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2020 Chevrolet Equinox Other Problems

23 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

23
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
Jan 2024Dec 2019
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (23)

highUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2026

Your car is making a grinding noise that you're not sure where it's coming from—it may be related to the wheels. Additionally, your car is experiencing a battery problem. A mechanic should inspect both the brake system and wheels for wear, and test your battery to determine if it needs replacement.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11725348
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2026

Your vehicle wasn't accelerating properly and felt like it lacked power. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a faulty transmission, which was then replaced to restore normal acceleration.

NHTSA #: 11715412
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 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.

NHTSA #: 11697468
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 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.

NHTSA #: 11686932
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 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

NHTSA #: 11672084
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 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.

NHTSA #: 11644962
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 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.

NHTSA #: 11625681
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 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/

NHTSA #: 11624959
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 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.

NHTSA #: 11617792
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Feb 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.

NHTSA #: 11572964
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 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)

NHTSA #: 11566633
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 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)

NHTSA #: 11564804
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Oct 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.

NHTSA #: 11549381
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: May 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.

NHTSA #: 11523740
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 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.

NHTSA #: 11516664
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 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.

NHTSA #: 11486151
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 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.

NHTSA #: 11477137
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 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

NHTSA #: 11459747
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
FireFiled: Mar 2022

Vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off.

NHTSA #: 11455064
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 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.

NHTSA #: 11444265
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 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.

NHTSA #: 11403935
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Oct 2020

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

NHTSA #: 11365671
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 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.

NHTSA #: 11291046

Other 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Issues