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
308 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Oct 5, 2022
My brake pedal became hard as a rock requiring all of the leg strength I had to stop vehicle followed by a Brake Booster warning light and an email from OnStar. My concern here is GM eliminated that foot/hand operated emergency/parking brake leaving no backup method to stop in an emergency. Women, for the most part, and inexperienced drivers would not have the strength or knowledge to push on the brake pedal as hard as possible to stop the vehicle. Once they pushed with normal pressure and the vehicle didn't stop there would be an accident. In my case I was traveling at 45 mph in congested multi lane traffic on the inside of four lanes when traffic suddenly stopped leaving me about 2 seconds to react.
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.
Wheels, Sep 13, 2022
My car notified me that i had a low tire. I put air in it. A few days later i would get another notification my tire was low I had a slow leak in my tire. Took tire into tire shop and was told my rim was cracked on the inside. I am still under factory warranty. I called the dealership and was told to bring the rim/tire and the vehicle in so they could take pictures of the crack in the rim, the car and the vin #. The service tech submitted everything to GM. GM denied the claim and said it was not a defect on their end. The dealership offered to order a new rim at our cost of $938.50 and would be available the next day.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 9, 2022
Computer issues, dash sceen glitching freezing or not workimg correctly. Hard shifting and idling. Steer asist reduced msg. Gears geeting stuck
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.
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 12, 2022
While driving the Brake pedal became very hard to press and stopping distance increased greatly. the check engine light and service brake light on the dash became illuminated. After looking online it became apparent that there are a lot of people with Chevrolet vehicles equipped with the 1.5L engine that had the same problem and the cause was a faulty vacuum pump. I removed the vacuum pump and it has broken pieces that have fallen off of it and are now inside of the engine and will need more engine components removed to have access to remove all of the metal fragments.
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 system, Gasoline, Service brakes, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that as she slows to a stop and depresses the brake pedal the vehicle jerks and goes backward before coming to a full stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to a local dealer or mechanic and was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a constant smell of gasoline vapor in the cabin which makes the contact dizzy. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Service brakes, May 31, 2022
I had just exited off of the highway and I was approaching the red light ahead my brakes became hard to push and they did not stop the vehicle. I ran through the red light in sheer panic. Was able to pull into a bank parking lot and when I turned the vehicle off and then back on the "brake assist" notification came up. I called my local Chevy Service but at that point I was on a trip from Fort Worth to Houston and was halfway in the middle closest to Waco. I drove it to the nearest dealership 30 miles. I had to leave the vehicle for 5 days. The diagnoses was no vacuum to brake booster pump. A total of $504. They said pumps are not included in powertrain warranty and I just passed the bumper to bumper warranty. I Had to get a hotel for the night. Then get a family member to drive 3 1/2 hours to come get me and my 2 daughters. My main concern is if anybody else had been coming through that intersection when my brakes failed it could have been a really bad accident. I had gone from a 75mph speed limit and was still going 35 mph when they stopped working.
Service brakes, Latches/locks/linkages, May 20, 2022
Vehicle intermittent brake catches, lights come sometimes, door locks open and close, engine light comes on and last time system locked completely and could get vehicle into gear. Had to have it towed. Second time into dealer service, now on 4th week and GM factory unable to determine problem and solution. Copy of my letter sent to General Motors for remedy of my Equinox problems not solved. Consumer's 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has developed multiple defects that cannot be fixed.. The brakes will suddenly catch, the lights come on on their own, door locks will lock and unlock intermittently and it will lock up so we cannot get it into gear. The engine light remains on. First in for service 4/18/22 for one week. Problem not fixed. Now in second time and dealer has had it for three weeks. GM techs have been unable to determine problem solutions... (Car interior torn apart).
Steering, May 17, 2022, crash
2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSTITUENT STATED THAT THEY EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING DIED. THE DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE AND SWIPED A GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE DID NOT INDICATE AN ISSUE UNTIL AFTER THE FAILURE OCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE COLLISION CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL, BUT REFUSED TO SEND THE CONSUMER THE REPORT.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 11, 2022
March 8, 2022 Purchased the 2020 Chevy Equinox March 23, 2022 The car was jerking while driving making it dangerous. I tried to bring it to the service department but was told to leave the car which I did from 7:00 am -4:00 pm and no diagnosis within that time. March 30, 2022 Dropped the car off at Autonation Chevy Pembroke Pines April 5, 2022- Shev service advisor states the converter in the transmission needs to be replaced. April 19, 2022- Picked up car April 20, 2022 Car is jerking EVEN WORSE WHILE DRIVING!!! April 22, 2022 Car is BACK IN THE CHEVY SERVICE department April 30, 2022 Told to pick up car and now the problem was a FUEL PUMP IN THE ENGINE May 2, 2022 Picked up car, drove one block car is still jerking while driving (UNSAFE) May 6, 2022- Service manager states car is jerking and not only jerking it STALLED while driving with him!!!! As a matter of fact, it has a history of 5 service repairs where it stalled. This information WAS NOT disclosed to me. This car is not SAFE!!! The car is still in the service department. I DO NOT want that car. I want a car that is SAFE!!! REPLACEMENT CAR!!!
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.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 19, 2022
When my car is parked (no emergency brake on) on a SLIGHT incline & the driveway is completely dry, it slides down the driveway 10-20 feet in its own with the wheels turning. It has happened at 4 times & once someone was trying to get out & it was frightening. It’s ended up on the sidewalk where it could hit pedestrians. I can’t drive an UNSAFE vehicle & the dealer says since they can’t replicate it, they can’t fix it (as if I’m lying that it happened) & to just always use the emergency brake even though the car manual doesn’t say anything about that being how the car works.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 13, 2022
The issue is not consistent so dealership will not be able to solve the issue. No warning lights. No components have not been inspected by manufacturer. Issue occurs when it wants to. When in auto stop and vechile wants to start back up, vechile loses all power, windshield wipers turn on for few seconds then vechile starts back up. Seems like a reset. This is very dangerous when sitting at Inersections. This is happened several times.
Wheels, Mar 9, 2022
The spare tire from the factory doesn’t clear the brake caliper on the front hub. Was on a major highway in the rain and at nighttime with a flat tire. I went to put the spare on and it didn’t fit over the caliber. Had to put the flat back on then take the tire off the rear and put the spare on the rear and use the good rear tire to put on the front because the spare didn’t fit. I called GM they put a case together and I had the car looked at from the dealership with now outcome as of the date of this complaint.
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2022, fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off.
Engine, Feb 23, 2022
Water pump failure noticed on 2/17/22. Engine noise sounded like loose engine belt. Car taken to Beaty Chevrolet dealership in Knoxville, TN. Problem confirmed failed water pump at 14,804 miles. Dealer replaced pump quickly. Concerned about long term engine issues due to water pump failure. No warning Lites or indication of failure from car systems.
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.
Service brakes, Dec 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while pulling to a stoplight when they noticed the brakes squeaking and they began to smell like overheated brakes. The vehicle's brakes started dragging from the rear and the brake pad sticks to the roader. The failure occurred approximately 3-4 times. The dealer had not been able to identify the cause of the failure. The contact noticed that their failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19v704000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The manufacturer was made aware and confirmed their VIN was not included. The contact was directed to file a complaint with NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Dec 1, 2021
EXPERIENCED SEVERE SHAKING IN STEERING AND SUSPENSION WHILE ACCELERATING, USUALLY STARTING AT THE 2-3 SHIFT. AT 12,836 MILES LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT HALF SHAFTS FAILED DUE TO 'EXCESSIVE LATERAL RUNOUT' . BULLETIN 20-NA-227 APPLIED(AS PER DEALER) AND BOTH REPLACED. NOW AT 21,500 MILES, THE SAME ISSUES ARE OCCURRING AGAIN. WHEN IT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER AND I'M CONCERNED SHOULD A TOTAL FAILURE OCCUR WHILE I'M DRIVING. INITIAL PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 4000 MILES BUT ONLY OCCURRED VERY SPORADICALLY.
Suspension, Nov 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had intermittent shaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the front driver's and passenger's side axle shafts under TSB 20-NA-227. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,800. The VIN was invalid.
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.