asked them to do the update that gives you a universal garage door opener. It was a separate update, but they did it, I now have a garage door opener and it works great. And weirdly enough the sound system in general seems to have gotten better, but still plan on upgrading it eventually. So just throwing it out there for anyone experiencing a weird intermittent noise, have them check the ANC system!

Thanks for the update. I just had my 2025 in for 4 days with a transmission leak but I, too, had a LOUD humming vibration. I told them about both and I assumed it was the transmission. After getting it back, the leak was fixed but still had the noise. Took it back again, and they said one of the microphones for the ANC came loose and had to be reseated. Just got it back and I STILL have the noise. I'm going on a 300 mile trip tomorrow and it's going to drive me nuts. It's only at 2000 RPM (which is so strange) so I either have to speed up or slow down to make it go away. I'm going to bring it to a dealer at my destination and ask them to check the other microphones (evidently there are 5 total) but I will also mention about the forced software update. I hope they can do the garage door opener, too, but I HAVE TO stop the noise. It's deafening.

 

[dequardo]

This is an ANC issue

 

[ann]

So I did take it back to the dealership, they heard the "whomp" but said it was the normal cabin pressure sound when a window is down. I just don't believe that's it. In my 30 years of driving, and as a smoker who cracks their window every time I drive, I have never heard a sound like this. The "normal" cabin pressure sound usually only happens when one window is completely down or a back window is partially down. I have never in my life heard that sound when I am driving with the driver's side window cracked less than 2 inches. It even continues when I crack another window. And only seems to do it between certain slower speeds. The more I hear it the more it sounds like the tires or something because the whomps seem to slow down when I am slowing down. I just don't know. Something I will have to live with I guess, but pretty annoying.

Same here. I traded in my 2019 fir a 2025, never heard that noise in the 19. I hate that I can't have the windows down. Really considering changing models

 

[GaryM]

HI all. I am new to the Equinox world. I just traded in a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited for a 2025 Equinox RS. I'm loving a lot of the features so far but there are a few weird things that I've noticed in the week since I've had it.
I've noticed when I'm traveling around 35-45 mph and have the driver window slightly cracked, there is a loud "whomping" sound that comes from the passenger side area. I can't pinpoint exactly where the noise is coming from, whether it's the windows or windshield. When I roll up the window it's stops, but its quite loud when it starts its "whomp whomp" sound. At first I thought it was the tires making the noise but think I've ruled that out as I only hear it when the driver's window is cracked. I only bought this last week and I've been so busy at work that I have not had time to go back to the dealership, but plan to do that Monday to see if they can give me any insight on this weird noise. Has anyone else with a 2025 noticed this?
Also in that same speed range, if I am in stop and go traffic, the car seems to struggle to shift properly. Like the rpm's will idle high around 35mph and I have to try to gas it to get to the next gear to try to get it back down or brake and go slower. IDK, maybe this is normal for a 4 cylinder car? It's been over 10 years since I've driven a 4 cylinder. The V6 in the Jeep was a smooth ride, smooth shifting, it was a great car but kept having electrical problems so wanted to get rid of it. These new Equinox seemed comparable in features, but coming from such a smooth driving and riding Jeep, I'm finding this to be a rougher and louder ride. And this is just ranting, but the sound system in this Equinox is god awful. Maybe I got spoiled by the Bose in the Jeep with the built in subs, but this is so so bad. Honestly if I would've tested that out better when I was test driving I probably wouldn't have bought it based on the sound system alone.
Anyways, anyone else with a 2025 notice the "whomping" or weird shifting?? Thanks!

There is a noise reduction system that has microphones (4) mounted in the headliner above the windows. From what you said it sounds like one or more of the microphones is not seated right. I had a similar issue but the mic's were ok. An update to the software fixed it. Quiet as a mouse now. Mine is a 2025 RS.

 

[penright]

Actually capture it. I was able to duplicate it over and over. The trick, I heard when the back seat was down. If it was up it would not do it.
To check my theory, I drove the same road multiple times. I would drive with the back seat down, then switch it up and drive the same route again to see if it made a difference. I only heard it when the seat was down. Not sure if same issue or not.

Here is a link, not sure if it will work or not, or for how long.

New video · Thursday, May 22 ð¬

Tap to view!

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[GaryM]

Same here. I traded in my 2019 fir a 2025, never heard that noise in the 19. I hate that I can't have the windows down. Really considering changing models

Don't believe the dealer. I've driven with the window cracked open and not heard a sound like you're describing. There's a tech bulletin out on the sound you describe and it spells out the process to determine whether it's the mic's or the update, or both. But the update fixed mine. The update took quite a while to download and it almost killed the battery. My dealer had to put a battery charge on it for it to complete. I'll check the download list for the update number and post it here.

 

[GaryM]

I believe you need these two updates; GM N25-F172AE. That one covers a list of items. The other one is 85845421.mnf. You can check what updates you've already received by going to settings, page down to Updates and History, select. It will list any updates that have been installed either by the dealer or over-air. If neither of these are in the list I'd ask the dealer about them. As I said, when new my RS was very noisy. The dealer confirmed the noise cancellation mic's were installed correctly, then ran an update. That corrected the noise problem completely. Good luck.

 

[dowop]

Dude, so many of us have heard the weird noise and don't know wtf it is. I've come to live with it and it don't think it's anything serious since I've had the dealer check the car and can't find anything. I think we have to realize it's a cheap car made in Mexico

Ya dude.....Guess that cheap car made in Mexico applies to Blazer also....