Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

Chevrolet Equinox owners have reported 1,379 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Chevrolet Equinox based on all problems reported for the Equinox.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 10/16/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stoplight, the engine seized without any warning lights illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 10/14/2025

I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing and serious safety-related timing chain issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox lt. The timing chain loses tension intermittently, which places the vehicle at immediate risk of significant engine damage, stalling, or complete loss of power during operation. This issue compromises the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic. A sudden failure of the timing chain system can result in abrupt engine shutdown, without any warning lights or diagnostic codes to alert the driver. This creates a dangerous situation, particularly when traveling at highway speeds, merging into traffic, or navigating intersections. The timing chain defect in this model appears to be a known and recurring problem among owners of similar gm engines, and there is evidence suggesting design flaws contributing to premature wear and tension problems. However, this vehicle has not been included in prior recalls addressing similar timing chain failures. I rely on this vehicle for essential travel and live on ssdi, which limits my ability to cover repeated high-cost repairs for what appears to be a manufacturer-related safety defect. The risk of sudden engine failure with no prior indication is unacceptable and warrants further investigation. I respectfully request NHTSA review this concern as a potential recall safety issue, given the clear risk of power loss and danger to both myself and other drivers on the road.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 10/11/2025

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine turned over but the vehicle to failed to start while attempting to drive the vehicle. After starting, the vehicle was difficult to turn off. The malfunction warning light was illuminated, and a message "do not drive" was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 23v013000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. However, the vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no active recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 10/09/2025

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 10/02/2025

2 nights ago, my engine light came on. I purchased a code reader today so see what may be wrong, and code p0299, popped up. I’ve reviewed and saw there’s no known recall on the issue but there’s a known technical service bulletin (TSB). In a facebook group I saw, it says that some people have replaced and code p0299 is still populating. I’m buying this vehicle and I have barely had 2 years now and wanted it to last.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 09/29/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, there was an abnormal sound and odor coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that pistons needed to be replaced and that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 09/26/2025

I was stopped at a traffic light and the car just froze. All the dash lights started flashing, the brakes would not work. The car started moving slowly backing up traffic behind me. I barely made it to a parking lot off the road.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 09/22/2025

Charge pipe/air intake hose came disconnected when driving causing reduced engine and idle problems. Car stalled multiple times at idle. Higher rpm’s cause hose to disconnect.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 09/17/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle vibrated and idled abnormally. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle jumped unintendedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The independent mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The failure became a recurring failure, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 09/12/2025

The high pressure fuel pump leaking into crankcase and leaking gasket the fuel in the oil was so much it lit on fire.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal was extremely hard and tight. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle because the vehicle was not being driven at a high speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as cam shaft failure, timing chain, and vacuum pump failure. The contact was informed that the cam shaft, timing chain, and vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact, who was an independent mechanic, stated that it was very important that the braking system operated independently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,400.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/29/2025

The vehicles electrical system failed or faulted while operating. Engine went into a slow mode while operating in traffic. After stopping vehicle would not restart. Very dangerous for an elderly person operating the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/25/2025

I was driving on the highway at a fast speed 75+ miles per hour. I was in the left lane. My car turned off and there was no acceleration. It was not getting fuel. I was able to make it to the right lane and merge off the highway before it stopped moving by momentum alone. Cars had to slow down and go around me almost causing an accident. It is not okay to let people drive around in an unsafe manner when, now I found that this is a common problem. Having an accident on I-95 is no joke. It could have cost me my life.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/22/2025

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking lot, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the replacement parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/20/2025

Head gasket failure as well as intake manifold.

