Brake, fuel system, and engine problems are among the top complaint issues received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
First introduced in 2005, the Chevrolet Equinox is Chevrolet’s answer in the compact crossover SUV class. It’s been consistently popular despite safety concerns and resultant complaints. Complaints include recurring brake problems, a faulty fuel system, and serious issues with the engine. There are also two recalls for the 2022 Equinox, one of which also relates to the previous year model.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019 2020 2021 2023
For years we’ve kept track of specific problems with the Chevy Equinox. Complaints made by consumers to the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other bodies indicate what these are.
In our article highlighting complaints about the 2021 model, we noted that there were relatively few made directly to the NHTSA. But it is clear that many of the same components feature in these complaints year after year! One of these relates to tires.
In August 2021, General Motors (GM) issued a recall for a total of 9,597 Chevrolet Equinox 2021-2022 and GMC Terrain vehicles. This was due to the tread of tires separating. Their report states that the tires may have been manufactured without enough of the curative agent. Tread separation can lead to loss of vehicle control, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Ironically despite the recall, 2022 owners haven’t complained about the issue. But they have complained about seven components and systems. These are the engine, seat belts, brakes, forward collision avoidance, lane departure, the fuel/propulsion system, and vehicle speed control.
We highlight a few of the problems and complaints below.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
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Fuel/propulsion System
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Fuel System, Gasoline
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Engine
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Unknown Or Other
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Electrical System
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Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
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Power Train
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Steering
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Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
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Service Brakes
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Brake problems are varied. An owner from Ohio complains that “Since day one, rear disc brake pads rubbing on rotors at all speeds.” This was confirmed by the dealership, but they don’t have a fix for the problem.
Another problem is reported by a Florida owner who says the “Brakes lost all fluid.”
The result of this was “a loss of function for related systems including adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking. Limited braking capability put my wife and I in danger. The car was less than a week old at the time.”
There was no problem regarding repairs. “The dealer repaired it immediately on Monday morning,” attributing the problem to a loose brake line. But, “the warning lights and e-mail messages came in after the failure.”
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Problems relating to the fuel/propulsion system are also varied. An owner from Michigan complains that the front of the gas tank was punctured by road debris because there is no shielding on the gas tank.
“The complete contents of the tank emptied onto the highway in under 5 minutes. The same debris also hit the muffler but only scratched it, proving a metal shield would have protected the gas tank.”
An owner from Texas states that the Equinox lost acceleration and then “died” while driving on the highway. Two days later, the dealership found that the fuel pump wouldn’t change speeds because of an internal fault. They replace the fuel pump. But a day later, “the engine died again on (the) highway after losing acceleration.”
The driver had trouble starting the vehicle, and when it did start up, “it died again when trying to put (it) into drive.” This is exactly what happened initially. The owner suspects a defective fuel pump.
At the time of the complaint, the Equinox was at a Chevy dealership. The outcome has not been recorded with the NHTSA.
An owner from Indiana was driving on a 45 mph, four-lane road when the Equinox engine “completely failed.” The vehicle had only 200 miles on the clock three days after purchase.
There was an alert message on the dash: Engine Failure/Failed/Reduced Power. Then the car lost speed, all power, and came to a stop. There were curbs on both sides of the road and no median or shoulder. This meant the car was stranded in the right lane with continuous traffic approaching from behind. They all had to change lanes to avoid an accident.
“My safety and the safety of others were at risk… This could have been catastrophic if I’d been on an interstate or in many other situations.
Later, the owner “discovered an email from OnStar Diagnostics that was time stamped at the very time I experienced the incident, 8:02am.”
The email states “An issue with the Engine and Transmission System in your 2022 Chevrolet Equinox has been detected. Please service your vehicle immediately.”
In addition, Chevrolet Equinox engine and turbo issues have been reported as well. It stems from multiple complaints about reduced engine power and the turbo unit becoming disconnected from the throttle body.
There is only one complaint about lane departure. But we mention it because it relates to the driver-assistance features that GM highlights in its promotional information. In addition to the Lane Departure warning and Lane Keep Assist, there is an optional Lane Change Alert with a Side Blind Zone Alert.
The complaint is from an owner in Michigan who states that a “driver side blind spot would wrongfully detect a vehicle in the blind spot when there was no other vehicle around. In certain cases it would leave a huge uncertainty whether you could or not change lanes to (the) left or make a left turn safely.”
Of course, not everyone will buy a lemon, but if you are one of the unlucky ones, Lemberg Law can help you get compensation or a settlement, depending on the circumstances. Legally, depending on individual circumstances, you have rights. We will advise whether you are eligible for a cash refund, return, or a buyback.
Call our Helpline so we can assess your Equinox problems and let you know what we can do to help. The law makes Chevrolet foot the bill.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
Gas odor can’t be diagnosed in 2022 equinox. Odor is coming from hood of the car. The windshield has gas /oil rainbow smudges all over it. When I shut car off the smell of gas is very strong! But dealership said can’t smell it and I didn’t today either but it’s on going issue but very rainy today too and windy.
