2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 308 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 20 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 12 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Child seat, vehicle latch anchorMay 11, 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.
Campaign 23V339000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperOct 3, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.
Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.
Campaign 19V704000 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
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
50 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 7, 2024
Vehicle lost power because of a faulty fuel pump control module. On highway could have caused collision. GM knows of problems but not recalling them. Problem has occurred several times. Check engine light came on.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2024
I was driving home when I exited the freeway my car turned off on me. I tried to turn it back on since I was in the middle of a busy street it started for under a minute which it gave me enough time to merge jusr a little to the right. After that the car wouldn't start at all. This problem could've been a lot worse if it would've happened while I was on the freeway. My vehicle turned off without any warnings any vehicle would've slammed in to me at high speed if it would've shut down a minute prior to me exiting. I didn't get any warnings/ lights nothing it just turned off on me in the middle of the road. I had to get it towed to Autonation where they detected the Fuel Module was the problem. This item has been out of stock for sometime now. My car is still at a dealership and may be inspected if needed.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2024
When pressing the gas pedal, my Equinox does not accelerate and move forward. It takes approximately 2-3 seconds for the vehicle to react to the pressing of the pedal and that reaction is slow despite applying full pedal movement. This happens intermittently and appears to be most notable during extreme high temperatures. It also has been noticed while trying to accelerate to pass in addition to trying to go from a stop. I was almost hit by another vehicle because my Equinox didn't go. When it did go, it took roughly another 5-7 seconds to get up to the 45 MPH speed limit.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 12, 2024
Fuel pump modular went out and the car stalled out. The same issue is happening to the 2021 and 2022 models that have the recall not sure why the 2020s don’t have the sane
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 20, 2024
Power Train: I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LS in January 2023. For the past 4 to 7 months the vehicle has completely lost power in traffic several times and I'm not talking about AutoStop and Start, the battery life was great, with no dead cells at all. The vehicle went dead, absolutely no power source inside or outside the Equinox, the SUV could not be placed in neutral to move it out of traffic, nor would the remote key work. The Equinox remained in this mode for approximately 20 minutes. During each incident, the vehicle displayed no warning signs or check engine symbol on the dashboard display before or after each episode. Fuel/Propulsion System: Upon placing unleaded fuel in the vehicle and starting up the ignition, the SUV would start vibrating, sputtering, jerking, and popping sounds. Also, while driving the vehicle upon acceleration at times it seems as if fuel isn't reaching the engine. Brakes: Service Brake Assist may illuminate randomly on the dashboard while on the interstate. These issues has placed and caused my family and I to be in great danger. This is my primary vehicle and I purchased this vehicle because I believed in the reliability of the GM Chevrolet Brand. Not an accident waiting to happen. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected, but please remember if NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT is illuminating on the dashboard the issues can not be assessed properly!
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2024
While driving down the road, my car completely stopped in the middle of traffic. It would not move, and I was stuck in the middle of the road. This is a safely issue because it could have caused a multiple vehicle pileup as my car came to a sudden halt and I was unable to move in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealership. It was determined by Chevrolet that the fuel pump module was not sending the proper signal to the fuel pump. The fuel pump module was replaced. There was no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the incident.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 10, 2024
The same part that is causing a recall for 2021-22 models just went out on my 2020. Why aren't the 2020's recalled? This is causing it to be hard to get the part. It's the fuel pump control module. 2020's need to be included in this recall. My car is only 4 years old, and is just past the warranty (47k miles). I should not be having such trouble with it.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2024
Fuel pump, failure just under 25,000 miles. Car stopped running, when not expected. 01/31/2024
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 20, 2024
