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.
Seats, Oct 5, 2025
Problem persists since 4/3/2025. While parked, the Driver’s Seat was leaned back. About 1 hour later, I couldn’t let it back up. Drove home slowly after 11p. Took to a Repair Shop next day to have the Driver’s Seat fixed. I paid for a Diagnostic & was told that the seat could not be repaired because GMC was no longer manufacturing the seat motor needed. The shop spoke to GMC & a Dealership. I called GMC the next day to complain & verify because car was only 2019 - parts are to be manufactured & made available for minimum of 10yrs! Over next 3 -6 months I spoke to numerous Customer Service employees & Supervisors. I was referred to a Certified Chevrolet Dealer, Dave Gil Chevrolet. I had to use a Large Wedge Pillow & Bed Pillow since the seat was flat back. My car was UNSAFE, difficult to drive & caused concern on whether the seat belts & Air Bags would work properly in the event of an accident or collision. The certified Dealership said that of the 3 motors in the seat, they could get the front one in 2weeks to 3months but not the motor for the rest of the seat. These are the part #’s unsure which is which: 1352-6511 & 1352-5388. I emailed & sent Certified Letter to GMC’s CEO. No response to my email but someone acknowledged my letter. All I ever wanted was my 2019 Equinox repaired properly. Note: Car payment, Insurance, Registration were still expected to be paid & they were by me. I was given a Customer Loyalty Certificate smaller than what I was quoted but not for a new Equinox, for a 2025 Trax which is much smaller! I was told my Equinox couldn’t be repaired, sizable bal due ( I had only purchased 2 yrs prior.) In June 2025 I was mailed a copy of the “California Repurchase Agreement” that GMC was adopting. ( see attached). I sent Certified Letters to that Dept but got no responses. I then escalated to the OH Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Department & someone called me back. I shared the part #’s but several days have passed - no response. Con’tl
Engine, Oct 4, 2025
2 nights ago, my engine light came on. I purchased a code reader today so see what may be wrong, and code P0299, popped up. I’ve reviewed and saw there’s no known recall on the issue but there’s a known Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). In a Facebook group I saw, it says that some people have replaced and code P0299 is still populating. I’m buying this vehicle and I have barely had 2 years now and wanted it to last.
Engine, Oct 2, 2025
Charge pipe/air intake hose came disconnected when driving causing reduced engine and idle problems. Car stalled multiple times at idle. Higher rpm’s cause hose to disconnect.
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.
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2025
Vehicle experienced derating. Check engine light on. Called mobile repair service. 20 year mechanic. Replaced Pedal Sensor. Fail. Second visit replaced Throttle Body. Fail. He advised better to take it to a reputable shop. Did. Shop worked on it for 2 months and ended up replacing ECM. I finally had the unit towed to an Electrical Specialist in Longmont Colorado. They replaced Wiring loom between pedal sensor and car worked again. Drove car to Kansas and after about 300 miles, loud boom and messages on display. ECM engaged electric emergency brake hard at 79 MPH. WAS on cruise. At 20 mph car stopped messaging, and resumed normal operation. Pulled over, checked car. 50 miles from nearest city. cautiously drove about 20mph, then 30, then more until up to speed limit again. Worked fine 140 miles (needed a population center to get car fixed)) and it happened again. Limped car a few miles to repair in Salina, Kansas. ECM erased all miles, messages, etc. They could find nothing. my research showed the 2025 Equinox EV recall (We had replaced ECM and reprogrammed). I went to get car and risked driving, but without cruise. Warnings would come up, but car ran. No more emergency stops, but plenty of warnings. $3K in repairs and still problem. I believe current problem is electrical that Equinox is known for. The ECM/Reprogramming problem that activated the Brake is the issue here and previously reported by many. Extremely dangerous! Car has 50K miles. Was flawless driver until now. Note: Unit was Rebuilt Salvage. I bought at 1460 miles. Hit right rear, Replaced right rear sheet metal, Rear driveline on right side (Genuine GM parts), Replaced Hatch door. Inspected by state of Michigan. Reputable Rebuilder. Zero bad reviews. Hundreds of excellent reviews. P.S. Cannot take to Chevrolet - they universally refuse to work on car - not to even change oil.
