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: other or unspecified
43 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 23, 2026
Vacuum pump, brake asst light. And more unknown because it is still under repair.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 16, 2026
I bought the 2020 equinox May the 9th 2026 the dealership concealed a lot of things going on this vehicle and I complain to them two days after purchase he told me I was stuck with it in the meanwhile as I drive the vehicle I have had repairs done but it's something going on with the acceleration it accelerates on its own sometimes and slow to pick up speed. The steering seems to get away from me at times that makes me feel like I'm going to lose control when driving. I have almost had a couple of accidents since then so what really worries me is the steering problems which I just had a little alignment done today July 15th 2026 and the accelerating from time to time went backing up or pulling off. I do feel like the safety of others can be at risk for should I say my safety is that risk at times so I am extremely cautious when I'm driving. No I have not had really anyone to look at I have been having a car looked at for many issues but that issue I am still trying to get in to see a mechanic that I'm used to dealing with but he's been backed up. No there are no lights of any such but when I purchased it the sensors in the tires and I've had that replaced and I've noticed this situation with the acceleration when I bought the vehicle and the slow speed pick up when driving.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2026
The sunroof opens and closes without driver input. It initially occurred at startup but now also while driving (safety/security risk) . The sunroof switch has currently been unresponsive since 2025 . The issue is intermittent and has occurred multiple times. I have a pending diagnostic appointment and an open chevrolet customer assistance case. **My 2020 Equinox has approximately 55,000 - 60,000 miles on it and I'm also not certain if I have any warranty left that will cover the cost for this issue. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this matter.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2026, fire
The vehicle was taken to College Chevrolet for body work. . When the vehicle was at the body shop, the shop informed me that a turbo light was on but I am unsure when it appeared because it wasn't on when I took it to the dealer. The brake assist light was on; I noticed this about May 20, 2026. I parked the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the body shop on June 1. The body work was completed on June 9 and the vehicle was at my residence. My Ex-husband and son were coming to pick me up at the car rental. The car caught on fire. My son & Ex-husband could have died in that car. The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle hasn't been examined by anyone at this time. An insurance claim in in process.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 27, 2026
My engine started running rough and, as a result of a repeating PO301 code, the car was towed to Lester Glenn of Toms River. Their diagnostic scan report (codes DTC PO301 & DTC PO303) found the engine assembly has scored cylinder walls due to failed piston rings. The entire engine had to be replaced. The odometer reading was 19,000 miles. Piston rings are designed to last 150,000 plus miles. For them to be worn enough to score a cylinder wall at 19,000 miles is a textbook definition of a manufacturing defect. Piston failure represents a serious safety defect as it could have caused a total loss of power at highway speeds. This was a safety-related manufacturing flaw, and not a maintenance issue. GM refused to pay for the repair bill in full.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, May 15, 2026
I was driving to work, when I got off the exit I stopped at Sheetz. When I got back in the car my brake pedal was stiff as a rock, and there was oil on the ground. A friend of mine does mechanic work so I called him and he said it sounds like the vacuum pump. I had the car towed to his garage, the tow costed me $400 which was very cheap considering where I was located. When I got it to the garage he confirmed that it was the vacuum pump and we removed several pieces of metal from inside the engine. I now have my car at the Chevy dealership in Chippewa PA. They told me to be $180 a diagnose it, well they just called me a little bit ago and said it's going to be another $900 to take everything apart and to truly diagnose it. I'm finding out now that GM has known about the failing vacuum pumps and they kept producing them anyways. I see there's a class action lawsuit taking place, and I am not very happy. My life was put at risk. And now I'm expected to be stuck paying this huge bill?
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 18, 2026
the car has a grinding that i am not sure where it is coming from, it maybe coming from the wheel and it also has a battery problem
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2026
Vehicle lacked power to accelerate. Took vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive where it was diagnosed with a bad transmission, Christian Brothers replaced the transmission.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 30, 2026
I would like to formally file a safety complaint regarding my Chevrolet vehicle and to express concern over Chevrolet’s handling of a known defect. On January 22, while driving to work in cold weather conditions, my vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction. The engine unexpectedly revved to approximately 4,500 RPM, the check engine light illuminated, and the dashboard displayed an “Engine Power Reduced” message. Despite removing my foot from the accelerator, the vehicle did not slow down as expected. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and bring the vehicle to a stop. I immediately contacted my local Chevrolet service department and was advised to bring the vehicle in six days later, the following Friday. Due to the safety risk, we did not use the vehicle during this time out of concern for a potential accident. When the vehicle was inspected by the Chevrolet dealership, we were informed that Chevrolet had identified this issue as being related to cold weather operation and that a custom shield had been designed to address the problem. We were also told that Chevrolet vehicles were not adequately designed for cold weather conditions, which led to this failure. Despite this acknowledgment and the fact that Chevrolet has engineered a corrective part, we were informed that the repair—costing approximately $1,600—is not covered under our extended warranty, as the shield was not installed on the vehicle at the time of purchase. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive. When accelerating, engine RPMs surge from approximately 2,500 to 4,000 RPM, and the vehicle can suddenly decelerate, creating a serious risk of rear-end collisions if a following driver is forced to brake abruptly. This issue represents a significant safety hazard. Chevrolet has acknowledged the defect by creating a corrective part, yet is declining to cover the repair cost, leaving the responsibility with the customer for a known design issue. Please let me know my next step
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2025
Sirus XM radio not working I called Sirus XM and cancelled my subscription they told me it is an ongoing issue multiple people are having the same issue it keeps saying reception is blocked.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2025
Recently noticed that windshield wipers were not operating properly especially in heavy downpours. Difficult to see. Garage noticed that wipers were not operating correctly due to a flaw in the windshield wiper motor. There was a recall on earlier Chevy Equinox Windshield Wiper Motor on the 2015 model. I’m wondering if they ever Corrected that problem for later models or is it possible that they are still using a defective motor. Was confirmed by mechanic. Wipers will not operate properly and is definitely a hazard.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 8, 2025
My car won’t stay started as if the gas is not going through the engine. I was told it might be the fuel control module or fuel pump
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 9, 2025
Twice my vehicle has stopped working where the shift to park messaging comes up and the car will not turn on or off. The vecle displays sec, low fuel, and park to shift messaging. The p for park to shift with the wrench underneath it appears. This issue happened once while I was in park and tried turning on my car and the other while I was in drive at a light.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2025
On February 25,2025 I first noticed my engine light was blinking constantly while my service esc light and tc light was on while driving on the freeway. When I exited the freeway all lights went off. I had my mechanic check it out and he suspected a misfire because he ran the vin and said my vehicle had a history of a misfire. I was unaware of that because I wasn't given that information when I bought the vehicle a little over a year ago. I drove the vehicle approximately a month just around town and on March 26 2025 I was driving on the freeway and again the service escaped light came back on as well as the TC light with a line across the letters TC. The engine light did not come on on this occasion. I've read stories with many people with my same vehicle having the very same issue however I've searched my vin and there's no recall listed for my particular vehicle and I think there should be. I find it strange that the lights only come on if I'm on the freeway and I don't feel safe driving the vehicle with my son in the car while traveling outside of the city. I'm still.under warranty but I'm unsure if this issue is covered under my warranty.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 26, 2025
Unknown, My wife was driving my 2020 Chevy equinox on the freeway when suddenly the vehicle shut down with no warning signs ..she tried to turn on the emergency lights and did not function slowly she yield to other lanes and cars honking she safely made it to the side of the freeway..she tried to turn the car and did not wanted to restart everything shutdown .she call roadside assistance..they came and try to give her a jumpstart and it fail.they tried to tow it and they couldn't cause the brakes were also locked..This.was a scary situation that would had cause major accident.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2024
Water accumulate on backseat floor boards on both sides and in the trunk's spare tire compartment. Possible electrical issues from electrical components being wet. Vehicle has mold. No warning lights. Issue first known occurance on 11/9/24. Took vehicle to the dealership for inspection and was told that I'm responsible for diagnostic and repair. This is a known issue for this year and model but this has not been recalled.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2024
