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: service brakes
80 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.
Service brakes, Jan 24, 2025
I was driving on the freeway way and during rush hour at 65 miles per hour the brakes completely stoppped working the peddle wouldn’t press I had to swerve to avoid an accident and slowly exited the freeway when it was safe to coast over from the number one lane to the exit. The vacuum pump failed which exploded inside my engine which in turn makes the engine stop functioning and destroys the whole engine with out warning
Service brakes, Dec 12, 2024
The vehicle vacuum system and the power brake booster has caused the vehicle brake to fail in motion the second incident was almost fatal
Service brakes, Nov 30, 2024
The brake vacuum booster failed, causing the brake assist system to malfunction. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. While merging onto the highway, the brake pedal became extremely tight, making it difficult to slow down or stop, creating a hazardous situation. Yes, the issue was confirmed by a service center, and the brake vacuum booster is being repaired. No, the vehicle and component have not been inspected by these parties, but the service center is addressing the repair. Yes, a “Service Brake Assist” warning appeared immediately before the brake pedal tightened. Afterward, the check engine light came on.
Service brakes, Nov 7, 2024, crash
I was driving down a driveway with a slight incline. I pressed the brakes and they were very hard to press and vehicle would not stop until I collided with a wall. This is the fourth time that this has happened in the last two years. Each time it has been the brake booster vacuum pump which my mechanics have said is a common problem with this vehicle. One of the previous times my daughter was driving on the highway when the brakes failed and she ended up in a ditch off the shoulder. This is very dangerous and someone is going to get killed if it hasn't happened already.
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 30, 2024
My wife started noticing issues with our 2019 Equinox. We got several error mesaages: service brakes, service sylteering, enigine light and abs. I did some digging online and found similar issues with other Equinox owners. The fix is to replace the battery. We did and after leaving the shop the car won't move. It will go into differnt gears but wont move and is currently at home in our driveway.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 6, 2024
Brakes locked up after turning off of an exit leading to an intersection and incident that could have killed myself and those around me. AAA towed my car to their garage and said it fits a safety recall according to the year make and model and I needed to take it to Chevy because the Brake Vacuum Pump has disintegrated despite my brakes, rotors, brake pads, fluids, etc all in brand new and phenomenal shape as well as a well maintenance’d vehicle which is proof this is a manufacturer issue, not my doing, nor is it “wear and tear”. The vehicle also smelled like fire which is another reason management at AAA and other local garages feel this is a safety issue beyond what they feel comfortable with. Chevy said that although they fixed many of my make and model for this same very DANGEROUS issue, nothing can be done because it doesn’t fit the vin. AAA advised me to reach out again explaining this is a danger on the road and needs fixed properly. Other garages will not feel comfortable fixing this issue knowing this recall by GM lists public litigation’s totaling millions of dollars worth of lawsuits for the SAME EXACT problem. I would appreciate urgent assistance on getting this extremely dangerous recall taken care of.
Service brakes, Aug 4, 2024
Engine light came on. Said (reduced engine pressure). Started jerking then breaks went out.
Service brakes, Jul 24, 2024
I was traveling at expressway speeds (70 mph) when traffic in front of me hit the brakes quickly to avoid an object in the road. At this time, I hit my brakes relatively hard and fast in what I would describe as a panic brake. I avoided incident here. About a mile further up the road, traffic in front of me hit the brakes once again. At this time, I also hit my brakes, but I could not. My brake pedal was hard as a rock, and it would push down only about 2 or 3 inches with little to no effect. I was afraid I might break the pedal arm. I was able to maintain my lane until about 40 mph at which time I was forced to hit the shoulder to avoid colliding with the cars in front of me which were now stopped. I pressed the brake pedal hard and coasted along the shoulder of the expressway for about 40 or 50 yards, rolling past the stopped traffic. A few minutes after my car came to a complete stop, the information panel on my dashboard read "service brake assist". My car was towed to a GM dealership local to where I came to a stop. The documentation from the dealership, as well as what I was verbally told, indicates that there was an internal failure of the vacuum pump. According to the service manager, there was nothing I could have done to prevent this. Obviously, I was extremely lucky. If this would have happened in two-lane city traffic, or approaching a stop light I would have been forced to veer into oncoming traffic or simply barrel into those in front of me. I know this, because for the last month, as I'm driving, I constantly analyze what would happen if my brakes were to go out like that at various points along my drive. Often times, my only option would be to brace for a major accident or land my car in the front yard of a business. This catastrophic failure could have easily killed me, and/or other drivers on the road. Other people will not be so lucky, and I know this. For that reason, it's time for NHTSA to finally take action on this matter.
Service brakes, Jul 23, 2024
I was driving on the highway in traffic when the brake pedal became hard as a rock I was unable to stop causing a major safety concern for myself and baby. Turns out the vacuum pump was faulty causing my brakes to fail.
Service brakes, Jun 1, 2024
I have 2019 chevy equinox I purchase the car last year with 61 miles. On March 12, 2024 I was 5 minutes away from home after driving an hour from work, try to stop at the stop sign the car didn't stop I tried several time to stop finally put it in neutral for the car to slow down to be able to pull over to stop thank God I wasn't hurt. After taking it to the dealership to get look at now the telling me my camshaft broke to pieces which will cost with the vacuum booster $24000 with only 70 miles.
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, May 20, 2024
Our 2019 Chevrolet Equinox had a sudden Brake Vacuum Pump failure causing loss of braking power by about 80%. The only reason we did not have an accident is it was early morning and there was no traffic when we exited the highway. I was not happy to realize that GM has no recall on this. They apparently knew this was a problem and in more recent years have changed the design. The other flaw is this pump is attached to the wall of the engine and shrapnel can fall into the engine compartment and that debris could lead to total engine failure if it travels to the combustion area. This is not only dangerous but financially ruining.
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)
Service brakes, Mar 15, 2024
Driving 70mph on the interstate with moderate traffic. Came up on a slow down and tried to brake but my brake pedal would not move. It took both feet pushing as hard as I could to stop my car. Luckily I didn't hit anyone. Had to trailer the car home. Had the code read at O'Reilly auto parts and it is the failure of the brake booster vacuum pump. My car has a little less than 70,000 miles on it. There were no warning lights, NO NOTHING up to this point. Luckily I leave plenty of room between me and other cars or this could have been a really bad turnout.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 15, 2024
While driving my 2019 Chevy Equinox it was acting to me to have a flat tire shaking weirdly in what felt like the front right tire. I was going around 72 mph down the freeway slowed to exit to the nearest station no issues there my speed was around 37 mph exiting off the freeway and SUDDENLY THE BREAK PEDAL WAS TO HARD TO PRESS I FOUND MYSELF WITH NO BREAKS the break pedal was EXTENDED OR? It wouldn’t press down at all and although I tried to pump them, I didn’t want to break anything and it felt like if I pushed down it would break something! So I wheeled it into the gas station and put it in park to stop. I called right away to the dealership I bought it at and had it towed from the station! I was lucky! I KNOW I WAS LUCKY! I MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN!! This came without warning other than thinking I had a flat from the shaking! There was no light or other symptoms to alert me! IMAGINE SUDDENLY THE CAR IS SHAKING AND YOU HAVE NO BREAKS!?! THE CAUSE I WAS TOLD IS A FAULTY BOOSTER! IF YOU CANT GUARANTEE THE BREAKS WHY SELL THE CAR! ITS A VITAL ASPECT OF SAFETY! NOW IM TERRIFIED! THIS IS NOT OKAY! ALL I GET IS EXCUSES AND RUNAROUNDS ABOUT IT! BE AWARE THESE CARS HAVE ISSUES! HOW CAN A CONSUMER FEEL SAFE DRIVING A VEHICLE NOT KNOWING IF THE BREAKS WILL WORK OR NOT?! The shaking was my warning I say looking back but NOT AN ACCEPTABLE ONE! I think it’s what SAVED MY LIFE AND THOSE OF MY CHILDREN! Only the shaking!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT OKAY GMC NOT AT ALL!!!!!
Service brakes, Feb 20, 2024
The vacuum pump exploded and caused issues with the cam.
Service brakes, Feb 13, 2024
Vacuum pump failed at 39,000 miles causing little to no brake boost.
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, Hydraulic, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 50 MPH, upon attempting to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, the brake pedal was firm, requiring excessive force to depress. The service brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Service brakes, Jan 30, 2024
Vacuum pump failure resulted in greatly reduced braking ability
Service brakes, Jan 18, 2024
Failure of Brake Vacuum Pump. Oil intake screen of brake vacuum pump became clogged. (Have been diligent in regular oil changes) clogged intake caused pump to not receive lubrication, which resulting in it seizing. Pump is mechanically driven by exhaust cam shaft. Failure caused brakes to become almost impossible to engage. Even worse. The metal parts that were connected to the cam shaft were shattered, and the pieces ended up directly in the crankcase. This seems like a dangerous and potentially very expensive design flaw Pieces in picture had to be removed from crankcase..