Power Train Problems of Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

While backing out of a parking space, with my 1 year old infant in the back seat, my vehicle became stuck in reverse and would not shift into drive or park. The vehicle became disabled and the warning dash stated to put the vehicle in park but I could not park or do anything else and couldnt take my foot off the brake or else I would continue reversing. Eventually I was able to at least turn the vehicle off but the vehicle remains with the shifter stuck in reverse after being towed. The lights and power to the vehicle remained on and this was not a battery issue. This was extremely terrifying for me especially with a baby in the car and getting it hooked up to the tow truck was also nervracking for all involved as the vehicle was in reverse. While there is not a current recall related to this issue on my vehicle, research shows that there have been in the past and this is a common issue for this vehicle.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The car automatically brakes when nothing is in front of you and all of sudden it slams on its breaks. This is going to cause someone to rear end you. The steering is all over the road and does. It feels safe to drive. Transmission gets stuck and revs really high until it catches and they say nothing is wrong. Safety sensors go off all the time and nothing is near you. Key fob not detected, multiple awd issues.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Safety complaint: engine stall/loss of power at highway speeds – 2014 chevy Equinox incident details: • the failure: while driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator. I was forced to navigate through highway traffic to the shoulder with no engine power. Once stopped, the vehicle would not restart. • warning signs: leading up to the event, the check engine light and battery light flickered intermittently. • diagnostic history: prior to the breakdown, a technician replaced the starter and checked the battery, yet the check engine light remained on. The engine exhibited high rpms (reaching 3,000+) during normal acceleration before the total failure. • safety risk: this defect caused a complete loss of propulsion in high-speed traffic, placing myself and my infant in immediate danger of a high-speed rear-end collision.

See all problems of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Transmission fluid leaking from the bolts.

I was driving south on interstate 55 near arnold missouri in adaptive cruise control mode at approximately 65 mph when the car braked suddenly and came to a complete stop on the interstate. Car would not go forward after stopping. Turned the car off and restarted and the car now would drive normally. Have not used acc since and car has behaved normally. Took the car to dealership in farmington, mo and they reported no error codes and no recalls. I had driven over 13,000 miles in the car without any incidents previously.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Forward collision system dint notify of an object infront , also breaks locked up when used . Air bags didn’t go off while a forward collision with a bus happened.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Onstar module malfunctioned, has been diagnosed and awaits identification of specific type of module to determine if one is available or if it is one that will be on back order. The safety of myself and my family was put at risk, along with others, when vehicle braking system randomly activated and slammed on the brakes despite clear highways all around, almost causing us to be rear-ended more than once. This has happened prior to 12/01 several times randomly but we assumed the sensor was sensitive and was picking up something we couldn't see, however this was not the case in this situation. The battery keeps going dead and needing jumped and there are numerous warning messages/lamps. Dealer service department confirmed onstar module failure and need for replacement, has not yet reproduced braking issues. Vehicle is currently at dealership service department for inspection and was deemed unsafe to drive at this time. Dealer stated they had no loaner vehicles to supply and instructed us gm would reimburse up to $45 daily for rental at enterprise, so a rental vehicle was obtained and placed on waiting list at two different dealerships for loaner vehicle. Wifi and navigation system originally quit working, then car battery started dying and requires being jumped multiple times if not driven within 8 hours, received alerts off and on of "lane change alert system off", "service parking break", "adaptive cruise control temp unavailable", "service power steering", "service electronic stability control", "service transmission now, unable to shift soon", and cruise control/lane assist etc quit working. We became stranded in another town and had to purchase a portable jumper. Dealer currently has no anticipated repair date.

See attached document for complaint.

