2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Engine Problems

69 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

69 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. Of these, 3 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 1 resulted in injury.

69
Complaints
3
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11719414 |
I bought the equinox with 30,000 miles on it. It's at 67,000 now and I maintain the vehicle regularly. So why have I replaced the throttle body already because it gets dirty fast? And now I'm getting a check engine light for P2099 TurboCharger Underboost. When the vehicle is not old it's 5 years old, hasn't been driven hard. So why are you using a crap 1.5L engine with a turbo that is notorious for these issues??? And what's worse the engineering is horse s$*t, because the air inlet hose is only one time use. But the part is underneath it where you can't reach. Why has this not been recalled yet????????? It's not but a scam to make you take it to a dealership. I'll continue to write complaints this is not right. And I'll never buy one again.
#11714534 |
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...
#11714589 |
While driving, my engine light came on. After taking it in, it turned out that I had water/oil freezing in the intercooler. This could have been very dangerous when I was driving. I have had the GM Wrap put on it. I am hoping that this will not be a problem again.
#11714370 |
turbo/superchargers malfunctioned, and I had to have it replaced back up sensors do not work properly. Say backup, assistant, malfunction.
#11712034 |
Oil Consumption... loses 1 QT every 1000 miles driven... Car only has 28,000 miles driven on it...
#11708061 |
Rear spear tire compartment full of water. Sunroof drains leaking into rear fuse box. Fuel pump and fuel pump module failing when driving. Turbo locking up from oil seal failure.
#11703718 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The contact waited thirty minutes, and the vehicle started to operate as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
#11694420 |
Pulling into traffic car stalled without warning. Went from about 25 MPH to a complete stop in approximately in less than 100 feet. Car sputtered with transmission grabbing intermittently as it jerked to a stop. Restarted about several times with similar behavior. (Covered under 60,000-mile warranty (actual mileage ~55,000)). Replaced fuel pump driver control module to correct. No accident due to distance to on-coming traffic, but easily could have caused an accident during high traffic conditions.
#11676711 | Crash
While driving on the freeway at 75 mph my vacuum pump seized and shattered, causing me to loose all breaking power, damaging my engine beyond repair and endangering my life and numerous other drivers on the road. There is a current recall on the particular year, make and model for this issue but my VIN is not included so the dealership refuses to fix the issue.
#11676790 |
Engine light continues to turn on after taking it to shop multiple times and no one can find the problem. Code shows P0299. Everything has been checked and there’s nothing to correspond with this code. This has been going on for a year now with multiple fees paid to diagnose and repair.
#11672344 | Fire
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the instrument panel lights became dim/flicker, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact mentioned she pulled over to the right side and left the vehicle at the scene. In addition, the contact drove back to the scene where the vehicle was parked, and she noticed the state trooper and a tow company. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. The contact mentioned the fire happened overnight. The vehicle extinguished independently. A fire department mentioned to the contact that there were calls about the fire and that the fire was coming from the engine. However, the fire report was unknown. A police report was filed. The insurance company denied the claim of fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The...
#11668984 |
The vacuum pump broke and caused the brake booster to lose vacuum and made the brakes hard and almost caused an accident.
#11665895 |
Vehicle brakes became hard and failed to stop, check engine light came on and warning saying reduced engine power. Vacuum pump seized and broke off in the crankshaft. After vacuum pump replacement vehicle failed to start multiple times. Vehicle started and had rough idle and stalled multiple times. Currently awaiting dealer inspection.
#11660639 |
Engine reduced power, over acceleration as well as sluggish acceleration, wobbling on the freeway, electrical dashboard problems, tire sensor light comes on after getting it repaired. This vehicle has the same problems like 2021 -2024, reduced speed and couldn't go over 40 mph on a busy street with speed limited being 50 mph.
#11660543 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that at start -up, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the A/C compressor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-162; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
#11657687 |
The vaccum pump seized which is connected to the camshaft which broke causing the timing chain to break. This caused the vehicle to lose breaking g power and almost wreck.
#11654420 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: U18A2. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
#11644962 |
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.
#11642362 |
Engine burning excess oil causing engine to go in safety mode and preventing car to go over 25 miles per hr. This happen on a major highway with two kids in the car and was almost rear ended. Took to dealership who has recieved bulletins regarding this issue and will repair the engine. To me this should be on a recall due to saftety.
#11637563 |
