FaultScore

FaultScore report

2010 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Owners have filed 1,118 complaints about the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 22 worst.

D

FaultScore 64/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chevrolet Equinox.

How this is worked out

The numbers

1,118

Complaints

24

Crashes reported

13

Fires reported

26

Injuries reported

80,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

19%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 97 vs 50 Severity 29 vs 50 Early failure 33 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 97
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Equinox. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 29
5.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 33
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2010 compares with every other Chevrolet Equinox

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 304 27.2%

3 crashes, 6 fires · median 81,400 mi

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 83,500 mi

Median failure at 95,000 miles

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 61,490 mi

Airbags 58 5.2%

9 crashes, 1 fires · median 57,000 mi

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 89,800 mi

Median failure at 89,500 miles

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Steering 44 3.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 44,500 mi

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,000 mi

Brakes 23 2.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 80,858 mi

3 crashes, 1 fires · median 47,500 mi

Suspension 11 1.0%

Median failure at 9,738 miles

Seats 9 0.8%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

Wheels 8 0.7%

Median failure at 71,694 miles

Equipment & Accessories 7 0.6%

Median failure at 41,400 miles

Seat Belts 6 0.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 99,650 mi

Tires 6 0.5%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

Lights 6 0.5%

Median failure at 57,500 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 5 0.4%

Median failure at 3,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 13 26.5%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 9 18.4%
Automatic Transmission 9 18.4%
Engine 5 10.2%
Windshield Wiper/Washer 4 8.2%
Motor 3 6.1%
Fuel Pump 3 6.1%
Frame AND Members 3 6.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 23 2.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 58 6.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 56 6.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 106 11.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 161 17.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 183 20.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 240 26.7%
150,000+ miles 71 7.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2009 peak 24 Mar 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE20009 Opened 1 Jun 2020 Closed 3 Jun 2022 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Momentary Increased Steering Effort

On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a s...

EA19005 Opened 13 Dec 2019 Closed 28 Nov 2022 VISIBILITY

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper f...

RQ18002 Opened 2 Nov 2018 Closed 19 Dec 2019 VISIBILITY

Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure

On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installati...

Recalls on the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

16V502000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

14V447000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

09V489000

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS". THE SOFTWARE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN CAUSE THE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST, AND RADIO CONTROLS, AS WELL AS THE PANEL ILLUMINATION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk: DRIVING WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DEFROST SYSTEM CAN DECREASE YOUR VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2019420 5,327 units in Canada

Other

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.

Recall 2018137 15,611 units in Canada

Visual System

In certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver's visibility under certain operating conditions and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-318 to include vehicles originally sold or registered in the province of British Columbia.

Recall 2016318 141,407 units in Canada

Visual System

In certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto one of the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints.

Recall 2014311 29,555 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

On certain vehicles equipped with power height adjustable front seats, a bolt securing the adjuster mechanism may loosen and fall out. This would cause the seat to drop to the lowest vertical adjustment position, which could affect the driver's ability to safety operate vehicle controls as well as cause reduced driver visibility. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the bolt.

Recall 2009363 8,356 units in Canada

Heater And Defroster

On certain vehicles, the software in the Integrated Center Stack can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost, the radio controls, and the panel illumination to become inoperative. Driving without some of these functions could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the Integrated Center Stack.

Recall 2009355 528 units in Canada

Electrical

Certain vehicles built for Canada have the U.S. Body Control Module Security System Data file which is non-compliant with the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. This situation poses no safety risk and was corrected at the manufacturing plant on September 3rd 2009.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Tucson, AZ Fire

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin TSB #: 19-NA-065. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward; the driver was able to pull over. While attempting to restart the vehicle, it suddenly caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. AAA was called, and the vehicle was towed to her residence. The occupant called 911, and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was called, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11727517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Belleville, IL 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Airbags deployed while driving

NHTSA complaint #11515972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waynesville, MO Crash 2 injured

SEAT BELTS

Accident April 26, 2021 where our vehicle was hit "Straight on Front Left" and seat belt tensioner did not restrain the passenger & "Air Bag did not deploy". Request EDR (Event Data Recorder) be scanned to determine what happened and how the car systems functioned or did not function properly. Driver suffered head trauma as a result of the accident. Please advise on action needed to follow up on this malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11461196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waynesville, MO Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

