2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 302 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 22 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
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
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblySep 19, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.
A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.
Campaign 19V667000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsMar 7, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.
Campaign 19V184000 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
Representative owner complaints: engine
105 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 19, 2025
I was driving down the road and my engine stopped. It stopped so suddenly that I did not have time to get out of the road and my safety was put at risk. When I took it to a certified Chevrolet dealership, they told me that the vacuum pump failure caused extensive damage to the motor and I needed to have my entire motor replaced. When I asked them what I could have done to prevent such catastrophic failure, they stated that there was nothing to prevent it. I did not have any warning on my dash at the time of the incident. This was at least the 2nd vacuum pump failure on this vehicle since I've owned it. I got it replaced at a certified Chevrolet dealership in 05/2022 when my brakes went out. In 05/22, the brakes went out but I was in a driveway and I did not feel my safety was a concern at that time. Now it's not even been 3 years and the vacuum pump failure risked my safety and caused catastrophic damage to engine to be replaced.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 7, 2025
The vehicle is leaking oil from in between the engine and transmission I am some bit mechanical and im sure its the rear Maine seal leaking yes the vehicle is available for inspection im taking it to H&H chevrolet [XXX] for a inspection I talked to Christian brothers repair and I told them what it was doing and they told me alot about my vehicles problem and gave me some Estimates and also said they have 2 in there shop right now needing the same repair...How was my safety or the safety of others put at risk? well me and my family went out to get a few groceries and it was -25 outside and we almost didn't make it back home because the car was not wanting to drive.if it had died we would have been stuck in dangerously cold weather.no warning lights came on I only found it was leaking when I started to smell burning oil so I looked under it and there was a small puddle of oil. this happened Monday [XXX] and the car hasn't been drivable since it sounds fine but I don't know we haven't moved it since we got it home. this is really inconvenient this vehicle is my only means of transportation to work and I never thought on a car I purchased brand new it would ever blow a rear seal I have heard many other having these problems and I still can't understand why this isn't a recall this is a very expensive problem to just be put on people financially. i hoping GM can resolve this for me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 29, 2025
While driving, the vehicle went into Engine Power Reduced mode, check engine light went on, and the Brake Assist notification came on. I pulled over and turned off the vehicle; vehicle would not restart. Had the vehicle towed for diagnosis; told initial codes were timing issues. Vehicle has 83,000 miles and showed no evidence of any sort of failures - no warning lights, no brake issues, no hesitation, no unusual sounds, no rough idling or driving. Dealership stated the vacuum pump failed and broke apart into the camshaft and into the engine. Official diagnosis was new vacuum system and engine replacement for a cost of $14,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2024
Vehicle runs with reduced engine power. Was initially told the turbo needed cleaned, and it continued to happen. Then was told it needed to be replaced. The final result is that the tube that connects to the turbo keeps falling off. Being told there is no fix, and no recall, we just need to keep putting it back on when it pops off.
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 21, 2024
originally system warning message to service brake system. had system checked by mechanic. nothing found. after a few weeks as i was merging on a highway i felt my engine start to stall. I immediately tried to make my way to the side of highway. brakes were very hard to press and car stalled with engine light immuninating, and no power steering. code P0017. engine will crank and sputter but will not start also has blowby present. cam and crankshaft sensors/actuator solenoids were replaced, then the vacuum pump cover was opened and found broken parts inside. upon removal of pump it was found broken. suspect broken parts are blocking crankshaft or either of the cams to not be able to rotate properly. this issue possibly has cause timing chain issues as well. parts in the vacuum caused it to seize. exhaust cam continued to spin shattering the end connected on the pump. I have done research and found that others have had the same thing occur with the warning for brake system and then weeks later the brakes do not work, which is due to the pump providing pressure for the brake boost system.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine made an abnormal ticking sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt firm and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal two feet, the brake pedal travelled down as needed, causing the braking distance to be extended by 222 ft. approximately. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had seized and shredded to parts inside the engine. The mechanic determined that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that two unknown dealers and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2024
The same issue has occurred on my vehicle but the dealership is stating my vehicle is not covered even thought it states it has all the issues stated in this bulletin. N192271200 Charge Air Cooler Disconnect at Throttle Body. The car blows off the hose at the throttle body even after I replace the retainer clip myself. I am now having the dealership repair the hose and clip as it needs both they said. It obviously is a flaw in more vehicles than what they have disclosed. Very unfortunate they do not cover this for all owners in the same year as this series of vehicles.
Engine, Jun 13, 2024
Vacuum pump exploded and ended up breaking the cam shaft. Brakes wouldn't work for a minute completely seizing up in rush hour traffic. It did eventually stop. Got it to the auto shop close by and they inspected the vehicle. They stated this shouldn't have happened. Also, in their experience they have never seen someone able to drive their car with this issue. It typically locks up the engine by sending broken pieces inside and blows it. They said I was very lucky it didn't cause an accident, catch fire due to the oil, or explode the engine from the broken pieces. The techs stated they have seen this a lot in the Chevy Malibus and some in the equinox's but that they run on the same engine so that would make sense. There was no warning prior to this happening. The vehicle was inspected by the auto shop techs and report sent to me with photos of all damages.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the "Service Brake Assist" message briefly flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle then independently downshifted and decelerated to 30 MPH, with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle but was able to coast the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle after the failure; however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where a mechanic informed the contact that the vacuum pump had failed and sent debris through the camshaft. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump, timing chain, cam shaft, and pistons all needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a reference number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, she became aware that the brake pedal required excessive effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the vacuum pump, resulting in damage to the timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Service brakes, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 8, 2024
Mechanic said it is this exactly like the other cars but yet my cars vin does not show recall for this [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH for approximately a mile, the Engine Power Reduced message was displayed. The vehicle lost motive power, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact spoke with an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact continued to drive, and the engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer contacted the manufacturer for additional guidance. The dealer later informed her that the vehicle needed two computer program updates. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle decelerated. The reduce engine power message was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air conditioner caused the failure, the charge air cooler was freezing, and the turbo and shutter system needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving at highway speeds, the reduced engine power message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Michael Bates Chevrolet Inc. (23755 Allen Rd., Woodhaven, MI 48183, (734) 365-6790), where it was diagnosed that there was zero pressure in the turbocharger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake assists, and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed oil valve. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that when the check engine warning light illuminated, other warning lights would sometimes become illuminate. The contact stated that a day later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes were inoperable. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the contact noticed that the brake pedal was difficult to depress. The brake assists warning light illuminated and then disappeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 25, 2023
I was at a stop light, the light turned green and I proceeded to lift my foot off of the break giving the vehicle a moment to autostart, I pressed the accelerator, and the car started to make a sputtering sound and tremble terribly. The vehicle's engine shut down in the middle of traffic, no warning lights appeared on my dash board. The power of the vehicle was still on. I placed the car in park, then I turned the power off. I tried to restart the vehicle this time the vehicle continued to shake and sputter but it did not move when I placed the gear in Drive. I had to be pushed put of the road by the Police and then towed to the dealer. The service engineer at the Chevy Dealership was able to start the engine and take it for a test drive, the vehicle also shut done on him but also left him with no ability to use the breaks. He was unable to stop. Thankfully no one was in front of him or behind him he was able to have the vehicle towed back to the service bay. I was told that the break vacuum pump disintegrated and went into the engine cam shaft. That caused the engine to completely shut down. I believe this is a safety issue as no sensor or engine codes ever displayed and the dealership took 2weeks to diagnose what was wrong because they were not getting any codes displayed on their diagnostic equipment. There was no way for me to know this break vacuum pump was failing to be able to proactively replace it to prevent this serious malfunction from occurring. I could have been seriously injured and cause a horrible accident as I was headed to the highway that morning. I would like to be contacted in regard to this.
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 9, 2023
2019 Equinox LT. 1.5 litre Vacuum pump clogged and exploded internally. Almost killed my wife and I when brakes failed. There appears to be TSB’s dating as far back as 2015. Chevy has been aware of this issue yet continued to produce vehicles with this defective and dangerous design. It sounds as if piston rings are prem The pump connects to and is powered by intake cam. Dumb. Micheal Bates dealership say I’m responsible for the parts and repairs, because is no warranty, which are about the car used repairs, all internal damage to engine.
Service brakes, Engine, Nov 17, 2023
The vacuum pump failed, which left me without power brakes while slowing down on an interstate exit ramp. There were no warnings or indications of failure in advance. The brakes were fine as I got on the interstate, then I became aware of the problem as I exited about 30 minutes later. I nearly rear-ended the car in front of me as we approached the stoplight. Without power brakes, much more force than usual was necessary to come to a stop safely. This is a very dangerous situation as elderly or physically disabled drivers may find it very challenging to apply enough force to come to a stop, especially when slowing down from 70+ MPH interstate speeds. Metal pieces broke off from the vacuum pump and caused damage to the cam shaft. While reviewing some YouTube videos on the topic, I discovered I'm not the only Equinox owner to experience this type of failure around 5x,xxx to 6x,xxx miles for the 2019 or similar model years. Here is the link to one representative video, and the comments indicate there are others who have experienced something similar... 2018 Chevy Equinox Vacuum Pump Catostrophic Failure! [XXX] Here's another: 2020 chevy equinox brake pedal really hard or no brakes fix [XXX] --F One more example: 2018 -2019 and up chevy equinox brake pedal Hard easy fix [XXX] Unfortunately, my vehicle was subsequently totaled in an unrelated accident, so it is unavailable for inspection. I believe public safety is at risk, however, so I have decided to submit this report anyway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Oct 12, 2023
Car wouldn't start 6 months ago, replaced with new battery. Few months after, car wouldn't start again, replaced starter August 23. October 23, car wouldn't start again, made odd whirring noise. Replaced starter. Have had 3 new starters, now told its the flywheel and again will have to put in another new starter? Starter has to be replaced again, probably tried to start car & burnout out starter, I was told. Need a new starter 2 days after this 3rd new one was replaced? All seems to be consistent with the start/stop feature in the car, always made noise when trying to drive after being stopped at a light.
