3,188 of the
12,765 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Equinox
are about the engine —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11764088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've been having issues since the beginning of 2026. It's saying my car has no recalls but I've found that is does on a part that's been complained about by others. I've had the car repaired multiple times updating the fuel injectors and spark plugs but still the same error codes. Yet and still the check engine light continues to come on. So I looked and found out it maybe the fuel pump after all . I'm constantly refueling at least 3 times a week and also the errors come up inside the chevrolet app as well. This has been frustrating to say the least I hope the dealership repairs this issue without me having to take it back for more repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11763928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and making a sharp right turn, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the road. The vehicle failed to restart, and a tow truck was called to the scene. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump pressure control module and coolant hoses had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,300.
NHTSA complaint #11763285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11761939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11761531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the mother was driving, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil pan and informed the contact that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption over a 14-month period. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11760362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11758877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In February of 2025, while driving my 2016 Chevy Equinox home from work, I heard a loud pop and loss of engine power a block from home. The weather conditions at the time were below freezing and light snow. After getting my vehicle home, my neighbor, who works for GM looked under my Equinox and discovered the rear main oil seal had blown and informed me this was a known issue with the GM 2.4L Ecotec engine. The GM 2.4L Ecotec engine contains a non‑serviceable Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system that uses a fixed orifice built into the intake manifold instead of a replaceable PCV valve. In cold weather, moisture and vapor inside the crankcase can freeze or accumulate as sludge within this orifice. When the orifice becomes obstructed, the PCV system can no longer vent crankcase gases properly, causing internal pressure to rise significantly. This condition is most common in sub‑freezing temperatures and is documented in multiple GM technical bulletins. When crankcase pressure increases beyond normal operating limits, the pressure seeks the weakest escape point, which is often the rear main seal. As pressure builds, the rear main seal can rupture suddenly, resulting in an immediate and severe oil leak. This failure can occur without warning and may lead to rapid oil loss, environmental contamination, and potential engine damage if the vehicle continues to operate. The defect is inherent to the PCV system design and is not related to owner maintenance practices. General Motors has been aware of PCV system obstruction issues in the 2.4L Ecotec engine since at least 2013, when internal service bulletins first documented rear main seal failures caused by crankcase over‑pressurization in cold weather. GM issued additional bulletins in 2014, 2016, and 2019, each reiterating the same failure mechanism. In 2014, GM created Special Coverage Adjustment 14882 but many vehicles equipped with the same engine and PCV design were not added, including mine.
NHTSA complaint #11758784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Unusual engine noise inspection at 86011 miles determined engine failure do to metal shavings and particles found in engine oils and oil filter by GM Dealership wher serviced only by them at mileage intervals on record and purchased new in 2019.
NHTSA complaint #11758764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11758547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11758016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11757291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oil consumption, took to dealer and dealer replaced parts with manufacturers replacement parts, 1 and a half year later oil consumption happened again, dealer checked 2nd time and said manufacturer will not cover 2nd time for same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11756787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In May 2026 while driving home from her job in downtown St. Louis, my daughter was driving my equinox. While traveling on the highway at the speed limit of 55 miles an hour her brakes failed and she came within a few feet of rear ending a full gas tanker truck. She was able to maneuver to the shoulder of the highway and avoid an accident. After a few moments of the engine, idling the engine completely stopped working and shut down. After having the car towed to my local mechanic at a Midas shop, they began the diagnosis. I began similar research online to find cases of similar things happening. What was diagnosed is that the vacuum pump on the brake line was faulty and broke. Pieces of this pump made their way into my engine and ruined two of the cylinders in my engine. The car is now not drivable and needs a replacement engine. Chevy knew about this faulty, vacuum pump part and they did issue recalls on other vehicles using the same part. They have also issued technical bulletins to their technicians for a diagnosing this failed vacuum pump. I have tried to contact Chevy and they have offered me no assistance. I know a class action suit has been filed for this very same issue. Chevy is aware of this issue. Chevy‘s choice to use a part they knew was faulty. Almost led to the death of my daughter.
NHTSA complaint #11755541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the engine was rattling and vibrating abnormally. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were not yet contacted. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.