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
302 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jun 21, 2019
SAME AS OTHERS CHARGE INTAKE TUBE ISSUE. THEY TRIED TO REPAIR IT WITH CLIPS AND THAT DID NOT WORK. MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE 6/1/19 WITH NO ETA ON REPAIR AS THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY
Engine, Jun 21, 2019
SAME AS OTHERS THE TURNBO INTAKE TUBE CAME OFF. THEY TRIED TO REPAIR IT WITH THE CLIP KIT AND THAT DID NOT WORK. MY CAR AS BEEN AT THE DEALER SINCE 6/1 WAITING FOR A CHARGE INTAKE TUBE. NO ETA ON STATUS AS ITS BACK ORDERED.
Engine, Jun 18, 2019
TURBO HOSE THAT CONNECTS TO THE THROTTLE BOTTLE POPS OFF UNDER ACCELERATION, AND ENGINE LOSES POWER. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. IT HAPPENED TWO TIMES ON OUR TRIP HOME FROM PURCHASING THE CAR BRAND NEW.
Engine, Jun 17, 2019
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP IN THE MOUNTAINS AND HEARD A POPPING SOUND FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATION. LUCKILY I WAS NEAR AN EXIT OFF OF THE TOLLWAY WITHIN 3 MILES OF A CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THIS COULD'VE BEEN A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHERE IS THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED DURING A STEEP GRADED INCLINE, IT COULD'VE BEEN LIFE-THREATENING. THE VEHICLE WAS CERTAINLY WOULD NOT HAVE MADE IT UP THE MOUNTAIN AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A REAR END COLLISION RESULTING IN A DEADLY CRASH KNOCKING THE CAR OVER A GUARD RAIL. GOD FORBID IT WOULD'VE BEEN DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WITH SNOW UNLESS TRACTION. THE CAR ONLY HAD 4500 MILES ON IT. THE DEALER SAID THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THE REPAIR PART WAS ON INDEFINITE BACKOREDER WITH GM. HE CANNOT GIVE ME A DATE WHEN THE CAR WOULD BE REPAIRED.
Engine, Jun 10, 2019
THE TURBO COOLER TUBE POPS OFF WHEN YOU ACCELERATE. THIS CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO ENGINE REDUCE POWER MODE. VEHICLE MAX SPEED WILL THEN BE SET TO 45 - 55 MILES AN HOUR. I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE TUBE BACK INTO PLACE, IT RAN FINE FOR ANOTHER 100 MILES THAN POPPED OFF AGAIN. I CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND TALKED WITH THE SERVICE PERSON AND HE NEW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. HE SAID THERE IS A CLAMP SERVICE KIT TO FIX. I ASKED HIM IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS HE SAID NO IT DOESN'T HAPPEN VERY OFTEN BUT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.
Engine, Jun 6, 2019
THE DUCT FROM MY TURBO TO THE THROTTLE BODY EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. VEHICLE WENT TO "REDUCED POWER MODE". SPEED WAS LIMITED TO 45 MPH. THIS ISSUE IS ACCORDING TO THE DEALER A "KNOWN PROBLEM". SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED BY THIS PROBLEM. THANK GOD I WAS ON A LOCAL ROAD NOT A FREEWAY. THE SERVICE DEPT. HAS MY CAR AND SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHEN IT COULD BE FIXED! I BOUGHT THIS LEMON 2 WEEKS AGO AND IT ONLY HAS 340 MILES ON IT. IT IS SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP -- I DON'T HAVE MY NEW CAR. DANGEROUS SITUATION! ALSO IT HAS AN IDIOTIC AUTO STOP FEATURE THAT STOPS THE ENGINE AT EVERY STOP SIGN. THIS CANNOT BE TURNED OFF. WHEN YOU REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE ENGINE STARTS AND THE CAR JUMPS FORWARD. ANOTHER HORRIBLE SITUATION.
Power train, Engine, May 31, 2019
BOUGHT EQUINOX WITH 9 MILES O IT ON MONDAY 05/27/2019 AND ON FRIDAY 5/31/2019 ON THE WAY HOME FROM GOING TO DINNER, WITH ONLY 213 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. LOOKED UP THE ERROR CODE ON LINE, BECAUSE THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS NOT THAT EASY. CODE DISPLAYED COULD SHUT ENGINE OFF AT ANY TIME TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. THANK GOD WE WERE A 2 MILES FROM HOME.