Structure, Engine, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear of the vehicle started to sway from side to side. The contact then became aware that the sway bar had fractured. The contact stated that her fiancé was able to tighten the bolts and the contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that the service engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel for more than two months. Additionally, the air conditioner was inoperable, and there were wires hanging down underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2023
Twice the vehicle has gone into limp mode (15 mph max) on busy highway in last month. Diesel particulate filter clogged both times. Currently has been in Chevy dealer shop for over two weeks. Emission system failure and dealer cannot figure out cause. They are currently replacing many parts and cannot assure us this problem will not reoccur. 47,000 miles. Maintenance has been better than recommended for oil changes and filters. Currently awaiting second repair invoice.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 16, 2023
There was a recall back in 2019 for this same issue the charge air cooler is still disconnecting from the throttle body. I bought this car in 2021 supposedly the issue was fixed back in 2020 after the recall was issued. The same thing is happening. When I accelerate the air hose connecting to throttle body is disconnecting from and causing the engine warning of reduced engine power to show up. This is very concerning because when driving on the freeway with my family this is happening and this could get someone killed. The fixes back in 2020 are not up to standard or the replacement parts are faulty or the repair was not completed successfully. This has been happening since last year summer
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2023
This vehicle has started to lose power was taken to firsteam Norfolk Va where purchased took for oil change and tire rotation also loss of engine power at speeds of 20-32 mph and 50-62 mph. Dealership at Norfolk Va sent to firstteam Hampton VA Chevrolet for diagnosis and came back no engine light and small misfire 3/4 sparkplugs needed changed 177.00. After plugs were changed still had misfire then they felt it was number 4 injector 500.00 but never did work. I took it to national shop for recommended injector and when plugs were pulled mechanic found no new plugs. Injector was replaced with gm part and still misfiring. Norfolk firstteam towed vehicle back to Hampton Va firstteam and they are now giving me the run around. They want a blank check to replace parts till they find the problem. Unexceptable to even ask. Service writer has been very disrespectful and hung up on national shop and myself. When asked questions regarding work done service writer would just talk over us and speak to us disrespectful and then hung up. We have requested service manager at Hampton firstteam Chevrolet contact us and we were told she would tell him later. I have contacted Aston Lewis Jr owner of all firstteam dealerships here in Va requesting help three times and still no response. We need this reported so someone can fix the misfire and power loss the dealership does not know how to fix. Car is under power train warranty . Any help would be nice.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
The vehicle is operating on reduced power and shuts of almost immediately. After plugging a scan tool in and reading the codes, it said the crankshaft timing was over advanced and the sensor needed to be changed. I've changed all four sensors (both crank and cam sensors). The engine shows no codes, but when I crank it, it immediately reduces power, shuts off, then shows the same codes. After trying a few times, it says the ECM, MAP sensor, and heat sensors are bad. When I disconnect, then reconnect the battery, it only shows the crank sensor code. The check engine light goes off, but comes on again right before the engine shuts off each time. As a result, the vehicle has been sitting since 10/4/22 due to it shutting off suddenly in traffic. I've had to change the battery twice during this time due to the battery completely dying and a jump start doesn't work.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2022
Purchased 2019 Sept 2021 engine light appeared fixed mass air flow by Reedman Chevy Sept 2022 engine reappears they fixed oxygen sensor Dec 19 2022 engine light reappears. Taken to Reedman 12/28/22 states orifice sensor or tube discover GM is aware of issue bullentin no.:20-NA-047 Reedman refused to honor repairs. States service will be $2,000.00 after contacting GM Protection Plan stated they give a $300 good will offer toward repair however the part is not covered under warranty(confused).
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2022
I purchased the crossover 2019in or around Sept 2021 the engine light appeared, it was taken to Reedman Toll Chevy of Springfield and they replaced the mass air flow sensor or oxygen sensor. Sept 2022 the engine light appeared again they replaced the oxygen sensor, Dec 19,2022 the engine light appeared again the vehical was taken to Reedman were it remains and I am being told it's th orifice tube(PVC tube). They stated this part is not covered under warranty after research GM bulletin No.: 20-NA-047 states this part is in fact covered. Reedman states the coverage of the service is $2,000.00 I contacted GM warranty dept (Irene) case#9-8392615536 who stated the part is covered also. Reedman refuses to follow the order given under the bulletin and GM.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2022, crash
Check engine lite want go off low acceleration and. reduce Engine power light came on today .Just got the car in March . Low engine power light came on was on eway and had to pull over . And someone almost hit my kids and I