I was driving on the highway on my way to work and received the error message “engine power reduced”. My car immediately dropped speed and I was unable to go over 40mph. My check engine light came on. I made it to work and contacted the dealer to make an appointment to bring the car in, which I did as soon as I finished working for the day. Driving 30-40mph with my hazards on for almost 50 miles on a highway where the minimum speed limit is 55 was hazardous in itself. I was almost run off the road by a truck and cars were honking and passing me. I am a [XXX] and have driven many cars in my lifetime. I have never experienced this type of scare. I took to the dealer and they advised “CAC frozen and the parts need replacement”. They said it’s not a warranty issue. The repair cost is $3000 and this car is only 3 years old. I found an existing recall on this same model car and year for this same issue - but they advised that my car wasn't affected in this recall. Apparently, this car is exhibiting these same issues. I contacted Chevrolet and they are trying to escalate. In the meantime, I have no vehicle, and told the dealer to halt any repairs until Chevrolet gets back to me. I have taken great care of this car. I start my car and allow it to warm up at least 20-30 minutes in the winter. I also make sure that I get all my oil changes and have all preventive maintenance done as required. This issue could not have been prevented by me - but it could have been prevented by the car manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 22, 2023
On 10/19/2023, I came out of a store and saw a large puddle forming under my 2020 Chevy Equinox and fluid spilling out. I immediately drove it to the car repair business I have used for 10 years, which was less than one mile away. The bottom line was a cracked gas tank. They confirmed the warranty had expired in February of 2023, so with no reason to think otherwise, I had them order and replace the gas tank. I filed a report with GMC, only to be told that since I didn't have an authorized GMC dealership make the repairs, there was nothing they could do, to reimburse me. I felt that this as an emergency situation, not only for myself but others around me. I'm not sure how I was supposed to know to take it elsewhere. The bottom line is this...how can a vehicle that is only just over 3 years old, need a new gas tank? This is not typical and should be investigated.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2023
There was not an accident. I was leaving work on 9/16/23 and tried to start the car and it wouldn’t turn over. I got assistance from a friend that had jumper cables because I thought it might be the battery, but it wasn’t. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership to find that these fuel module was defective. I see in the Google information that this sane issue was placed on the recall list for 2021-23 Chevrolet Equinox’s, but not on my 2020 model. The cost of this repair was very costly, and frustrating because I have only had the vehicle for one year to the day of this issue. I’m hoping that this problem can be recalled so that I can possibly be reimbursed for the nearly $1,000 I paid to have it repaired.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2023
Fuel pump and module failed. Car started but left me stranded less than a mile from my house. It had to be towed to a repair shop.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2023
The suv is slow or delayed in acceleration. Pushing your foot on the gas pedal the suv will have a delay on acceleration. It is dangerous while trying to merge into traffic. Chevrolet knows its a known issue. It is a safety concern.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2023
Was backing out of driveway to street, Car stalled in the street and would not restart. Took to dealership which indicates that fuel pump shorted, fuel pump modulator issue, fuel injectors need to be cleaned/replaced and that spark plug need to be replaced. I have done regular oil changes on this Vehicle and only has 66050 miles on it. It was purchased as a new vehicle January 2021. Mileage is partly highway due to child away in at college. Check engine light came on before stall and code indicated that engine running lean which was told to shop when I took vehicle in several weeks ago indicating engine not operating properly. No warning light on when checked by shop, was told that they could not find issue. Several weeks later vehicle stalls and now needs approximately $3200 worth of parts and work done.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 17, 2023
vehicle STALLED WHILE PULLING OUT FROM STOP. STRUGGLED TO RESTART AFTER STALLING. believed FUEL PROBLEM BECAUSE ENGINE TURNING OVER WHEN START BUTTON PUSHED BUT NOT SOUNDING LIKE STARTED LIKE NO IGNITION IN ENGINE. when IT DID START IT STALLED AGAIN. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE, VEHICLE STARTED. Several days later car soppt
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 12, 2023
My 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, while accelerating, will give off a Service Warning "ESC", along with flashing check engine light, and continuous lighted oil & traction control. Once I pull over, shut the car down and restart it goes away. This happens at least once a month, and is very scary. I had taken it to the dealership before my warranty ended, and all they did was change a spark plug. This is a huge issue for a car that is less than 3 years old.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2023
Vehicle failed to start while parked at a retail store. Vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet Dealer. Diagnosis revealed a fault fuel pump control module. Dealer declared the part not under warranty. Owner paid $566 for repair. GM Bulletin PIP5719A shows Identical failures being reported on a variety of models with a variety of engines. The problem appears to have been corrected with the 2021 model year. Owner feels the faulty fuel pump control module should be under warranty longer than 24,000 miles. Owner seeks reimbursement from the manufacturer.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 17, 2023
They finished oil in 2000 miles and doesn’t appear any warning
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2023
Vehicle had 3 warning go off while driving. Vehicle engine is shaking. It decelerate and I couldn’t go over 35. No power going up hill. Traction controls shut off, check engine, and SEC service came on. Now messages of braking system and emission from on star. Had a similar incident over thanksgiving and I was told I needed an oil change because there was low oil. My car was at 58% for oil change. Now I’m at 83% and it shouldn’t need oil. There have been multiple issues with lag time from pushing the gas to engaging. This vehicle has had more issue than any other Chevy I have owned. Transmission seals off the lot. This is not building confidence in safety at all.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2022
We received a message on our in car display that said reduced engine power and the check engine light came on. We stopped, we raised the hood to investigate and there was oil all over the engine and engine compartment, as well as under the vehicle. The oil dipstick was out of its place by about 2”-2 1-2” That is where the oil came from. When I refilled the crankcase to replace the engine oil that was lost, it took about 3-3 1/2 quarts to refill (oil capacity is 4.5 quarts). When taken to the dealer for service, they said there was gasoline in the oil and that the engine oil needed to be changed. Once the oil was changed and the vehicle was test driven, the dealership said there was no gas in the oil, but gave no explanation as to what caused the oil dipstick to become raised from its normal position allowing the oil to escape. Oil and gas could cause a fire on board the vehicle. Oil could also get on the tires as well as the highway, causing a loss of traction and control of the vehicle, as well as other vehicles and drivers that ran into the oil/gas that fell from the vehicle to the road surface.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2022
The vehicle studders, stops, stalls, and or dies upon starting the car. It is due to lack of fuel to fuel rail. The trouble it produces is P129F nothing else. Even trying to prime the vehicles fuel pump following manufacturers steps for doing so does not work. The only way I have been able to get it to have fuel to the rails (reliably) is to push it and jump in and try to start it.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 19, 2021
I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY CAR STALLING, THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION AND THE CAR WAS SHAKING. WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED, THERE WAS ALSO SHAKING. AFTER THE CAR WOULD GET GOING, THE SHAKING WOULD STOP, BUT WHENEVER I STOPPED THE PROBLEM WOULD PERSIST. I HAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALER RIGHT NOW FOR 4 DAYS. THEY ARE TELLING ME THE MOTOR SEEMS TO BE CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL AND THAT THE MOTOR IS SHOT, THEY ARE ACCUSING ME OF NOT KEEPING UP WITH OIL CHANGES, WHICH IS NOT TRUE, AND THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. I DID NOT HAVE THE OIL CHANGES DONE AT THE DEALER, BUT AT ANOTHER LOCAL SHOP, BUT DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE RECEIPTS, JUST ONE FROM THE OIL CHANGE DONE ON 3/15/2021. IS THERE ANY WAY TO CHECK THE ON-STAR SYSTEM OR COMPUTER, TO SEE THAT THE MAINTENANCE WAS COMPLETED? THE CAR SENDS ALERTS FOR ALL SORTS OF THINGS, LOW TIRE PRESSURE, LOW OIL, LOW FUEL, ETC. I NEVER RECEIVED LOW OIL MESSAGES. THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO REQUEST ANY COMPUTER RECORDS FOR THE CAR. THE CAR WAS LEASED IS EARLY 2020 AND SHOULDN'T BE HAVING THESE KINDS OF ISSUES.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2020
WHEN WE BOUGHT THE 2020 EQUINOX ON JANUARY 20, 2020 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY KEPT IT 2 DAYS DIAGNOSING IT AND IT SAID A FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD US THAT THEY CONTACTED GM ENGINEERS WHO WERE LOOKING INTO IT AND TO GO AHEAD AND DRIVE IT WITH THE LIGHT ON TILL THEY GOT BACK WITH US. IT HAS CONTINUED TO STAY ON I HAD THE CODE READ AGAIN AND IT IS A P2365 FUEL PUMP A LOW FLOW/PERFORMANCE CODE. I DO NOT LIKE DRIVING IT WITH THE LIGHT ON, THE DEALERSHIP TELLING ME TO, NOT HEARING ANYTHING BACK FROM THEM, THE REMOTE START WILL NOT WORK WITH THE LIGHT ON WHICH IS A MAIN REASON WE BOUGHT IT.
Structure, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2020, crash
PULLING OUT OF CARWASH.TURNING LEFT IN CARWASH LOT. CAR ENGINE REVED UP, CAR LUNGED FORWARD AT HIGH SPEED. SLAMMED ON BRAKE BUT BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. CAR THEN SIDE SWIPED CARWASH VACUUM SYSTEM ON PASSENGER SIDE SCRAPING AND DENTING BOTH PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THREW CAR INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE TO STOP WAITED 5 MINUTES. TURNED CAR BACK ON PUT CAR IN DRIVE. SLOWLY MOVED AND PUT BRAKE ON. BRAKES WORKED. DROVE 5 MILES TO GET HOME. NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 23, 2019
THE SECOND DAY AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET, ACCELERATING, THE CAR STARTED TO FILL UP WITH GAS FUMES!