general problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

I am reporting a vehicle fire involving a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox [xxx] ). The fire originated in the engine compartment. The official fire report lists the causes as "undetermined", with the area of origin identified under the hood. There were no prior warning lights, mechanical issues, or indications that a fire risk was present. The vehicle was being used under normal conditions and was properly maintained to my knowledge. The vehicle was declared a total loss by my insurance company. Due to the undetermined cause and engine compartment origin, I am concerned there may have been a potential mechanical or electrical defect that was not identified. I am submitting this report in case similar incidents have occurred and to support an potential investigation int vehicle safety. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

One morning, in an attempt to start my car, it would not start. Instead, it lit up the check engine light. The engine was turning over and attempting to start, but would not start. I know someone with a code reader device that I asked to come hook up to my car and read what code was causing my check engine light to pop up. The reader displayed the code u18a2 which indicates a "lost communication with fuel pump control module (fpcm)". This commonly causes a no-start or stalling condition due to a broken can bus wire, corroded harness, or faulty fpcm ground. Key fixes involve repairing wiring along the frame rail. Many versions of the 2020 Equinox have already been recalled for a fuel pump control module problem, and I was trying to inquire whether or not my vehicle qualifies as part of the recall for the fuel pump module.

The gas tank was leaking without any warning or incident. The car was not involved in any incident that would have caused damage to the gas tank. The smell of raw fuel was very strong one morning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and inspected. Same model and year was under a recall for the gas tank but our particular VIN was not included in the recall. There were no warning signs or symptoms.

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.

I bought this car 1 1/2 yr ago. . Thursday I was driving down the road no warning lights no sounds, it stalled. . I got it home by a friend towing it, and when I went to try to start it, I then had the check engine light come on, and it threw 3 codes. . P0017, p0089, p228d. I was told that the ecm was replaced but after researching this there has been multiple sites stating others are having same issue. . And some stating that their problem was fixed but it broke down again every time. I just want my car fixed. And the company should have to pay for it. . .

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.

In the middle of rush hour traffic and my car just stopped and wouldn't start. After having it towed to the closest auto repair shop I was advised that the fuel pump module was bad and needed to be replaced. Cheverolet was aware of this defect which is why they recalled it in 2021.

Fuel pump driver control module went out in my car while trying to drive forward in my drive way. My car will not start again.

Check engine light came on got code p1005 and code p1029. Shop had to change out fuel level sensor code came back so they had to change out fuel pump. Car has 55,000 miles on it.

On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the right, the brakes finally slowed the vehicle to around 40mph. Luckily, the traffic light turned green, allowing me to continue moving with the remaining momentum. As I attempted to take a turn on a bridge above the freeway, the steering wheel became stiff. At this point, I was unsure whether I could turn the car at that speed with the steering not responding. I need general motors and Chevrolet to take action on the severity of the situation and make the necessary and appropriate restitution to me for the traumatic and physical injuries sustained during the incident. For the amount of time I've been without a vehicle, I am now running high risk of loosing my job. $3,700. Is what they are charging me, which is conveniently not under warranty. When consistently stating that no one really sure what's covered and what's not covered.

I’ve had the 02 sensor, maf sensor and a system update and my check engine won’t clear I’ve been dealing with this for over 5 months now. A chevy dealership has had my vehicle and never informed me of warranty or recall issues. My check engine is throwing random code relating to the 02 sensor, lean code and multiple components having communication issues. Check engine will be lit and then clear on its own then return almost immediately.

•initial incident: July 2, 2025 •recurring occurrences: August 8, 2025 vehicle issue description: several months ago, the vehicle’s check engine light came on. A diagnostic scan was performed at o’reilly auto parts, but no error codes were detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for further inspection. The shop found no mechanical issues and confirmed the vehicle was operating normally at that time. On August 6, 2025, the “service brake assist” warning appeared briefly on the dashboard but turned off shortly afterward. The parking brake warning light also came on that same day, then went off. These warning lights reappeared intermittently on August 8, 2025. No repairs have been made as there are no active recalls related to these issues. However, it is noted that there are consumer complaints reporting similar problems. This raises concerns about potential intermittent or undetected safety system faults, particularly involving the brake assist system and parking brake functionality. Checked brakes again no issues determined per bridgestone and mavis.

