general problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

The car has a grinding that I am not sure where it is coming from, it maybe coming from the wheel and it also has a battery problem.

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 lacked power to accelerate. Took vehicle to christian brothers automotive where it was diagnosed with a bad transmission, christian brothers replaced the transmission.

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.

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.

Twice my vehicle has stopped working where the shift to park messaging comes up and the car will not turn on or off. The vecle displays sec, low fuel, and park to shift messaging. The p for park to shift with the wrench underneath it appears. This issue happened once while I was in park and tried turning on my car and the other while I was in drive at a light.

On February 25,2025 I first noticed my engine light was blinking constantly while my service esc light and tc light was on while driving on the freeway. When I exited the freeway all lights went off. I had my mechanic check it out and he suspected a misfire because he ran the VIN and said my vehicle had a history of a misfire. I was unaware of that because I wasn't given that information when I bought the vehicle a little over a year ago. I drove the vehicle approximately a month just around town and on March 26 2025 I was driving on the freeway and again the service escaped light came back on as well as the tc light with a line across the letters tc. The engine light did not come on on this occasion. I've read stories with many people with my same vehicle having the very same issue however I've searched my VIN and there's no recall listed for my particular vehicle and I think there should be. I find it strange that the lights only come on if I'm on the freeway and I don't feel safe driving the vehicle with my son in the car while traveling outside of the city. I'm still. Under warranty but I'm unsure if this issue is covered under my warranty.

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.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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 59 year old woman 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.

I was driving my car and it shut down in the middle of traffic on the freeway on I 95 expressway 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.

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.

The brake assist warning light flashed and the electric components start blinking and the car went in reverse in traffic. The car then turnt off.

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.

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.

I was driving out in the country on 1-41 towards west union. The steering tightened up and came up with a sensor that said power steering esc. The car went offroad due to the steering tightening from the power steering going out in the vehicle. I contacted the dealer, mike castrucci Chevrolet, and they told me that I would have to pay for any problems with this vehicle and I have only had the vehicle for 3 weeks. I put $2000 down on this vehicle and now am in a deathtrap due to this issue. The vehicle only has 60,800 miles and feel now that this issue could put my life and others at risk due to a faulty steering issue. I do not understand why this vehicle has driven beautifully to this point and yet there are many chev malibus that have that problem. How long will it take before someone recognizes this problem. There were no warnings before and I could have gotten myself and my friend killed in this car driving at night in the country. I spoke with an autozone representative and he said that he had a chev malibu with the same issue. They discovered that it was the power steering motor having to do with the traction control. I guess that I will be forced to keep driving this vehicle, and if there is an accident, then I should hold liability to be general motors and mike castrucci Chevrolet who refuse to fix this car. When I took the vehicle, I was promised that they would stand by their car. I am getting no help with this situation. However, this is my only vehicle so I will keep this on the road until this is resolved. If you should wish to contact me, my number is 513-687-3499. Karen shinkle.

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off.

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.

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.

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.

Air flow into the full body throttle detaching.

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.

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!!!!!. ".

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. ".

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.

Front wheel shake uncontrollably on a throttle load at times.

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.

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.

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.