See all problems of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/20/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine revved continuously as if the vehicle was going to drive forward. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/15/2025

The incident except for by my 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has major electrical faulty ends in and timing belt changes which causes the vehicle to stall on a consumer at any time for me I was driving on a major highway or five lanes going to work and the car decided to slow down and started shedding off thank god that I made it to the far right side on a media strip and was able get the car to safety on the knee issue but she did slow down and shut off identity media call the triple a for help and roadside assistance they came as soon as they could and then test the car to see if it was the battery or the alternator which I had put in two brand new batteries and two brand new alternators and still have both he test them all and said no he's been pulling cars off major highways that are Equinox and terrain class action lawsuit against general motors in Chevrolet due to faulty issues in the engine and they recently one cases from 2010 to 2014 although my car is a 2015 the same issue still arise my car has 85,000 miles on it when this happens and I kept up the oil change and the maintenance on the car I then in turn had the car towed to a Chevrolet dealer and turned it a diagnostic test on my car vehicle and this is what they said in my car has the same issue that is from the previous lawsuit of Equinox 2010 to 2014. Have the results are as is fun the Chevrolet GMC dealer the vehicle will not start, the problem and issues extend from the timing belt chain, valves, blown gasket, fuel pump,this is causing many major issues along with all the recalls with the 2010 and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and terrain. The only thing that they recommend is that the car engine needs to replacement to make consumers feel safe in their vehicles. Although my car is a 2015 I only have 85,000 miles and I continue to do all the maintenance and I was told by another mechanic that it does not have nothing to do so much as the oil change they knew that there were faulty issues with timingbelt.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/15/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate. Afterward, the message "low power mode" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbocharger control valve (tcv). The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to technical service bulletin: 18-na-020. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

When gas is applied the transmission skips and doesn't get the power needed to drive car safely. I don't have any lights to indicate this is a problem within the engine. This recall has been issued for my vehicle but when I contacted the customer service for repairs, my vehicle information says there is no recalls for my vehicle. I did receive a letter in the mail stating my car has a recall.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/08/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered before hesitating to maintain automotive power. In addition, while at a stoplight, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. A second independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed the failure. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,500.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 08/06/2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormally loud sound. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 12 mph. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the nearest mechanic, which was a Toyota dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed throttle body and a failed air cooler outlet tube. The contact was informed that the throttle body and the air outlet tube needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 52,827.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 07/24/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that one and a half quarts of oil needed to be added every two days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the failure was caused by the timing belt sagging, and the piston being burned. The dealer stated that the gasket kit, timing chain, tensioner, sensor, guards, actuator, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 07/15/2025

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved to a higher rpm unexpectedly. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions, and the brake pedal needed to be depressed very hard while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle had started independently two to four times in a row. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,417.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 07/11/2025

My vacuum pump failed on this vehicle. Causing my brakes to lock and a crash to almost happen.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 07/10/2025

Coming home from a trip without any warning our 2016 Equinox scared me when it made a terrible sound lost power and stopped working. We’re 100’s miles away from home on the side of a road in the dark. We called for towing to a dealer payed for a hotel waited till the next day for it to be looked at. Told the engine was blown that the timing belt and everything in there was bent and in pieces 10,000-12,000 dollars to replace. Mind you this car is a ltz and very well talking care of. Without fixing it it’s worth 1000. 00. Shame on GMC we should have been notified about issues. This happens at 80,000miles no warranty. I actually thought it caught on fire. Gm step up and take care of your life long customer that have owned chevy always.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 07/10/2025

The timing chain went down I only have 95000 miles on it is heard these timing chains went down on. Certain Equinox I feel this should of been on a recall since chevy knew this was happening 3 000 dollars later.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/29/2025

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.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/25/2025

My vehicle has been completely shutting off without warnings on me on major freeways , highways , roadways, other motorists gives my car a jump each time. This is a serious safety hazard for me & other motorists.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/24/2025

The biggest issue is last year while driving on 74 in busy traffic, the car automatically went into a "low power" mode and limited the power without warning. So now in traffic driving 55 mph, the car drastically slowed to about 35 without warning. It would not go faster no matter what I did. Then the check engine light came on afterwards. Thankfully I made it home safely after turning on my hazards and swerving through heavy traffic. I took it to the dealership and they didn't find any issues. . . Of course. It did it again I took it back. They didn't find anything and then it stopped. Now fast forward today. . . My daughter drove to the store and the car cut off in the middle of the street. The way she explained it to me it was similar to what happened before. Except it cut all the way off this time. Same error on dash something like, "switched to low power. " so I'm panicking. My husband and I go down and I try to start, it wouldn't start a few times. But eventually it did then cut off. Then it cut on when I kept slightly on the gas like I know to do with an older car. So. . . Long story long. . . I got us home but with limited power and hazard lights. I'm glad we made it home safely and my daughter was shook up but she's safe. I'm terrified to let anyone else in the car let alone drive it. It could've been deadly.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/24/2025

