2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 408 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 23 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 30 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 29, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Campaign 20V668000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperAug 30, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Campaign 18V576000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMay 31, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Campaign 18V358000 on NHTSA.gov
VisibilityApr 19, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The driver and front passenger door window glass may not be properly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the glass in the front doors, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18136.
Campaign 18V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftAug 22, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Campaign 17V516000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
94 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Feb 7, 2020
WHEN COMING TO A STOP ENGINE CONSTANTLY SHUTS OFF
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE STOPPED THE FUEL SAVING SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF BUT WHEN THE DRIVER LIFTED OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESUME OPERATION AS DESIGNED. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CAMINO REAL CHEVROLET (2401 S. ATLANTIC BLVD, MONTEREY PARK CA.) WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Engine, Jan 27, 2020
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND I GOT AN ERROR SAYING ENGINE POWER REDUCED, AND MY ENGINE CUT OUT, AND THEN RIGHT AFTER, I GOT AN ERROR SAYING BRAKE ASSIST ON, AND MY BRAKES FELT LIKE A BRICK WHEN I TRIED TO PUSH THEM. I MADE IT TO THE EMERGENCY LANE ON THE HWY, AND PUSHED MY BRAKES REALLY HARD AND THEN PUT THE PARKING BRAKE ON. AFTER GETTING IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH EQUINOXS WITH MY ENGINE TYPE, WHERE THE VACUUM PUMP GOES OUT, AND THEN THE GEAR RUNNING IT BRAKES, AND THEN THE METAL FROM THAT GEAR GOT SUCKED UP INTO MY ENGINE. THAT VACUUM PUMP CONNECTS TO BOTH MY BRAKES AND MY ENGINE, WHICH IS WHY I LOST BOTH AT THE SAME TIME WITH NO PRIOR WARNINGS OR ANY INDICATION ANYTHING COULD BE WRONG BEFORE IT HAPPENED. MY ENGINE IS NOW COMPLETELY BLOWN WITH NO WARNING. IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE FACTORY PART, AND THEY ASSURED ME IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MAINTENANCE OR ANYTHING, SOME OF THE VACUUM PUMPS THEY USED ARE JUST BAD. THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS ON MY VIN. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY BAD. I LOST MY BRAKES AND MY ENGINE GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON A BRIDGE. I WAS JUST LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND STOP WITHOUT GETTING HIT OR HITTING ANYONE ELSE.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 31, 2019
JUST FINSHED MY SECOND YEAR INTO MY 3 YEAR 2018 CHEVY EQUINOX LEASE AND FOR THE LAST MONTH OR SO THE SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST HAS APPEARED AND DISSAPEARED DOZENS OF TIMES WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND OFF FOR THE LAST FEW WEEKS. ORGINALLY MAD AN APPOINTMENT BUT THE DEALER SHIP CANCLLED IT AND THEN MY CAR SUDDENLY HAD REDUCED POWER THE DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD. NOT A HIGHWAY. GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE SAY A VACUM PUMP SEIZED? NOW ARE SAYING THERE IS METAL IN THE ENGINE AMD THEY DONT KNOW WHY. TRYING TO GET ME TO PAY FOR COST. HAVE TAKEN CAR OF VEHCHILE AND DONE THE REQUIRED MATINENCE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A 2 YEAR OLD CAR WITH ON 32000 MILES. VERY CONCERNED THERE IS SOMETHING DEFECTED WITH THE CAR. AS NUMEROUS VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR SIMILAR ISSUES TO MINE BY GM.
Engine, Apr 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESTART AND THE AUTO STOP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KOCOUREK CHEVROLET (1500 MORNING GLORY LN, WAUSAU, WI 54401, (715) 359-7200) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,400.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED JEFF PERRY BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 1421 37TH ST, PERU, IL 61354, (815) 410-4168) AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Engine, Mar 26, 2019
OIL LEAK NOTED ON GROUND AFTER BEING DRIVEN. STARTED OUT BEING SMALL DROPS BUT GRADUALLY WORSENED. DEALERSHIP STATED "WELD AROUND OIL PAN WAS NOT PROPERLY SEALED"
Engine, Mar 9, 2019
THE AUTO STOP IS ANNOYING AND I FEEL DANGEROUS. THERE IS A HESITATION AND A LURCH WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. I NEVER WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THIS IF I KNEW IT. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
Engine, Jan 30, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AT CONSTANT SPEED AND RPM OIL PRESSURE GOES FROM 30PSI TO 70PSI. IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE HIGH OIL PRESSURE IS AS BIG A PROBLEM AS LOW PRESSURE. MY OTHER CARS DO NOT DO THIS AS OIL PRESSURE GOES UP WITH RPM SO I ASKED MCDANIELS SERVICE TECHNICIAN AND SERVICE MANAGER IF THIS WAS NORMAL. TECHNICIAN SAID HE COULDN'T REPEAT IT BUT IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME. I ASKED IF THIS WAS NORMAL AND THEY BOTH WEREN'T SURE. IN OCTOBER THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE WOULD CHECK AND GET BACK WITH ME BUT AS OF JAN 30, 2019 I HAVE NO RESPONSE. I HAVE CALLED A FEW TIMES BUT NO CALL BACK. I CALLED GM CUSTOMER CARE AND CORPORATE OFFICE. THEY SAID THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP BUT WHEN I CALLED BACK IN JANUARY THEY JUST SAID I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AGAIN. ACTUALLAY I'M NOT SURE THIS IS NORMAL OR NOT ON THE 1.5T EQUINOX. IT MAY BE NORMAL, MAYBE GM HAS A VARIABLE PRESSURE PUMP TO ADD PRESSURE FOR VARIABLE VALVE TIMING. THE PROBLEM IS THE TECHNICIANS, SERVICE MANAGER AND CUSTOMER CARE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TELL ME THIS. THEY SHOULD KNOW OR BE ABLE TO GET AN ANSWER FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS. CARS ARE MORE TECHNICAL TODAY AND THE TECHNICIANS AND CUSTOMER SUPPORT SHOULD BE MORE TECHNICAL TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. REGARDLESS THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER CUSTOMERS QUESTIONS IN A TIMELY MANOR AND TELL CUSTOMERS IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM OR NOT. THREE MONTHS IS TOO LONG TO WAIT FOR ANSWER, IT SEEMS AS THOUGH ANY ISSUE IS STALLED OR DELAYED TO TRY TO WAIT UNTILL THE CUSTOMER GIVES UP OR THE WARRANTY EXPIRES. I'M GLAD THIS IS JUST A MINOR ISSSUE -I HOPE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 6, 2019
MUFFLER LEAK AT BOTH ENDS !!!!
Engine, Dec 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING WAS BEING OPERATED, WHITE SHINY DEBRIS CAME OUT OF THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOMMARITO CHEVROLET SOUTH (6127 S LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63123, (314) 487-9800) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEBRIS COULD BE FROM THE OUTSIDE ENVIRONMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE WHITE FLAKES WERE TESTED BY A COMPANY CALLED ANALYTICS CORPORATION WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WHITE FLAKES WAS COMBINED WITH DIFFERENT METALS, WHICH WERE CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. *DT CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP TOOK THE 2015 EQUINOX AND TRADED IT IN FOR 2018 EQUINOX BUT CONSUMER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE NEW VEHICLE POSSIBLE TOXINS.*JB
Engine, Sep 17, 2018
AT CERTAIN TIMES THERE IS A SLIGHT SURGE. IT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN A STOPPED MODE. WHEN THE FOOT IS REMOVED FROM THE BRAKE, BUT BEFORE THE ACCELATOR PEDAL IS TOUCHED, THERE IS A SLIGHT SURGE WHICH IS NOT NORMAL OR SAFE. OCCASIONALLY, IT ALSO OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE HIGHEST GEAR.
Engine, Sep 13, 2018
VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND INSTANTLY STARTED AGAIN SIMULTANEOUSLY WHILE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A DRIVE THROUGH AT A RESTAURANT.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS OPERATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IT COULD BE A CHEMICAL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAVALLARO-NEUBAUER CHEVROLET (3740 NY-104, WILLIAMSON, NY 14589, (315) 791-4206) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLING ELEMENT WAS BEING BURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED HE SPOKE WITHA SUPERVISOR AT GM SHELIA AUG 29TH, 2018 1-866-790-5600 EXT 5921743. AFTER SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO CALL ME THE WEEK BEFORE, SAID SHE HAS SO MANY THINGS TO LOOK AT, THAT'S WHY SHE TOOK SO LONG GETTING BACK TO CONSUMER. ALSO, SAID SHE WOULD TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM FOR SURE AND GET BACK TO CONSUMER ON AUG 31ST,2018, NEVER CALLED. ALSO TALKED TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO RIDE IT OUT THROUGH THE WINTER, IT WILL BE DEALT WITH NEXT SUMMER. AT THIS POINT NEVER BUY A CHEVY AGAIN. STILL SMELLS BAD UPDATED 10/15/18*JB
Engine, Jul 16, 2018
LESS THEN 10,000 MILES IN THE CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON. THERE HAD NOT BEEN AN ISSUE WITH IT AT ALL UNTIL TODAY WHEN I STARTED MY CAR AFTER WORK.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 7, 2018
TAKATA RECALL -CAR ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON NOW ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS ONCE ON HIGHWAY ONCE IN. SIDE STREET AND THEN IN AFTER JUST STARTING CAR . HAS BEEN SERVICE NOW ALL 3 TIMES AND EMU SYSTEM WAS FULLY REPLACED . IT WILL GO INTO SAFETY MODE AND THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS. THE ENGINE THEN RUNS HIGH AND CAR LOCKS UP. THE CAR IS FEELS LIKE IT IS STRESSING AT EVEN 35 MILES BEFORE THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. I HAVE SERVICE PAPERWORK FROM THE FIRST TWO SERVICES AND PICTURES OF THE CAR IN SAFETY MODE. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME NOW. PURCHASE THE CAR ONLY 5 MONTHS AGO . ONSTAR PICKED UP ON HIGHWAY 5.30.18 , PICKED UP FROM SERVICE THEN ON 6.2.2018, HAD CAR FOR 2 HOURS CAR WENT BACK INTO SERVICE SAME DAY 6.2.2018 BACK TO DEALERSHIP, PICKED BACKUP 6.5.2018 AND THEN BACK IN DEALERSHIP 6.6.2018 FOR ON GOING ISSUES AND STILL THERE WITH NO RESOLUTION AT THIS POINT
Electrical system, Engine, May 21, 2018
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE OCT 31,2017 AND WITH IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT 1,400 MILES. I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS PURCHASED FROM IMMEDIATELY AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS MECHANICALLY WRONG AND IT WAS OKAY TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH THE LIGHT ON. IT EVENTUALLY WENT OUT ON ITS OWN JUST TO COME BACK ON A MONTH LATER, I AGAIN TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS TIME TO BE TOLD I NEEDED A NEW VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER PIPE. AFTER THE PART WAS REPLACED THE DEALERSHIP THEN TOLD ME I NEEDED TO HAVE THE BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACED. THREE DAYS AFTER THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON AT THIS POINT THE DEALERSHIP HAD NO MORE ANSWERS AND WAS REPORTING MY ISSUE TO GM AND HAVING ONE OF THEIR TECHNICIANS LOOK AT MY VEHICLE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK IN FOR A FOURTH TIME BECAUSE THE LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY AND DUE TO MY KNOWLEDGE OF THE LEMON LAWS ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE GM IS NOW INTERESTED IN PURCHASING MY VEHICLE BACK AND TO THIS DAY THE TRANSACTION HASN'T HAPPENED BECAUSE I FEEL AS THOUGH I AM BEING PENALIZED FOR THEIR ERROR. THE LIGHT STILL GOES OFF AND ON AND I'VE NOW HAD THE VEHICLE FOR SEVEN MONTHS AND THERE STILL ISN'T AN ANSWER AS TO WHY.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Mar 23, 2018
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A VEHICLE AT FELDMAN CHEVROLET IN NEW HUDSON MI ( LOCATED AT 30400 LYON CENTER DRIVE E, NEW HUDSON< MI 48165 : 248-573-0321 ) I PURCHASED A 2018 CHEVY EQUINOX ( VIN [XXX] ) THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING 2017 I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THURSDAY 2/15/2018 WHEN MY SOLID STATE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I IMMEDIATE HIT THE ONSTAR AND THEY GAVE ME A CODE OF P3055 AND TOLD ME TO TAKE TO THE DEALER WITHIN 7 DAYS. . I WAS TOLD IT WAS A ' VOLTAGE COMMUNICATION ' ISSUE AND THAT I SHOULD BE ALL SET, IT WAS RESOLVED. THE FOLLOWING 2/21/2018, WHILE OUT AT LUNCH DURING MY WORK DAY, THE SOLID STATE CHECK ENGINE LINE ILLUMINATED YET A 2ND TIME. THIS TIME THEY SAID MY VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ' ENGINE CONTROL MODULE ' - THAT WAS REPAIRED, APPROX. 2 WEEKS LATER, MY " SERVICE ESC BRAKE/ TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON" AND WOULD NOT GO OFF, THEY HAD THE VEHICLE A WEEK AND DETERMINED IT WAS A GROUND SHORT. HERE IT IS 3/23/2018 AND A 4TH TIME MY CAR IS AT THE DEALER, ESC/ TRACTION CONTROL AGAIN. 4 TIMES IN 5 WEEKS MY VEHICLE HAS NOW BEEN IN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AT 8,000 MILES .RIDICULOUS- ALL OF THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 22, 2018
MY 2018 CHEVY EQUINOX WITH THE 1.5L TURBO ENGINE FAILS TO SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 14 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE FIRST RESPONSE I GOT WAS "THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE, JUST DRIVE IT AS NORMAL". WHERE I LIVE THE TEMPERATURE IS VERY OFTEN BELOW 14 DEGREES IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY. DRIVING AT HWY SPEEDS, THE ENGINE IS OFTEN RUNNING 3400 RPM OR HIGHER LOCKED IN 5TH GEAR. I HAVE DRIVEN THOUSANDS OF MILES THIS WINTER IN THIS CONDITION. THIS IS NOT NORMAL TO ME, AND THE INCREASED FUEL CONSUMPTION, ENGINE NOISE AND WEAR ON THE VEHICLE ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TO ME. IN ADDITION I WAS TOLD BY DEALER SERVICE, THAT 6TH GEAR WOULD RETURN AS SOON AS THE TEMPERATURE ROSE ABOVE 14 DEGREES. IT DID NOT RETURN UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOVE 32 DEGREES. ANOTHER TRIP BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THEY REPLACED THE "CHARGED AIR COOLER". THIS WORKED ONLY UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 14 DEGREES AGAIN. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS NOT A FIX. I HAD FILED AN ONLINE COMPLAINT WITH GM, AND WAS SHORTLY UPGRADED TO A "SENIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE CONSULTANT". THIS CONSULTANT AIDED IN THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLER, BUT NEVER FOLLOWED UP WITH ME. WHEN I CALLED BACK TO TELL THEM THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED, I WAS TOLD MY CASE WAS CLOSED. GREAT SERVICE THERE GM. CLOSE THE COMPLAINT WITHOUT EVEN TALKING TO THE CONSUMER. MY TAKE ON THIS AFTER THE LAST 2 MONTHS OF ISSUES, IS THAT GM KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS RELEASED. THE TRANSMISSION IS PROGRAMMED NOT TO SHIFT INTO TOP GEAR BELOW 14 DEGREES AS AN INEPT ATTEMPT TO PREVENT CONDENSATION FROM FREEZING IN THE "CHARGED AIR COOLER". EVEN THOUGH GM KNEW THIS BEFORE THEY SOLD THE VEHICLE IN NORTHERN CLIMATES, THEY DID NOT INFORM THE BUYERS OF THIS PROBLEM. THIS WILL POTENTIALLY AFFECT ALL GM VEHICLES WITH EITHER THE 1.4 OR 1.5L GAS ENGINE AND 6 SPD. TRANNNY.