Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

The vacuum pump of the vehicle has failed four different times now, needing replaced each time, causing the “service brake assist” light to come on and the brakes to be really incredibly hard to press. Each time, it has been at highway speeds, and has made it extremely unsafe due to making it so hard to stop the vehicle. The first time it happened was in July of 2024 at 72,000 miles, again in October of 2024 at 80,000 miles, again in may of 2026 at 112,000 miles, and most recently in September of 2026 at 118,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Engine oil message system failed. Vehicle available for inspection upon request. Personal safety and safety of passenger and others at risk due to driving car with no to little oil burning oil presents loss of control of vehicle while operating. Problem confirmed by independent insurance servicer. Vehicle component inspected by certified manufacturer dealership service department. Symptoms of burning oil mid-late August 2026 symptoms of stalling shaking loud rattling from engine September 25, 2026 engine malfunction indicator lamp appeared September 25, 2026.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

I had no issues with my car before taking it in for the fuel pump module safety recall. The next morning after they installed it at malcolm cunningham Chevrolet, the engine died in the middle of the road. It started slowing down and the more I pressed the gas the slower it went until it stopped while the engine shook then it died. I could restart it, but then it would shake again and die within 15 seconds. I tried a third time and it began to drive again. I took it back the next day and they said it was a low battery. I changed the battery and it died again the following day. This has since happened 5x! it is back at malcolm cunningham Chevrolet and they are trying to tell me it has nothing to do with the fuel pump yet they do not know what the problem is!.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, but initially the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to drive to the residence, but the vehicle failed to restart. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and identified a failure with the fuel pump module, part number: 13565338, as the cause of the failure. General motors was contacted by phone and informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

I've spent $1000 on repairs to my turbo and now have to replace the whole thing. While looking online I've seen many people are having the same issue with the 2020 model. Almost every car has to replace the turbo between 60,000-80,000 miles which seems ridiculous.

While operating my vehicle, I experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure of the power-assisted braking system. The brake pedal completely lost hydraulic pressure, plunging effortlessly all the way to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to respond to normal foot-pedal application. Emergency stopping power was only achieved by pushing the pedal into the absolute floorboard, which engaged an emergency mechanical override and forced the anti-lock braking system (abs) pump into a violent stutter/pulsation to halt the vehicle. No dashboard warning lights, diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs), or fluid level sensors illuminated prior to or during the braking failure. A certified automotive repair facility diagnosed the root cause as a total internal seizure and mechanical failure of the engine-driven brake booster vacuum pump. Because the vacuum pump is driven directly by the engine, its sudden lockup sheared and severely damaged the drive slots on the exhaust camshaft, necessitating an intensive engine teardown, camshaft replacement, and secondary component repair totaling $2,390. This design poses an extreme, life-threatening safety risk. The total loss of braking assist occurs without warning, and the mechanical failure simultaneously compromises internal engine timing components while moving at speed.

On approximately 09/04/2026, while driving my vehicle and slowing to a stop, I applied the brake pedal and it suddenly became extremely hard to depress. At approximately the same time, the steering became very stiff and difficult to turn. I believed I had lost normal braking ability and had difficulty controlling the vehicle while attempting to stop. The engine then shut off on its own. After the vehicle stopped, attempts to restart it were unsuccessful. The engine would crank/attempt to start but would not complete the ignition cycle and remain running. A ticking noise was also present. The vehicle remains available for inspection and is being towed to a local gm dealership for diagnosis. The specific component responsible for the failure is currently unknown. The vehicle previously generated diagnostic code p050f in January 2026. Following the 09/04/2026 failure, diagnostic code p0017 was identified. I did not receive p0017 prior to this incident. I did not observe an overheating warning or temperature-gauge indication showing that the engine was overheating before the vehicle shut down. The incident created a safety risk because the brake pedal became extremely hard to depress and the steering became difficult to operate while the vehicle was in motion, significantly affecting my ability to slow and control the vehicle. There was no collision or injury. As of the date of this complaint, the cause has not yet been confirmed by a dealer, independent service center, manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. The vehicle is being taken to a gm dealership for diagnostic inspection. I can provide the vehicle and subsequent diagnostic/repair documentation for inspection upon request.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

On 3 occasions, the last happening today (xxx) traveling north on xxx toward [xxx] at approximately 14:05, the vehicle has stopped abruptly and hard, and will then release. Today, it took it longer to release. When it occurred this time, it braked just as hard but longer, so I had to cross two lanes so the cars behind me would not hit me. The cars swerved around me and the car eventually let go and I was able to accelerate from that dangerous position on the side of the highway. The first time it happened, someone was pretty close behind me. The car stopped hard, real hard, but let go quickly enough to accelerate before a collision. The second time, there was no one in front or behind us, and we were safe. It hadn’t happened in a while, today. We’ve downloaded 2 or 3 software update, and I was hoping it fixed the issue. It did not. Today the car stumbled and the rpm’s jumped. I feel like the car momentarily braked while I was accelerating. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Vehicle began sputtering suddenly while driving 40mph. "reduced engine power" warning appeared on dash. While trying to limp it home, the vehicle died in the middle of a turning lane. Pushed vehicle to the side of the road and had it towed to a shop. Their notes attached below. Technician notes: customer concern verified with dtcs p0014 (exhaust camshaft position system performance) and p0017 (exhaust camshaft position not plausible). Upon removing the exhaust cam position sensor, metal buildup was found. The vacuum pump failed, breaking the keyed driveshaft on the cam and causing the metal buildup. Recommendation: replace the vacuum pump and exhaust camshaft with timing chains, or consider replacing the engine. Same catastrophic failure as many others have reported due to the vacuum pump seizing up. Metal shavings throughout motor now, likely ruining the whole motor.

Timing chain guide broke and caused catastropic engine failure while driving 70 miles an hour on the highway causing steering, brakes etc to lock up putting me and my family at risk of accident and great bodily harm. Vehicle is available for inspection. No prior knowledge of mechanic problems due to only having purchased the vehicle from mac's Chevrolet 4 months prior. Have since learned of the oil consumption issue associated with this year Equinox which likely contributed to the timing chain failure. Vehicle has been inspected by two independent mechanics. This vehicle completely locking up on the highway at this speed could have killed us all if near another vehicle or semi.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. While the contact's daughter was driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine shut off. The contact's daughter attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that the oil was topped off every two days. The failure occurred while minor children were inside the vehicle. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure and timing chain failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The vehicle is experiencing repeated, sudden engine stalling while driving at speed, creating an immediate risk of a severe traffic collision. In March 2025, the fuel pump failed and was replaced by an independent mechanic, who later had to clear a system clog in August 2025 after a second stall. In August 2026, the dealership replaced the fuel pump under an official NHTSA safety recall. Within days of receiving the vehicle back, the new recall remedy failed, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic again and nearly cause a major accident. The vehicle has suffered four separate fuel-system-related failures/stalls under 87,000 miles. The manufacturer's official recall remedy has failed to resolve the safety hazard, and the vehicle remains entirely unsafe to drive.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

We changed the external fuel pump, we changed the oil cap to the vented oil cap, we changed the oil 2x within 2 days, once trying to get it by until we could get the new fuel pump on,and once directly after and still had issues. Losing power and getting stranded while trying to cross a busy highway is terrifying, 100% —it is an extreme, life-threatening safety risk. I returned the vehicle and took a heavy financial loss, the fact that this dangerous car is back with a seller means someone else is going to buy it, this report could prevent a fatal accident. We have seen multiple of these same vehicles all over places like facebook marketplace and on the side of the road. They are dangerous vehicles and I've heard multiple accounts in which even your dealerships dont know how to fix it. I believe you have a responsibility to consumers to pull these cars from use and make it right to all who have not gotten what they paid you for buying this car from you. Thank you for your consideration, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of engine power accompanied by severe engine shaking, reduced acceleration, and a lit check engine / esc light. The vehicle was towed to a technician who diagnosed a complete dead misfire in cylinder 4. Upon detailed inspection, the ground electrode/tip of the spark plug had broken off inside the combustion chamber while the engine was running. The free-floating metal fragment severely gouged the piston crown and scored the cylinder wall, resulting in a total loss of compression and catastrophic engine failure at just under 51,000 miles. This unexpected engine failure causes an immediate and dangerous loss of motive power while operating in traffic, creating a severe crash hazard for passengers and surrounding motorists. This issue appears to stem from a known component defect (gm technical bulletins pip5657c & 21-na-255) related to premature spark plug failure and low-speed pre-ignition (lspi) in the 1. 5l turbo engine.

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after the dealer performed a transmission flush, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated while driving. Additionally, the steering wheel jerked abnormally, and the radio went blank while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, and the engine filter was replaced and another unknown part was also replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The ongoing issues with my 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, VIN [xxx], which I have brought to your dealership multiple times for the same unresolved problem. I was told three separate times that the engine light was fixed. I checked the vehicle today, and the engine light is still on. I was misled three times. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have not been able to drive it. Instead, I have spent the last four weeks repeatedly picking up and dropping off the car at your dealership. The vehicle has spent more time in your service department than with me. This has caused significant loss of time, money, and peace of mind. You have wasted my time, energy, and resources, and your team has already put 95 miles on my vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

From the very first day of purchase, the vehicle displayed a check?engine light, which I immediately pointed out to your salesperson. My concerns were dismissed, and I was assured that it was “not a big deal,” despite the fact that the issue was clearly present at the time of sale. Since then, I have spent substantial time and money attempting to resolve the vehicle’s defects. A mechanic spent six hours diagnosing and attempting repairs, yet the vehicle continues to display serious fault codes, including: evap system switching valve “b” performance / stuck open DC/DC converter voltage sensor “a” range/performance.

I was driving and the SUV moved forward with a jump like that scared myself, this happened several times. I just had my oil changed at the dealership of which I been working with for 20 years. A few of my sensors went out at the same time. On June 19-26 my SUV refused to change gears. I pulled over and tried again. Made it home and towed it to the dealership June 22. I noticed that there are two car factories having the same issue and had a repull, so I thought that my SUV would be included. Well, not, my SUV is from another factory that has no recalls. Dealership wasn’t working with me until July 17th after I reported them to bbb-and general consumer. I met with the dealership July 24, and offered me 11600. 00 just for fixing the transmission. I can’t get an answer if anyone else from factory number three has had the same problem as myself and the other two factories. My SUV is seven years and 81,000. Dealership offered to buy my car for 500. 00 as is. . And after the transmission only 1000. 00. This is crazy!!! I bought new and they are the only dealership that has worked on my car. I only put premium gas. Why does it matter what factory if they all have the same problems. Thank you. .

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Car fails to move while in reverse, the rpm’s accelerate but the car doesn’t move the transmission seems to not be griping when in reverse I get a reading from diagnostic saying p2723.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump and fuel pump control module. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v013000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,451.

While driving, my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox suddenly lost power and shut off without warning while I was pulling into traffic. The vehicle would buzz not crank afterward but would not restart. This created a safety hazard because the unexpected engine shutdown occurred while the vehicle was in motion. This is the second brake vacuum pump failure I have experienced with this vehicle. In 2022, the brake vacuum pump failed and was found shattered internally. At that time, the engine continued running, and the pump was replaced. During this most recent incident, the brake vacuum pump failed again, and the internal end of the pump broke apart. I replaced the vacuum pump and removed the broken pieces I could access, but the vehicle remains in a crank/no-start condition. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealership or independent repair facility. However, after seeing the shattered pump components, a couple of mechanics I know expressed concern that the broken pieces may have affected the engine timing. That has not been confirmed. The failed pump and replacement parts are available for inspection.

Subject vehicle has 11919 miles. The vehicle is less than three years old and covered under factory warranty. While driving 35mph, engine suddenly did not respond to throttle. This engine stopped. Driver was able to coast to roadside. After onstar analysis, engine control computer logged code 'p129f - an issue has been detected in the fuel management system used to maintain, control and monitor fuel consumption'. After towing to dealer, part number 13554821 was replaced. There were no prior warnings. The engine just stopped and would not restart. This is a major safety concern. This incident occurred 10 minutes after exiting the highway (65mph). Having your engine stop unannounced at any speed in traffic is not safe, especially in high traffic and high speed situations. Dealer service nevertheless indicated this particular problem and part is well known but not considered a safety issue by the manufacturer. We disagree.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the brake assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff. The brake pedal was pressed with force to slow the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the message "engine power reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mechanical vacuum pump had exploded and there were metal shards inside the engine oil, camshaft, and the timing jump, and that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I was driving on the freeway at 64 mph when my brake assist alert appeared on my dashboard. At that time I lost assisted braking capability. I was able to steer and stop my vehicle on the shoulder of the freeway. I turned the car off and was unable to start the car again. The car was towed to the dealership where they stated “ hi erika, the vacuum pump on your engine seized and broke the shaft and damaged the tone ring on the camshaft, there are quite a bit of metal pieced in the engine due that that failure. Unfortunately, the solution is a remanufactured engine at the cost of $11500. 00 parts and labor plus tax. How would you like to proceed?” currently we are opting to not replace the motor. It is apparent that this is a common issue with this year/make/model of vehicle.