I have driven this car for approximately 40,000 miles without issue, and regularly have the oil changed. Based on what my mechanic told me, the fuel pump either failed or detached while I was driving on the turnpike. This resulted in a loss of oil. I was simply accelerating to pass another vehicle when several warning light illuminated. The engine made grinding noises and there was an oil-like smell. The dashboard gave me a warning to “seek engine service immediately” and that “acceleration would be limited. ” this was a potentially dangerous situation but luckily it was mid day and not in busy traffic. So I was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. I understand that Equinox models from other years were recalled — why don’t you recall the 2020 models?!.

2020 Equinox with14,860 miles stalled in busy intersection due to failed fuel pump module. This part was recalled for the 2021 and 2022 models and was on back order. My vehicle remained at the service center for two weeks and I was without any other means of transportation. If this had happened on the highway it might have resulted in a serious crash with the possibility of a fatality. There were no warning lights or messages prior to this happening.

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?.

Car would sputter and turn over eventually but then die out. Was unable to drive at all. Luckily I was not driving with my baby in the car when it went out like I see so many others. Took it to the shop and it is a fuel pump issue. I see that other years have been recalled for this so unsure why the 2020 has not.

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 $4100 towards repairs and dealer - serpentini westlake, OH increased their quote to $13k so I still pair $9072. Dealer got an extra $3k for me calling gm to complain and I “saved” or got $800 benefit from gm cost assist. What a scam. Dealer refused to give me paperwork showing the details of repairs or breakdown of cost. I received a receipt that stated engine replacement $9072. They wanted me to sign the receipt but would not let me read or view any of the attached paperwork. I refused to sign the receipt and they reminded how much of a favor they did for me by giving me a loaner for approx 10 days while replacing my engine. They additionally said they aren’t required to provide me with any details regarding the gm cost assist or pricing.

The computer module for the fuel pump failed. This caused the car to not start some days. As well as turn off in the middle of intersections after coming to a stop while in traffic. The car is currently at the dealership for 2 months now with the part on back order. Many other chevy Equinox are recalling this same part but not my vehicle. This is concerning as it seems to needed to be added to the list of recalls.

Fuel pump failed at 48246 miles the car shut off in the middle of a busy road in my city fortunately we were able to coast to a parking lot across the street and had the vehicle towed to kerry Chevrolet kerry Chevrolet inspected , confirmed and repaired the vehicle at a cost of $766. 75 to me. They would not warranty this and I had to rent a car while mine was in the shop. If it had been warranties by Chevrolet I wouldn't have had to rent the vehicle at a cost of $160. 43. Light on dash came on and car wouldl cut in and out I was on my way to kerry Chevrolet for service on this issue when it completely stopped.

Vehicle lost power because of a faulty fuel pump control module. On highway could have caused collision. Gm knows of problems but not recalling them. Problem has occurred several times. Check engine light came on.

The fuel module and fuel pump stalled my car out on a highway causing me to have to quickly roll off the road to not get hit by cars behind me going 60 mph. This car is just at 80000 and the fuel module and pump should not have gone out yet. This seems to be such a problem no one can find the part because it is on back order everywhere, I have been without a vehicle since sept 19th. . . And am fixing to go through my second hurricane here in florida with no transportation. I'm trilled with this issue.

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.

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.

I was driving home when I exited the freeway my car turned off on me. I tried to turn it back on since I was in the middle of a busy street it started for under a minute which it gave me enough time to merge jusr a little to the right. After that the car wouldn't start at all. This problem could've been a lot worse if it would've happened while I was on the freeway. My vehicle turned off without any warnings any vehicle would've slammed in to me at high speed if it would've shut down a minute prior to me exiting. I didn't get any warnings/ lights nothing it just turned off on me in the middle of the road. I had to get it towed to autonation where they detected the fuel module was the problem. This item has been out of stock for sometime now. My car is still at a dealership and may be inspected if needed.

Fuel pump modular went out and the car stalled out. The same issue is happening to the 2021 and 2022 models that have the recall not sure why the 2020s don’t have the sane.

The car simply shut off while traveling in the left lane of a major road (us401 north of the tenten intersection in nc). We managed to coast through traffic to the right shoulder without having a wreck. The car would not restart and the dash displayed a fuel warning despite the tank being 3/4 full. The car was eventually towed to a nearby dealership and the police offered my wife and I a ride home (we do not know if they filed a report). The dealer found a failure in the fuel pump control module and replaced it under warranty. Overall, the situation worked out much better than it could have, but we no longer feel safe in the car.

