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: other or unspecified
37 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2026
The power liftgate on my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox experienced a sudden mechanical failure without warning. I pushed the automatic liftgate button and the liftgate raised normally. Once raised, the upper mounting bolt securing the power liftgate actuator severed. The actuator broke loose, struck the rear taillight assembly and pushed it outward approximately one inch, and the liftgate came crashing down without warning. My [XXX] grandson was approaching the rear of the vehicle to retrieve his golf clubs. Fortunately, he had not yet reached the area beneath the liftgate when it fell. Had he or another person been standing beneath it, I believe the sudden uncontrolled closing of the liftgate could have caused serious injury. The failure was confirmed during repair by an independent mechanic who is a former GM mechanic. He had considerable difficulty extracting the severed mounting bolt and repaired the actuator/bolt failure at a cost of approximately $400. The mechanic retained the failed parts, including the severed bolt, and they are available for inspection upon request. The actuator also displaced the rear taillight assembly. The mechanic attempted to reseat it, but the taillight still does not sit flush with the vehicle, so damage resulting from the incident remains. The vehicle and failed components have not been inspected by GM, police, or an insurance representative. I reported the incident to General Motors and received a GM case number. GM declined reimbursement because the repair was performed outside a GM dealership. There were no warning lamps, warning messages, or other symptoms that I noticed before the failure. The liftgate appeared to operate normally until the sudden failure.I reported the incident to GM under case #XXX and requested the case be reopened because the taillight remains displaced and does not sit flush. The failed parts, including the severed bolt, were retained by my mechanic and are available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seats, Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2026
Ever since we’ve had the 2019 Chevrolet equinox which was purchased in 2019 from Capital Chevrolet in Montgomery, Alabama, the seats and the side mirrors both will not stay programmed. The dealership kept telling us there was nothing wrong and kept telling us how to program the seats and the side mirrors, per key fob. This was done over and over and still did not work. every time the vehicle is cut off and when the vehicle is re-entered we have to reset the side mirrors and seats every single time. The vehicle is no longer under warranty, but we were wondering if there would be any way to have it fixed free of charge. Or if you have any idea on what we can do to make the settings work properly. Please advise. I have listed below my email address, my cell phone, and my home number. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] my email [XXX] cell [XXX] home INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2025
Symptoms started, changing gears while driving, delayed start at lights on a slant, stalled acceleration on interstate from slowspeed ——-took it in and they said the accumulator is bad and has likely messed up the transmission. They recommended a new transmission for $7000+. Researched and found many 2019s had been recalled for this issue, in 2022, but this one was not. I am wondering why it was not, because now I have a bad transmission at 150,000 miles. Why was this vin not recalled in 2022.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2025
Transmission is slipping when I accelerate the car is only 5 years old
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2025
I was stopped at a traffic light and the car just froze. All the dash lights started flashing, the brakes would not work. The car started moving slowly backing up traffic behind me. I barely made it to a parking lot off the road.
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2025
I was following my usual routine with my young child. I unlocked the vehicle, secured him in his car seat, then placed my bag (containing the key fob) inside the vehicle. I then closed the door and walked to the driver’s side to enter the car—as I do daily. However, when I reached for the door, every door was locked—including the trunk—and the vehicle would not respond to any button pressing, handle pulling, or proximity unlocking. My child was locked inside the car on a 92-degree day with no way for me to gain access. I immediately called emergency services. Both police and fire arrived quickly, but due to the design of the locking system and the placement of the lock buttons, they were unable to use their unlocking tools. Ultimately, they had no choice but to shatter a window to rescue my child, who had been trapped for 25 minutes in extreme heat. This malfunction could have led to serious injury or worse. I’m extremely shaken and concerned that this happened at all—especially considering I had the key fob in the vehicle and never manually locked the doors.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2025
I was driving one day and my radio shut off, screen black and no sound. Came back on like it rebooted. Worked fine. The next day it did the same thing but only the screen went out but for longer this time. I work at a collision center and used our scanner to see what the problem might have been. It was giving a bunch of codes for radio and onstar. The next day it was perfectly fine. So I scanned it again just to see if the codes were still there. They weren't, but instead had 2 codes for brake control module in my engine and my transmission. My fan in the front has also been making slowing down and speeding up randomly.
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2025
I have a leak somewhere inside the car. Every time it rains I have water under the cargo area, that I have to vacuum water out. ( where the spare tire is) I don't know where its coming in at. I don't feel like vehicles that cost as much as they do should have major problems like this and now because of this my moon roof no longer works. Thank you for your time
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2025
Started off with my computer on my dashboard randomly turning off I called the dealership they told me it was because I was not using an iPhone Apple chord. Another instance I was driving down the road close to home and my car started stalling and flashing engine codes on my dashboard, I managed to make it home and park. The next day I tried to start my vehicle and it sounded like the battery was dead. I called a tow truck. The car had enough power for me to put it into neutral and get it onto the flatbed. My mechanic is less than 10 minutes away by the time they got it there they couldn’t do anything to move the vehicle. It had to be jacked up on the flatbed and rolled off because the car would not do anything My mechanic spent two weeks going through the computer system only to find out that I needed a software update and that my computer software had major glitches and electrical issues. Sometimes when I get into my vehicle to start it, it won’t start. I’ve learned that I need to put both feet on the brake. Push it all the way to the floor wait a second and then it will start otherwise my break seizes up and I’m locked out of my vehicle for at least an hour. This has happened to me on the side of highways in public parking lots in front of my home at the grocery stor. This past week I’ve had to get my car jumped 2 different times because when I turn my car off and lock it, my brake lights do not turn off and it killed my battery. I’ve had nothing but issues with the computer since day one from what I’ve googled this is a known issue with my make and model of vehicle. I contacted the dealership and they want to charge me thousands of dollars for something that was a factory defect.
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2024
The radio volume changes up and down while driving making it very difficult to hear and concentrate on the road. I've called the dealer and been told to check for recalls and no recall exist for the radio.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2023
LCD screen as part of the infotainment system blanks out then repeatedly restarts. This goes for the entire drive. The GPS is not picking up the correct temperature and reports in Celsius not Fahrenheit. I'm not able to use any of the infotainment features including not being able to use the phone feature. Also the radio volume increases and decreases on its own. All of this is very distracting as I drive.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2023
The car has constantly been stalling. The engine light comes on and goes off. These lights has come back on. This has been a reoccurring issue since the car was purchased in 2019. I just got the battery fixed this tear from them saying it was the battery. GM keeps offering me $2500 dollars but saying if I take it I can’t take action against them. That further let’s me know that they know something is wrong with the car.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2023
My vehicle beginning idling and check engine light came on while at red light. So I decided to head to nearest auto parts to see what the code was. The light turned green and my truck didn’t want to go forward. Once it started to pull off it went slow and then gain a little more speed. This could’ve caused an accident. The people from the opposite side of rode would’ve hit and probably killed my son and I. This is not okay and needs to be checked on all vehicles because that’s a very late warning sign and can cause a huge issue. I’m reaching out to Chevrolet tomorrow morning since today is Sunday.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2023
Outside mirrors keep changing position. Almost got into crash because suddenly could not see while merging. This issue has been ongoing and many people are discussing the same issue on an Equinox forum.
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.
Other or unspecified, May 4, 2023
My car is lunging forward when I stop at a traffic light once I let my foot off of the brake to step onto the gas pedal. My engine light happened to come on to coincide with this problem. I feel that this is unsafe.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
Both rear view mirrors in my Equinox change position everytime i get into the car. It doesnt matter how many times you do the preset, it will have one mirror looking at the sky and the other the ground. GM calls it a non problem but I have almost got into several collisions because I didnt realize my mirrors were messed up.
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
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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 23, 2022
I've taken my car to the Springfield chevy dealership at 840 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064 several time. The time the replaced mass airflow sensor had to be replaced or the oxygen sensor last year. I received a message from Onstar An issue with the emissions system in your 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has been detected. Please service your vehicle within 7 days. Which was the same message for berfore, Wayne the techn stated it the battery which is incorrect I informed him of the Onstar message and told him how the car would shut-off and wouldn't start. I had two battery test perform and was told the battery, starter and charging system all passed. He stated we have to change the battery as a starting point and work from there which is ridiculous. I stated if this is so why wasn't this mention in the Onstar Diagnostic Alert. My car was there for six hour and no one call I had to contact them around 4pm and they close at 4:30pm no customer service.
Other or unspecified, Dec 17, 2021
Sunroof glass "exploded". Sounded like tire blew out. Scaring me into almost a panic situation. Dealer said they never heard of this. Have not gone to insurance yet. No warning signs.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2021
Sometimes it will go to auto stop but instead completely shut down with no power or anything. You can do anything at all
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2021
We believe that there is a serious issue with the HVAC of this vehicle. My wife actually noticed it soon after buying the vehicle. I wasn't quite sure what it was. Anyway, on August 15, 2021 we drove to visit family and the strong odor of freon or something got so bad that my eyes were burning and began to cough. I took the vehicle to my local dealer and explained the problem. I left the vehicle and the service person called me to say that there was nothing wrong. They did a diagnostic of the vehicle and it came back fine. He mentioned that they is a "Service Bulletin" on 2019 Chevrolet Equinox that stated owners may complain of a strong chemical smell inside the vehicle. He stated that GM said that there is no fix for the problem. This is unacceptable since my wife has allergies and asthma. If this chemical smell is harmful, they should recall all the vehicles affected and correct the problem. It seemed to me that GM's attitude was "tough, live with it". There needs to be further investigation into this by our government and should force GM to correct this problem. I am waiting to hear more from the dealership regarding this problem today. I don't expect to hear anything different than what they told me yesterday, (August 17).