: "I live in my car. The 2016 Equinox 2. 4l burned all its oil in 2 weeks with no leaks, failed to give a dashboard warning, and the engine is now knocking, threatening to leave me unsheltered. " this ties my vehicle's specific failure to the federal database for future legal payouts.

Check engine light with message engine running at diminished capacity as speed would not go above 20mph. Safety at risk from other vehicles on highway until able to reach safe location. Dealer states ses light on p0089 and p228c. Gm bulletin on both codes. Programmed ecm with latest calibration for codes listed. If codes come back must do further diagnostics. Concerned about repeat possibility.

My 2013 Equinox is experiencing the excessive oil loss without warning. . This led to transmission. . Engine. . Timing failure. The car loses power jerks at slower speeds it sounds horrible and has cost a lot of money for repairs. Still don’t know if it will last much longer. This is a burden on my family as we can’t afford to just go buy another vehicle. I purchased it in 2022 and in 2019 there was a lawsuit being settled for these exact problems and I was not told this nor was it disclosed on the carfax report!! very upsetting as I will be without a means of transportation.

The high pressure fuel pump seized, shattering the camshaft, dropping metal fragments into the cylinders causing total engine failure. Gm issued a safety recall for certain 2021-2022 chevy Equinox due to a defective fuel pump modules but it was not accurate. Gm is currently facing major class action lawsuits alleging that their Equinox fuel pumps are fundamentally defective. The lawsuits highlight that the component fails, causing catastrophic damage and gms initial recall fixes were inadequate.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a thumping sound coming from the brake pedal, with the message “service brake assist” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that the next day while driving approximately 63 mph, the message "reduced engine power" was displayed. The contact exited the highway, and while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the pedal was firm, and the vehicle failed to slow as intended. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal with force, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle slowed down eventually. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store and a handheld diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and failed to restart. The vehicle was restarted after three attempts. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the following day, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the vacuum pump, camshaft, and timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

As I was coming to a stop at light my brakes became very difficult to push the pedal down to stop. It took everything in me to get the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection and oncoming traffic. I was able to get the vehicle parked safely in a nearby parking lot but then the engine wouldn't start it just kept trying to turn over. The brake assist error popped up, and then the check engine light came on. I was able to get it started again about 20 minutes later, all the same warnings and lights. I white knuckled the drive back to my house. . . Once I got home the engine was smoking, smelled like it was burning, and oil was spilling out all over the place underneath, impossible to see where a leak was as it was coming from the entire engine. There was zero warning with the vehicle, no issues up to this point, and suddenly the Equinox is now useless in my driveway unable to start with oil still leaking in multiple spots. An oil pan under the main leaking area, but there are still multiple areas of oil spilling even a week later. Oddly enough my onstar report for the month came to email a few days later reporting perfect engine health and zero issues - even thought the vehicle can't start now.

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil gauge fluctuated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. An appointment was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,678.

The vehicle lost acceleration/propulsion while traveling at highway speed on a major bridge with limited safe shoulder space. The vehicle suddenly stopped providing power needed to maintain speed in fast-moving traffic. Passengers included an infant, young child, and other family members. This created a serious safety risk because there was little room to safely pull over while traffic continued around the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealer and is available for inspection. The cause has not yet been confirmed. The vehicle has about 15,000 miles. Shortly after the lease began, the check engine light came on intermittently and then turned off the next time the vehicle was driven. There have also been prior concerns with unexpected automatic emergency braking behavior. This complaint is being filed because sudden loss of acceleration/propulsion at highway speed on a bridge creates a serious crash risk.

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated the brake pedal became firm while driving approximately 40-45 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the brake assist service message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake housing had shattered inside the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000.

Recall number n202313440 my car matches make, model, and year but for some reason is not included in the recall and my vehicle has the leaking bolts. Please review.

I was heading home from my vacation with my lady and had cruise control on and then all of a sudden my rpms shot through the roof and then a flashing check engine light showed up and a message that said “acceleration reduced drive with care” when I took it to the dealer they told me it was due to the side object detection system malfunctioned and caused that issue then today I felt the car idle weird so I hooked up a scanner and it’s got a misfire on cylinder 2 and 4.