While driving down the road, my car completely stopped in the middle of traffic. It would not move, and I was stuck in the middle of the road. This is a safely issue because it could have caused a multiple vehicle pileup as my car came to a sudden halt and I was unable to move in the middle of traffic. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealership. It was determined by Chevrolet that the fuel pump module was not sending the proper signal to the fuel pump. The fuel pump module was replaced. There was no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the incident.

Apparently my vehicle is experiencing the same fuel system and infotainment issues that others have been recalled for. As someone who has been diagnosed with car related ptsd; these issues have become very distressing to say the least. The infotainment system has shut off countless times while driving. I was traveling and missed my exit,I've also been abruptly been disconnected from important work calls and doctors offices. The fuel system is leaking fuel and the smell comes through the vents. As one of two people that utilize this vehicle that are asthmatic; this is very dangerous for us. Also my toddler aged niece cannot ride because of the harsh chemicals she would have to breathe in. Because of the leaking fuel, I'm terrified that it could breakdown anywhere or better yet worse catch fire while I'm driving. I have attached photos of the issues,unfortunately I can't upload the videos but I have countless in regards to the infotainment system and a video message from the mechanic in regards to the fuel system. If there is anyway I can send them also,it would be appreciated.

The same part that is causing a recall for 2021-22 models just went out on my 2020. Why aren't the 2020's recalled? this is causing it to be hard to get the part. It's the fuel pump control module. 2020's need to be included in this recall. My car is only 4 years old, and is just past the warranty (47k miles). I should not be having such trouble with it.

Fuel pump, failure just under 25,000 miles. Car stopped running, when not expected. 01/31/2024.

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 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.

Power train: I purchased a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LS in January 2023. For the past 4 to 7 months the vehicle has completely lost power in traffic several times and I'm not talking about autostop and start, the battery life was great, with no dead cells at all. The vehicle went dead, absolutely no power source inside or outside the Equinox, the SUV could not be placed in neutral to move it out of traffic, nor would the remote key work. The Equinox remained in this mode for approximately 20 minutes. During each incident, the vehicle displayed no warning signs or check engine symbol on the dashboard display before or after each episode. Fuel/propulsion system: upon placing unleaded fuel in the vehicle and starting up the ignition, the SUV would start vibrating, sputtering, jerking, and popping sounds. Also, while driving the vehicle upon acceleration at times it seems as if fuel isn't reaching the engine. Brakes: service brake assist may illuminate randomly on the dashboard while on the interstate. These issues has placed and caused my family and I to be in great danger. This is my primary vehicle and I purchased this vehicle because I believed in the reliability of the gm Chevrolet brand. Not an accident waiting to happen. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected, but please remember if no check engine light is illuminating on the dashboard the issues can not be assessed properly!.

On 10/19/2023, I came out of a store and saw a large puddle forming under my 2020 chevy Equinox and fluid spilling out. I immediately drove it to the car repair business I have used for 10 years, which was less than one mile away. The bottom line was a cracked gas tank. They confirmed the warranty had expired in February of 2023, so with no reason to think otherwise, I had them order and replace the gas tank. I filed a report with GMC, only to be told that since I didn't have an authorized GMC dealership make the repairs, there was nothing they could do, to reimburse me. I felt that this as an emergency situation, not only for myself but others around me. I'm not sure how I was supposed to know to take it elsewhere. The bottom line is this. . . How can a vehicle that is only just over 3 years old, need a new gas tank? this is not typical and should be investigated.

There was not an accident. I was leaving work on 9/16/23 and tried to start the car and it wouldn’t turn over. I got assistance from a friend that had jumper cables because I thought it might be the battery, but it wasn’t. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership to find that these fuel module was defective. I see in the google information that this sane issue was placed on the recall list for 2021-23 Chevrolet Equinox’s, but not on my 2020 model. The cost of this repair was very costly, and frustrating because I have only had the vehicle for one year to the day of this issue. I’m hoping that this problem can be recalled so that I can possibly be reimbursed for the nearly $1,000 I paid to have it repaired.

The SUV is slow or delayed in acceleration. Pushing your foot on the gas pedal the SUV will have a delay on acceleration. It is dangerous while trying to merge into traffic. Chevrolet knows its a known issue. It is a safety concern.