2014 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine22734.9%
- Visibility18528.5%
- Electrical456.9%
- Powertrain (other)406.2%
- Fuel system355.4%
- Driver assistance345.2%
- Airbags294.5%
- Steering182.8%
- Brakes121.8%
- Body & structure91.4%
- Seat belts40.6%
- Tires & wheels40.6%
- Other / unspecified30.5%
- Exterior lighting30.5%
- Suspension10.2%
- Interior & seats10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Component Failure & Availability: A GM remanufactured 2.4L engine block, installed as a replacement in July 2025, suffered a catastrophic internal failure (blown head gasket) within 11 months of installation. The vehicle and the component are currently in the owner's possession and are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: A blown head gasket with an internal coolant leak into Cylinder #3 causes immediate engine overheating, severe engine misfires, and a loss of motive power. If this defect causes the engine to stall while the vehicle is in motion, the driver suddenly loses power steering and acceleration, directly compromising the safe operation of the vehicle in traffic. Confirmation by Service Centers: The catastrophic failure was formally reproduced, pressure-tested, and confirmed by an independent service center. Inspection by Manufacturer/Others: Following the independent confirmation, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized manufacturer dealership. During this inspection, the authorized dealership executed an unauthorized teardown of the engine block and sublet the engine head to a third-party machine shop, physically altering the failed component prior to manufacturer review. Warning Lamps & Symptoms: A check engine light illuminated shortly after the engine's initial installation. The authorized dealership evaluated the vehicle, reset the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and released the vehicle back onto the roadway without properly diagnosing the warranted engine block. This allowed a defective and degrading powertrain component to remain in operation until failure occurred.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and shut off on several occasions. The contact turned the ignition key, and the vehicle restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was determined that the oil level was low. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing chain had failed. The dealer determined that the timing chain, the tensioner, and the tensioner guide needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that only the timing chain was covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,678.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wipers stopped working sounded like they were grinding when they stopped.
2014 Chevy Equinox- Consumer is requesting reimbursement for parts and repair in connection to the Safety Recall # N212352530. Recall letter and repair & parts invoice attached.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
purchased a 2014 Chevy Equinox from Direct Auto Sales on 03/07/26, and I am currently experiencing serious issues with the vehicle after only 2 months of purchase I noticed the vehicle is making a clicking and grinding sound the vehicle powers down when driving. The problem still exists even after multiple oil changes.
The vehicles electrical system failed or faulted while operating. Engine went into a slow mode while operating in traffic. After stopping vehicle would not restart. very dangerous for an elderly person operating the vehicle.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had to get engine replaced 2 months after I bought it in May 2022, warranty covered the replacement. Ongoing issues with catalytic converters, O2 sensors, check engine light coming on due to those reasons for approximately almost 2 years now. Powertrain (Stablitrak, ABS & ECO) stopped working 6 months after purchase - stablitrak warning light came on, took to dealer that I bought it from, quoted almost $900 to fix it, then took it to a private shop then had them fix it due to affordable cost, but somewhat still having some issues. Now Equinox is burning through oil fast. I can bring it in upon request via TEXT ONLY as that I'M DEAF. Those issues have put my children's and my safety at risk because the powertrain caused my Equinox to shut off in the middle of the highway going uphill and other times as I was driving with my kids. All of those need to be fixed by the manufacturer or totaled and I get reimbursed for it. Can provide receipts of repairs & quotes to repair upon request via email.
Engine went into limp mode with now warning. I recieved a reduced engine power warning and the vehicle lost acceleration on the highway almost leading to an accident. I had the car towed to Coggin GM for diagnostic and was told that my throttle body has to be replaced. I was advised that this is common issue with this engine and notify due to a recall of older equinoxes
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicles electrical system failed or faulted while operating. Engine went into a slow mode while operating in traffic. After stopping vehicle would not restart. very dangerous for an elderly person operating the vehicle.