I was going on ramp and started to go on Interstate when my vehicle slowed down, check engine lights came on. It wouldn't pick up speed. I had vehicle checked and it was Turbocharger. I had to pay $2,820.13 for repairs. 10/
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 2, 2024
I was driving my car approaching a four way intersection, to realize my brake pedal was not pressing down to the floor. This was 9/28/24. I have a 2020 Chevy Equinox. I put my car in the shop to only find out that vacuum pump has exploded and left metal inside the engine. Done some research with the repair shop and to my surprise, GM has had a lot of recalls with vehicles having this issue. Who ever the CEO is, I pray that you understand how deadly and serious this issue is. This could have ended badly for me and could have been tragic for my family. I can not afford to get the metal out of my engine. And to replace the vacuum pump alone was $700. In order for them to clean the engine would cost me an extra $1000. That's ridiculous for a car that I have only had almost 4 years and with maybe 10,000 miles when I purchased it. My voice will be heard. And I will keep advocating for people who are going through this! Our lives matter. This is very common in vehicles with 1.5 liter engines. I'm going to keep researching and hopefully GM will compensate me for this and the engine work.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 20, 2024
The brake system failed without any indication it would do so. The dealership acknowledged the car brake pedal was not able to be moved when attempting to stop the vehicle and the vehicle did not stop by use of the brakes. The Equinox is no longer in my possession and was bought by Dick Genthe Chevrolet. The safety of myself, my 11 year old daughter and the drivers around me were put at risk due to the brakes locking up with no prior notice or indication this would happen. The brakes locked up as I was exiting the expressway and I had to turn the car on a side street and let it coast in order for it to stop. GM and Dick Genthe Chevrolet take no accountability for the incident and instead told me that the car worked well the first four years at least. In January 2024 the check engine light came on and I had it checked in the service department by the manager and the P code that came back was a sensor issue and the service manager said that it was nothing serious and the car was safe and the check engine light would likely go off on its own in two days or so. After the brakes had already failed, a "service brakes" warning message showed in the display and the check engine light came on.
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)
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2024
I was driving my car and it shut down in the middle of traffic on the freeway on [XXX] I thought I was dead I almost had a accident the car started back up and it did it again 4 times I am afraid to drive the car when it shuts down the steering wheel locks up and nothing happens I am so afraid of this Equinox please help. Not knowing what to do went to the dealer guy did a simply scan on the car and tried to sell me a car instead of trying to find the cause I am just so upset I love my car please please help me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 11, 2023
Driving and brakes went out with no warning, no sounds, no anything almost causing me to rear end a 16 wheeler in the dead of night and almost causing another passenger to rear end me! No fluids are leaking. Break fluid not low. The brakes will not go to the floor in reverse, neutral, or drive. I had to get a Uber and get the car towed back home. Upon research it is apparent that this is a known problem in Chevrolets, specifically the 2020 equinox model with the vacuum pumps or something randomly going out while driving. This is very dangerous and I could have lost my life or caused someone else to loose their life! I just got my car a few months ago and it says” no unrepaired safety recalls reported” however this is clearly a known defect that was not bought to my attention upon purchasing the car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 22, 2023
The brake assist warning light flashed and the electric components start blinking and the car went in reverse in traffic. The car then turnt off.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, May 24, 2023
All Wheel Drive System - 3/20/23 I was on a County maintained dirt road where adjacent property owner had put fencing, tires, & other trash in the road to stop public use. As I had all wheel drive I went up on a 3' +/- side berm to get around. When the front end was approximately at the top, car started to slip & rear passenger tire "tried" to correct slip & car switched into low without my touching gear shift (I looked). From having a 2005 Equinox with AWD, I knew this was AWD going into action. When car did not change drive wheels like my 2005, I let off on the gas; turned nose downhill, slide/roll down hill. At bottom, I applied gas & car was still in low - it shouldn't have been with the emergency over. It stayed in low even as I applied more gas. I stopped car, put it in park; waited 2 +/- minutes for a reset. When I accelerated again, it was still in low. I put it into park & turn it off. Only after 2 +/- minutes off did car finally automatically switch gears as I accelerated. As I had 60,000 miles on the car & was advised by Victorville Chevy to have transmission service & did at Diamond Chevy, San Bernardino as Victorville Chevy would not even write up a work order after the "electronic check" device inserted into car failed to note a problem sitting in the parking lot. After "the check" at VV, I made an appointment at Diamond Chevy in San Bernardino. This car while having nothing on the CarFax had a broken rear bumper cover which was "repair" after I reported it just after purchase 5/21. Bumper then, didn't hold when I backed into wire gate. At the very least, styrofoam, was collapsed/broken in the prior to purchase accident and not repaired when the bumper cover was glued & painted. I was told my car was "safe" after the bumper "repair." My guess that a more than 3 mph rear collision would total the car. That is not safe in my opinion. PLEASE NOTE THESE WERE NOT THE ONLY TWO PROBLEMS. MY OPINION IS THAT IT IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM.
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.