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.
Service brakes, Engine, Mar 24, 2025
Poor quality Vacuum Pump failed, resulting in debris in crack shaft assembly and preventing brake functionality. Check engine displays and error message stated "Service Brake Assist" which does not indicate a vacuum pump failure, which is misleading in troubleshooting issue. Hard brake pedal is a symptom, which would lead a repair facility or consumer to replace Brake Power Booster, which does not resolve issue, but will temporarily resolve brake pedal symptom, leading to further damage to crank shaft.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2025
Fuel pump isn't pumping gas.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there was fuel leaking onto the driveway near the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V667000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 229,000.
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.
Air bags, Jan 28, 2025, crash
Component or System Failed: The airbag system failed to deploy during three separate accidents in 2024. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection upon request. How Safety Was Put at Risk: The failure of the airbags to deploy during all three incidents increased the risk of injury to me and my passengers. While the seatbelts provided some protection, the lack of airbag deployment compromised the safety system and could have resulted in serious injuries in higher-severity impacts. Accident Details: 1.Accident #1 (July 2024): •Type: Side collision on the driver’s rear door. •Other Vehicle Speed: Estimated 30–40 mph. •Damage: Significant damage to the driver’s side rear door. •Airbag Deployment: None. •Warnings or Errors: No warning lights or messages before or after the incident. 2.Accident #2 (March 2024): •Type: Sideswipe collision on the passenger front end. •My Vehicle’s Impact: Passenger side front wheel and body. •Damage: The front wheel was severely damaged. •Airbag Deployment: None. •Warnings or Errors: No warning lights or messages before or after the incident. Inspection Status: The issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Chevrolet dealership or independent service center. Insurance adjusters inspected the vehicle after each accident, but no specific investigation into the airbag system was performed. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle. Warning Lamps or Symptoms Prior to Failure: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms.
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
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 13, 2024
Vehicle runs with reduced engine power. Was initially told the turbo needed cleaned, and it continued to happen. Then was told it needed to be replaced. The final result is that the tube that connects to the turbo keeps falling off. Being told there is no fix, and no recall, we just need to keep putting it back on when it pops off.
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
Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2024
Intellibeam feature is not dimming the lights when oncoming vehicles are present or there are vehicles in front of me. This has happened twice now in cold weather only (late November/early December) in Michigan. Also, they do not dim while driving when it's snowing. I have tried to disengage the feature using the button on the left stalk on the steering wheel but the button doesn't seem to turn the feature on or off. This issue could be affecting other drivers as the high beam lights are on as they pass or travel in front of me. Eventually the feature seems to work properly once the vehicle has been driven for 15-20 minutes.
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.
Electrical system, Nov 23, 2024
I JUST PURCHASED A 2019 CHEVY EQUINOX PREMIER AND I FOUND WATER IN THE SPARE TIME WHEEL WELL. AFTER SOME INVESTIGATION, I FOUND THERE IS A WATER LEAK CAUSING WATER TO SPILL ON THE FUSE BOX LOCATED IN THE BACK PANEL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THIS IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE FUSE PANEL SHORTS OUT, ESPECIALLY IF IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2024
I have had my vehicle in for repair three times for an EVAP code. The first visit they found nothing wrong. The second visit they placed the EVAP canister. The third visit they said if the light comes on again it's a faulty part. The light is on again. Since the first occurence, I have noticed the some of the same issues that were reported for the 2020 Equinox fuel pump issues, e.g. hesitation, choking,
Seat belts, Oct 10, 2024
The driver's side seat belt would only extend a few inches so I was not able to pull it across my body and latch it. Until this happened, there was no prior indication that the seat belt was about to fail. Fortunately, this happened at home so I was not stranded. Although the vehicle is a 2019 model year, it has barely been used and is in excellent, clean condition. I tried to free the mechanism myself, but was unable to do so. I ended up calling a mobile mechanic who also tried freeing up the mechanism and was unable to do so. The entire seat belt mechanism had to be replaced. I was very surprised that GM did not cover the cost of replacing this essential (and legally required) safety device, which I believe failed due to a manufacturing defect. (I have over 35 years experience as an automotive reliability/test engineer.) I have the original malfunctioning part in my possession if it is useful to your investigation. Thank you.
Electrical system, Visibility, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an unintended opening and closing of the sunroof. The contact stated that the sunroof was opening and closing independently while driving and while the vehicle was parked and turned off with no keys nearby. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be replicated. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and was instructed on how to correct the failure. The dealer followed the manufacturer's instructions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle remained at the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,500.
Electrical system, Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at a traffic light, the engine Auto START/STOP feature engaged, and the engine turned off; however, upon depressing the brake pedal to resume driving, the vehicle failed to respond, rolled backward, and nearly struck another vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times and the vehicle stopped. There was a message indicating a power brake assist failure displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not designed with a button or switch to manually deactivate the engine Auto START/STOP system. The contact was charged a fee for the diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2024
The same issue has occurred on my vehicle but the dealership is stating my vehicle is not covered even thought it states it has all the issues stated in this bulletin. N192271200 Charge Air Cooler Disconnect at Throttle Body. The car blows off the hose at the throttle body even after I replace the retainer clip myself. I am now having the dealership repair the hose and clip as it needs both they said. It obviously is a flaw in more vehicles than what they have disclosed. Very unfortunate they do not cover this for all owners in the same year as this series of vehicles.
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2024
While driving the car cuts completely off while driving. Everything blacks out. No lights will come on, not even the emergency lights. It starts back up in about 15 to 20 minutes, lights come back on. And it starts back up. This has happened at least 3 times, almost causing me to get hit because when it shuts off it want roll or do anything else
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.