My 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (~132,000 miles) has a serious and unsafe oil consumption problem. I had a full oil change, and only two weeks later the dipstick was completely dry. The vehicle provided no warning lights, no low-oil indication, and the gm oil life monitoring system gave an inaccurate reading, failing to alert me to the critically low oil level. On November 25, 2025, while stopped with my foot firmly on the brake, the vehicle began constantly jumping and jerking forward as if it was trying to move on its own. During driving, I also began hearing a loud crunching, metal-on-metal noise whenever I accelerated or drove under 50 mph. Because these symptoms started suddenly and were severe, I took the vehicle to my mechanic the same day. On November 26, 2025, the mechanic confirmed that the engine had suffered major internal damage due to running with almost no oil. The timing chain and vvt components needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed that oil starvation caused this failure despite a recent oil change, and the inaccurate oil life monitoring system contributed to the hazard by failing to alert me to the critically low oil. This defect presents a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle can jerk unexpectedly, stall, lose power, or suffer sudden engine failure while driving, all without warning. I have since learned that excessive oil consumption and inaccurate oil life readings are widespread in gm 2. 4l ecotec engines. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this safety-related defect.

See all problems of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

The engine power reduced sensor came on and the gas pedal was hard to push so we took the car to a chevy dealership. We were told the code po299 was showing and that the turbo needs to be replaced ($4000). This is a very common problem and chevy even acknowledges that but they are doing nothing about it.

Got the Equinox brand new on March 2025. Few weeks later had to take it to service/dealer with backup camera problems and it had to be replaced. It started to have speakers issues due to a very loud humming sound while driving. Also window from drivers side runs slower than the rest of windows. The visibility through front glass is non existent when raining due to the angle. Transmition started slipping and started to have a check engine light pop up and had to take it to service again. . . And finally at the beggining of November had to take it to service due to a sudden battery drain. She wouldnt turn on for no reason. The defective module is on backorder with no estimated arrival date, leaving the vehicle unusable. Its been there for 2 months now. . . They provided a loaner. Everything has been confirmed by dealer. They said that had 3 pages of codes pop up to be fixed.

After I purchased my vehicle, 2026 chevy Equinox rs, I noticed severe distortion on the front windshield. I had it replaced once, with the same problem. They were going to put another windshield in but we wanted to see it first, which was worse than the first two. I do not like the feeling of being car sick. Also, the transmission slipped once, while driving. It felt like it went into neutral and then back into gear. The dealer looked at it and could not find anything wrong. It was good for a few weeks and then it did it again.

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission automatically shifted to park(p). The vehicle was towed to a service station and the vehicle was refilled. The contact was able to start the vehicle, and the message "auto shut down" was displayed and a 5-minute countdown was started, and the vehicle turned off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

Gm has redesigned the gear shift of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox to be placed on the steering wheel. That's fine except engineers put it in the exact spot of where the windshield wiper lever traditionally is and made it look and act and move like a windshield wiper lever, which instinctively means you as a driver will hit that gear shift when it starts raining or when you want to trigger windshield wiper fluid. Doing so, as we experienced twice (once on a highway exit and another time on a major road) will cause the car to go into neutral since pulling the lever toward you (a movement that used to trigger fluid on the windshield) triggers the car to go into neutral. When you're driving on a major road, this is dangerous, slows the car, forces you to have to figure out how to get it back into drive and there's no obvious workaround for that. You can't come to a complete stop on a highway or a major busy road when in neutral and the car doesn't have easy/instinctive ways to send it back into drive. Numerous drivers have complained of this on reddit and facebook and presumably to gm. I sent a complaint to gm today. This is the first time in 40 years of car ownership that I've felt nervous driving a car because I'm worried I will cause a wreck because of poor design. There needs to be a workaround or alert to to this. Very dangerous.

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.

As I was parked with the car running, my 2024 Equinox suddenly shut down and the check engine light came on. I tried to start it, but it didn’t. Someone tried to jump the battery, thinking it was that, but it wasn’t. I had it towed to the dealership and after 2 days they said the fuel pump power control module needed to be replaced. Unfortunately, gm did not have the part, but the dealership found one in another state and we had to wait several days for it to be mailed to them. After a week, once the part was replaced, they tried to start the car and realized that the original issue fried the battery, so they had to replace that as well. I was told that they had seen several customers with the same issue and wouldn’t be surprised if gm eventually issues a recall. They also said they couldn’t be sure the replacement part wouldn’t have the same issue. I did some research and found that gm has had this issue with 2019 - 2024 vehicles. Some customers reported that they were driving and almost got hit by other vehicles when theirs shut down. My car only had 18000 miles when this occurred. I no longer feel safe driving my car.

My 2024 Equinox was returned to the dealership on approximately October 1, 2025, due to a check engine light related to the torque converter. I required a rental vehicle during this time. I picked up my vehicle on October 10, 2025, and all repairs were covered under my extended warranty. I was informed that my rental reimbursement would be issued once I submitted the required paperwork. My safety and the safety of my grandchildren were put at risk loss of power and control-stalling, in ability to accelerate in traffic, gear slippage and over heating given the known history of torque converter issues in the Equinox—dating back as early as 2005—it is disheartening that gm continues to sell vehicles at premium prices while failing to properly support the customers who purchase them.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at speeds between 30 and 50 mph, the front end of the vehicle started wobbling and vibrating severely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front half shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed of a TSB related to the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

Vehicle rolls back very often when in drive. Even holding down the brake at a hill then hitting the accelerator it still rolls back. When in cruise control and I take over it also tends to make the vehicle jump when the vehicle takes back over. Overall harsh riding. Feels like it’s all coming from that cvt. Dealer says that it may be an issue but can’t replicate it unless it stays there with them for a while until they can replicate the issue. There have been incidents where I’ve almost rolled back and hit other vehicles due to this cause. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. No warning lamps or anything on the vehicle.

The vehicle has ongoing and worsening electronic and safety-related issues. The fuel range and fuel economy fluctuate abnormally and frequently, sometimes even while the vehicle is stopped. The infotainment screen has experienced intermittent black areas/partial blackout while driving, affecting system reliability. Recently, the automatic transmission began hesitating during the initial gears, behaving abnormally and requiring me to reduce speed for the vehicle to respond properly. This occurs consistently. These issues have been reported multiple times to the dealership and gm with no resolution, and communication has stopped. I am concerned the vehicle is unsafe to drive and could fail unexpectedly.

I’ve heard about some recalls and technical service bulletins related to the transmission, especially the start-stop accumulator bolts possibly missing and some transmission lubrication concerns. I checked my VIN on the NHTSA website, and it shows no open recalls. However, I want to confirm: whether my vehicle was part of any recall related to the transmission or start-stop accumulator bolts. If the recall was completed or if any transmission-related tsbs apply. Whether there are any service campaigns or software updates for the transmission control module that I should be aware of. Start-stop accumulator bolt missing leading to fluid leaks and possible failure, missing transmission cup plugs causing lubrication issues, valve body spacer plate replacement and transmission control module reprogramming. I am currently experiencing significant transmission issues including, symptoms like: rough shifting, slipping, hesitation, noises, fluid leaks, loss of power, which are severely affecting the vehicle’s drivability and safety. This vehicle only has 107k miles which only go over 7k from warranty. I am concerned that my vehicle may be affected by one or more of these issues — even if the recall was marked as closed or VIN was excluded in error. Given the volume of known transmission complaints for this model year and my relatively low mileage, I strongly believe this could be part of a broader safety defect that deserves further investigation. Please review this issue for potential inclusion in an investigation or expanded recall campaign. These transmission issues are not only costly but potentially dangerous, especially if they result in sudden loss of propulsion. This transmission issue is seriously impacting my vehicle’s safety and reliability. This matter is urgent due to the impact on vehicle safety and reliability.

The vehicle calls power module has failed.

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was a crackling sound coming from the brake pedal while depressing the brake pedal, with the message a "service all wheel drive system" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while the awd feature was activated and driving up an incline, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal with the "service all wheel drive system" message displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was made for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150.

Loss of propulsion as well as hard shift.

Spline worn out and disconnected from differential.

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.

On two occasions as I have pulled in to park this vehicle, while pressing brake the car lurched forward. The first time no damage happened however the second time damage occurred. While pressing the brake as hard as I could would not stop the lurching car. None of the avoidance warnings helped either.

This complaint is to clarify and supplement a previous report. The issues began in August 2025, not September. Initially, the vehicle presented abnormal fuel range fluctuations, including while stationary, as well as intermittent “key missing” warnings while driving and display black spots. These issues were reported to dealerships and gm without resolution. Over time, the condition has progressively worsened, and additional symptoms have developed, including abnormal noises and, more recently, transmission hesitation during the initial gears, requiring me to reduce speed for the vehicle to respond properly. The escalation of these issues over time raises ongoing safety concerns.

Telematics module stopped working out of nowhere and drains my battery to my vehicle. Had to have the vehicle towed to nearby dealship. Huge safety hazard as it is essentially the brains to my computer. App doesn't work without it, battery doesn't work and can't even get inside vehicle with key fob. Please issue recall.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

My 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, with just 72,000 miles, experienced a sudden and catastrophic transmission failure caused by a faulty transmission line clamp that broke, resulting in a rapid loss of transmission fluid while I was driving. I was able to pull over to safety, but was on the interstate going 75mph when my speed and vehicle power rapidly reduced. The vehicles around me were able to rapidly to respond, changing lanes and avoiding my rapidly slowing vehicle, but had they not had such quick responsiveness, there could have been a very serious collision. This unexpected failure destroyed the transmission and left me stranded. A side note (records are attached), the vehicle had been maintained at a Chevrolet dealership in accordance with all of their servicing timelines.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox 🔎.

While driving my 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, the car suddenly stalled on a city road. This occurred in a busy area with multiple stops and traffic signals. I was accelerating after a stop when the engine cut off abruptly, without any prior warning lights or error messages. I was able to coast to a safe stop, but the incident was frightening and dangerous. The vehicle was towed to a dealership and inspected. They diagnosed the issue as a failure of the fuel pump control module (fpcm). The part was not covered under my powertrain warranty despite being essential to the operation of the vehicle. The dealer confirmed this failure and replaced the part. The total repair cost was $592. When I attempted to check my eligibility for the NHTSA campaign number 23v013000 (regarding a fuel pump defect that may cause stalling for same 2022 Chevrolet Equinox), my VIN was reported as not currently eligible, even though the issue I experienced matches the recall description. The vehicle has since been repaired and has been operating fine, while I didn’t experience any stalling, I’ve noticed the gear shifts more closely now — they feel very quick or more noticeable than before, but no warning lights have appeared. I am filing this complaint to formally document the safety issue I experienced and to request a review of my VIN in light of the recall. A sudden stall on a city road puts drivers and passengers at significant risk, and I believe this is a serious safety concern that should be investigated.

The gear selection is on the steering column and to change from park to reverse or drive takes usually over six attempts to get in the right gear. When your entering traffic and you get delayed trying to put the car into the proper gear this becomes a very dangerous safety issue. General motors refuses to advise me how to deal with this problem unless I give them the name of an attorney who will represent me.

I purchased this vehicle in June 2025 and the gear selection lever is constant problems. It will never go into or go out of gear on the first attempt. This has caused some near accidents on two occassions as I backed out of a parking space trying to get in gear and proceed timely to avoid on-coming traffic but the lever will constantly bounce to another gear or park which was not selected. The car also has a seat problem in which the seat will start a quiver motion which does startle me as the driver. As an 82 year old driver this becomes a safety issue since is very disruptive and unexpected which makes the driver panic. I notified Chevrolet of these problems but that communication was ignored. The vehicle now has 1400 miles, the selling dealer is 320 miles away. I was told by Chevrolet that to return the vehicle to the dealer would require that I pay $6 per mile charge. This is simply malicious treatment to a senior. There is one gm dealer in my county but they do not want to address another dealers problem. Yes this safety issue has put other drivers at risk because I pull into traffic and cannot get going with traffic flow with a defective gear selector. Anyone can come to my home to inspect this problem.

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.