2010 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin TSB #: 19-NA-065. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward; the driver was able to pull over. While attempting to restart the vehicle, it suddenly caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. AAA was called, and the vehicle was towed to her residence. The occupant called 911, and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was called, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11727517

Incident

Mar 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced severely rough idling before it stalled. The contact believed that the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) was the cause of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

NHTSA ID

11727348

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

152,000 mi

Vehicle looses power and can very easily cause a bad wreck I've replaced multiple thing and it still does it I'm not sure what it is possibly the timing or something to do with camshaft

NHTSA ID

11725985

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

TCM shift issues

NHTSA ID

11691134

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Windshield wipers mechanism popped on my Chevy equinox.

NHTSA ID

11670465

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

This 2010 Chevy Equinox has the 2.4 liter motor that is recalled in similar vehicles by Chevrolet due to the piston rings having “blow by”. We have had to carry a quart of oil because of the constant consumption of oil, which led to the catalytic converter getting clogged. Most recently while traveling to Denver cylinder 3 lost compression and put the vehicle into “limp mode” on [XXX] (XXX) with traffic traveling at 75MPH and our car doing 20 MPH trying to exit. I spoke to Chevy customer service several years ago and was told “Yes we know the issue however your VIN isn’t part of our recall, we’ve satisfied the NHTSB call for action”. In my research loss of compression due to “blow by” can be direct correlation to engine failure. Oil was checked as I always do before any road trip, no engine lights or warning signs were present, we were 210 miles from home when this happened, and had to rent a car to continue our trip to Denver and return home to retrieve a truck and trailer to pick up our broken down vehicle located in Silverthorne. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11664863

Incident

May 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 - 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning lights illuminated. However, after the failure, the low engine power warning message would display. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure would recur. The failure occurred on 4 separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was no oil, although the panel showed the vehicle had 40% oil, transmission, and a high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11632196

Incident

Aug 5, 2024

Mileage

115,000 mi

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 ID

11631485

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

Mileage

158,000 mi

The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. The coincidence that my car falls in the category of vehicles included for this recall (Bulletin No.: 09298C), but is not included is confusing, to say the least. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to this failure that began in 2019.

NHTSA ID

11630057

Incident

Jan 5, 2019

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to approximately 75 MPH. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle stalled, and the contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer it was purchased from. The dealer informed the contact that there was no oil in the vehicle even though an oil change had been performed on the vehicle. The dealer replaced the upper part of the engine; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering, made abnormal sounds and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower part of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for the VIN to be added in an unknown related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11627176

Incident

Nov 25, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the defroster became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle became very difficult to drive due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the computer module in the center instrument panel had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with TSB: 09298C (Heating and Windshield Defrost Inoperative. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in TSB: 09298C. The approximate failure mileage was 235,000.

NHTSA ID

11624834

Incident

Nov 12, 2024

Mileage

235,000 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine was consuming one quart of oil every 1,000 miles driven. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had remained illuminated since becoming aware of the oil consumption issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11624768

Incident

Nov 12, 2024

Mileage

107,000 mi

I purchased this vehicle back last year and I put a lots of money into the engine and having troubles with it I’m just now finding out this type of vehicle I have has been recalled and I’m trying to see is there some type of way I can get it fix without coming out of my pockets like I already had engine light still on after I got the part put on and I don’t have money like that to keep getting it fix I have low income and trying to take my kids to school sometimes I be afraid to drive cause it keeps cutting off in middle of traffic problems with the catalytic converter and 02 sensors I change everything and still having trouble and out of money can somebody please help me no incidents just a recall and bad motor

NHTSA ID

11614325

Incident

Jun 3, 2024

I have a 2.4 ltr Chevy equinox and the engine went out at 140000miles, no warning symbol. Left me stranded in the middle of nowhere, two days after being stuck in a rain storm, when I found out my wipers died.

NHTSA ID

11613642

Incident

Sep 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and made a clicking sound while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the exhaust camshaft timing was over-advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period, the system performance catalyst was low efficiency, and the evaporator systems had a small leak. The contact stated that two calipers and the boot of the axle were previously repaired due to a leak. The mechanic stated that the contact needed to replace the engine variable valve timing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,823.

NHTSA ID

11578886

Incident

Mar 4, 2024

Mileage

124,823 mi

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signals and the speed odometer were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN for the failure. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle where the vehicle was purchased for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle had several failures since purchasing the vehicle three years ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11571928

Incident

Feb 15, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact's wife was driving at night while it was raining. The contact stated that after inspecting and researching the cause of the failure, he discovered that a failure with the windshield wiper transmission assembly. The contact became aware that the windshield wiper transmission assembly needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he would repair the vehicle himself. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,011.

NHTSA ID

11562565

Incident

Dec 28, 2023

Mileage

100,011 mi

Horrible oil consumption issue. Piston rings are bad and the car doesn’t have that many miles. A huge issue with the equinox.

NHTSA ID

11562486

Incident

Mar 22, 2023

Vehicle started to make funny noise took to local repair shop and was informed it was the timing chain. Mechanic also told me he has been replacing quit a few on equinox lately. Called cheverlot for assistance after looking online and seeing there was a special bulletin issued a while back. The representative never informed me of it during our call nor did they acknowledge it was a problem. The Mechanic explained the dangers of it going out while driving and I think it's a pretty dangerous situation to have happen while driving. I was only informed of windshield wiper joint recall that I informed him I knew of already because mine went out while driving in the rain and had to go 2 days without wipers

NHTSA ID

11560755

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

We were unaware of the oil consumption issue related to the 2010 Equinox. As a result we purchased one with less then 100 k miles, changed the oil, and sent my college bound daughter off with it. After driving just 4-5k miles in about 3-4 months the oil was very low and ruined the engine! Now we are facing an engine replacement if the vehicles is even worth investing that much more money.

NHTSA ID

11559967

Incident

Nov 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while checking the oil level, the dipstick was removed, and the contact detected an abnormal gasoline odor in the oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall coverage for the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to Product Emission Recall: 43180 High Pressure Fuel Pump. The failure mileage was approximately 73,740. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11548146

Incident

Oct 1, 2021

Mileage

73,740 mi

After taking my vehicle to three repair shops I was advised by the last body shop that there was a bulletin (14159) out in regards to excessive engine oil consumption. The mechanic explained the issues I am having with my car is due to the excessive engine oil consumption. He stated the car is not losing oil it’s burning it. My entire engine is effected due to this issue. To go further in detail my car was cutting on and off in the middle of traffic. This is a huge safety issue for me I have a disabled son who I travel with on the daily. I quote “ All consumers should receive notice of a recall affecting them. Car manufacturers are required to notify registered owners and purchasers of all recalled cars by letter, and state agencies will provide manufacturers with lists of registered owners for this purpose.” I never received a letter concerning a recall or this issue. I took very well care of my vehicle my car is a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and it only has 108,774miles. This is so devastating I have no other transportation and now I’m stuck looking for a new vehicle. If any documentation is needed I can assure you I can provide it.

NHTSA ID

11536425

Incident

Jun 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she waited approximately 30 minutes before restarting the vehicle. Additionally, one quart of engine oil needed to be added to the vehicle every one to two months. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the Ignition, the key became stuck. The contact had to manipulate the key to be able to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the variable solenoid valve and intake and exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.

NHTSA ID

11525886

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Mileage

192,000 mi

Purchased a 2010 Chevy Equinox from this Chevy dealer in the Pinehurst NC area in December 2022. Heard knocking noise start mid-March 2023. Vehicle seemed to go into "limp" mode and lost power (dangerous situation had vehicle been on interstate with no shoulder or exit ramp or could have been rear-ended due to sudden lack of power). No check engine light on at any time or when vehicle was taken to another Chevy dealer (March 20, 2023). Initially, Chevy dealer stated there were no issues. Insisted that the vehicle be checked again. Dealer took vehicle on test drive and then put on lift. Chevy dealer then stated oil loss issues and need to replace timing chains, actuators, gaskets, pistons, piston rings, oil coolant, water pump, balance chain, and other related parts. This is a design flaw in engine and piston rings causing excessive oil consumption which then leads to failure of other components. Was advised to change oil every 3,500 miles as opposed to going by the "oil" light and advised only to drive the vehicle sparingly and only if absolutely needed to drive.

NHTSA ID

11517165

Incident

Mar 13, 2023

I took the Chevy Equinox to the Chevy dealership to have the oil changed. The House Technician said it was unsafe to put it on a lift. The entire frame was corroded. On 02/28/2023, I had the dealership do a Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection. This is their findings: #1-1010: INSPECTIONS INSPECT/CHECK inspect due to customer request Inspected unit due to customers request found excessive rear under body rust and left rear upper control arm is held on by two bolts, but structure is unstable due to corrosion. The rear drive shaft has been removed for unknown reasons. This assessment is visual and at this time. Unit looks unsafe and unstable to drive due to rear under vehicle rust. l would recommend to park the unit and get alternative transportation and replacing the vehicle due to rust. Customer has been advised of our findings. I called GM and reported the problem. They couldn't do a buyback on the Equinox. I filed a complaint with BBB AUTO-LINE, they closed the case said the vehicle was to old. GM said the Equinox came from up north, and since I live in Arkansas the climate change made the vehicles frame rust rapidly due to the moisture. The emergency brake cable, and control arm is rusted into. The vehicle went from excellent condition to unsafe to drive in one day. Their was no visibility of rust in December2022.

NHTSA ID

11516512

Incident

Feb 28, 2023