The engines in the 2014 equinox has a defect just like The Silverados.. they should have had a class action suit against that as well I've spoke with many ppl who had issues with their 2.4 eco tech engine it bucks at the stop signs cuts off and high fuel consumption
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Safety Complaint: Engine Stall/Loss of Power at Highway Speeds – 2014 Chevy Equinox Incident Details: • The Failure: While driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator. I was forced to navigate through highway traffic to the shoulder with no engine power. Once stopped, the vehicle would not restart. • Warning Signs: Leading up to the event, the Check Engine light and Battery light flickered intermittently. • Diagnostic History: Prior to the breakdown, a technician replaced the starter and checked the battery, yet the Check Engine light remained on. The engine exhibited high RPMs (reaching 3,000+) during normal acceleration before the total failure. • Safety Risk: This defect caused a complete loss of propulsion in high-speed traffic, placing myself and my infant in immediate danger of a high-speed rear-end collision.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black. The contact stated that upon shifting from reverse(R) to drive(D), the rearview camera remained engaged for an extended period. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing on one occasion, the failure recurred, causing the rear end of the vehicle to strike an unoccupied parked vehicle. There was no injury sustained. The rear end of the vehicle sustained minor damage. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Warning light is coming on that there is a airbag malfunction and thr airbag needs to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that as his daughter was slowing down to exit a highway, she was rear-ended at a high rate of speed by another vehicle. The impact from the other vehicle caused his daughter to then hit the vehicle in front of her. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact's daughter was taken to the hospital by ambulance; however, due to a long wait, she was left untreated. She was later treated by her primary care doctor who performed X-rays for the soreness in her left shoulder, the middle of her chest, and right hip; she was given medication to treat the soreness in those areas. A police report was filed. The whereabouts of the other drivers were unknown. The contact arrived at the scene and was able to drive the vehicle home; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact called an independent body shop and an appointment was made to inspect the vehicle. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Safety Complaint: Engine Stall/Loss of Power at Highway Speeds – 2014 Chevy Equinox Incident Details: • The Failure: While driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped responding to the accelerator. I was forced to navigate through highway traffic to the shoulder with no engine power. Once stopped, the vehicle would not restart. • Warning Signs: Leading up to the event, the Check Engine light and Battery light flickered intermittently. • Diagnostic History: Prior to the breakdown, a technician replaced the starter and checked the battery, yet the Check Engine light remained on. The engine exhibited high RPMs (reaching 3,000+) during normal acceleration before the total failure. • Safety Risk: This defect caused a complete loss of propulsion in high-speed traffic, placing myself and my infant in immediate danger of a high-speed rear-end collision.
HAS BAD STEERING RACK THAT SHOULD OF NEVER GONE BAD and the exhaust resignatior rotted out which should never happen
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The Stabilitrac , brake & Traction control would not reset. Took to shop replaced ABS module & T/C switch. Cost me $1999.32 to fix. Problem solved.
