2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 784 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 15 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 23 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, power adjustJul 23, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Campaign 14V447000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, defroster/defogger/hvac systemDec 23, 2009
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS". THE SOFTWARE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN CAUSE THE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST, AND RADIO CONTROLS, AS WELL AS THE PANEL ILLUMINATION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
DRIVING WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DEFROST SYSTEM CAN DECREASE YOUR VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Campaign 09V489000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
57 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
After taking my vehicle to three repair shops I was advised by the last body shop that there was a bulletin (14159) out in regards to excessive engine oil consumption. The mechanic explained the issues I am having with my car is due to the excessive engine oil consumption. He stated the car is not losing oil it’s burning it. My entire engine is effected due to this issue. To go further in detail my car was cutting on and off in the middle of traffic. This is a huge safety issue for me I have a disabled son who I travel with on the daily. I quote “ All consumers should receive notice of a recall affecting them. Car manufacturers are required to notify registered owners and purchasers of all recalled cars by letter, and state agencies will provide manufacturers with lists of registered owners for this purpose.” I never received a letter concerning a recall or this issue. I took very well care of my vehicle my car is a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and it only has 108,774miles. This is so devastating I have no other transportation and now I’m stuck looking for a new vehicle. If any documentation is needed I can assure you I can provide it.
Air bags, Apr 7, 2023
Airbags deployed while driving
Air bags, Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while slowing to stop the vehicle, the side curtain air bags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that the front and rear driver’s side and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed without a crash. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Air bags, Feb 15, 2023
Came on after purchasing
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 18, 2022, crash
Accident April 26, 2021 where our vehicle was hit "Straight on Front Left" and seat belt tensioner did not restrain the passenger & "Air Bag did not deploy". Request EDR (Event Data Recorder) be scanned to determine what happened and how the car systems functioned or did not function properly. Driver suffered head trauma as a result of the accident. Please advise on action needed to follow up on this malfunction.
Air bags, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Mar 26, 2021
I'VE HAD COUNTLESS ISSUES FROM THIS VEHICLE SINCE I'VE GOTTEN IT BETWEEN A CONSTANT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAVING TO REPLACE ALL THE SENSORS AND IT GOES AWAY OR OIL LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS I STAY PUTTING OIL IN IT TWICE A WEEK AS OF THE PAST FEW DAYS I WAS COMING HOME FROM TAKING MY BROTHER TO KARATE AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT START FLASHING IN MY STABILITY TRACK CAME ON AND DUE TO THE OIL LEAK IT CAUSE MY ENGINE TO CRACK A RING SO NOW MY VEHICLE IS BASICALLY TOTALED ITS HEARTBREAKING CUZ THE AMOUNT OF MONEY AND REPAIRS ARE PUT INTO IT IT'S BEEN ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYBODY
Air bags, Mar 10, 2020
ON FEBRUARY 26, I WAS DRIVING MY 2010 EQUINOX TO MY MECHANIC FOR AN ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION AND TO FIND OUT WHY MY SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. AS I WAS DRIVING SMOKE STARTED FLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. I STOPPED THE CAR AND GOT OUT THINKING IT WAS GOING TO GO ON FIRE. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, THE SMOKE STOPPED AND I PROCEEDED TO MY MECHANIC. ON MARCH 10TH MY MECHANIC HAD THE CAR IN HIS GARAGE AND WAS COMPLETING THE INSPECTION AND HE DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE WHY THE CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN SMOKING. HE DECIDED TO LET THE CAR IDLE IN THE SHOP TO SEE IF IT WOULD START SMOKING. AS MOMENTS PASSED THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HEARD A 'FIRECRACKER' SOUND AND LOOKED TO SEE THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC TO TAKE IT TO A CHEVY DEALER. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND TOLD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THIS STORY AND THEY WERE UNSURE WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT YET HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO RECTIFY IT WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE HORROR THAT WOULD HAVE ENSUED IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
Air bags, Engine, Dec 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,096.
Air bags, Dec 26, 2019
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
Air bags, Nov 17, 2019
I GOT INTO MY CAR FRIDAY AT 12:30 SHUT THE DOOR STARTED IT AND THE SIDE AIRBAG HIT ME SHOVED ME SIDEWAYS I TURN THE CAR OFF BECAUSE I COULD SMELL THE POWDER AND I WAS AFRAID ANOTHER ONE WOULD GO OFF. MY ARM AROUND THE ELBOW AREA HURTS AND MY ARM FEELS BURNED FROM ABOUT MY ARMPIT TO MY WRIST. BETWEEN MY SHOULDER BLADES AND MY NECK HURT AND I'VE HAD A HEADACHE SINCE. I DEPEND ON MY CAR BEING ON THE AMBULANCE AND THE DEPUTY CORONER FOR BOISE COUNTY I COULD BE IN MY CAR DURING THE DAY OR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I'M AFRAID NOW TO DRIVE IT.
Air bags, Jul 4, 2019
SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED GOING DOWN ROAD FOR NO REASON.
Air bags, Dec 20, 2018
DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT HAVING MAJOR IMPACT. DRIVER BRUSHED A CURB WHILE DRIVING THE AND AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THERE IS NO SIGN OF IMPACT OR DAMAGE ON THE VEHICLE THAT SHOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THIS HAPPENING.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jun 22, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ONE OF THE TIRES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES FROM THE DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER (SCOVILLE-MENO CHEVROLET GMC, 8 S MAIN ST, BAINBRIDGE, NY 13733, (877) 274-2485) WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. *TT CARFAX NOT ABLE TO PROCESS VIN UPDATED 9/26/18*JB
Air bags, Apr 1, 2018
SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I AM STOPPED OR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2018
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I CONSTANTLY GET A "SERVICE AIRBAG" MESSAGE ON MY DASHBOARD. I HAVE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AS WELL AS GM/CHEVORLET BY PHONE AND WAS TOLD THAT UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER IN WHICH I PURCHASED AND SINCE THEY DID NOT SEE THE MESSAGE THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I FEAR (GOD FORBID) BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY. I DO TRAVEL WITH MY CHILDREN IN WHICH ONE OF THE 3 IS A TODDLER. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. - ALSO WHICH IS VERY ANNOYING MY KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. NOW I HAVE 2 SETS OF KEYS ONE GETS STUCK MORE THAN THE OTHER, BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHERE I HAVE TO SPEND HOURS TRYING TO REMOVE IT - I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER BUT ONCE AGAIN WAS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THIS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS VIDEOS AND FORUMS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. NEEDLES TO SAY I WOULD NEVER PURCHASE A CHEVY AGAIN! TOO MANY ISSUES FOR A CAR THAT I'VE ONLY HAD A FEW YEARS.
Air bags, Nov 3, 2017
GOTA LETTER FROM THEM SAYING THIEIR AN ISSUSE WITH THE AIRBAGS WANT TO KNOW IF MINE ARE DEFECTED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED NOW...
Air bags, Jul 5, 2017
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON...I HAVE NO IDEA WHETHER OR NOT IT IS A TAKATA. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL...APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM? THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO PAY FOR THIS.
Power train, Air bags, Engine, Mar 8, 2017
MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE DEALER. SOLENOID PROBLEM, AIR BAG, ENGINE LIGHT ON, BROKEN CHAIN, FUEL PUMP INJECTOR, LEAKING SUN ROOF, AS OF 3/6/2017 I NEED A TRANSMISSION. MY CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2010, I ONLY HAVE 31,000 MILES ON IT. IV'E VISITED THE DEALER JAN, FEB, AND MARCH OF 2017. I FEEL I SHOULD BE COMPENSATED WITH A NEW CAR!!!! JAN, F CAR
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 13, 2017
I GOT A RECAL ABOUT MY AIRBAGS . WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE SEATBELT TINSHNER WAS AT FALT AND THAT WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE DEALER IS PHELTIER CHEVY IN TYLER TEX.
Air bags, Jan 26, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. BUMPED A CURB (FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE) AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (ON A REGULAR ROAD MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN) AND ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS. FRONT TIRE WAS RESTING AT CURB (DID NOT GO OVER CURB BECAUSE WAS NOT GOING FAST ENOUGH). ENDED UP WITH A BROKEN NOSE, STITCHES ON FOREHEAD, EYEBROW, TWO AREAS OF NOSE BECAUSE OF CUTS FROM AIRBAGS. ALSO EXTREMELY SWOLLEN HAND WITH FRACTURES.
Air bags, Nov 30, 2016, crash
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN INVOLVED IN CAR ACCIDENT ON 11/25/2016
Air bags, Seats, Engine, Oct 29, 2016
MY DRIVERS SEAT WAS CHANGED TWICE IN SIX MONTH, STILL DOESN'T WORK THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT COMES IF NOTING IS IN THE SEAT. THE OIL COMSUMPTION IS UNGODLY AND NOW I HAVE ANOIL LEAK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY ENGINE AND I NEED TO ADD 2 QUARTS OF OIL DAILY. ECOBOOST WENT OUT WITHIN A YEAR OF MY OWNERSHIP. CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR OIL LEAK AND IT IS STII PERSISTENT.
Air bags, Oct 19, 2016
DRIVERS SEATBELT PRETESIONER CONNECTOR SHORTED. AIRBAG FAULT LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. REPAIR COST WAS &161.60. I FEEL THIS SAFETY RELATED ITEM SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. GM AND THE DEALER SAY SERVICE BULLETIN 14710 ONLY APPLIES TO CERTAIN 2010 EQUINOXES AND THAT MINE ISN'T INCLUDED BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE OF THREE LANE TRAFFIC, A SEMI-TRUCK MERGED FROM THE MIDDLE LANE TO THE LEFT LANE AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND RECEIVED EXTENSIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE WRISTS, BACK, AND NECK AND HAD A CT SCAN FOR LOWER BACK PAINS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,070.
Air bags, Mar 21, 2016
THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON RANDOMLY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2010 EQUINOX, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL ON THIS SINCE IT DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM? SINCE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN WHY HAS THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT?