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
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)
Service brakes, Sep 24, 2023
While driving from a short trip when we got back home we stopped to get something to eat and when backing out of our parking space I put on the brakes but the peddle was really hard and it was very hard to stop. I went the next day to a parts store and used their scanner and came up with code for brake assist vacuum pump. I had a very hard time finding a replacement and it had to come from Kansas city. I replaced it myself and had problems with it too. The original one the drive connector disintegrated where it connects to the cam shaft. The replacement one went on fine but oil ran from it due to the outer faceplate being warped. Every part store in town says they can't get it.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Sep 5, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal however, the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed into the rear of a truck, striking the truck three times before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact stated that a Police report was filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,150.
Service brakes, Aug 23, 2023, crash, fire
The contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, she began to smell a burnt odor inside the vehicle. The contact saw white smoke entering from the windshield defroster and decided to continue driving to her destination. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated and black smoke began to enter the windshield defroster. The contact depressed the brake pedal but failed to stop the vehicle and caused her to crash into a guard rail on the front driver side. No air bags deployed. The contact was not able to open the front driver side door due to being blocked by the guard rail. The contact climbed into the back of the vehicle and exited the rear driver side door, while the flames were inside the front of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. The police report was filed. The contact did not sustain any injuries but sought medical attention the following day. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle to be a total loss. The vehicle was towed to the towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while her daughter was attempting to drive from a complete stop, she depressed the brake pedal, but the brake pedal was firm. The contact stated that her daughter stood on the brake pedal and the brake responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter parked the vehicle because it was unsafe to drive the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 29, 2023
Was driving in a busy area of Erie, PA, when approaching a traffic signal driving near 45 mph before the speed limit dropped. Attempted to apply brakes as traffic was backed up at the light, but couldn't depress the brakes at all. The service brake assist light came on at that moment. Was fortunate that light turned green a few seconds later so traffic cleared and I was able to make a wide high speed right turn at the intersection before pulling into a nearby empty business parking lot and coasting to a start without colliding with anything. It was a miracle. The car was towed back to a Chevy dealership (Ben Bissett) in Mercer, PA, where they identified a failed brake vacuum pump, which also caused other damage when it failed. We have since uncovered dozens of reports of similar incidents in these vehicles nationwide and believe this is something you should look into as this is a serious safety issue that could lead to injury or death. Thank you so much for your time on this matter.
Service brakes, Jul 7, 2023, crash
I was approaching and intersection with a red light and I put my foot on the brakes. The car slowed down but then bucked forward three time until I hit the vehicle in front of me. Been driving for 44 years and never experienced anything like it.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 21, 2023
Something is wrong with the brake assist system. The car was serviced literally towards the end of may and the brake assist service light keeps turning on. It is now causing the vehicle to have a check engine light that comes and goes as it pleases and the car now thinks that it is a bucking bronco at times with how hard it runs at times now. We have spoken and seen now multiple others complaining about the fueling system which does not alloe you to fill the gas tank up all the way. The tank holds 14.9 gallons and if the car is empty and on its last drop the car will only allow 12 gallons at best and that takes nearly 20 minutes of fighting with the car at the pump. The electrical in the vehicle is unstable. Multiple times while driving the radio and power to the car just turn off. I have also seen the recalls for the brake problems but when I enter my VIN it comes back all clear. We had a 2017 Chevy Malibu with multiple issues and spoke to Chevrolet about the issues and it wasn't until we traded it in that we started to receive the recall notices. This vehicle has some of the same problems and we have a toddler that we need to keep safe.
Service brakes, Jun 3, 2023
I was driving on a main interstate and went to take an off-ramp, I tried to use my brakes to slow down but the peddle was rock hard and couldn’t brake at all.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the cruise control failed to immediately deactivate. Additionally, the brake pedal was very hard while being depressed. The contact stated that a message to repair brake assist was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Service brakes, Dec 22, 2022
I would like to bring to your attention the maintenance issue I experienced as it could have been catastrophic. On December 15, 2022 I was driving home from work in Dallas. I was going about 40 mph when the vehicle in front of me started to slow down, so I was going to as well. However, when I tried to, my brake pedal wouldn’t move. I tried again and still nothing. Now my engine light comes on and a “service brake assist” warning is popping up on my dash. I took my foot off the gas to slow down in time and was able to pull to the side of the road. There were NO warnings that this was coming! Please reference this link for other examples of this issue.... https://www.carproblemzoo.com/chevrolet/equinox/service-brakes-problems.php
Service brakes, Sep 21, 2022, crash
I was driving exiting a school zone going about 35 mph. As I was coming up on a stop sign my brakes went completely out on my 2019 Chevy Equinox, and to avoid hitting kids walking across the sidewalk I ran into a cement wall to stop my car this morning on 9/21. I had it diagnosed twice and both vendors said it was the Vacuum pump brake and they have been seeing many of these cases. I checked the recall and there isn’t one but over 200+ reviews with this exact issue! This is a huge safety issue! People could of been severely hurt today. I called the dealership and they said I need to not get it fixed and wait to file a claim and call product quality claim.
Air bags, Service brakes, Sep 14, 2022, crash
The brake system failed and my car is now in a salvage lot. I believe the car will remain there only until I submit the car title. While driving in heavy traffic I was unable to make a sudden stop to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I had enough time to stop, but the brakes failed to engage properly. The brakes were very stiff and vibrated or pulsated as I applied the brakes and my car wouldn't stop prior to colliding with the car in front of me. My safety and the occupants in the other car were at risk. The life of a pedestrian, if involved, could have resulted in death. Luckily, there were no serious injuries and exterior damage appeared minimal but my car suffered serious internal damage. I was not able to confirm the problem with the dealership. My phone calls were not returned. I also contacted Chevrolet and now waiting for a follow-up call. The car was only inspected by the insurance appraiser, who deemed my car a total loss because the car frame was cracked on both sides, air condenser damage, exterior damage plus more. The insurance co. had my car towed to a holding parking lot for salvage. My greatest concern is if this had been a situation where I was unable to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a pedestrian and killed someone! The appraiser suspected the air bag sensor might have failed since the impact was hard enough to crack the car frame. Seven days prior to the accident I had rear brakes and roters replaced at a Chevrolet dealership. They also looked into a warning message on my dash - Service brake assist system. I was told nothing was wrong with that.
Service brakes, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jun 24, 2022
I was on interstate 85 going 70 miles an hour when I got on the interstate the brakes were working perfect got to go on 70 miles an hour and traffic started stopping when I hit the brakes it was so stiff that I couldn’t apply it Ammo divert to the emergency Lane and pushed with all my mic and finally got it to stop if my wife would’ve been driving it which is her car she would’ve been severely hurt probably
Service brakes, Jun 22, 2022
After purchasing the vehicle in April 2021, 3 months later upon traveling home and entering an exit ramp the brakes completely locked while going 35-45mph into ongoing traffic downhill and would not allow me to press down on them so that I could come to a stop. I press the emergency brake and that did nothing. I had to glide through traffic into a gas station parking lot almost slamming into a gas pump. The sewer dip allowed the vehicle to slow up and come to halt blocking the traffic. This happened after midnight so I took it to the dealership in which i purchased. No lights appeared on the dash. They advised me the brake booster pressure sensor, brake booster vacuum hose and then after doing so they said non of it fixed the issue, I would need a new brake booster. All totaling over $2000 for a vehicle I had less than 6 months. Shortly after the month following July or August, stalled and the push to start button wouldn’t activate. I waited a few moments and then it turned on, with the engine light lit. I took it directly to dealerships service department and they had it a month, they eventually said it was the Oxygen Sensor and it needed to be replaced. I reached out to GM about all of the issues. They stated there were recalls but not for my VIN. CRAZY Now less than a month, a slight fender bender, another vehicle crossed into my lane, the sensors did not initiate, I had to swerve to dodge from causing any major damage and avoid on coming traffic. My vehicle sustained minor scratches on the front passenger side. Initially 30 minutes after it was running fine. Then the light sensors on the mirrors both sides remained on. No engine lights, no warnings. I’m traveling down the 5 lane Highway @75mph and the vehicle just shuts completely off. I had to get across traffic and avoid causing an accident. The vehicle would not start. Got it towed back into town. Back to the dealership and was advised I needed a new engine! Now I’m without a vehicle.
Service brakes, Mar 18, 2022
While my wife and I are traveling on the highway out of town going 72 mph there was traffic and she began to press the brake peddle but car didn't want to stop. She had to push all body weight on the brakes and the brakes seem like it's hesitation and vibration but eventually stopped. This is very dangerous and brake service light came on. I pull off the exit and check fluids and brakes and all looks normal as I know some about cars. I called to get it checked today and lady said to bring it in right away as they are aware of this common issue with these equinox. She say either canister or pump failure which I researched and have many people who have complained but GM has changed 2018 certain models but failed this model year also and didn't fix the design for this model year of 2019 D2. Need this investigation to continue and I will begin petition for class action suit against GM which they have been notorious for law suits. Please help!!!
Power train, Service brakes, Mar 7, 2022
While driving on the highway a warning message came up that said “engine power reduced” and moment after we lost the ability to accelerate. We pull over and turn the car off, when trying to restart it, it would not restart. We were left stranded on the side of the highway. We had to get it towed to a GM dealership and after 3 days we received a diagnosis that the vacuum pump failed and seized which caused damage to the end of the cam shaft. Repair costs are approx. $1800! We are lucky we didn’t completely lose control of our vehicle and was able to get to the side of the road!
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 11, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? On at least 4 occasions, while using the adaptive cruise control, the brakes are suddenly applied hard when no vehicles are anywhere near close enough to trigger an emergency braking situation. I have to manually step on the gas pedal to have the car stop the automatic braking. We can make the vehicle available upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This incident is startling when it occurs and can cause an accident if a vehicle happens to be too close behind our vehicle. We are reluctant to use the adaptive cruise control as a result of these incidents. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by the dealer or service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No component has been inspected as a result of these incidents. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There are no warning lights or messages that appear before, during or after the incident. The incidents occur suddenly and with no warning.
Service brakes, Nov 22, 2021
While safely driving under normal conditions, I attempted to slow my vehicle down while approaching a vehicle that was making a right turn into a parking lot. Upon trying to apply the brakes, I was met with resistance (Hard brake pedal) which prevented my vehicle from properly slowing down. This was caused by a failed/malfunctioning brake booster/vacuum pump. Since I was driving at a safe distance, I managed to barely avoid colliding with the rear of the car making the turn, however, that miss was extremely narrow. My vehicle barely slowed down when the brakes were applied which, had I been on the interstate or traveling at a higher rate of speed, would have more than likely resulted in a collision. This DEFINITELY puts myself, my wife, and our 2 children's safety at risk. Once I successfully parked the vehicle, a "Service Brake Assist" warning messaged appeared for the 1st time. I began researching/attempting to diagnose the issue. During this time I came across several articles detailing a recall issued by GM describing the exact same issue with the brake booster/pump, ironically however, it only covered vehicle produced through 2018. I then contacted GM customer service to alert the manufacturer and see how they would rectify the situation. I was informed that my vehicle had no open recalls and was out of warranty & there was nothing they could do for me.(handwritten call log can be provided upon request) When I contacted the dealership, they informed me they were unable to see the vehicle until the 1st week in Dec. I was left to take it to my local mechanic who, upon his diagnosis, informed me that it was the vacuum pump that had failed. As previously stated, there were no warnings prior to the failure. The "Service Brake Assist" appeared AFTER I managed to safely get my vehicle to a parking spot.
Service brakes, Oct 9, 2021
While exiting the highway I went to put on my brakes and there were no power brakes. It pedal was stiff and I had to push extremely hard to stop and it took a long time to do so. The brake assist light come on as well. I had no prior warning, noise or any reason to believe that my brakes wouldn’t work. We checked the pads, rotors and brake lines and they were all fine so that’s not the issue. It could have been catastrophic if I had been on the highway still when this happened.
Service brakes, Sep 13, 2021
While driving on the freeway, the brakes became suddenly stiff and I was unable to stop the vehicle immediately for oncoming traffic. I had to steer away from the road onto the emergency lane and apply the brakes really hard to stop the car. There were no warning messages of any sorts and while trying to stop and start the car several times, then the service brake assist warning with the check engine light came up. I have to take the vehicle for inspection to the checy dealer to know more detailed cause of the issue. I had my wife, a 4 year old and a 4 month old in the car when this happened.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 16, 2021
Have been stranded 4 times this summer. When car is parked it has locked in parking and will not shift out of park. Even though the parking brake is released, the car will not shift. After leaving it sitting several hours or overnight, it will start and shift again.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 3, 2021
i was traveling on cruise control at 60 mph when i clicked down to 55 mph at speed change. a couple minutes later the brakes slammed on hard enough to have the front wheels chirping i dont know if rear brakes came on but i went from 55 down to under 30 in a hard panic braking. this threw my wife up aganist her seat belt since she has had a stroke her resistanse to the hard slow down was low. i stepped on the gas and the brakes released i cant remember if i re engaged the cruise control or if it never disingaged. the other thing that happened was the warning about not using the info display while driving came up this only happens now and than when you start the car. so i suspect i had a momentary power lose in that circuit and what ever else is tied in to the info center im retired but i worked in mechanical engr all my life so i have some knowledge of systems