I also have the 2022 equinox . Passenger side door rattles from day 1. All the windows make a creaking noise when raising up it. Brakes or rotors grinding from day 1. Check engine light went on at 8k miles. They wanted to keep the car for 4 days I was very persistent and demanded they give me a loaner car so they ended up fixing it in 1 day. The intake manifold hose or something had come loose. Coolant has been low since that and I took it in for oil changes a few times but they never topped it up. Now at 27k miles the engine light went on again and they didn’t tell me how long they are going to keep it. Now I need a ride
Bought a NEW 2022 equinox in December. Less than 5,000 miles steering wheel jerks to the right and (service ESC) is displayed on the screen. Took to dealership and they couldn’t find a problem. Has done the same thing 4 times since with now 9,500 miles on the vehicle. This last time we received it from the dealership service department with no fix and less than 200 miles the power steering went out going 70 miles an hour on the interstate and (Power Steering Disabled Drive With Care) (Service ESC) displayed. It has now been at the dealership for 3 weeks and they can’t find the problem. They want us to take the car back with no solution to the problem. I refuse to accept the vehicle until I can be assured it is SAFE. Don’t know where’s this is headed.
Bought my 2022 equinox new front axles been replaced twice still not fixed 8000 miles on the car. Rear brakes replaced because of grinding.
I have purchased a new 2022 Equinox and with 10,385 miles my car locked up. The ESC, engine, and TC lights came on. I was pulling out of a parking space and the car locked up, and then the lights came on. I could not pull back in the parking space nor turn the engine off. Had to call a tow truck and they had to tow the car to the dealership running. It has been in the dealership for service for a few days and no word on what is wrong. This is a safety issue. After researching and reading several comments this has occurred on this model since 2018 and no recall has been addressed.
I have a 2022 equinox, bought brand new. Since day 1, brakes scraping on whatever, now there is a fuel/engine problem. The car wouldn’t start and when it did, it stalled when I put it in gear. Thank God that happened in my driveway! It’s at the dealership now, waiting to hear what’s wrong.
I just bought a 2022 Equinox last month with only 850 miles on it. At 1200 miles it is now leaking oil. The oil also smells like gasoline. I am going to call the dealership to set up an appointment. The car has full bumper to bumper warranty so I will not expect to pay a dime. I have health issues and bought this car so I could have reliable transportation for my very important and ongoing doctor visits. I hope that Findlay Chevrolet will do the right thing and provide me with a rental while they keep the car as I have no other means of transportation to get around. Plus, I rely only on myself to get to my doctor.
I purchased a 2022 Equinox on July 5, 2022. From the moment it was purchased, the radio caused issues with the screen loading slow, crackling radio, back up camera stuck on, volume goes up and down on its own. It was at the dealership twice till they replaced the radio unit and in less than a week it did the same thing and with each time they had the radio, On Star would get knocked out and they could get the car to register the signal. The dealership is bringing in a GM tech on Friday to see what the issue is. Plus the dealership overcharged me by $200. I have had two other Equinox with On Star and no issues.
We bought a 2022 Equinox last April. It glitches when using the infotainment system. The screen goes crazy and turns green. Even when I’m driving and when the reverse camera is on the screen. I went to the dealership, and they told me that everything is normal that only a system update is needed. Also that it might be due to the weather. I can’t believe that the manager told me that! I live in Denver and that it is because of the cold. We have had other car brands and they have never given us trouble. Imagine that answer. We asked if there were manufacturing defects in this model and according to them, no, but I see here in the comments that the same thing is happening to others.
Original: Compramos una equinox 2022 en abril pasado me da toques al tocar el carro en varias ocasiones la pantalla se vuelve loca y hasta con una distorcion en color verde y voy manejando y hasta la cámara de la reversa se a puesto en la pantalla. Fui a al concesionario y me dicen que todo es normal que solo se ocupa una actualización del sistema que los toques que me da el carro es por el clima puden creer que el manager me dijera eso, vivo en denver y que es por el frío, hemos tenido otra marca de carros y nunca nos han dado toques imaginen esa contestación. Preguntamos si había defectos de fabrica en este modelo y según ellos dijeron que no, pero veo aquí en los comentarios que si les está pasando lo mismo que a mi.
This is my 3rd Equinox. We were in an accident in the 2nd one & forced to get a new car. Bought a new 2022 in May. Have over 13,000 miles on it. No issues-love it!!!!
I have at 2022 Chevy Equinox LT and the brakes grinding when reversing and now my infotainment screen is glitching as if it’s going out. It’s brand new. Only had it since March. Brakes have been grinding for awhile.
I have a 2022 equinox with 4k miles on it. Brakes been grinding since 1 week old and low miles. Just had it at shop and all looks “ok, it’s a known issue but there’s no fix” So I’m supposed to drive around with brakes grinding all the time now and wait for a fix?! It’s an issue on 21&22 models so I don’t see a fix coming soon. Brand new car with issues again. . Also my radio was going crazy, wouldn’t turn off was changing the channel and volume itself. Never buying a Chevy again!
I have a Equinox 2022 that I am leasing and have had multiple issues involving breaks, electrical and possible drive train. I have it “serviced” each time an issue arises. One service visit was 2.5 weeks long and I still have the same brake issue. I call and ask if there is a fix for any of the issues and have had no resolve. The dealership has offered to switch my leased vehicle to another lease.for double the price because that was “all they had”. I feel I am getting no resolve for any issue and gaslighted into thinking everything is fixed and working properly. Do I have options?