2019 Chevrolet Equinox Powertrain (other) Problems

The transmission system failed abruptly. I pulled away from a stoplight, had accelerated to 20-25 mph, and then the car came to a sudden stop, as if someone had put on an emergency brake. It continued to act as if the brake was on when I tried to go forward or reverse. I put it into neutral so that I could push it off the road. I realized it would drive slowly in neutral, so I drove it less than a mile back to my workplace. Regarding safety, I nearly got rear-ended when the car stopped suddenly. This endangered me and the other driver. I was headed to the freeway, then would have been crossing a bridge, to get home, so the danger could have been amplified. The dealership's service manager told me that something internally had failed in the transmission. As far as I know they haven't taken it apart to find out what internally failed. They told me that the transmission needed to be replaced. As far as I know, no one has inspected the internal components of the transmission. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to this incident.

NHTSA ID

11736777

Incident

May 6, 2026

On Sunday, [XXX] (a very hot day in Michigan. My vehicle registered 100 degrees) I was driving on [XXX] about 70-73 mph when I got an alert that said (to the best of my recollection) TOO HOT - IDLE IMMEDIATELY! and there was a continuous high pitch beeping which I only heard after turning off the radio. I continued at highway speed for a good 2-3 miles to the next exit afraid at any minute my car would start smoking. I exited and had to stop at a red light before turning left into a Kroger plaza with a fuel station. When the light turned green I accelerated and a grinding sound came from my car. I pulled into the plaza and turned the car off but had to turn it back on in about a minute as it was too hot to sit in car without air conditioning. It started and idled just fine. I googled roadside service and got a nice fellow (on a SUNDAY!) and he arrived in about 40 minutes. He towed me 40 miles away to a recommended auto shop that on Monday told me it was my transmission cooler that was defective and that I needed a transmission shop for a new transmission. It was then towed another 20 minutes away where it stayed for 9 days. Cost: $6564.48 plus $150 for paying with a credit card so totaled $6714.48. My drive train warranty was only good to 60,000 miles/5 years and I have 76,000 miles on my car at the time. Was told the transmission cooler was defective so I asked to have the cooler part and I have it in my garage. I spent over $1000 at the dealership in the months of Feb/March/April 2025 as my car hit the 70,000 mile mark so I had them do all work required by the car manual. The transmission cooler is apparently not a part they check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11671331

Incident

Jun 22, 2025

Symptoms were poor gas mileage, highly rough idle (especially in DRIVE, while at a stop), lag in acceleration as well as delayed response to gas pedal depression, struggled take off from an incline while utilizing AC on high output. Diagnosed by a code reader with confirmation by a trusted mechanic that the transmission is malfunctioning. Mechanic indicates the need to seek a shop specializing in transmissions because this entails disassembly of drain pan and plug to find issue either with fluid seal or the start/stop assembly in relation to the transmission. Issues began approximately 6 months ago, as I have been trying to deduce the issue by process of elimination by way of services and mileage recommendation. All professional involved indicate that a Chevy at this mileage and age do not typically display concerns related to the transmission.

NHTSA ID

11663850

Incident

Dec 15, 2024

To Whom It May Concern, I'm writing to formally report a critical failure of the Auto Start-Stop system in my 2019 Chevy Equinox that occurred today, resulting in a hazardous situation during rush hour traffic. While stopped in the northbound left turn lane of Route 202 at the intersection with Baltimore Pike, the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop feature engaged as expected. However, upon releasing the brake to proceed, the engine failed to restart, and the vehicle remained completely inoperative — engine off, no power, and unresponsive to ignition attempts. This failure caused the vehicle to become stranded in a live intersection during heavy traffic, posing a serious safety risk not only to myself but also to other motorists. A Pennsylvania State Police officer arrived on the scene and assisted by pushing the vehicle across three active lanes of traffic while in neutral, performing a battery jump with a brand new battery of five months, and escorting me home to ensure I was safe. This situation was both dangerous and unacceptable, especially considering that the failure stemmed from a system designed for emissions/fuel efficiency, not safety. The Auto Start-Stop feature in this vehicle clearly introduces critical failure points without adequate redundancy or reliability, particularly in real-world driving conditions. Additionally, I contacted my local Chevrolet dealership and spoke directly with a technician in the service department. He confirmed that they have had multiple customers reporting similar failures with the Auto Start-Stop system. According to him, this is not an isolated incident, and in several cases, it has placed drivers in equal danger. I am formally requesting: An investigation into this incident, Information on any existing Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to this failure, A full inspection of the vehicle at GM’s expense, And a report on what steps GM is taking to prevent similar failures from putting other drivers in harm’s way.

NHTSA ID

11656633

Incident

Apr 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Advanced Auto Parts where a diagnostic test was performed and DTC U0101 and P12A6 were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,533.

NHTSA ID

11654603

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

Mileage

108,533 mi

The vehicle is leaking oil from in between the engine and transmission I am some bit mechanical and im sure its the rear Maine seal leaking yes the vehicle is available for inspection im taking it to H&H chevrolet [XXX] for a inspection I talked to Christian brothers repair and I told them what it was doing and they told me alot about my vehicles problem and gave me some Estimates and also said they have 2 in there shop right now needing the same repair...How was my safety or the safety of others put at risk? well me and my family went out to get a few groceries and it was -25 outside and we almost didn't make it back home because the car was not wanting to drive.if it had died we would have been stuck in dangerously cold weather.no warning lights came on I only found it was leaking when I started to smell burning oil so I looked under it and there was a small puddle of oil. this happened Monday [XXX] and the car hasn't been drivable since it sounds fine but I don't know we haven't moved it since we got it home. this is really inconvenient this vehicle is my only means of transportation to work and I never thought on a car I purchased brand new it would ever blow a rear seal I have heard many other having these problems and I still can't understand why this isn't a recall this is a very expensive problem to just be put on people financially. i hoping GM can resolve this for me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11641412

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

Vehicle runs with reduced engine power. Was initially told the turbo needed cleaned, and it continued to happen. Then was told it needed to be replaced. The final result is that the tube that connects to the turbo keeps falling off. Being told there is no fix, and no recall, we just need to keep putting it back on when it pops off.

NHTSA ID

11630664

Incident

Aug 1, 2024

Vehicle is having "shift to park" issue. The vehicle is in park and will not turn off or start. This is a commonly known issue on other Chevy and GM vehicles, but GM has not acknowledged the problem or will not fix unless paid out of pocket.

NHTSA ID

11592172

Incident

Dec 22, 2023

UNKNOWN Shift to park after pulling to into parking spot and coming to complete stop. Car would not register it was in park on the dash or the gear shift and kept prompting to “Shift To Park”. Check engine light, TC system light, TC light, and park assist light all popped on at once. Car would not turn off. Car had no power going to transmission upon tow. Car would still not turn off after tow. While E-brake was on and waiting for tow, car kept idling and would make a “clunk” noise and then the RPM would jump.

NHTSA ID

11583944

Incident

Apr 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH for approximately a mile, the Engine Power Reduced message was displayed. The vehicle lost motive power, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact spoke with an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact continued to drive, and the engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer contacted the manufacturer for additional guidance. The dealer later informed her that the vehicle needed two computer program updates. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle decelerated. The reduce engine power message was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air conditioner caused the failure, the charge air cooler was freezing, and the turbo and shutter system needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving at highway speeds, the reduced engine power message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Michael Bates Chevrolet Inc. (23755 Allen Rd., Woodhaven, MI 48183, (734) 365-6790), where it was diagnosed that there was zero pressure in the turbocharger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11572042

Incident

Dec 21, 2023

Mileage

78,000 mi

My 2019 Chevy Equinox with 30,000 miles will not start due to a "Shift to Park" error. This is a common issue with other models of Chevrolet in that same time frame 2017 - 2019 Malibu, Traverse, and Volt. The dealer wants to charge over $1500.00 for an issue that appears to be related to a failing sensor. The vehicle will turn on (power) but will not start. Once power is on, you can not shut off the power as it believes that the vehicle is in gear. This causes the battery to drain. This should be a recall by GM as this is a common issue that the manufacture chooses to ignore.

NHTSA ID

11567776

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

The vacuum pump blew apart and sent shrapnel into the cam shaft and valve cover. Yes it is available for inspection because it’s still down. Our safety was put at risk because we were coming off the freeway and our brakes basically went out. We have an estimate from the dealer for $1,926.87. No warning at all!!

NHTSA ID

11555850

Incident

Nov 13, 2023

I bought my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox brand new from Chevrolet dealership. I was driving to pick up passengers. As I drove on too the customers property I pick up my passenger in a wooded area I had to drive up a steep hill. Then I backed up into the next drive path, as I was making my turn to go forward to leave, I tried to backup to make a clear turn but my reverse gave out on me. Something got lodged under my vehicle as I was going forward I got stuck in a ditch on there property. I called me wife and she came to pick me up, I contacted my insurance to request a tow truck and waited 45 minutes but no one showed up. Two of the customer neighbor pulled me out using their tow strap attacked to their 4×4 truck.

NHTSA ID

11554149

Incident

Nov 3, 2023

While traveling a message appear "power reduced" a noise was heard like whistle (air whooshing). The time Car was started the engine light was on. The car was serviced by GM/Chevrolet dealership service. They found water in the spare tire compartment, but didn't not agree that it was the cause of malfunction. The asked if the car had been in a flood. I did my own research and found that this water leak problem is a known issue in litigation.

NHTSA ID

11546079

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

My vehicle beginning idling and check engine light came on while at red light. So I decided to head to nearest auto parts to see what the code was. The light turned green and my truck didn’t want to go forward. Once it started to pull off it went slow and then gain a little more speed. This could’ve caused an accident. The people from the opposite side of rode would’ve hit and probably killed my son and I. This is not okay and needs to be checked on all vehicles because that’s a very late warning sign and can cause a huge issue. I’m reaching out to Chevrolet tomorrow morning since today is Sunday.