Accident April 26, 2021 where our vehicle was hit "Straight on Front Left" and seat belt tensioner did not restrain the passenger & "Air Bag did not deploy". Request EDR (Event Data Recorder) be scanned to determine what happened and how the car systems functioned or did not function properly. Driver suffered head trauma as a result of the accident. Please advise on action needed to follow up on this malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11461196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 145,000 miles Horseshoe Bend, ID 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I GOT INTO MY CAR FRIDAY AT 12:30 SHUT THE DOOR STARTED IT AND THE SIDE AIRBAG HIT ME SHOVED ME SIDEWAYS I TURN THE CAR OFF BECAUSE I COULD SMELL THE POWDER AND I WAS AFRAID ANOTHER ONE WOULD GO OFF. MY ARM AROUND THE ELBOW AREA HURTS AND MY ARM FEELS BURNED FROM ABOUT MY ARMPIT TO MY WRIST. BETWEEN MY SHOULDER BLADES AND MY NECK HURT AND I'VE HAD A HEADACHE SINCE. I DEPEND ON MY CAR BEING ON THE AMBULANCE AND THE DEPUTY CORONER FOR BOISE COUNTY I COULD BE IN MY CAR DURING THE DAY OR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND I'M AFRAID NOW TO DRIVE IT.

NHTSA complaint #11280629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Lake Orion, MI Crash Fire 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. WALLY EDGAR CHEVROLET (3805 S LAPEER RD, ORION CHARTER TOWNSHIP, MI 48360, 248-494-8698) WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE COVERED UNDER A POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THE CONTACT PURCHASED AN ELECTRICAL BOX FROM THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE ENGINE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE BOX DID NOT ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN FOUR DAYS LATER WITHOUT WARNING. SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAS HAD THE ENGINE, FUEL PUMP, ELECTRIC LINE, DOORS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. THE CONSUMER CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING. THE CONSUMER HAD HEADACHES, BACK/NECK/SHOULDER PAINS, AND WHIPLASH.

NHTSA complaint #11255932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Tucson, AZ Fire

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin TSB #: 19-NA-065. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward; the driver was able to pull over. While attempting to restart the vehicle, it suddenly caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. AAA was called, and the vehicle was towed to her residence. The occupant called 911, and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was called, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11727517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,000 miles Shady Spring, WV

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced severely rough idling before it stalled. The contact believed that the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) was the cause of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

NHTSA complaint #11727348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Princeton, WV

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle looses power and can very easily cause a bad wreck I've replaced multiple thing and it still does it I'm not sure what it is possibly the timing or something to do with camshaft

NHTSA complaint #11725985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Princeton, WV

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Vehicle looses power and can very easily cause a bad wreck I've replaced multiple thing and it still does it I'm not sure what it is possibly the timing or something to do with camshaft

NHTSA complaint #11725985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Princeton, WV

ENGINE

Vehicle looses power and can very easily cause a bad wreck I've replaced multiple thing and it still does it I'm not sure what it is possibly the timing or something to do with camshaft

NHTSA complaint #11725985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buchanan, GA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TCM shift issues

NHTSA complaint #11691134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buffalo, NY

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Windshield wipers mechanism popped on my Chevy equinox.

NHTSA complaint #11670465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Junction, CO

ENGINE

This 2010 Chevy Equinox has the 2.4 liter motor that is recalled in similar vehicles by Chevrolet due to the piston rings having “blow by”. We have had to carry a quart of oil because of the constant consumption of oil, which led to the catalytic converter getting clogged. Most recently while traveling to Denver cylinder 3 lost compression and put the vehicle into “limp mode” on [XXX] (XXX) with traffic traveling at 75MPH and our car doing 20 MPH trying to exit. I spoke to Chevy customer service several years ago and was told “Yes we know the issue however your VIN isn’t part of our recall, we’ve satisfied the NHTSB call for action”. In my research loss of compression due to “blow by” can be direct correlation to engine failure. Oil was checked as I always do before any road trip, no engine lights or warning signs were present, we were 210 miles from home when this happened, and had to rent a car to continue our trip to Denver and return home to retrieve a truck and trailer to pick up our broken down vehicle located in Silverthorne. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11664863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Dallas, TX

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 - 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning lights illuminated. However, after the failure, the low engine power warning message would display. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure would recur. The failure occurred on 4 separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was no oil, although the panel showed the vehicle had 40% oil, transmission, and a high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11632196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 158,000 miles Newark, OH

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted off to the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that later while driving approximately 55 MPH and going left around a bend, there was an abnormal sound like metal snapping coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side rear tire had stopped rolling. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer where it was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the rear subframe and suspension had collapsed due to extreme rust. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, another failure occurred. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same independent dealer. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was to be auctioned off. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

NHTSA complaint #11631485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 158,000 miles Newark, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted off to the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that later while driving approximately 55 MPH and going left around a bend, there was an abnormal sound like metal snapping coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side rear tire had stopped rolling. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer where it was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the rear subframe and suspension had collapsed due to extreme rust. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, another failure occurred. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle failed to start. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the same independent dealer. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle was to be auctioned off. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

NHTSA complaint #11631485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, SC

SEATS

The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. The coincidence that my car falls in the category of vehicles included for this recall (Bulletin No.: 09298C), but is not included is confusing, to say the least. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to this failure that began in 2019.

NHTSA complaint #11630057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. The coincidence that my car falls in the category of vehicles included for this recall (Bulletin No.: 09298C), but is not included is confusing, to say the least. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to this failure that began in 2019.

NHTSA complaint #11630057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, SC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. The coincidence that my car falls in the category of vehicles included for this recall (Bulletin No.: 09298C), but is not included is confusing, to say the least. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to this failure that began in 2019.

NHTSA complaint #11630057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Jacksonville, NC

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to approximately 75 MPH. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle stalled, and the contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer it was purchased from. The dealer informed the contact that there was no oil in the vehicle even though an oil change had been performed on the vehicle. The dealer replaced the upper part of the engine; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering, made abnormal sounds and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower part of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added in an unknown related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA complaint #11627176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 235,000 miles Greenville, KY

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the defroster became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle became very difficult to drive due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the computer module in the center instrument panel had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with TSB: 09298C (Heating and Windshield Defrost Inoperative. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in TSB: 09298C. The approximate failure mileage was 235,000.

NHTSA complaint #11624834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 107,000 miles Airway Heights, WA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine was consuming one quart of oil every 1,000 miles driven. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had remained illuminated since becoming aware of the oil consumption issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #11624768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Memphis, TN

ENGINE

I purchased this vehicle back last year and I put a lots of money into the engine and having troubles with it I’m just now finding out this type of vehicle I have has been recalled and I’m trying to see is there some type of way I can get it fix without coming out of my pockets like I already had engine light still on after I got the part put on and I don’t have money like that to keep getting it fix I have low income and trying to take my kids to school sometimes I be afraid to drive cause it keeps cutting off in middle of traffic problems with the catalytic converter and 02 sensors I change everything and still having trouble and out of money can somebody please help me no incidents just a recall and bad motor

NHTSA complaint #11614325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Memphis, TN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I purchased this vehicle back last year and I put a lots of money into the engine and having troubles with it I’m just now finding out this type of vehicle I have has been recalled and I’m trying to see is there some type of way I can get it fix without coming out of my pockets like I already had engine light still on after I got the part put on and I don’t have money like that to keep getting it fix I have low income and trying to take my kids to school sometimes I be afraid to drive cause it keeps cutting off in middle of traffic problems with the catalytic converter and 02 sensors I change everything and still having trouble and out of money can somebody please help me no incidents just a recall and bad motor

NHTSA complaint #11614325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Louis, MI

ENGINE

I have a 2.4 ltr Chevy equinox and the engine went out at 140000miles, no warning symbol. Left me stranded in the middle of nowhere, two days after being stuck in a rain storm, when I found out my wipers died.

NHTSA complaint #11613642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Louis, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I have a 2.4 ltr Chevy equinox and the engine went out at 140000miles, no warning symbol. Left me stranded in the middle of nowhere, two days after being stuck in a rain storm, when I found out my wipers died.

NHTSA complaint #11613642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,823 miles Chester, PA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and made a clicking sound while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the exhaust camshaft timing was over-advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period, the system performance catalyst was low efficiency, and the evaporator systems had a small leak. The contact stated that two calipers and the boot of the axle were previously repaired due to a leak. The mechanic stated that the contact needed to replace the engine variable valve timing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,823.

NHTSA complaint #11578886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,823 miles Chester, PA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and made a clicking sound while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the exhaust camshaft timing was over-advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period, the system performance catalyst was low efficiency, and the evaporator systems had a small leak. The contact stated that two calipers and the boot of the axle were previously repaired due to a leak. The mechanic stated that the contact needed to replace the engine variable valve timing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,823.

NHTSA complaint #11578886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grand Forks, ND

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signals and the speed odometer were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN for the failure. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle where the vehicle was purchased for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle had several failures since purchasing the vehicle three years ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11571928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lewiston, ID

ENGINE

Horrible oil consumption issue. Piston rings are bad and the car doesn’t have that many miles. A huge issue with the equinox.

NHTSA complaint #11562486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.