Engine, May 15, 2019
AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM PUT ON THE PLATE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I DROVE IT TO A SECURE LOCATION SO I COULD GET SOMEONE TO FOLLOW ME BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. THE CAR DID NOT HAVE FULL POWER. WHEN I WENT TO PULL OUT OF THE SECURE LOCATION , I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR STOPPED. I DECIDED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED, THE CAR HAD ONLY 45 MILES ON IT. I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM SERVICE, THEY REPORTED THAT THEY REMOVED AND INSPECTED THE INTAKE DUCT SEAL AND RETAINING CLIP.INSTALLED DUCT TO THROTTLE BODY AND CHECK DUCT LOCKS INTO PLACE, INTAKE DUCT IS SECURE. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THE CAR WAS TOWED AGAIN, THE CAR HAS 60 MILES ON IT. I AM WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. BOTH TIMES THE RATE OF SPEED WAS AROUND 45 - 50 MPH.
Electronic stability control (ESC), May 10, 2019
SERVICE ESC MESSAGE CAME ON TWICE MY NEW 2019 CHEVY EQUINOX PREMIER( EACH TIME VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY).I DISMISS MESSAGE EACH TIME SO I CAN SEE THE DIGITAL ODOMETER WHEN I DRIVE, AND TAKE VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP (EACH TIME THEY DON'T DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM). THEY SAID, EACH TIME, MESSAGE HAS TO BE ON FOR THEM TO DETECT THE PROBLEM. IS THAT TRUE?
Engine, May 10, 2019
THE TURBO COOLER TUBE POPS OFF WHEN YOU ACCELERATE. THIS CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO ENGINE REDUCE POWER MODE. VEHICLE MAX SPEED WILL THEN BE SET TO 55 MILES AN HOUR. ENGINE AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT GETS HOT DUE TO NO PROPER COOLING. I WENT TO CHEVY DEALER AND THEY STATED THIS IS STARTING TO BECOME A KNOWN ISSUE WITH NO FIX. CHEVY SNAPPED THE TUBE BACK INTO PLACE, BUT IT POPPED OFF AGAIN. DANGEROUS WHEN ON HIGHWAY AND SPEED IMMEDIATELY REDUCES TO 55 MPH AND ALSO VERY BAD ON OVERHEATING THE ENGINE
Engine, May 8, 2019
THERE IS A MAJOR HOSE PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING, A HOSE CAME LOOSE ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THAT CAUSED A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT SAID "ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED" AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 40 MPH. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I WAS JUST INFORMED THIS IS NOW HAPPENING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND CHEVY WILL BE ISSUING A RECALL.
Power train, Apr 29, 2019
AUTO STOP / START IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED. HESITATION FROM BRAKE TO GAS CAUSES A WHIPLASH EFFECT TO EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE. ALSO, PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC IS A TOTAL CRAP SHOOT AS TO WEATHER THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO START, HESITATE OR GO AT ALL.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 18, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2019 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS AND SIDE VIEW MIRRORS HAD A SHADOW AND WHITE LINES THAT OBSTRUCTED THE VIEW. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OPEN ROAD CHEVROLET (2675 US-22, UNION, NJ 07083, (908) 686-2800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS WERE CHROME AND WERE REFLECTING OFF THE MIRRORS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5169987780. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO WRAP THE AIR CONDITIONER VENTS IN A NON-REFLECTIVE MATERIAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A DESIGN FLAW AND HE SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,800. *DT*JB
Exterior lighting, Apr 12, 2019
AM BLINDED BY EXCESSIVE BRIGHTNESS OF BACKUP CAMERA DISPLAY AND CANNOT SEE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR AND CANNOT SEE PEDESTRIANS NEAR RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE DUE TO OVERLY BRIGHT BACKUP CAMERA WHICH HAS NO DIMMING FEATURE.