NHTSA ID

11543697

Incident

Sep 10, 2023

Twice the vehicle has gone into limp mode (15 mph max) on busy highway in last month. Diesel particulate filter clogged both times. Currently has been in Chevy dealer shop for over two weeks. Emission system failure and dealer cannot figure out cause. They are currently replacing many parts and cannot assure us this problem will not reoccur. 47,000 miles. Maintenance has been better than recommended for oil changes and filters. Currently awaiting second repair invoice.

NHTSA ID

11537580

Incident

Jun 23, 2023

This vehicle has started to lose power was taken to firsteam Norfolk Va where purchased took for oil change and tire rotation also loss of engine power at speeds of 20-32 mph and 50-62 mph. Dealership at Norfolk Va sent to firstteam Hampton VA Chevrolet for diagnosis and came back no engine light and small misfire 3/4 sparkplugs needed changed 177.00. After plugs were changed still had misfire then they felt it was number 4 injector 500.00 but never did work. I took it to national shop for recommended injector and when plugs were pulled mechanic found no new plugs. Injector was replaced with gm part and still misfiring. Norfolk firstteam towed vehicle back to Hampton Va firstteam and they are now giving me the run around. They want a blank check to replace parts till they find the problem. Unexceptable to even ask. Service writer has been very disrespectful and hung up on national shop and myself. When asked questions regarding work done service writer would just talk over us and speak to us disrespectful and then hung up. We have requested service manager at Hampton firstteam Chevrolet contact us and we were told she would tell him later. I have contacted Aston Lewis Jr owner of all firstteam dealerships here in Va requesting help three times and still no response. We need this reported so someone can fix the misfire and power loss the dealership does not know how to fix. Car is under power train warranty . Any help would be nice.

NHTSA ID

11514506

Incident

Mar 16, 2023

Purchased 2019 Sept 2021 engine light appeared fixed mass air flow by Reedman Chevy Sept 2022 engine reappears they fixed oxygen sensor Dec 19 2022 engine light reappears. Taken to Reedman 12/28/22 states orifice sensor or tube discover GM is aware of issue bullentin no.:20-NA-047 Reedman refused to honor repairs. States service will be $2,000.00 after contacting GM Protection Plan stated they give a $300 good will offer toward repair however the part is not covered under warranty(confused).

NHTSA ID

11499390

Incident

Dec 29, 2022

I purchased the crossover 2019in or around Sept 2021 the engine light appeared, it was taken to Reedman Toll Chevy of Springfield and they replaced the mass air flow sensor or oxygen sensor. Sept 2022 the engine light appeared again they replaced the oxygen sensor, Dec 19,2022 the engine light appeared again the vehical was taken to Reedman were it remains and I am being told it's th orifice tube(PVC tube). They stated this part is not covered under warranty after research GM bulletin No.: 20-NA-047 states this part is in fact covered. Reedman states the coverage of the service is $2,000.00 I contacted GM warranty dept (Irene) case#9-8392615536 who stated the part is covered also. Reedman refuses to follow the order given under the bulletin and GM.

NHTSA ID

11499311

Incident

Dec 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, the engine failed to engage while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the RPM failed to increase. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the contact needed transmission fluid however, the failure recurred. The contact was concerned that while driving the failure might cause an accident. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,002.

NHTSA ID

11486848

Incident

Sep 22, 2022

Mileage

50,002 mi

While driving on the highway a warning message came up that said “engine power reduced” and moment after we lost the ability to accelerate. We pull over and turn the car off, when trying to restart it, it would not restart. We were left stranded on the side of the highway. We had to get it towed to a GM dealership and after 3 days we received a diagnosis that the vacuum pump failed and seized which caused damage to the end of the cam shaft. Repair costs are approx. $1800! We are lucky we didn’t completely lose control of our vehicle and was able to get to the side of the road!

NHTSA ID

11455542

Incident

Mar 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who replaced the throttle body, but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11430644

Incident

Jul 15, 2021

Mileage

14,000 mi

We noticed a reddish liquid on our garage floor. As the car is under warranty, we took it to the dealer who said it was a leak at the drivers side axel seal; they kept the car for one day, said it was fixed, and called me to come pick up the car. The very next day I noticed leak was worse, and so I reported that to the dealer (see uploaded photo). The dealer told me that they would connect with "tech assist" (whatever that means) and get back to me. I'm concerned that if the leak gets even greater while on the road it could be a safety problem.

NHTSA ID

11428085

Incident

Jul 3, 2021

TL* THE CONTACTS WIFE OWNED A 2019 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE COMING OUT OF A STANDSTILL THE CONTACT HEARD A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PRODUCE SMOKE AND PROCEEDED TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY CITY POLICE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING DISPLAYED WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING DESTROYED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V668000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,199.

NHTSA ID

11408363

Incident

Feb 21, 2021

Mileage

16,199 mi

I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND APPLIED THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO THE GAS PEDAL AT FIRST AND JUST SAT THERE. AFTER A FEW SECONDS I WAS ABLE TO START MOVING. THIS SITUATION ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE A FEW WEEKS AGO FOR SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11405692

Incident

Mar 30, 2021

Mileage

32,800 mi