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally report a serious and recurring safety issue with my 2024 Chevrolet Equinox, and to request immediate investigation and resolution. The vehicle has, on multiple occasions, unexpectedly gone into “reduced power” mode (also referred to as “limp mode”), drastically limiting acceleration while driving at full speed in traffic. This most recently occurred while my teenage daughter was behind the wheel, causing the car to completely shut off in the middle of the street. The first time this happened, I was traveling at approximately 55 mph on highway 74 when the vehicle suddenly decelerated to about 35 mph without warning, despite my attempts to accelerate. The check engine light appeared only after the power loss. We narrowly avoided a serious crash. We had to engage hazard lights, swerve through traffic, and coast the vehicle home. The dealership was unable to replicate the issue during follow-up visits, and the issue stopped temporarily—but has now returned. This is more than an inconvenience; it is a critical safety risk to myself, my family, and others on the road. Details: vehicle: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox issue: sudden power loss while driving; engine enters limp mode without warning occurrences: multiple (including full vehicle shutdown) over the course of ownership dealership response: "no issues found" – despite multiple visits diagnostic error: dashboard reads “engine power is reduced” concern: loss of power at high speed, dangerous stalling in traffic.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/23/2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the check engine, traction control, and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local advance auto store and was diagnosed with a fuel injector failure. The fuel injectors were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 92,080.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/22/2025

The vacuum pump broke and caused the brake booster to lose vacuum and made the brakes hard and almost caused an accident.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/20/2025

Vehicle consuming oil to the point where the engine is knocking. I have to constantly add oil to the vehicle to keep it at optimal levels. Already had to replace the engine once out of my own pocket.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/19/2025

On [xxx], about 400 miles into our trip heading south on [xxx], the engine reduced power warning came on. We were in the fast lane traveling at 70 mph,the car immediately slowed to about 30 mph. There was no prior warning or check engine light. Vehicles behind us had to swerved and change lanes to avoid hitting us. The computer went into limp mode, when pressing the accelerator there was no power, we somehow made it to the right shoulder without getting hit and limped along to a safe spot and called a tow truck. Car was towed to an independent repair shop recommended by aaa, they ran the codes and came up with a code for high pressure fuel pump. This vehicle is a 2024 chevy Equinox with 15,018 miles on it, we bought brand new in April 2024 with 5 miles, always maintained at the dealer. Because we were 400 miles from home and the closest dealer in bakersfield said they could not work on it for 3 or 4 days, we had to have the independent shop replace the fuel pump. We had to rent a car to continue our trip and picked up the car 2 days later. Replacing the fuel pump fixed the problem but the check engine light came back on about 30 miles later. The mechanic ran the codes and said it needed the computer re-flashed but it would be safe to drive home. After we got home we took it to the dealer, they re-flashed the computer and check engine light went off. After about 30 miles later the check engine light came back on, took it back to the dealer and this time the codes showed a bad catalyst converter, dealer replaced under warranty, only 15728 miles on vehicle at this point. So far 200 miles and light is still off. I I filed a complaint with general motors customer service to let them know of this problem. I also requested to get reimbursement for the rental car and fuel pump. They refused to reimburse us because we didn't have a dealer do it, regardless of the situation. The public needs to know of this dangerous situation with the model. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Failure Date: 06/19/2025

Have a 2013 Equinox. After driving for 30 minutes the stabilink light comes on, car car shakes & extreme reduced power. Now my car will not start have been without car. And about to lose my job.


Other Common Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of Chevrolet Equinox


Equinox Service Bulletins
Equinox Safety Recalls
Equinox Defect Investigations