164 of the
12,688 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Equinox
are about the suspension —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown recall and stated that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Grinnell Motors (410 W St S, Grinnell, IA 50112); where it was diagnosed and determined that the front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,700.
NHTSA complaint #11756261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle makes a noise that sounds like your driving over rumble strips. The front end shakes and there is a hard vibration. I purchased this vehicle used on 5/5/26 and it’s been in the dealership twice already. The Onstar module is defective and now this noise and vibration. The shaking starts upon accelerating. The dealership, Central GMC/Buick of Jonesboro, AR. told me that GM knew about the problems and that their Engineers did know the fix yet. They say it’s not a safety issue but This is an unsafe vehicle and GM knows it’s unsafe. I’m afraid to drive it.
NHTSA complaint #11738193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While operating the vehicle on both interstate highways and local roadways, an intermittent malfunction occurs involving the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The instrument panel displays a warning message stating, “Service All-Wheel Drive System.” When this warning appears, the vehicle automatically disengages from AWD and reverts to Two-Wheel Drive (2WD). Once this occurs, the system does not allow the driver to manually return the vehicle to AWD. This issue has occurred on more than three separate occasions. Notably, there have been instances where the warning indicator illuminated immediately upon starting the vehicle, prior to any extended operation. When the malfunction is present, the vehicle exhibits abnormal driving behavior, including a noticeable jerking or hesitation that feels consistent with a transmission-related issue. The failure is unpredictable in nature, with no clear pattern or triggering condition identified. This creates a significant safety concern, particularly when operating the vehicle at highway speeds or in conditions where AWD capability may be necessary for proper traction and control. An appointment has been scheduled with an authorized dealership for diagnostic evaluation; however, at the time of this report, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or repaired, and the issue remains unresolved.
NHTSA complaint #11735394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am experiencing multiple unresolved defects with my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox affecting drivability, braking behavior, and vehicle structure/fit and finish. The primary issue is a persistent vibration, shimmy, or wobble during moderate acceleration from a stop. This condition is felt through the steering wheel, seat, and floor, and occurs consistently during low‑speed launch and normal acceleration. In addition, the vehicle produces a snapping or grunting noise during hard braking, as well as rough and loud movement noises from underneath the vehicle during normal operation, which raises concerns about braking and drivetrain integrity. There are also body and interior fitment defects. The front passenger door does not sit flush with the rear door panel and appears slightly open when closed. The dealership service manager stated that correcting this condition would require removing and pulling the rear door panel outward so both doors align. The glove box door also does not sit flush when closed, and the service manager advised that replacement might make the condition worse. These concerns were reported to an authorized Chevrolet dealer. The dealer confirmed that General Motors has acknowledged the acceleration vibration condition in a Preliminary Information service bulletin (PIT6466) affecting 2025–2026 Equinox vehicles and advised that GM engineering is investigating the issue and that no repair is currently available. The combination of drivability issues, abnormal noises during braking, underbody movement sensations, and body misalignment affects the use, value, and safety perception of the vehicle. The vehicle has very low mileage, and several of these issues have been present since early ownership. I am submitting this complaint to document these conditions and request that NHTSA monitor potential powertrain, braking, suspension, and vehicle structure concerns if a defect trend exists. All of these defects have been acknowledged by the Dealership Service Dept
NHTSA complaint #11734354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2025 Chevrolet Equinox (VIN: [XXX] ) was at Island Chevrolet from Thursday, June 26, 2025, through Monday, July 14, 2025, due to the transmission seizing. The vehicle was not even a year old at the time, as I purchased it in April 2025. Today, [XXX], my Equinox is at Freehold Buick because the OnStar hardware has failed. There is currently no estimated time of arrival for the replacement parts. The OnStar hardware controls critical vehicle functions, including diagnostics, automatic crash response, navigation, and remote commands such as remote start and door locking. A known issue with this OnStar failure is that the vehicle’s battery can drain as the system continuously attempts to reconnect. These types of major issues should not be occurring within the first year of ownership. At this time, there is still no date for when the OnStar hardware will be available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11709398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ABS stabilizer light on dash shows ABS malfunction.took it to certified mechanic to check the problem and was told the system had to be replaced at the cost of $4000.