Engine, Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine revved continuously as if the vehicle was going to drive forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Service brakes, Aug 6, 2025
Break assist break vacuum pump
Service brakes, Aug 5, 2025
Vehicle Information: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox VIN: [XXX] Mileage: [Insert your current mileage] Engine: 1.5L Turbo ⸻ Complaint Summary: Sudden and complete loss of brake assist while driving. Brake pedal became extremely hard to press, making it difficult to stop the vehicle safely. A warning message appeared on the dashboard stating “Brake Assist”. This happened without warning and made braking unpredictable and dangerous. If I had been driving downhill or in the mountains, I could have easily lost control or crashed. I was lucky to be on a relatively flat road when it happened. I inspected the vacuum hose and brake fluid level — both were normal. After researching, I discovered this is a known issue in 2019 Equinox models with the 1.5L turbo engine, related to vacuum pump failure or loss of vacuum supply to the brake booster. There are service bulletins and limited coverage programs (N192268490 and N182202780), but my VIN does not show an open recall. I believe this is a serious safety defect that could affect many vehicles not yet covered by the recall or service campaigns. GM needs to expand the recall and properly warn drivers before someone gets killed. Please investigate this problem and hold GM accountable for fixing this safety-critical issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jul 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled, and the vehicle was nearly rear-ended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately made a turn into the nearby independent mechanic shop parking lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred while the vehicle was being test-driven by the independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2025, crash
On July 1, 2025 I was involved in an accident and none of my airbags deployed. Car was inspected by police, insurance company and General Motors who haven’t sent me the report yet. No warnings or symptoms appeared.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 19, 2025
My vacuum pump failed on this vehicle. Causing my brakes to lock and a crash to almost happen
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.
Engine, Jul 11, 2025
My car had been sitting for a week as we were off on vacation and when I came back the car would not start. Oil had been changed 1 week before that by Miller and Son. After towing it to Miller and Son Chevrolet (724-378-0542)we were told it was a timing chain issue and once they opened things up I was told the engine is ruined. The car only had 71,000 miles on it(I purchased it last year) We spoke to multiple mechanics who stated this was a common problem for this car and if the engine had failed while driving it could have caused a fire/accident. I have a [XXX] son and he very much could have been trapped in the car. If this is happening frequently as the mechanics have told me why has this not been recalled. I religiously had my oil changed as required. I tried calling GM (case #[XXX]) without much success. The dealer wants $9000 to put in a new engine which I need to get a loan to do but also my fear is will this happen again. I would appreciate you looking into this issue. Thank You. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jul 5, 2025
On Sunday, [XXX] (a very hot day in Michigan. My vehicle registered 100 degrees) I was driving on [XXX] about 70-73 mph when I got an alert that said (to the best of my recollection) TOO HOT - IDLE IMMEDIATELY! and there was a continuous high pitch beeping which I only heard after turning off the radio. I continued at highway speed for a good 2-3 miles to the next exit afraid at any minute my car would start smoking. I exited and had to stop at a red light before turning left into a Kroger plaza with a fuel station. When the light turned green I accelerated and a grinding sound came from my car. I pulled into the plaza and turned the car off but had to turn it back on in about a minute as it was too hot to sit in car without air conditioning. It started and idled just fine. I googled roadside service and got a nice fellow (on a SUNDAY!) and he arrived in about 40 minutes. He towed me 40 miles away to a recommended auto shop that on Monday told me it was my transmission cooler that was defective and that I needed a transmission shop for a new transmission. It was then towed another 20 minutes away where it stayed for 9 days. Cost: $6564.48 plus $150 for paying with a credit card so totaled $6714.48. My drive train warranty was only good to 60,000 miles/5 years and I have 76,000 miles on my car at the time. Was told the transmission cooler was defective so I asked to have the cooler part and I have it in my garage. I spent over $1000 at the dealership in the months of Feb/March/April 2025 as my car hit the 70,000 mile mark so I had them do all work required by the car manual. The transmission cooler is apparently not a part they check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Service brakes, Jun 20, 2025
I own a 2019 Chevy Equinox LT 1.5L and am experiencing the exact symptoms described in GM recall 18V576000. After 1–2 hours of driving, the rear brakes begin to drag, creating hesitation during takeoff. The issue resolves after the vehicle cools down. Both my mechanic and independent research confirm this is the same safety defect described in that recall, but my VIN is not included.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 19, 2025
Driver side mirror changes position at start of vehicle for no reason. This makes for a very dangerous situation while driving as nitro has moved and is showing other than where it was set at.
Service brakes, Jun 19, 2025
I was driving brake pedal went causing me to use emergency brake to stop. Took and got it diagnosed. The brake vacuum went out. The repair bill was $680 that have to pay tomorrow 6-19. I had someone in my car that I was transporting. This could end very card if I was an experienced CDL driver. My car 2019 Chevy Equinox only has 107,310 miles. I am so frustrated this is not on the recall list for the same problem other GM owners were having
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
Power train, May 30, 2025
Symptoms were poor gas mileage, highly rough idle (especially in DRIVE, while at a stop), lag in acceleration as well as delayed response to gas pedal depression, struggled take off from an incline while utilizing AC on high output. Diagnosed by a code reader with confirmation by a trusted mechanic that the transmission is malfunctioning. Mechanic indicates the need to seek a shop specializing in transmissions because this entails disassembly of drain pan and plug to find issue either with fluid seal or the start/stop assembly in relation to the transmission. Issues began approximately 6 months ago, as I have been trying to deduce the issue by process of elimination by way of services and mileage recommendation. All professional involved indicate that a Chevy at this mileage and age do not typically display concerns related to the transmission.
Engine, May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while shifted into gear. Several unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and a transmission error code was retrieved; however, no other failure was identified. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, and an unknown part was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic for a second opinion; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a third independent mechanic, where it was it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 9, 2025
The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was coolant leaking from the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to the contact and to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the coolant expansion tank recovery hose had failed causing engine coolant to leak from the hose onto the PCM. The contact stated that the hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that due to the location on the hose the failure would reoccur once the hose was replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 49,549.
Service brakes, May 7, 2025
I was driving and all of a sudden my brake assist light and engine light come on and then when I tried to brake, the brake pedal was very hard to push and it was very hard to stop.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 24, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I'm writing to formally report a critical failure of the Auto Start-Stop system in my 2019 Chevy Equinox that occurred today, resulting in a hazardous situation during rush hour traffic. While stopped in the northbound left turn lane of Route 202 at the intersection with Baltimore Pike, the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop feature engaged as expected. However, upon releasing the brake to proceed, the engine failed to restart, and the vehicle remained completely inoperative — engine off, no power, and unresponsive to ignition attempts. This failure caused the vehicle to become stranded in a live intersection during heavy traffic, posing a serious safety risk not only to myself but also to other motorists. A Pennsylvania State Police officer arrived on the scene and assisted by pushing the vehicle across three active lanes of traffic while in neutral, performing a battery jump with a brand new battery of five months, and escorting me home to ensure I was safe. This situation was both dangerous and unacceptable, especially considering that the failure stemmed from a system designed for emissions/fuel efficiency, not safety. The Auto Start-Stop feature in this vehicle clearly introduces critical failure points without adequate redundancy or reliability, particularly in real-world driving conditions. Additionally, I contacted my local Chevrolet dealership and spoke directly with a technician in the service department. He confirmed that they have had multiple customers reporting similar failures with the Auto Start-Stop system. According to him, this is not an isolated incident, and in several cases, it has placed drivers in equal danger. I am formally requesting: An investigation into this incident, Information on any existing Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to this failure, A full inspection of the vehicle at GM’s expense, And a report on what steps GM is taking to prevent similar failures from putting other drivers in harm’s way.
Power train, Apr 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Advanced Auto Parts where a diagnostic test was performed and DTC U0101 and P12A6 were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,533.