Timing jumped and rotors have to be changed too much.Truck is burning too much oil , affecting the engine.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon hooking up a trailer to the vehicle, a severe amount of rust and corrosion was noticed along the entire bottom of the vehicle. The contact emphasized a concern for safety with all the corrosion uncovered underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 16, 2020 AND NEITHER OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON. SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T COME ON AND SOMETIMES IT DOES. IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR CLOSE TO 2 YEARS. PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAS BEEN STICKING OFTEN. SOMETIMES I CAN BARLEY GET IT TO UNCLICK. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTH STAR CHEVROLET (5854 UNIVERSITY BLVD, MOON, PA 15108, (412) 294-0308) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Steering wheel was vibrating as well as car. Thought I needed an alignment. Mechanic pointed out it was my tires. Said side wall was about to split open. Bulge in tires
My steering wheel was vibrating as well as my car. I thought i needed an alignment. Mechanic said it was my tire. There is a bulge in the side wall and tire is about to split. Tire size 225/65R17 DTR1DEX
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I ASKED MECHANIC TO ROTATE MY TIRES. THEY REPORTED THAT A MAJORITY OF LUG NUTS HAD DEEP CRACKS AND METAL WAS SEPARATING ON THE LUG NUTS. ONE LUG NUT ON FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL WAS FROZEN ON AND SHEARED IN HALF WHEN ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE. I HAD TO TAKE VEHICLE TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER ADVISED ME THAT IF I DROVE THE CAR IN THAT CONDITION IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE TIRE IF I GOT A FLAT. ON 12/18/2018 I RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I CHANGE ALL THE LUG NUTS DUE TO CRACKS. THEY ALSO ADVISED ME THAT THE WRENCH THAT CAME WITH THE CAR WOULD NOT FIT THE BROKEN LUG NUT AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE ON THE ROAD. THE BROKE THE STUD IN DRILLING OUT THE LUG NUT. THE TOTAL BILL CAME TO 6 HOURS LABOR $720, 20 LUG NUTS $179.80, ONE STUD $5.99 PLUS TAX FOR $937 TOTAL. I BELIEVE THEIR IS SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE LUG NUTS. THEY ARE MADE FROM TWO TYPES OF METAL THAT WITH USE APPEAR TO START TO SEPARATE WITH LARGE CRACKS IN THE CHROME METAL ON THE AXIS WHERE THE TWO METALS APPEAR TO JOIN. IN MY SITUATION IT WOULD HAVE POSED A DEFINITE ROAD HAZARD IF I HAD ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE TIRE AND THE BOLT SHEARED IN HALF ALONG THE AXIS OF WHERE THE METALS JOINED. I WOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT IN A SITUATION WHERE IS WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WOULD HAVE HAD TO BE TOWED AS A TOW TRUCK OPERATOR WOULD HAVE FOUND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE TIRE.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR SHOWS LOW PRESSURE IN TIRES , BUT WHEN CHECKED WITH SEVERAL DIFFERENT HAND GAGES AND ADD AIR TO DESIRED PRESSURE LISTED ON DOOR RECOMMENDATION STICKER SENSOR STILL SHOWS THE TIRE PRESSURE IS LISTING LOW BY SEVERAL LBS. IN MOTION ON ROAD - HIGHWAY - CITY ST. / STANDING STILL / RUNNING OR JUST WITH KEY ON MOTOR OFF. (ALWAYS SHOWING LOW AIR PRESSURE IN TIRES -
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I BOUGHT MY 2014 CHEVY EQUINOX NEW. I WAS IN CRASH WHICH I HIT A FULL SIZE CHEVY TRUCK IN THE DRIVER DOOR AND IT TOTALED MY CAR AND NOT ONE AIR BAG CAME. I WAS CROSSING EAST AND WEST THE TRUCK WAS GOING NORTH TO SOUTH
WHILE DRIVING AT DAY LIGHT AND THEN TURNS TO DUST THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GO DOWN BY APPROX. 75% BRIGHTNESS AND TAKES FROM A FEW MINUTES TO OVER FIVE PLUS TO COME BACK TO BRIGHT. THIS IS ALARMING WHILE DRIVING, CHEVROLET SAYS THAT IS NORMAL. IF ANYTHING THE DASH LIGHTS SHOULD STAY THE SAME OR GO BRIGHTER
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
2014 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT HARD WHILE DRIVING. *SMD AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO PULL TO THE LEFT. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE SOMETIME BETWEEN 3 P.M. ON 8/10/14 AND 8 A.M. ON 8/11/14 WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED, PARKED, AND LOCKED. THE FIRE BURNED A LARGE HOLE IN THE SEAT. CHARRED DEBRIS FROM THE BURNED SEAT WAS FOUND ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR MAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CHEVROLET DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AS SOON AS THE BURNED SEAT WAS DISCOVERED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A "SEAT FIRE CAUSED BY AN INTERNAL HEAT SOURCE" AND OFFERED TO REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR AND SEAT CUSHION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .