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: steering
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Apr 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for the rear tire inspection, the dealer diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the timing chain; however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Matthews-Hargreaves Chevrolet (2000 Twelve Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067) and diagnosed with rack and pinion, cylinder misfire, and catalytic converter failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rack and pinion and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle would remain on after the key was taken out of the ignition. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and reimbursed the contact for the timing chain replacement. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 18, 2021
MY TRANSMISSION IS NOT PICKING UP ACCORDINGLY. RPM ARE HIGH.
Steering, Nov 3, 2020
AFTER A SHORT WARM UP (5-10 MINUTES OF DRIVING), THE STEERING WHEEL WILL INTERMITTENTLY LOSE POWER AND IS DIFFICULT TO STEER. IT IT DOESN'T MATTER THE TYPE OR SPEED OF DRIVING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.
Steering, Sep 4, 2020
POWER STEERING BECOMES STIFF AND VARIABLE. DOESN'T GO BACK TO CENTER AFTER TURNING. THIS PROBLEM COMES AND GOES.
Steering, Dec 18, 2019
A CODE RANDOMLY APPEARS ON THE DASH WHILE DRIVING. IT'S SAYS TO SERVICE THE POWER STEERING. WHEN THIS POPS UP YOU LOSE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY. IF YOU ARE IN A MIDDLE OF A TURN, YOU CAN LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR CAR. THIS HAS ALMOST HAPPENED TO ME. THIS CODE WILL STAY ON THE SCREEN THEN RANDOMLY GOES AWAY AND POWER STEERING RETURNS. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CODE WILL POP UP WHEN YOUR DRIVING AND SAME RESULT, NO POWER STEERING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AND THIS HAPPENS.
Steering, Jul 5, 2019
NHTSA REFERENCE #: 10081067 TSB REFERENCE #: G-205009 SPECIAL COVERAGE #: 14232A AFTER THE DEALER REPLACED THE PARTS ON MY VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL IS STILL STICKING AND THE DEALER IS REQUESTING THAT ADDITIONAL PART(S) FROM THE STEERING WHEEL BE REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSES. I DO BELIEVE THAT ANY ADDITIONAL PARTS REQUIRED TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE SHOULD BE AT THE MANUFACTURER EXPENSES. THE TROUBLESHOOTING WAS NOT DONE THE RIGHT WAY IN ORDER TO ISOLATE THE COMPONENTS.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 26, 2019
SERVICE STABILITRAK, REDUCED ENGINE POWER, SLAPPING NOISE IN STEERING AS WELL AS MAJOR VIBRATION
Steering, Wheels, Jan 31, 2019
I NEED TO REPORT THAT WHEN DRIVING ON THESE ICY ROADS THAT MY AWD EQUINOX FEELS LIKE IT SWERVES? IT FEELS LIKE IT TAKES ME INTO THE OTHER LANE MOST OF THE TIME. NOW, I DON'T KNOW IF ITS THE AWD CAUSING IT BUT OTHER AWD VEHICLES THAT I'VE DRIVEN HAVE NEVER DID IT THIS BAD TO THE POINT THAT IT FEELS ALMOST LIKE MY BACK END STARTS GOING SIDEWAYS.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, May 23, 2018
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING 55MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOOSE SPEED CONTROL TO ALMOST 20 MPH. I TRY TO PRESS THE GAS TO ACCELERATE AND IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ARE BEING PRESSED DOWN. HAVE TO PRESS GAS PEDAL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON EMERGENCY FLASHERS TO ALERT VEHICLES BEHIND ME. STABILITRK LIGHT AND TC LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE READ PLENTY OF FORUMS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2010 CHEVERELET EQUINOX AND NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS AND BREAK SPECIALIST LOOK AT THE PROBLEM AND THEY ARE CONFUSED TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I HAVE A SMALL CHILD IN THE BACK SEAT. THANK GOD WE WEREN'T ON A 70 MPH HIGHWAY AND THAT HAPPENED. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN FATALITIES. I DONT HAVE ANY MECHANIC RECEIPTS BECAUSE THEY DONT KNOW WHAT TO START TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH. THEY SAID IT COULD BE NUMEROUS IDEAS( BRAKES, THROTTLE, ELECTRICAL, ETC). THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY!!
Steering, Jan 28, 2018
WHILE DRIVING MY EQUINOX, THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE THAT STARTED. WHEN I TURN MY WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. AND BECOMES VERY LOOSE. I CURRENTLY DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 4, 2017
BROUGHT MY SUV IN DELERSHIP FOR RECALLS FROM 12/5/2016. IT'S BEEN IN FOR MUTIPLABLE RECALLS PLUS OIL CONSUMPTION RECALL NOW RECEIVED MY CAR BACK HAD IT FOR 2 DAYS NOW SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLING ME MY TRANSMISSION WAVE PLATE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD RETURNED MY CAR SAYING EVERYTHING WAS FINE TO DRIVE LET ME LEAVE IN IT KNOWING THEY KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN. VERY UPSET PLUS AM OUT AROUND $800 DOLLARS THOUGHT THESE RECALLS WERE COVERED NOPE HAD TO COME OUT OF MY POCKET. NOW THEY WANT $4374.69!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 10, 2015, crash
ON AUGUST 21,2015 I WAS COMING HOME WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD I ENTERED A CURVE AND MY STEERING WHEEL DID NOT TURN WITH THE CURVE MY CAR CONTINUED GOING STRAIGHT I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND I TRIED TO BRAKE AND THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE CAR SO I WENT INTO THE DITCH WRECKING MY CAR IT WAS TOTALED AND I WAS HURT THE CAR WAS TOTALED THE CHEVROLET DEALER TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR IN AND THEY WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO CHARGE THEY HAD A SPECIAL WARRANTY FUND TO COVER THE COST OF REPAIR OF THE STEERING PROBLEM THERE HAD BEEN OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM--NEEDLESS TO SAY MY TOTALLY WRECKED CAR COULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO THE DEALER --I WAS TOLD TO CALL ROADSIDE SERVICE TO TOW IT IN AND FIX THE PROBLEM--A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ON THE POWER STEERING AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM--I COULD OF BEEN KILLED AND AT THE AGE OF 71 YEARS VERY THANKFUL THAT GOD WAS WITH ME AND SAVED MY LIFE THANK YOU --GOD BLESS!!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Equipment, Engine, Jun 3, 2015
2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FUEL CONTROL SYSTEM RECALL NOTICE AND SEVERAL VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED A MODULE. THE SECOND TIME THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE DEALER, THE TIMING CHAIN WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THE ENGINE WAS NOISY. IN SEPTEMBER 2014, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. IN NOVEMBER 2014, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THE STEERING LOCKING UP. THE CONDENSER HAD A SMALL PIN HOLE, THAT CAUSED FLUID TO LEAK OUT. THE COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
Steering, May 8, 2015
INTERMITTENTLY, THE STEERING WAS SERIOUSLY COMPROMISED WHEN DRIVEN. CONTACTED GM AND THEY SENT ME TO A GM CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP/TECHNICIAN. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE (DUE TO A "TWISTED STEERING SHAFT") AND STEERING COULD COMPLETELY FAIL AT ANY TIME. I ESCALATED THE ISSUE TO A CHEVROLET SENIOR ADVISOR IN DETROIT. THE SENIOR ADVISOR INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS FOR THIS TYPE OF ISSUE. I INFORMED THE ADVISOR THAT THIS DEFECT COULD INJURE / KILL SOMEONE IF NOT MADE PUBLIC. HE INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO FURTHER... I JUST DON'T WANT SOMEONE TO GET SERIOUSLY HURT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. PLEASE INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS ISSUE!!!
Steering, Jan 27, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE WHETHER A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LOWER BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Steering, Engine, Jul 29, 2014
WHILE AT RED LIGHT, I WENT TO PULL OUT AND CAR JUST TURNED OFF. AND HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK AND TURN CAR OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START AND HAD TO DO IT AGAIN. *JS
Steering, May 16, 2014
STEERING STARTED ACTING ODD. BINDING UP WHEN TURNING. TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERS. FIRST THEY TOLD ME THEY RESET THE STEERING. TWO DAYS LATER BROUGHT IT BACK STILL BINDING. DETERMINED IT WAS THE STEERING ASSIST MOTOR. THE CAR DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR ALMOST A WEEK. TOLD ME THEY HAD TO ALSO REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR, MOTOR ASSEMBLY, AND STEERING WHEEL ANGLE SENSOR. TOLD ME CAR WAS REPAIRED. DROVE IT HOME APPROX. 20 MILES. CAR STEERING IS STILL BINDING UP. TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERS TWO DAYS LATER. THE MECHANIC DROVE THE CAR AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. NOW I AM AT A LOSS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ANSWER IS. THIS SEEMS LIKE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
Steering, Apr 29, 2014
MY WIFE WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO COMPLETE THE TURN DUE TO FACT THAT SHE COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. SHE WAS JUST STARTING TO ACCELERATE THROUGH THE TURN SO SPEED WASN'T AN ISSUE. THANKFULLY SHE WASN'T TRAVELING AT A FASTER SPEED. WE WERE TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE EQUINOX NEEDS A STEERING GEAR REPLACED. *JS
Steering, Apr 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE ENGINE WAS WARM, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME STIFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 6/17/14*CN
Steering, Apr 15, 2014
2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LEAK COMING FROM THE POWER STEERING RACK. THE DEALER FOUND THE STEERING GEAR LEAKING AND REPLACED THE RACK ON A 2011 GMC ACADIA AT NO CHARGE. UPDATED 03/04/15. *JB
Steering, Apr 8, 2014
WIFE STOPPED FOR GAS PULLED OUT ON TO STREET VERY HARD TO STEER. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AND OFF FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS ALMOST WENT AWAY FOR A WHILE. THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS IT HAS BEEN CONSTANT WHETHER I AM GOING 2 MPH OR 70 KPH A CONSTANT STIFFNESS IN TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT IT'S AS IF IT WAS A FLUID TYPE POWER STEERING NOT ELECTRICAL.NOW THIS IS A EARLY 2010 WE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN JULY 2009.THERE ARE NO SIGNS OR ANY KIND OF NOISES TO INDICATE ANY KIND OF PROBLEM BUT I AM GETTING KIND OF NERVOUS IN DRIVING THIS SUV ANYMORE.THERE MUST BE OTHER CHEVY CARS THAT HAVE SAME PROBLEM I DO HOPE THERE WILL BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM SOON. THANKS *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 1, 2014
POWER STEERING LOCKED UP/STOPPED WORKING WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP. WOULDN'T WORK WHEN PUT BACK IN FORWARD GEAR. HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER, THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE. NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS DID THIS INTERMITTENTLY. RECENTLY, IT DID THIS REGULARLY FOR A DAY WHEN DRIVING...VERY DANGEROUS AS IT WOULD HAPPEN OFTEN WHEN EXECUTING A TURN SO CAR COULD LURCH INTO AN ADJACENT LANE AND POTENTIALLY END UP IN AN ACCIDENT. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THIS TIME TOOK TO DEALER WHO TOLD ME THEY DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM THAT WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF AT LEAST PART OF THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. THIS SEEMS TO BE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AS WHAT OCCURRED WITH COBALTS, HHR, ETC. IN THE LATEST GM RECALL AND I BELIEVE THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THIS MODEL YEAR AND MAKE AS WELL (IF NOT FOR OTHERS TOO!). CAUSED ME ENOUGH CONCERN TO GET THE WORK DONE AND AM NOW WORKING ON MY OPTIONS TO TRY AND GET GM TO REIMBURSE ME BASED ON THIS BEING AN IDENTICAL ISSUE TO THESE OTHER MAKES AND MODELS. *TR
Steering, Apr 1, 2014
WHILE TURNING, POWER STEERING NO LONGER PRESENT. POWER STEERING DID NOT RETURN AFTER CHECKING FUSES AND REPLACING BATTERY. DEALER INDICATED NEEDED TO REPLACE STEERING GEAR AND CHARGED $1500. POWER STEERING ASSIST RETURNED FOR A FEW DAYS. POWER STEERING BECAME INTERMITTENT. WHEN I RETURNED TO DEALER, THEY SAY IT WAS THE SHAFT JOINTS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND REPLACED THOSE AT NO CHARGE. *TR
Steering, Mar 30, 2014
POWER STEERING FAILURE. STEERING LOCKED UP. VEHICLE COULD BE STEERED ONLY WITH EXTREME MANUAL EFFORT. IT OCCURRED REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, FROM 0 TO 35 DURING THIS INCIDENT. WHEN WHEEL WAS TURNED IT WOULD NOT RETURN TO PREVIOUS POSITION. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN TURNING A CORNER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STRAIGHTEN OUT WHEN THE TURN WAS COMPLETED UNLESS THE WHEEL WAS MANUALLY PULLED BACK, AGAIN WITH EXTREME EFFORT. LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED BUT HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF ANY SUCH PROBLEM. DAYS LATER THE POWER STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL BY ITSELF! THEN THE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! *TR
Steering, Mar 28, 2014
I WORK APPROXIMATELY 36 MILES FROM AND WHILE TRAVELING HOME FROM WORK ON THE EXPRESSWAY I NOTICE MY POWER STEERING MONITOR APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD AND MY AIR BRAKE WARNING SIGNALS CAME ON AND ALSO MY TRACTION CONTROL SIGNAL WAS ON AND MY STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF AND TIGHT VERY HARD TO CONTROL. I CONTACT GM CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT I HAVE RESEARCH OTHER VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED BY THEM WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM THAT IS NOW ON THEIR RECALL LIST. THEY WERE NO HELP AT ALL.THEY WERE LOOKING FOR WAYS TO PUT THE RESPONSIBILITY IN MY HANDS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM THEN TO SATISFY ME AS A CUSTOMER. *TR