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
784 reports, newest first.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2023
When I turn off my Chevrolet Equinox and leave the key in the ignition the vehicle attempts to restart itself numerous times. The lights on the dash all come on for a brief moment and you can hear it act like it’s going to start but then everything cuts off a second later. This has occurred everytime I turn my vehicle off and do not remove the key. I am always sitting in the vehicle when the key is in the ignition.
Air bags, Feb 15, 2023
Came on after purchasing
Structure, Feb 10, 2023
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon inspection of the vehicle, severe corrosion and several holes were discovered on the subframe. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2023
Visibility: Defroster/Defogger 2009-12-18 Recall#09V489000 Software computer module Center console will malfunction causing the radio, heater, radio, a/c and defroster to quick working. Putting the vehicle to be a safety hazard when not working, can result in crash without warning. Dealer refuses to fix.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2023
Engine cylinders & seals are faulty and easily crack causing the car to STOP /STALL WHILE IN DRIVE! I NEARLY HIT A SEMI-TRUCK BECAUSE THE CAR STOPED MID DRIVE AND THE CAR JERKED SO HARD THAT THE WHEEL JERKED TO THE SIDE AND THEN LOCKED!! AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO GLIDE IN A CIRCLE BECAUSE IT DIDNT STOP ALL THE WAY I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL TO AVOID THE SEMI, WHAT SAVED MY LIFE WAS THE CLEAR ROAD THAT ALLOWED THE SEMI TO GO AROUND ME!! MY CAR LITERALLY SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ACROSS THE YELLOW LINE! This issue persists and corrupts the ENTIRE fuel system, catalytic conveyer, resonator, and timing chain SIMULTANEOUSLY! This causes each owner to replace the entire engine because it simply can not be fixed. Fixing or repairing one of the components does NOT fix the issue or stop the engine from failing, all must be replaced! Even after replacing it all THE SAME THING HAPPENS TO THE NEW ENGINE! This is a engine malfunction. The entire car/engine/blueprint should be destroyed and recalled!!! Even the mechanics and dealers are asking why these vehicles still exist and saying that the engine for this car is junk and it’s so common for this to happen to the point that there are NO USED ENGINES FOR UNDER $2500!!! Majority of the mechanics are even REFUSING to repair/replace the engine in this car because it’s a waste of time & money because the next engine NEW OR USED will do the same EXACT thing!! NO ONE IS GOING TO PAY $10,000+ for a NEW ENGINE or even $2500+ for a USED ENGINE PLUS $2000+ FOR LABOR ONLY FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM TO HAPPEN AFTER SPENDING $5000 - $12000+
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
High oil consumption. Low oil pressure and reduced engine power light activated. Car could not go more than 2 RPM. Issue continues to persist despite on time oil changes, adding oil as needed, etc.
Engine, Dec 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward motion. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the check engine and engine power reduced warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and he was able to pull off the roadway. The contact stopped and placed the vehicle in park(P) however, when he attempted to restart the vehicle, the vehicle would not restart. The contact checked the oil and saw that there was no oil on the dipstick. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence where he was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Structure, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while entering the vehicle she noticed that the rear of the vehicle was full of water, and condensation was in the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the vehicle was drained of the water, but no failure was found. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Oct 3, 2022
Vehicle burns oil at a high rate due to an engine piston ring problem. If not checked on a weekly basis you will get low oil pressure throwing the car into limp mode decreasing engine power immediately. I know people that had this problem addressed by GM free of charge as a recall. I want to know if my vehicle qualifies for this recall.Currently this vehicle requires 1 quart of oil weekly in order to keep oil level full. If I am driving the vehicle and this would happen again it might not cause an accident but currently my wife and daughter use the car and they might not be able to handle the situation if it would occur. Thank you
Visibility/wiper, Aug 5, 2022
while driving in a rain storm my wipers stopped working. Had to move from 3 lanes of traffic to the side of the road with zero visibility out of my front windshield. Wipers had no power, windshield wiper module failed.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 15, 2022
My windshield wipers quit working while it was raining. Preventing me from being able to see the road and other vehicles on the road.
Electrical system, May 16, 2022
Reported to GMC about how my car radio goes out, a/c would turn itself on and blow hot air also the door locking itself after being unlocked. I was told there were no issues reported on what I was calling for to only read simething different online. So I took it to the dealership and told them how Air went from working to not working and took to dealership and was told I had a leak in my evaporator core. I informed them I had the freon checked and the level was correct and also it didn't need to be charged but the compressor wasn't coming on. Also called an independent mechanic who said that year was full of issues and if my levels were correct that I didn't have a leak but something else going on. Took to dealership on 5/16 also called mechanic the same day. I made the appointment last Thursday for the dealership to look at after noticing the problem.
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.
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.
Engine, Mar 17, 2022
Excessive engine repairs. I have done all the recalls and in November had to again have major engine work done on my car for excessive oil usage damaging the engine. I have also twice had transmission problems. In November my car just shut down in the middle of the highway and required major engine work done again. I have always made sure to do all the proper maintenance on this car. Now I am out of warranty and looking at around $6000 more in repairs again. I have been told by several car places that have looked at this car that there have been many problems with this car‘s engine. Engine light repeatedly goes on and when checked and fix goes off and goes back on within a week again. I have talk to GMC and they said because I am no longer under warranty nothing can be done. I feel like this car needs to be either replaced or the engine needs to be replaced by them. This last time has made me very worried since my car completely died in the middle of a busy highway.
Engine, Feb 4, 2022
BAD ENGINES ARE A KNOWN FACT FOR THIS VEHICLE. JUST TOO LATE FOR ME. FOUND OUT TOO LATE THAT A NEW ENGINE IS OVER $5000,. According to the dealer and an independent repair shop it is not unusual for this vehicle to have engine problems. Uses excess amounts of oil and lights are late to come on. Expensive to tear down the engine,. So all they can do is the best knowledge of what they see and hear. The reviews for this car state the same thing. Cost more to repair than vehicle is worth. Once again a GMC product gets me. Just because my folks liked them. NO MORE FOR ME>
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust module and the camshaft actuators needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, while driving at 60 MPH, the warning message "Reduced Power" illuminated. The contact stated that he immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that he continued to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the accelerator pedal had failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 182,372.
Power train, Engine, Nov 14, 2021
I bought a Chevy Equinox in 6/2020 and have had high oil consumption problems. I took it in to where I bought it and they said it was a catalog converter problem along with seals and pistons that could damage your engine. After researching it, i found out there was a recall and class action suit fought in 2018 for the same problem. I was never told about this from the dealer and because it's outside the date to fix under the recall and warranty I have to pay for all the damage. The car broke down yesterday and had to be towed. What can I do? I'm still financing the vehicle
Electrical system, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle temporarily lost electrical power inadvertently. They were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (Visibility). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2021
I have had my vehicle for only a year and bought it used from a dealership here in town. I understand that the vehicle is nearly 12 years old though I have seen vehicles that were way older and not have half the problems that I am having with mine and it has been well keep and maintenance has been up to date. Early this week my car had been warming up for nearly 30 minutes and I put it in drive and it jerk harder then normal. I just thought it was because it went from hot to cold outside overnight that that was the problem. Though as I was driving down the street my check engine light came on and the vehicle was stalling in between 35-40 mph. So I got it check out and the code said that it was a transmission shift solenoid. I then took it to Chevy to make sure that, that was the issues and the dealership Penske Chevrolet confirmed that it was and that many of the Equinox’s, cruzes, and traverses from the year 2009 until 2019 Health exact same issue and that several people did the complaint form in their dealership I did research online and it’s true many people complain about this issue but I think they don’t know where to go to file a proper complaint. I think that this problem not being recalled is absurd because it’s costing people nearly 4, five, $6000 because of this issue when if many and I do mean many people are having this issue then chevy needs to fix this.
Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact mentioned that both rear windows failed to operate correctly and roll down independently with an abnormal noise that appeared while the vehicle was violently shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in motion. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Power train, Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 20-25 mph, the vehicle stalled with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Wheels, Engine, May 18, 2021
I have had oil consumption problems. Changed oil before due made all maintenance work on time or before due. Right after I bought it I put the main seal in it. Because it was leaking oil. That was$1000 more added to my loan. Put 4 hub bears on the front because of the steering instabilities which corrected it for a short time. But now that I am trying to sell the car I hear there is a recall on the motor but when I run it here there isn't so i am stuck. It hurts me to ride or drive it due to spine issues. And now I am stuck with this suv. Thank you GM for having us buy American.