NHTSA complaint #11703120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subframe rust ? my 2006 chev eq , has only 50, 000 mile on it and the sub frame is rust out ? I check for recall but said 0 ? I can’t under stand how ? Body guy said it going to cost thousands of dollars ! I can’t afford that ! ! what should I do ? There Should be a recall ? on this frame ! Frame is very important part of the car ! I had lot of chev from 1970 to 1980 with 150,000 miles on them ! With out this much rust , body guy stayed it been happening a lot with the chev , It look like it been happening for a while on my 2006 chev , eq before the 50,000 ! ? Very Very dangerous ! Very disappointing and worried that some thing could happen I only use it to go store , pick up kids from school, get food , go around town ,low mileage’s on it ! very disappointed in chev need. To recall this NEED Help ! Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11699804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear suspension trailing arm and subframe assembly rusted completely through, causing the suspension to separate from the frame. The corroded and broken components are still attached to the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The rusted frame and failed trailing arm caused the rear wheel alignment to shift dangerously, making the vehicle unstable and unsafe to drive. If the part had completely detached while driving, it could have caused a total loss of control and a serious accident, endangering the driver, passengers, and others on the road. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was visually inspected and confirmed by an independent repair facility, which advised that the frame is structurally compromised and the vehicle is unsafe to drive without major frame replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet by the manufacturer, but photos and documentation are available. The damage has been assessed by a certified mechanic who confirmed the severity and the safety hazard. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights or messages appeared. The issue was first noticed after hearing unusual noises and instability from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, severe frame rust and separation of the rear trailing arm were discovered.
NHTSA complaint #11698293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A go's threw gas really fast the brakes drag and when it starts/stop it acts funny like it has a hard time starting/stopping and my suspension every time I go over something there's clunking started at 34000 miles when I got it from the dealership and I only have 52,000 miles on it it shouldn't be doing that yet
NHTSA complaint #11688607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the A/C failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the frame on the front passenger’s side near the radiator had been put together with Bondo and was not welded. The contact was informed bottom part of the radiator had fractured and was not intact, and the A/C lines were damaged, and the front bumper was damaged. The mechanic refused to repair the vehicle due to the liability and informed the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle back to the private dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the dealer agreed to repair the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased a Carfax Report indicated that the vehicle had been in an accident prior to the purchase. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,100.
NHTSA complaint #11674370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine reduced power, over acceleration as well as sluggish acceleration, wobbling on the freeway, electrical dashboard problems, tire sensor light comes on after getting it repaired. This vehicle has the same problems like 2021 -2024, reduced speed and couldn't go over 40 mph on a busy street with speed limited being 50 mph.
NHTSA complaint #11660639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the abs light came on the dash and traction control.i was driving in a rain storm and went around a corner and front end started to slide.was only going 35 mph so I didn't lose control.this happened on.04/15/2025 .if I would have been going any faster I would have lost control.this is very dangerous as I realized. it should be fixed by GM for safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11654961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
purchased this car in June 2024.didnt notice it was leaking oil until having oil changed.the mechanic said the engine was dry with not much oil.the mechanic told me the oil pan seal is bad.i checked and it doesn't take a gasket,and the oil pan must be removed and a sealant must be applied rather than a gasket form.this 2012 Chevy equinox ls ,and does not have a gasket form only the sealant.if the engine doesn't have oil the motor could lock up in traffic and cause accident.suspension is noisey like bushings are bad and need lubrication but no where to lubricate.
NHTSA complaint #11634179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the oil level was low even though the oil had recently been changed. The contact was informed of a possible oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the front the vehicle. The local dealer determined that the front suspension sway bars were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #11617515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle is using insurmountable amount of engine oil.since I purchased the vehicle in 2024 I've had the oil changed once and twice the engine oil was down 3-4 quarts and when I started it,the engine was rattling because of oil disappearing.i purchased this nice looking car for.$5000.,so it's not junk to me it must be fixed.i think GM should be responsible for this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11617371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
originally system warning message to service brake system. had system checked by mechanic. nothing found. after a few weeks as i was merging on a highway i felt my engine start to stall. I immediately tried to make my way to the side of highway. brakes were very hard to press and car stalled with engine light immuninating, and no power steering. code P0017. engine will crank and sputter but will not start also has blowby present. cam and crankshaft sensors/actuator solenoids were replaced, then the vacuum pump cover was opened and found broken parts inside. upon removal of pump it was found broken. suspect broken parts are blocking crankshaft or either of the cams to not be able to rotate properly. this issue possibly has cause timing chain issues as well. parts in the vacuum caused it to seize. exhaust cam continued to spin shattering the end connected on the pump. I have done research and found that others have had the same thing occur with the warning for brake system and then weeks later the brakes do not work, which is due to the pump providing pressure for the brake boost system.
NHTSA complaint #11615712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle shakes when turning on and while driving, check engine light is on or blinking, service stabilitrack warning, traction control light is on, poor acceleration, Tire monitor system light is on and does not read tire pressure (this is all happening at the same time).
NHTSA complaint #11613816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The underbody of my 2012 Equinox is completely rusted and now not drivable. The KFrame is rotten and the car is not safe to drive. The engine consumes a great amount of oil. I've been told the engine needs to be replaced. I've only had the car for 2 years.
NHTSA complaint #11612063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.