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: vehicle speed control
15 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Sep 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that occasionally while at a red light or while stopped, the vehicle hesitated for approximately 10 to 15 seconds to move while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle then accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to retrieve a fault code. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and an email was sent to the president of GM. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 20, 2026
Engine power reduced Car will not accelerate Jerks after a long stop Have replaced engine and transmission same problem occurred
Vehicle speed control, Aug 19, 2026
Car failing to accelerate properly when pushing gas peddle to floor, delay for couple seconds/ longest was 30 seconds before car registered need to move. No defined time its happening intermittently, no warning or codes populating for issue. Recent issue Car was only registered 5 mph after pulling into street from a parking lot with pedal to the floor. After 30 ish seconds car jerks speeding forward at the expected force with pedal to floor. Car Basically was not moving and risked being hit by cars not realizing we are having acceleration issues. Luckily no cars coming and other traffic was stopped by red light. Took to repair shop they had it for 2 days and confirmed issue but all tests were cleared and areas check passed. Research showed known issue but no fix found. Issue started within last 2 weeks. Note current heat wave and online forms says other with same issue on 2020 Chevy equinox seems to notice issue more often when extreme heat weather and ac on high in car. Repair shop had no options for repair unless it happens and codes for them to read, recommend trading in car due to safety issue.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 12, 2026
I keep loosing power and get the message "Engine Power Reduced" and the car stops while driving down the road, sometimes it just stutters and won't maintain speed without the warning. I've had 2 shops check it out and can't find anything wrong. This vehicle has had all required maintenance done by the dealer since it was new.
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
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2024
I was driving the car and suddenly the car started accelerating on it's own. No cruise control was on . My wife was in the passenger seat and it was lucky as I did not panic , just taped on the brakes to slow down. This happened many times until we got home and it is dangerous and scary, also this is a know problem with this model car. No lights or warnings came on. We could have easily crashed into a vehicle in front of us, run a red light , etc. No inspections by anyone, maybe it was inspected by the dealer?
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.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 10, 2022
Adaptive Cruise control, and Automatic emergency Braking intermittently fail to function.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 9, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 30 MPH WITH THE RPMS REVVING UP WITHOUT THE VEHICLE RESPONDING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE GEARS FAILED TO SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JIM BROWNE CHEVROLET, INC. 11300 N FLORIDA AVE, TAMPA, FL 33612 WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE COMPUTER NEEDED TO RELEARN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THREE MONTHS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 15, 2021
ROUGH IDLE WHEN VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP AND RPMS WILL FLUCTUATE. RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST WHEN TURNING ON OR ON REVERSE. BRAKES RESPONDING LATE.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 24, 2020
DRIVING 75 MILES PER HOUR ON INTERSTATE WHILE PASSING TWO VEHICLES AND ONE CAR BEHIND ME THE CAR MADE A DINGING NOISE, THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE NOT AVAILABLE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CAR DECELERATED CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ME TO HAVE TO BRAKE. IF I HAD NOT STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR BEHIND MAY HAVE HIT ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON FOUR DIFFERENT DATES AND ON ONE TRIP IT HAPPENED 8 TIMES IN 80 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT COULD CAUSE REAR END COLLISION AT HIGH SPEED. THE REPAIR SHOP AT MY CHEVY DEALER IN TOWN SAYS THERE ARE NO ERROR CODES AND THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE IS WORKING AS DESIGNED. IS I GET HIT FROM BEHIND AT HIGH SPEED THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE A DEVASTATING CRASH. I DO NOT TRUST THIS CAR OR THE RESPONSES I AM GETTING FROM THE DEALER. THEY SAY NO ONE HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS BUT I KIND FIND SITES WHERE PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 10, 2020, crash
I WAS PULLING UP TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S CAR PORT, BEHIND THEIR CAR. THE CAR PORT HAS A GRASS PORTION LEADING UP TO THE GRAVEL SECTION WHERE THEY PARK THEIR CAR. I PULLED IN SLOWLY WHEN MY 2020 EQUINOX SUDDENLY ACCELERATED! I WAS ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING CAUSING IT TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF THE FAMILY MEMBER'S CAR. MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE SHOVING THE CAR FORWARD SANDWICHING IT BETWEEN MY VEHICLE AND THEIR HOME.I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AS THE ENGINE CONTINUED REVVING UP THE RPMS. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE WITH BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR LURCHED BACKWARD. I MANAGED TO PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I CONTACTED MY DEALER (MY VEHICLE HAS 1656 MILES ON IT, AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH). I TALKED WITH SOMEONE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT MY FLOOR MATS CAUSED IT TO HAPPEN BECAUSE THEY HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE. MY FLOOR MATS WERE WELL BELOW THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE RPMS SURGED. EVEN IF THERE HAD BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE MATS, I DON'T THINK THE RPMS WOULD HAVE JUMPED UP AS HIGH AS THEY DID. THE FAMILY MEMBER'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM MY INSURANCE CO. THEY VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 4, 2020
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN ON CLOSEST SETTING WILL NOT STOP THE CAR WHEN YOU ARE GOING OVER 60MPH, WHEN A CAR DRASTICALLY SLOWS DOWN IN FRONT OF YOU THE CAR FAILS TO RESPOND IN FACT THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SHUTS OFF AND IVE PRACTICALLY HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME MANY TIMES ..ITS HARD TO TRUST THIS SYSTEM..AND THE OTHER DAY IT JUST SHUT OFF ALL TOGETHER WITHOUT A HARD WARNING I COULD HAVE PLOWED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. ALSO THE LANE ASSIST DOES NOT BEEP/OR SEAT RATTLE WHEN YOU VEER FROM YOUR LANE. IT BEEPS RANDOMLY SOMETIMES WHEN YOU EDGE OUT OF YOUR LANE GOING AROUND A BEND "SOMETIMES" BUT RANDOMLY AND NOT CONSISTENTLY. IVE TALKED TO CHEVYS CUSTOMER CARE TEAM AND THEY KEEP REFERRING TO THE DEALERSHIP LIKE THEY ARE THE MANUFACTURER..BUT THEY DID NOT DESIGN AND ARE ASSUMING ITS WORKING RIGHT BECAUSE ALL THEIR OTHER SAME MODELS DO THE SAME THINGS..IN MY OPINION THIS DOESNT MEAN ITS NOT A RECALLABLE INHERENT ISSUE WITH ITS CURRENT PROGRAMMING..I THINK IT IS AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT
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!