Complaint volume
278 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
278 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, grouped by component category.
278 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 40
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 25
ENGINE 23
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 12
POWER TRAIN 11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5
278 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The same part that is causing a recall for 2021-22 models just went out on my 2020. Why aren't the 2020's recalled? This is causing it to be hard to get the part. It's the fuel pump control module. 2020's need to be included in this recall. My car is only 4 years old, and is just past the warranty (47k miles). I should not be having such trouble with it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | I was operating the vehicle when it suddenly shut off in traffic. I attempted to restart the vehicle and received a "reduced engine power" and "Service brake assist" message. The vehicle had a clunky noise and failed to restart. Upon inspection at the dealership, I was told that the vacuum pump inside the engine had exploded and sent metal components throughout the engine system. No previous issues or warnings were present prior to this failure. This is a safety issue as the vehicle gave no warning signs of issue and shut off in the flow of traffic with very little ability to brake or steer out of the way. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Adaptive cruise turn off and vehicle immediately decelerates. When traveling at highway speed with someone following closely behind you there is no warning that you’re decelerating. Also when this happens all cameras are off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | The Vacuum pump has exploded 3 times, twice under warranty and now outside warranty. This time it has taken out the camshaft. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | The sunroof drains on my vehicle keep getting clogged with debris even though I don't open the sunroof. I have had to get the drains blown out every 1 to 2 months when I find water in the rear cargo area. Attached are invoices from the dealership showing the work done and how often. An Engineer from GM has determined on April 10th that if these drains are frequently clogged, then it is a "Vehicle Concern". GM says that this is a maintenance issue. However, THEY have been doing this "maintenance" ever 1 to 2 months and the drains keep getting blocked. This can't be right! I don't want mold to grow in my car. A prior Equinox that I owned was "totaled" by my insurance company because water leaked into that car and mold grew in the interior. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | [XXX] My wife received a warning light that the Brake fluid was low, upon the husband checking under the hood after cleaning the reservoir cap and opening the cap and looking inside of the reservoir I could see that there was no visible brake fluid in there. Using another car I purchased Prestone Dot 3 and filled the reservoir it, it took 8 oz out of 12 oz. The 2020 Equinox Premier only has 34,500 miles. On [XXX] I have an appointment to bring the vehicle to Midas via being towed because of this issue, it is not safe to drive there. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | PARKING BRAKE,SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with two electric parking brakes. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electric parking brake engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear brake calipers were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH on a slippery road, the electric parking brake engaged inadvertently, causing the rear wheels to lock, and the vehicle spun. The contact stated that he was able to regain control of the vehicle and drove to the residence at slow speeds. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly while driving. The contact stated that while investigating the failure online, he learned that it was a common failure that occurred because the electric parking brake was not fully retracted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Mar 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | In June of 2023 the brake booster vacuum pump failed, I took it to my regular repair shop and paid for it to be repaired. March 1, 2024 I was driving out of town and again the brakes failed, took it to Weimar Chevrolet in Cumberland MD to once again after less than 10,000 miles to be repaired again. Thankfully the dealership coordinated with the original repair shop and was able to do the repair this time at not cost to me (except I had to pay for a rental for 4 days) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ENGINE | On going issue since August 2023. Same issues that a class action suit was filed but did not incude the 2020 model. This has happened in Aug 2023, Oct 2023 and now Feb 2024. Low oil pressure Engine power is reduced I have been towed 3 times I have dealt with Castriota Chevrolet, Hudson FL where I purchased the car who would not speak with me I have dealt with Chevrolet of Milford who claims I only needed an oil change but since August this is the 3rd time this is happening and Jonathan does not return my call I have sent all my Invoices and expenses this has cost since it happened to Chevrolet Corp and filed a complaint but they said there was nothing they could do, this is the case number and contact person Selinda Chevrolet Customer Assistance Service Request Number:[XXX] Phone Number: 1-866-790-5600, Extension: 5912260 I contacted the States Attorney office and they advised I contact you, so here I am. I have photos, invoices and receipts to back up everything and the things there is not enough room to fit in this space. This car is a hazard to me, the drivers on the road, my family and grandchildren I pick up daily. It does not belong on the road or traded in to have someone else have these issues. You do not get any warning, it just happens. The class action suit was for this problem up to 2017 models. This is what is in the suit: The lawsuit stresses that operating a car without sufficient engine oil is dangerous and can lead to an engine fire or an increased risk of accidents. Per the suit, GM itself warns drivers in its owners’ manuals to stop driving if their car’s oil pressure is low, stating that the engine “can become so hot that it catches fire.” The lawsuit goes on to stress that if an affected vehicle’s engine is damaged enough, it could fail to accelerate properly or shut down unexpectedly while the car is being driven. This could lead to an accident or leave drivers and their passengers stranded in an unsafe location, the suit says. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ENGINE | Vehicle stalling, smell of fuel in oil. Dealer reported - high-pressure fuel pump failure, excessive fuel in crank case. Vehicle stalled/misfiring CEL present. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer from an island. Dealer will not warranty the part. Vehicle had less than 3,000 miles. Yes, three thousand miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Hit my brakes and had nothing but a hard pedal NO BRAKES AT ALL! This almost caused a major accident being speed limit is 70 and I could not stop the car. There was no warning light until I shut it off and turned it back on then lights blinked and said brake assist failure then the warning disappeared once again. This is very scary and I cannot believe there were other reports and nothing has been recalled. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Brake control lost with no warning. Friend whom bought same car 2 days after me experienced same scenario around October 2023. I just dropped off my kid and I was coming off the highway! I could have killed others and if happened 20 mins prior my children! I'm a single mom and my kids only have me. There's no way this is coincidence on the same make, model, year! There has to be a faulty brake system that needs addressed before people do die!! I've been without my car for 3 days now and no one has answers! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | The brake system failed without any indication it would do so. The dealership acknowledged the car brake pedal was not able to be moved when attempting to stop the vehicle and the vehicle did not stop by use of the brakes. The Equinox is no longer in my possession and was bought by Dick Genthe Chevrolet. The safety of myself, my 11 year old daughter and the drivers around me were put at risk due to the brakes locking up with no prior notice or indication this would happen. The brakes locked up as I was exiting the expressway and I had to turn the car on a side street and let it coast in order for it to stop. GM and Dick Genthe Chevrolet take no accountability for the incident and instead told me that the car worked well the first four years at least. In January 2024 the check engine light came on and I had it checked in the service department by the manager and the P code that came back was a sensor issue and the service manager said that it was nothing serious and the car was safe and the check engine light would likely go off on its own in two days or so. After the brakes had already failed, a "service brakes" warning message showed in the display and the check engine light came on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | SEAT BELTS | My son was just in his car seat with the seat belt as an extra layer of protection and the seat belt wouldn’t retract. My son was stuck. Thank god it wasn’t an accident. Passenger side back seat belt. This needs to be dealt with. It took me 30 mins because I was trying to get it to retract and it started to squeeze my baby legs. I did take a video. It only lets me upload photos. Please contact me | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I got this car in April of 2022. I am the second owner. Since May of 2022 every time I drive for longer than an hour the radio completely shuts off by itself and comes back on. I've taken it back to the dealership they drove for 5mins and stated radio did not shut off even though I told them they did not drive long enough. In January of 2024 while out shopping I go to start vehicle and it has power but won't start. I had the same issue in November of 2023 took it to dealership they stated nothing wrong with it. I called roadside in January 2024 power was on vehicle would not start. I ended up having to get vehicle towed to my home and had a mechanic come to me. Told me I needed a new motherboard. Paid for the new motherboard yet radio still cuts off. This has been an issue for far too long and is messing other systems up in the vehicle. I also had to have battery replaced and am still in need of four tires because the wheel spokes are rusted. A four year old car with this much trouble is not worth the headache. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Fuel pump, failure just under 25,000 miles. Car stopped running, when not expected. 01/31/2024 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | Experienced brake issues in March of 2022, brake pedal became extremely stiff and difficult to use. Bulletin showed an issue with vacuum brake pump and that was replaced with the exact same faulty part. On 12/28/2023 my engine blew in the middle of the road, leaving myself and my children stranded as I could not shift the vehicle out of neutral for quite sometime. The faulty vacuum brake pump caused the cam to break off the shaft- resulting in debris inside the engine. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE | This model has an acceleration problem like its older counterparts. While on the interstate and in traffic it chooses to decelerate and almost cut off. No prior warning given. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was driving on the highway on my way to work and received the error message “engine power reduced”. My car immediately dropped speed and I was unable to go over 40mph. My check engine light came on. I made it to work and contacted the dealer to make an appointment to bring the car in, which I did as soon as I finished working for the day. Driving 30-40mph with my hazards on for almost 50 miles on a highway where the minimum speed limit is 55 was hazardous in itself. I was almost run off the road by a truck and cars were honking and passing me. I am a [XXX] and have driven many cars in my lifetime. I have never experienced this type of scare. I took to the dealer and they advised “CAC frozen and the parts need replacement”. They said it’s not a warranty issue. The repair cost is $3000 and this car is only 3 years old. I found an existing recall on this same model car and year for this same issue - but they advised that my car wasn't affected in this recall. Apparently, this car is exhibiting these same issues. I contacted Chevrolet and they are trying to escalate. In the meantime, I have no vehicle, and told the dealer to halt any repairs until Chevrolet gets back to me. I have taken great care of this car. I start my car and allow it to warm up at least 20-30 minutes in the winter. I also make sure that I get all my oil changes and have all preventive maintenance done as required. This issue could not have been prevented by me - but it could have been prevented by the car manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ENGINE | I was driving at about 25 miles per hour and the vehicle made a banging noise and shut off. I went to restart and nothing would happen. I then had it towed to a local dealership. Upon evaluation the vacuum pump went out and caused catastrophic engine failure. I purchased brand new and there was no indication I had a problem. The vehicle was making no noise and no lights were on prior to the incident. I am told the repairs to the motor on a vehicle 3 years old are going to be $4,500. I have told the dealership I would like all of the parts that are removed and replaced from the vehicle when repairing | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE—replaced now transmission issues. UNKNOWN—everything that’s recalled I’m having those problems | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was driving my car and it shut down in the middle of traffic on the freeway on [XXX] I thought I was dead I almost had a accident the car started back up and it did it again 4 times I am afraid to drive the car when it shuts down the steering wheel locks up and nothing happens I am so afraid of this Equinox please help. Not knowing what to do went to the dealer guy did a simply scan on the car and tried to sell me a car instead of trying to find the cause I am just so upset I love my car please please help me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | Premature headlamp (low beam) failure. The light abruptly failed and it was acknowledged by the manufacturer that this should not have occurred. The failure occurred in October of 2023. Light fixture has since been replaced. The low beam bulb is not accessible for replacement in our vehicle. Instead the entire headlight assembly has to be replaced. The estimated cost for a single replacement was approx $2,600.00. After back and forth with the manufacturer they agreed to replace both headlight assemblies for approximately $1,900.00. A previous recall was issued for GM vehicles in the early 2000s that had similar premature headlight failures. This poses a safety risk because vehicles of this age are likely to still be financed and owners are unlikely to be able to afford a near $3,000 repair for a low beam headlight manufacturing defect. Please note the mileage on the vehicle was roughly 42k. There is the potential that owners will be forced to operate the vehicle with failed headlight(s) while the manufacturer refuses to fully acknowledge it is a manufacturing defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | During the month of November while driving on Interstate 35 inTexas I attempted to administer my braking system during slowed traffic and they did not respond. The brake pedal became completely stiff and I had to apply incredible pressure to get the vehicle to slow down until I turned on my hazards and rolled to a stop on the shoulder. I did not have any alerts or warnings until I powered the vehicle off and powered back on to find my engine light on and the service brake assist alert on as well. I had it towed for service to which they replaced the vacuum pump, brake booster pressure sensor and brake fluid. Everything seemed to be working fine however a month later the same exact issue occurred. I took it in to the same place for service and had a brake inspection done and was told everything looked good and they were not sure what was wrong other than the ecm and ebcm were now reading codes. The issue is that this is intermittent with no warning and has been incredibly difficult to pinpoint the exact issue. This has also been incredibly pricey trying to chase an issue that appears one day and clears itself the next and lastly this has been terrifyingly frustrating as I do not know if i will have valid brake control or not on each ride. This issue could be life or death and was traumatizing as I had my son and mother in the car with me during the first event. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | I was traveling the interstate I90/94 , merged to the exit ramp and found the brake pedal hard and unable to push to brake. I had to slide the car into neutral and use two feet on the brake pedal to slow down enough to make the corner at the end of the off ramp. All due to a faulty vacuum pump. The debris from the exploded vacuum pump were sent through the engine. And after having the car fixed it now uses about a quart of oil every 500 miles. Engine is shot! Seriously bad engineering design that will kill someone if it hasn't already. I am 5'11" and weigh 190 lbs. I estimate it took around 200-250 lbs of force to push the pedal to even start to slow. If I hadn't had over 40 years of driving experience, this would have ended in a catastrophic incident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |