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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds speed, an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear brake calipers had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the rotors and the calipers; however, the contact stated the failure returned while driving at slow speeds. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V704000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 71,000 |
| Nov 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | On 10/19/2023, I came out of a store and saw a large puddle forming under my 2020 Chevy Equinox and fluid spilling out. I immediately drove it to the car repair business I have used for 10 years, which was less than one mile away. The bottom line was a cracked gas tank. They confirmed the warranty had expired in February of 2023, so with no reason to think otherwise, I had them order and replace the gas tank. I filed a report with GMC, only to be told that since I didn't have an authorized GMC dealership make the repairs, there was nothing they could do, to reimburse me. I felt that this as an emergency situation, not only for myself but others around me. I'm not sure how I was supposed to know to take it elsewhere. The bottom line is this...how can a vehicle that is only just over 3 years old, need a new gas tank? This is not typical and should be investigated. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | Faulty Brake Booster Vacuum code on after 60,000 miles | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | There was not an accident. I was leaving work on 9/16/23 and tried to start the car and it wouldn’t turn over. I got assistance from a friend that had jumper cables because I thought it might be the battery, but it wasn’t. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership to find that these fuel module was defective. I see in the Google information that this sane issue was placed on the recall list for 2021-23 Chevrolet Equinox’s, but not on my 2020 model. The cost of this repair was very costly, and frustrating because I have only had the vehicle for one year to the day of this issue. I’m hoping that this problem can be recalled so that I can possibly be reimbursed for the nearly $1,000 I paid to have it repaired. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | 2020 Chevy equinox vacuum pump. Impossible to get the part, safety hazard, no accident yet, takes 2 feet to hold peddle down. No Chevy dealer will help me, i need to go to work. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | Attempted to start braking while in high traffic. Brake assist came on and prevented the car from braking properly, almost causing a crash on the highway with the car in front. The brakes had to pressed extremely hard and the e brake had to be engaged in order to stop. Since then the brake assist has not turned off and the vehicle is not safe to drive. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | Driving and brakes went out with no warning, no sounds, no anything almost causing me to rear end a 16 wheeler in the dead of night and almost causing another passenger to rear end me! No fluids are leaking. Break fluid not low. The brakes will not go to the floor in reverse, neutral, or drive. I had to get a Uber and get the car towed back home. Upon research it is apparent that this is a known problem in Chevrolets, specifically the 2020 equinox model with the vacuum pumps or something randomly going out while driving. This is very dangerous and I could have lost my life or caused someone else to loose their life! I just got my car a few months ago and it says” no unrepaired safety recalls reported” however this is clearly a known defect that was not bought to my attention upon purchasing the car. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving, the vehicle was sputtering. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump driver module was defective. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V667000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 29,165. | Crash: No Fire: No | 29,165 |
| Sep 2023 | WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Got hit at 40 miles an hour in a parking lot while a running dog came through and it was caotic | Crash: Yes Fire: Yes | Unknown |
| Sep 2023 | SEATS | System states rear seat reminder. Look in rear seat. Look in rear seats. This is a hazard to my infant as his car seat is located in the back seats behind the passenger. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Fuel pump and module failed. Car started but left me stranded less than a mile from my house. It had to be towed to a repair shop. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The suv is slow or delayed in acceleration. Pushing your foot on the gas pedal the suv will have a delay on acceleration. It is dangerous while trying to merge into traffic. Chevrolet knows its a known issue. It is a safety concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Was backing out of driveway to street, Car stalled in the street and would not restart. Took to dealership which indicates that fuel pump shorted, fuel pump modulator issue, fuel injectors need to be cleaned/replaced and that spark plug need to be replaced. I have done regular oil changes on this Vehicle and only has 66050 miles on it. It was purchased as a new vehicle January 2021. Mileage is partly highway due to child away in at college. Check engine light came on before stall and code indicated that engine running lean which was told to shop when I took vehicle in several weeks ago indicating engine not operating properly. No warning light on when checked by shop, was told that they could not find issue. Several weeks later vehicle stalls and now needs approximately $3200 worth of parts and work done. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES | The brake assist warning light flashed and the electric components start blinking and the car went in reverse in traffic. The car then turnt off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | Driving on trip to New York and lost the brake assist system halfway there. No alerts or engine lights came on as they should have. Luckily we were coming up to stop light so not going to fast but almost hit car in front of us. We had no warning and this is a known problem with these cars. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | discover that alternator is possible problem of stalling and car hard starting due to battery being low and reduced electrical power to use start. Wonder if power is reduce to fuel pump??? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | vehicle STALLED WHILE PULLING OUT FROM STOP. STRUGGLED TO RESTART AFTER STALLING. believed FUEL PROBLEM BECAUSE ENGINE TURNING OVER WHEN START BUTTON PUSHED BUT NOT SOUNDING LIKE STARTED LIKE NO IGNITION IN ENGINE. when IT DID START IT STALLED AGAIN. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE, VEHICLE STARTED. Several days later car soppt | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Car will not accelerate over 25mph…oil leaking from somewhere…car starts rattling and making putt noises…car now randomly blinks headlights and interior lights when idle flashing off and on…sunroof will not close but goes back—shade as well. Radio screens turns black and stays on while car is off. I HATE THIS CAR!!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | This vehicle starts glitching after exposure to rain. All of the gauges start going up and down, and every action required message pops up one after the other stating "Fuel Level Low, Shift to Park, Park Assist Off, All Wheel Drive System, Service Power Steering, ESC". The vehicle does this while driving at low to high speeds, even on the highways it has happened, the brakes are hard to push in while this is happening. This puts me and others in high danger if I cannot control the vehicle while driving. I have taken the vehicle in over 6 times to the service department of GM and not one time has anything been done. They have been unsuccessful in duplicating the problem every time I've brought it in even when it is occurring. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | When I was driving my vehicle, I came up to a red light and my brake pedal was hard and I could not stop the vehicle. The brakes would not work when I tried to stop. With fast acting and thinking, I was able to pull over to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me, luckily no other cars were around at that time. Mine and my child's safety were at risk when the vehicle would not stop and we could have been in an accident from the brakes not working. The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting diagnosed. No warning sings, warning lamps, messages or other signs happened before, during, or after the failure of the brakes. The brake pedal was so hard you could not push it down at all. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2023 | STEERING | While driving 25 mph in town on a straight road my 2020 Equinox 4D 1LT steering pulled to the right with out any reason and I hit a parked vehicle. I was not distracted, did not hit a pot hole, tire pressure and tread were all good. This road is near my house and have traveled on it many times. The car just turned to the right and hit the parked vehicle before I could react to the steering problem. This is a very unsafe condition. I feel it had to do with the electric steering. I just purchased this car from a reputable Chevy dealer. I’m a careful driver and have never had an accident before. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | I was driving home from work, just got off the highway, and when I was about to turn into my apartment complex, i went to push on the brake to slow down, and I noticed I couldn't push down on the brake at all. Luckily, it was later in the evening and no other cars were around at the time of the incident. There was no prior warning that popped up before that. My car didn't stop until I pulled the parking brake and then the "service brake assist" message popped up finally. No accident occurred but I am pretty shaken up considering how different the outcome could have been if I was on the highway for myself and if there was any other car involved. I will be taking it to the dealership in a few days. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE | All Wheel Drive System - 3/20/23 I was on a County maintained dirt road where adjacent property owner had put fencing, tires, & other trash in the road to stop public use. As I had all wheel drive I went up on a 3' +/- side berm to get around. When the front end was approximately at the top, car started to slip & rear passenger tire "tried" to correct slip & car switched into low without my touching gear shift (I looked). From having a 2005 Equinox with AWD, I knew this was AWD going into action. When car did not change drive wheels like my 2005, I let off on the gas; turned nose downhill, slide/roll down hill. At bottom, I applied gas & car was still in low - it shouldn't have been with the emergency over. It stayed in low even as I applied more gas. I stopped car, put it in park; waited 2 +/- minutes for a reset. When I accelerated again, it was still in low. I put it into park & turn it off. Only after 2 +/- minutes off did car finally automatically switch gears as I accelerated. As I had 60,000 miles on the car & was advised by Victorville Chevy to have transmission service & did at Diamond Chevy, San Bernardino as Victorville Chevy would not even write up a work order after the "electronic check" device inserted into car failed to note a problem sitting in the parking lot. After "the check" at VV, I made an appointment at Diamond Chevy in San Bernardino. This car while having nothing on the CarFax had a broken rear bumper cover which was "repair" after I reported it just after purchase 5/21. Bumper then, didn't hold when I backed into wire gate. At the very least, styrofoam, was collapsed/broken in the prior to purchase accident and not repaired when the bumper cover was glued & painted. I was told my car was "safe" after the bumper "repair." My guess that a more than 3 mph rear collision would total the car. That is not safe in my opinion. PLEASE NOTE THESE WERE NOT THE ONLY TWO PROBLEMS. MY OPINION IS THAT IT IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES | I was driving on the highway when suddenly my brakes became stuck and I was unable to stop. I was able to safely maneuver to the side of the highway with the help of quick thinking and my parking brake. However, no warning lights or messages appeared from my car directly prior to the event. Although I was safe, this could have had a fatal outcome for either myself or other drivers on the highway had I not been able to move to the side of the highway quickly. My car is currently at a dealership for the weekend and I am awaiting them opening this week so they will be able to perform a full inspection. A sheriff presented to the scene when this happened as I had my hazard lights on while on the side of the road and he did a visual inspection of the hood of my car as well. I am extremely concerned regarding the unprompted failure of my brake system and lack of warning prior. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES | The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal to slow the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact had to apply pressure and pump the brake pedal several times to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was then towed to Tires Plus where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 90,000 |