Engine loss of power while on highway. When tried to excelerate engine sputtered, going up small incline it would not exceed 50mph. Took to auto shop and spark plug tip was broke and error for cylinder #1. They said take to dealer. Took to dealer and they said engine failed. Cyclinder #1 no combustion. Vehicle had 87,000 miles. Engine had to be replaced. $13,000. GM assist covered some but I paid $9072 to replace engine. Vehicle at approx 25000 miles had same issue. I took to dealer and they said a spark plug was cracked and had to replace. I took my vehicle in every 7k miles for oil change and inspection to local Conrad’s total car care. I was originally quoted verbally $9900 for engine repair. I called GM to file a complaint and they said engine “GM cost assist” program called me. When they got involved they offered...
#11633091 |
ENGINE PISTON FAILURE cannot get it fixed new engine on order 5 weeks now chevy will not even talk about it
#11633010 |
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?
#11626275 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 95,000.
#11622273 | Crash
I put the vehicle into reverse to back in into my garage when it suddenly lurched forward and hit the garage door on the garage across the alley. There was damage to the garage and the car's front end. It has never done anything like this before.
#11615242 |
We were driving on the highway and just exited. My husband hit the brakes and the pedal was hard to push. He basically had to put all his weight on the pedal in order to slow down. Once we were able to stop completely, we got the 2020 Chevy Equinox looked at and we were told that the vacuum pump that is attached the the cam shift exploded and pieces were in the engine. This has caused approx. $3000 in damage that me and my husband can't afford. The vehicle is still at Classic Chevrolet in Grapevine. We are going to have to tow it back to my brothers until we can afford the payment to fix it.
#11612080 |
I have 149,000 miles in this car. In my lifetime of being the one owner and purchasing this car brand new the vacuum pump has failed five times. Twice now resulting in blown engines. And still no recalls.
#11611581 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop to purchase a diagnostic tool; the diagnostic tool was used to diagnose the vehicle. The diagnostic scan tool determined that the ECM Module, air induction system, and oil pressure system needed to be repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 144,919.
#11586607 |
I was operating the vehicle when it suddenly shut off in traffic. I attempted to restart the vehicle and received a "reduced engine power" and "Service brake assist" message. The vehicle had a clunky noise and failed to restart. Upon inspection at the dealership, I was told that the vacuum pump inside the engine had exploded and sent metal components throughout the engine system. No previous issues or warnings were present prior to this failure. This is a safety issue as the vehicle gave no warning signs of issue and shut off in the flow of traffic with very little ability to brake or steer out of the way.
#11584631 |
The Vacuum pump has exploded 3 times, twice under warranty and now outside warranty. This time it has taken out the camshaft.
#11574784 |
On going issue since August 2023. Same issues that a class action suit was filed but did not incude the 2020 model. This has happened in Aug 2023, Oct 2023 and now Feb 2024. Low oil pressure Engine power is reduced I have been towed 3 times I have dealt with Castriota Chevrolet, Hudson FL where I purchased the car who would not speak with me I have dealt with Chevrolet of Milford who claims I only needed an oil change but since August this is the 3rd time this is happening and Jonathan does not return my call I have sent all my Invoices and expenses this has cost since it happened to Chevrolet Corp and filed a complaint but they said there was nothing they could do, this is the case number and contact person Selinda Chevrolet Customer Assistance Service Request Number:[XXX] Phone Number: 1-866-790-5600, Extension: 5912260 I...
#11574288 |
Vehicle stalling, smell of fuel in oil. Dealer reported - high-pressure fuel pump failure, excessive fuel in crank case. Vehicle stalled/misfiring CEL present. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer from an island. Dealer will not warranty the part. Vehicle had less than 3,000 miles. Yes, three thousand miles.
#11568189 |
Experienced brake issues in March of 2022, brake pedal became extremely stiff and difficult to use. Bulletin showed an issue with vacuum brake pump and that was replaced with the exact same faulty part. On 12/28/2023 my engine blew in the middle of the road, leaving myself and my children stranded as I could not shift the vehicle out of neutral for quite sometime. The faulty vacuum brake pump caused the cam to break off the shaft- resulting in debris inside the engine.
#11567325 |
This model has an acceleration problem like its older counterparts. While on the interstate and in traffic it chooses to decelerate and almost cut off. No prior warning given.
#11566633 |
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...
#11565559 |
I was driving at about 25 miles per hour and the vehicle made a banging noise and shut off. I went to restart and nothing would happen. I then had it towed to a local dealership. Upon evaluation the vacuum pump went out and caused catastrophic engine failure. I purchased brand new and there was no indication I had a problem. The vehicle was making no noise and no lights were on prior to the incident. I am told the repairs to the motor on a vehicle 3 years old are going to be $4,500. I have told the dealership I would like all of the parts that are removed and replaced from the vehicle when repairing
#11565565 |
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE—replaced now transmission issues. UNKNOWN—everything that’s recalled I’m having those problems
#11560882 |