Electrical system, Mar 24, 2019
THE AUTOSTOP FEATURE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND DID NOT TURN ON WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND I WAS IN A INTERSECTION AND I WAITED FOR TEN MINUTES AND IT TURNED ON AGAIN. THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE COMPUTER WHICH WASN'T WORKING.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2019
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE AT ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 72 A CHEVROLET TRAVERSE PASSED ON THE LEFT AT AVERY HIGH SPEED AS IT PASSED MY DRIVERS DOOR OUR EQUINOX IMMEDIATLEY APPLIED THE BRAKES AND RAPIDLY SLOWED TO 55MPH WHEN THE TRAVERSE HAD PASSED OUR EQUINOX RESUMED 72 MPH
Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2019
I FOUND THAT THIS MODEL CAR AND OTHER MANUFACTURERS WITH PUSH TO START AND STOP CAN BE TURNED OFF IN ANY GEAR AND YOU CAN WALK AWAY FROM THE CAR WITH OUT AN ALARM OR ANY NOTIFICATION. I HAVE SEEN CARS ROLL WHEN LEFT ON A SLOPE. KEY IGNITION CARS DON'T LET YOU REMOVE THE KEYS WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN PARK.
Exterior lighting, Mar 7, 2019
THE HID HEADLAMPS HAVE POOR OUTPUT BUT AT SAME TIME BLIND ON COMING DRIVERS WHILE DRIVING THIS IS A LT MODEL DROVE THE PREMIER MODEL THEY. HAVE A BETTER HEAD LAMP
Air bags, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 4, 2019, crash
BRAKES FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO FENCE WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE & WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE - THRU FRONT DOOR & OUT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH CENTRAL CLAIMS CASE (XXX) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CW
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2019
THE VECHICLE'S ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE STOPPED FOR A VERY SHORT TIME ON ROADS IN TRAFFIC. IT CAN BE A MAJOR HIGHWAY, OR INTERSTATE AND EVEN NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS. IT CAN BE HAZARDOUS AS THE VEHICLE TAKES A MINUTE TO START BACK UP AND GET GOING. I HAD NO IDEA THIS FEATURE EVEN EXISTED, BEFORE I EXPERIENCED IT AFTER PURCHASING. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TAILGATE/TRUNK LOCKING. I LOCK THE VEHICLE, AND ALL DOORS LOCK EXCEPT THE TRUNK. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE DEC 31,2018 AND AM VERY SURPRISED TO BE EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES SO SOON.
Engine, Feb 6, 2019
THE AUTO STOP ENGINE FEATURE HAS NO CONTROL DEVICE TO DISABLE THE FEATURE. AUTO ENGINE STOP CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN RESTARTING FROM THE AUTO STOP CONDITION AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED HESITATION OF THE RESTART CONDITION WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A BUSY INTERESECTION CAUSING MYSELF SLIGHT PANIC WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO COMPLETE THE TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING. VERY DANGEROUS! THIS FEATURE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE TURNED OFF BY THE OWNER ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. SAFETY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN FUEL CONSUMPTION.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2019
UNABLE TO DISABLE AUTO STOP ENGINE FUNCTION. WINSHIELD DEFROSTER USES AC COMPRESSOR TO AID DEFROAT OF WINDSHIELD WHICH NEEDS ENGINE RUNNING TO OPERATE. WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT WINDSHIELD STEAMS UP ON THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF EXCESS MOISTURE IN EVAPORATOR.
Engine, Jan 19, 2019
THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH OF A DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT THE SYSTEM ON THIS GM MODEL ACCORDING TO GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THOUGH I AM SURE IT IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED FOR CERTAIN OWNER DRIVING STYLES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS HAZARD. CAR MAKERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO EITHER DISABLE THE FEATURE PERMANENTLY BY OWNER REQUEST OR HAVE A METHOD FOR THE OWNER TO BYPASS THE SYSTEM.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 7, 2019
I AM UNABLE TO GAUGE THE TIME NEEDED FOR THE CAR TO RESTART AFTER "AUTOSTOP" SHUTS THE MOTOR AT A HARD STOP. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR ALL DRIVERS AS EVEN WHEN LIFTING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AS IT SHOULD IN "DRIVE." INSTEAD, PLACING MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL IS REQUIRED. THIS CAUSES UNEXPECTED DELAYS IN BEGINNING TO DRIVE THAT COULD HAVE SEVERE AND LONG LASTING CONSEQUENCES. I DO NOT AT ALL FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS BOTH DURING CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING, I.E. WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC. OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE A SWITCH TO DEACTIVATE "AUTOSTOP." CHEVROLET DOES NOT. I BELIEVE A MANDATORY RECALL IS REQUIRED TO REMEDY THIS CLEAR SAFETY OVER SITE.
Engine, Jan 3, 2019
THE AUTO STOP IS A HAZARD. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC THE CAR DOESN'T GET TO SPEED QUICK ENOUGH.