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, Sep 24, 2022
My vehicle’s star is being illegally tapped into and accessed on a regular basis with individuals using a coding method and/or a device. I have made numerous attempts to prevent this by purchasing rfid pouches, clothes to avoid key fob intrusion. This has access has also opened the intrusion to my iPhones, iPads, tvs, refrigerators, etc. I ask that you start an investigation and also demand an update to these security issues. While I’m driving, the car is an open source as well as when the car is off.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2022
I own a 2020 Equinox with a VIN of 2GNAXUEV1L6226983 and is still covered under the manufacture warranty. I am experiencing the technical issues reported in the Service Bulletin concerning the climate control odor when the engine restarts which affects 2020 to 2022 model year Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. I have contacted both the dealership I purchased the vehicle from and the General Motors Customer Service Hotline. Both have indicated to me that my VIN is not listed on the Service Bulletin and that I would have to pay out of pocket for the correction.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2022
Driving down a state road going about 60 miles an hour. it’s 49° outside and raining. I had the heat on. the next thing I know there’s a loud bang and glass everywhere. for no apparent reason my sunroof exploded
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2022
Car has been brought in three times for wobble at speeds of 39 mph accelerating shaking steering wheel. Dealer continues to just add weights to tires and problem does not go away.
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2022, fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off.
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2021
TCS and ESC came off after a needed full throttle acceleration. This happened 3 times. After reading groups on the internet, seems is a common problem with the sensors on Equinox.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
The car started making a terrible noise. I went to the dealer. They said it was the transfer case. 10 days to get part. Now they say it’s the rear differential. Another 10 days. There was no warning on the dash. The fear for me is do a 6 hour trip. Afraid of what else can happen.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 14, 2021
AIR FLOW INTO THE FULL BODY THROTTLE DETACHING
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2021
I WAS DRIVING RADIO WENT BLACK COULD NOT TURN RADIO UP OR DOWN EVEN WHEN I TURNED IT OFF THE RADIO STAYED ON. THEN ON 3/23/2021 I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE SUV JERKED A FEW TIME MADE A NOISE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS BLINKING
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.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2020
MY 2020 EQUINOX HAS DEVELOPED A SHAKE/SHIMMY VIBRATION WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30 AND 45 MPH. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE VIBRATION IT WAS SLIGHT AND DID NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT WITH MORE MILAGE NOW AT 5309 MILES, IT HAS BECOME MORE NOTICEABLE ENOUGH, THAT MY WIFE AND I DO NOT FEEL AS IF THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. TWO DAYS AGO WHILE ACCELERATING UP A HILL THE CAR SHIMMIED AND A FLUTTERING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE CONSOLE; IT HAPPENED TWICE WHILE GOING UP THE HILL. UPON RETURNING HOME I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AT RIVERVIEW CHEVROLET AND HAD A TECHNICIAN RIDE WITH ME. WHILE RIDING, THE TECH. SAID HE FELT THE VIBRATION BUT COULD NOT TELL ME WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM OR HOW TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. UPON RETURNING TO THE GARAGE I TALKED TO THE SERVICE WRITE UP PERSON AND HE SAID TO, "CALL ALL HIM IN 10 DAYS!!!!!."
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2020
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AROUND 75MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY. WHILE I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND CONTINUE ON AFTER SLOWING DOWN, IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING OCCURRENCE. IT SEEMS TO BE A PREVALENT PROBLEM WITH GM CARS AS AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED LOTS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS "CHEVY SHAKE."
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2020
STARTING OCTOBER 26, 2020 I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING MY CAR RADIO SHUTTING OFF AND TURNING BACK ON. WHEN THE RADIO RANDOMLY TURNS OFF, IT DISCONNECTS MY BLUETOOTH AND MUSIC STOPS PLAYING. TODAY ALONE I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE HAPPEN TO ME 7 TIMES IN A MATTER OF 35 MINUTES. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE, BUT I WOULD LIKE A RESOLUTION CONSIDERING THAT I"M THE FIRST OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT'S STILL BRAND NEW.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2020
FRONT WHEEL SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY ON A THROTTLE LOAD AT TIMES
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 22, 2020, crash
TURNING RIGHT AFTER A YIELD AND TOOK A LOOP (HIGHWAY) MY VEHICLE CRASHED ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND, BUT MY VEHICLE SUPPOSED TO HAVE AN AUTO WARNING OR ALERT SIGN THAT I SHOULD HAVE NOTICED, A BEEP THAT SUPPOSED TO ALERT ME THAT THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SO CLOSE EVEN THE SWITCH WAS AT THE ON MODE
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2020
WHEN ACCELERATING THE CAR BEGINS TO SHAKE AND SHIMMY NOTICEABLY BEGINNING AROUND 35 OR 40 MPH. THIS SHAKING IS FELT IN THE SEAT AS WELL AS THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VIBRATION CONTINUES UNTIL THE ACCELERATION IS HALTED. THIS SHAKING FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION OR DRIVE SHAFT. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE TOO. CURRENTLY 3650 MILES ON THE CAR. SERPENTINI CHEVY IN WESTLAKE, OH IS ALSO AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND SHOWED ME A LETTER THAT GM SENT TO THE DEALERS ACKNOWLEDGING THE ISSUE ON 9/9/20 BUT NO FIX IS AVAILABLE. IT FEELS UNSAFE
Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2019
CAR HAS A PROBLEM WITH MOLD IN THE CONDENSER AND A ODOR THAT CAN'T BE CORRECTED. PROBLEM IS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING., AND BECOMES A PROBLEM TO MY BREATHING. AFTER LOOKING ON LINE IT SEAMS TO BE CALLED DIRTY SOCK SYNDROME. THIS WAS ALSO SMELLED IN THE RENTAL EQUINOX THAT WAS PROVIDED. THIS IS A HEALTH RISK TO PEOPLE WITH BREATHING PROBLEMS AS I HAVE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2019
IN -13 DEGREE FARENHEIT, THE VEHICLE LOCKED ME OUT. KEY FOB LEFT INSIDE VEHICLE FOR 45 MIN, ENGINE OFF, PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. REMOTE START FROM INSIDE BUILDING DID NOT WORK DUE TO FOB IN CAR. ONCE I ARRIVED BACK A THE VEHICLE I FOUND THE DOORS LOCKED, DOOR HANDLE UNLOCK BUTTON UNRESPONSIVE WITH MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. VEHICLE FAILED TO UNLOCK WHILE I STOOD OUTSIDE IN -13 DEGREE WEATHER, COMPLETELY UNSAFE, FOR 5 MIN. I TRIED ALL DOORS AND TRIED UNLOCKING FROM PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WAS NO UNLOCKING SOUND WHEN PRESSING THE DOOR BUTTONS. I TRIED THE CHEVY APP TO UNLOCK STANDING RIGHT NEXT TO THE VEHICLE, IT DID NOT UNLOCK IMMEDIATELY. AFTER A MINUTE OR LONGER DELAY THE LOCKING MECHANISM STARTED TO ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE RANDOMLY WITHOUT ME PRESSING BUTTONS ON THE DOOR OR APP. EACH TIME I TRIED TO OPEN THE DOOR WITHOUT SUCCESS. ON THE LAST CLICK I WAS ABLE TO SUDDENLY OPEN THE DOOR. 2530 ODOMETER READING.