Complaint volume
276 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints
276 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, grouped by component category.
276 Total complaints
20 Crash reports
6 Fire reports
9 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are service brakes, fuel/propulsion system, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 20 crash reports, 6 fire reports, 9 injury reports, and 1 fatality report. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 78 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 33,548 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to service brakes, fuel/propulsion system, engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox complaints?
20 Crash
6 Fire
9 Injury
1 Fatality
27 Towed
7 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Equinox complaint categories?
SERVICE BRAKES 39
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 25
ENGINE 23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 12
POWER TRAIN 11
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5
276 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the right, the brakes finally slowed the vehicle to around 40mph. Luckily, the traffic light turned green, allowing me to continue moving with the remaining momentum. As I attempted to take a turn on a bridge above the freeway, the steering wheel became stiff. At this point, I was unsure whether I could turn the car at that speed with the steering not responding. I need General Motors and Chevrolet to take action on the severity of the situation and make the necessary and appropriate restitution to me for the traumatic and physical injuries sustained during the incident. For the amount of time I've been without a vehicle, I am now running high risk of loosing my job. $3,700. is what they are charging me, which is conveniently not under warranty. When consistently stating that no one really sure what's covered and what's not covered. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | The vacuum pump seized and broke and sent debris into the camshaft | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | I am experiencing a recurring issue with my vehicle where the Park Assist system keeps activating unexpectedly, and the Check Engine Light (CEL) also comes on. I have taken the vehicle to O’Reilly Auto Parts for a diagnostic scan, and they reported no repairable codes present. Additionally, I visited Tires Plus, and their assessment was that if the light goes off on its own, then no issue is present that requires repair. Despite the temporary disappearance of the warning lights, the issue keeps returning, which raises concern. The Park Assist activation is not being manually triggered and appears without warning, often accompanied by the CEL. This inconsistent behavior suggests there may be an intermittent or underlying issue with the vehicle’s sensors, wiring, or onboard systems that may not register a permanent diagnostic code. At this time, no repairs have been performed due to both locations stating that no actionable codes or faults were detected. However, the issue continues to happen periodically, and I would like further inspection or documentation of the problem, especially if it worsens or begins affecting vehicle safety or drivability. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | Getting off the highway and brake pedal is just hard can barely push it. It stopped but barely. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate. Afterward, the message "Low Power Mode" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Turbocharger Control Valve (TCV). The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-020. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from George Moore Chevrolet in Jacksonville, Florida, in October 2023. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had approximately 35,000 miles, and it now has approximately 60,000 miles. I have maintained all recommended service intervals and oil changes as required. On June 14, 2025, while stopped at a traffic signal with my foot on the brake pedal, the pedal suddenly sank to the floor, causing the vehicle to roll forward into traffic unexpectedly. I was able to place the vehicle in neutral and then park to prevent a collision. After turning the vehicle off and restarting it when the light changed, the brakes continued to fail. I carefully maneuvered to a nearby area behind a warehouse and allowed the vehicle to come to a complete stop by shifting into neutral. I contacted a tow truck through my State Farm roadside assistance program and had the vehicle transported to my local mechanic. Upon inspection on June 16, 2025, the technician determined that the brake lines were corroded and leaking. Initially, he suspected the master brake cylinder, but it was confirmed not to be leaking. He noted that the metal-braided portion of the brake line had completely deteriorated on one side and was severely compromised on the other. Both brake lines were replaced to restore braking function. Fortunately, I was able to avoid an accident, but this was an alarming experience that I have never encountered in any vehicle I have owned. My mechanic expressed concern about the extent of corrosion on such a relatively new vehicle and indicated this could represent a broader safety issue. I respectfully request that this matter be documented and investigated to ensure that other drivers are not placed at similar risk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | •Initial incident: July 2, 2025 •Recurring occurrences: August 8, 2025 Vehicle Issue Description: Several months ago, the vehicle’s check engine light came on. A diagnostic scan was performed at O’Reilly Auto Parts, but no error codes were detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for further inspection. The shop found no mechanical issues and confirmed the vehicle was operating normally at that time. On August 6, 2025, the “Service Brake Assist” warning appeared briefly on the dashboard but turned off shortly afterward. The parking brake warning light also came on that same day, then went off. These warning lights reappeared intermittently on August 8, 2025. No repairs have been made as there are no active recalls related to these issues. However, it is noted that there are consumer complaints reporting similar problems. This raises concerns about potential intermittent or undetected safety system faults, particularly involving the brake assist system and parking brake functionality. Checked brakes again no issues determined per Bridgestone and Mavis. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | I was driving just got off the freeway and went to hit the brakes and the brake pedal was hard as a rock I had to use force to slow down to safely get over from the left lane to the right lane to get into a parking lot was a pretty scary experience, called AAA had it towed to the dealer they said the vacuum pump failed which I suspected because of the other complaints regarding the same thing, there was no recalls on my car dealer fixed it under warranty and they said there was no damage to the camshaft. The dealer was amazing and would reccamend them, I also had to pay 100 deductible. As others have stated theres a recall on the vacuum pumps but certain Vin #s are not included. Gm needs to included all Vin #s for the equinox in the recall whats it gonna take somebody to get killed! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Check engine light came on got code P1005 and code P1029. Shop had to change out fuel level sensor code came back so they had to change out fuel pump. Car has 55,000 miles on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | My breaks stopped working while I was driving, they became hard to press and unable to function. The vacuum pump attached to the engine failed. The vacuum has broken pieces that are now inside of the engine. No warning indicator lights appeared before the incident. As far as I'm aware other similar models are having the same issue but my vin was not included in the recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | While driving on the freeway at 75 mph my vacuum pump seized and shattered, causing me to loose all breaking power, damaging my engine beyond repair and endangering my life and numerous other drivers on the road. There is a current recall on the particular year, make and model for this issue but my VIN is not included so the dealership refuses to fix the issue. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Apparently my vehicle is experiencing the same fuel system and infotainment issues that others have been recalled for. As someone who has been diagnosed with car related PTSD; these issues have become very distressing to say the least. The infotainment system has shut off countless times while driving. I was traveling and missed my exit,I've also been abruptly been disconnected from important work calls and doctors offices. The fuel system is leaking fuel and the smell comes through the vents. As one of two people that utilize this vehicle that are asthmatic; this is very dangerous for us. Also my toddler aged niece cannot ride because of the harsh chemicals she would have to breathe in. Because of the leaking fuel, I'm terrified that it could breakdown anywhere or better yet worse catch fire while I'm driving. I have attached photos of the issues,unfortunately I can't upload the videos but I have countless in regards to the infotainment system and a video message from the mechanic in regards to the fuel system. If there is anyway I can send them also,it would be appreciated. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Engine light continues to turn on after taking it to shop multiple times and no one can find the problem. Code shows P0299. Everything has been checked and there’s nothing to correspond with this code. This has been going on for a year now with multiple fees paid to diagnose and repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine, traction control, and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Advance Auto Store and was diagnosed with a fuel injector failure. The fuel injectors were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 92,080. | Crash: No Fire: No | 92,080 |
| Jul 2025 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | We were in a 9car pile up. Front and back and drivers side were hit and severely damaged. Airbags did not deploy. After the accident smoke was seen coming from the sides of the car where the seat belts come out of. Both front and back were white puffs of smoke from all four seatbelts. The front passenger seatbelt failed to tighten on impact as all the other seatbelts did. Passenger was thrown about the front area, hitting multiple parts of the body. Car is currently in a tow lot. Insurance is going to inspect it. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE | The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the instrument panel lights became dim/flicker, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact mentioned she pulled over to the right side and left the vehicle at the scene. In addition, the contact drove back to the scene where the vehicle was parked, and she noticed the state trooper and a tow company. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. The contact mentioned the fire happened overnight. The vehicle extinguished independently. A fire department mentioned to the contact that there were calls about the fire and that the fire was coming from the engine. However, the fire report was unknown. A police report was filed. The insurance company denied the claim of fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | My car won’t stay started as if the gas is not going through the engine. I was told it might be the fuel control module or fuel pump | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving above 50 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the message "Turn Off Engine" was displayed. The contact stated that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the PCV was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | The vacuum pump broke and caused the brake booster to lose vacuum and made the brakes hard and almost caused an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | Vehicle brakes became hard and failed to stop, check engine light came on and warning saying reduced engine power. Vacuum pump seized and broke off in the crankshaft. After vacuum pump replacement vehicle failed to start multiple times. Vehicle started and had rough idle and stalled multiple times. Currently awaiting dealer inspection. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | This past weekend, while driving my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, I experienced a sudden and complete brake failure. I was turning into a residential neighborhood at approximately 20-30mph when the brakes locked up without warning. Despite pressing the brake pedal, the car would not stop. I attempted to shift into park, but the vehicle continued to roll forward. I had to engage the emergency brake, which caused the car to come to an immediate stop. Thankfully, there were no cars in front of me, but I came dangerously close to hitting a cement wall head-on. This created a serious risk to my safety and potentially to others had the situation occurred in traffic or near pedestrians. There were no warning lights, noises, or prior symptoms indicating an issue with the braking system. The vehicle has since been towed to the dealership and is currently awaiting inspection. I've learned that there are existing recalls on other VINS for the 2020 Equinox related to an incorrect lubricant used in the manufacturing process of the rear brake calipers. This defect can cause the calipers to swell, leading to excessive brake drag. Over time, this drag may result in overheating and possible brake lockup, which aligns with what I experienced. The component appears to be the braking system, specifically involving the calipers or pads. At the time of writing, the failure has not yet been confirmed by the dealer. This issue is extremely dangerous and could have resulted in a severe crash. I am reporting this in hopes that it contributes to a broader investigation, especially if this problem extends beyond currently recalled VINs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | I am filing a safety complaint regarding a failure of the vacuum pump in my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The failure occurred without warning and severely impacted the vehicle’s braking performance, posing a serious safety risk while driving. When the vacuum pump failed, I experienced a hard brake pedal and a significant loss of braking power, which made it difficult to stop the vehicle safely. Thankfully, I was not in heavy traffic or approaching a stoplight at high speed when it happened—otherwise, it could have resulted in a serious accident. After researching this issue, I discovered that vacuum pump failures appear to be a recurring problem in other GM vehicles of similar model years. It is extremely concerning that such a critical component could fail prematurely and without adequate warning. I believe this issue should be investigated for a potential defect and safety recall. I urge the NHTSA to look into this matter to ensure the safety of other drivers who may be at risk due to this defect. Thank you for your time and attention. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | ENGINE,VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that at start -up, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the A/C compressor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-162; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| May 2025 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while his son was driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's son was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact's son called Roadside Assistance, who added gasoline to the vehicle, because the contact's son believed that was the cause of the failure. However, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The fuel pump and battery were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 50,000 |