I was traveling the interstate I90/94 , merged to the exit ramp and found the brake pedal hard and unable to push to brake. I had to slide the car into neutral and use two feet on the brake pedal to slow down enough to make the corner at the end of the off ramp. All due to a faulty vacuum pump. The debris from the exploded vacuum pump were sent through the engine. And after having the car fixed it now uses about a quart of oil every 500 miles. Engine is shot! Seriously bad engineering design that will kill someone if it hasn't already. I am 5'11" and weigh 190 lbs. I estimate it took around 200-250 lbs of force to push the pedal to even start to slow. If I hadn't had over 40 years of driving experience, this would have ended in a catastrophic incident.
#11545222 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving, the vehicle was sputtering. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump driver module was defective. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V667000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 29,165.
#11535604 |
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.
#11532622 |
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
#11532648 |
Car will not accelerate over 25mph…oil leaking from somewhere…car starts rattling and making putt noises…car now randomly blinks headlights and interior lights when idle flashing off and on…sunroof will not close but goes back—shade as well. Radio screens turns black and stays on while car is off. I HATE THIS CAR!!!
#11516664 |
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.
#11516502 |
The equinox completely lost power (engine AND electrical) turned off while the vehicle was in drive on the road. Once at a complete stop, I pushed the brake and start button. The car attempted to start for a few seconds (clicking sound) then finally started back up. This is a major safety concern. Luckily I was able to get the car running again with no issues but if it had not turned back on, I would have been stranded on the road with no power to even put my emergency caution lights on. Thankfully I was not on the expressway going the speed limit or at a busy intersection. I could have been in a car accident because I was stalled with zero power to the entire vehicle. The vehicle was eventually towed to a Chevrolet dealership and the ECM was reprogrammed and the vehicle is back in my possession.
#11507149 |
i’ve been experiencing not one or twice but more than 5 times. when i’m about to stop my car stalled and can’t even used my hazard light which is not safe in the dark area. hope nhtsa will see this one to avoid future accident. oh brake sensor is already been replaces by the dealer last year. but it still keep on stalling.
#11503457 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a loud pop from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power, and she was able to coast off to the side of the road. The contact stated that she attempted to restart the vehicle, but only heard a clicking sound when she would depress the START/STOP button. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the vacuum pump had seized, causing the pistons to continue running which severely damaged the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
#11502187 |
They finished oil in 2000 miles and doesn’t appear any warning
#11500053 |
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.
#11497450 |
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving into her driveway, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated shifted into park(P) and then turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired and was awaiting a scheduled service appointment at the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,500.
#11490075 |
1.Vacuum pump and exhaust camshaft failed. 2.No, service center kept the parts. 3.Vehicle stopped operating while driving putting driver, passengers and public safety at risk. 4.Yes, the problem was confirmed by service center. 5.Yes, Vehicle/components were inspected by dealership/service center. 6.No, no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. 7. First appeared on 10-09-2022
#11489524 | Crash
Engine power reduced keeps appearing Check engine light still on after oil change Oil is always empty after an oil change Leaking oil gasket

Other 2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Problem Areas

Service Brakes 80 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 45 complaints Unknown Or Other 36 complaints Electrical System 33 complaints Power Train 32 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 12 complaints Suspension 10 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 9 complaints Steering 9 complaints Air Bags 7 complaints Wheels 7 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 5 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 5 complaints Exterior Lighting 5 complaints Structurebody 5 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 4 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 4 complaints Seat Belts 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum 3 complaints Chest Clip Buckle Harness 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginecrankcamshaft Position Sensor 2 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings 2 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 2 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 1 complaint Back Over Prevention Warnings 1 complaint Back Over Preventionwarningsexternalpedestrian Alert 1 complaint Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 1 complaint Electrical Systemadasdriver Monitoringsoftware 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv 1 complaint Equipmentelectricalinfotainment 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlights 1 complaint Exterior Lightingturn Signal 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint Lane Departure Assist 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslock 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Seats 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuumhoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Steeringelectric Power Assist System 1 complaint Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System 1 complaint Tires 1 complaint Traction Control System 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemcompressor 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint
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