2010 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems

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

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

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 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 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 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

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

Engine cylinders & seals are faulty and easily crack causing the car to STOP /STALL WHILE IN DRIVE! I NEARLY HIT A SEMI-TRUCK BECAUSE THE CAR STOPED MID DRIVE AND THE CAR JERKED SO HARD THAT THE WHEEL JERKED TO THE SIDE AND THEN LOCKED!! AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO GLIDE IN A CIRCLE BECAUSE IT DIDNT STOP ALL THE WAY I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL TO AVOID THE SEMI, WHAT SAVED MY LIFE WAS THE CLEAR ROAD THAT ALLOWED THE SEMI TO GO AROUND ME!! MY CAR LITERALLY SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ACROSS THE YELLOW LINE! This issue persists and corrupts the ENTIRE fuel system, catalytic conveyer, resonator, and timing chain SIMULTANEOUSLY! This causes each owner to replace the entire engine because it simply can not be fixed. Fixing or repairing one of the components does NOT fix the issue or stop the engine from failing, all must be replaced! Even after replacing it all THE SAME THING HAPPENS TO THE NEW ENGINE! This is a engine malfunction. The entire car/engine/blueprint should be destroyed and recalled!!! Even the mechanics and dealers are asking why these vehicles still exist and saying that the engine for this car is junk and it’s so common for this to happen to the point that there are NO USED ENGINES FOR UNDER $2500!!! Majority of the mechanics are even REFUSING to repair/replace the engine in this car because it’s a waste of time & money because the next engine NEW OR USED will do the same EXACT thing!! NO ONE IS GOING TO PAY $10,000+ for a NEW ENGINE or even $2500+ for a USED ENGINE PLUS $2000+ FOR LABOR ONLY FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM TO HAPPEN AFTER SPENDING $5000 - $12000+

NHTSA ID

11506303

Incident

Oct 5, 2022

High oil consumption. Low oil pressure and reduced engine power light activated. Car could not go more than 2 RPM. Issue continues to persist despite on time oil changes, adding oil as needed, etc.

NHTSA ID

11502162

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle began to lose forward motion. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the check engine and engine power reduced warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and he was able to pull off the roadway. The contact stopped and placed the vehicle in park(P) however, when he attempted to restart the vehicle, the vehicle would not restart. The contact checked the oil and saw that there was no oil on the dipstick. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence where he was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or to an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

NHTSA ID

11497344

Incident

Nov 29, 2022

Mileage

185,000 mi

Vehicle burns oil at a high rate due to an engine piston ring problem. If not checked on a weekly basis you will get low oil pressure throwing the car into limp mode decreasing engine power immediately. I know people that had this problem addressed by GM free of charge as a recall. I want to know if my vehicle qualifies for this recall.Currently this vehicle requires 1 quart of oil weekly in order to keep oil level full. If I am driving the vehicle and this would happen again it might not cause an accident but currently my wife and daughter use the car and they might not be able to handle the situation if it would occur. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11487729

Incident

May 25, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for the rear tire inspection, the dealer diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the timing chain; however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Matthews-Hargreaves Chevrolet (2000 Twelve Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067) and diagnosed with rack and pinion, cylinder misfire, and catalytic converter failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rack and pinion and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle would remain on after the key was taken out of the ignition. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and reimbursed the contact for the timing chain replacement. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11461200

Incident

Apr 18, 2022

Excessive engine repairs. I have done all the recalls and in November had to again have major engine work done on my car for excessive oil usage damaging the engine. I have also twice had transmission problems. In November my car just shut down in the middle of the highway and required major engine work done again. I have always made sure to do all the proper maintenance on this car. Now I am out of warranty and looking at around $6000 more in repairs again. I have been told by several car places that have looked at this car that there have been many problems with this car‘s engine. Engine light repeatedly goes on and when checked and fix goes off and goes back on within a week again. I have talk to GMC and they said because I am no longer under warranty nothing can be done. I feel like this car needs to be either replaced or the engine needs to be replaced by them. This last time has made me very worried since my car completely died in the middle of a busy highway.

NHTSA ID

11457089

Incident

Nov 24, 2021

BAD ENGINES ARE A KNOWN FACT FOR THIS VEHICLE. JUST TOO LATE FOR ME. FOUND OUT TOO LATE THAT A NEW ENGINE IS OVER $5000,. According to the dealer and an independent repair shop it is not unusual for this vehicle to have engine problems. Uses excess amounts of oil and lights are late to come on. Expensive to tear down the engine,. So all they can do is the best knowledge of what they see and hear. The reviews for this car state the same thing. Cost more to repair than vehicle is worth. Once again a GMC product gets me. Just because my folks liked them. NO MORE FOR ME>

NHTSA ID

11450447

Incident

Oct 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust module and the camshaft actuators needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, while driving at 60 MPH, the warning message "Reduced Power" illuminated. The contact stated that he immediately veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that he continued to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the accelerator pedal had failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 182,372.

NHTSA ID

11443351

Incident

Nov 29, 2021

Mileage

182,372 mi

I bought a Chevy Equinox in 6/2020 and have had high oil consumption problems. I took it in to where I bought it and they said it was a catalog converter problem along with seals and pistons that could damage your engine. After researching it, i found out there was a recall and class action suit fought in 2018 for the same problem. I was never told about this from the dealer and because it's outside the date to fix under the recall and warranty I have to pay for all the damage. The car broke down yesterday and had to be towed. What can I do? I'm still financing the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11440377

Incident

Nov 13, 2021