2020 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the fuel pump and fuel pump control module. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,451.

NHTSA ID

11753771

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

Mileage

38,451 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the message “Service Brake Assist” warning light illuminated twice. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed, causing the contact to engage the parking brake and manually shift the gear shifter to a lower gear to get the vehicle to come to a complete stop. A dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster pump needed to be replaced. The brake booster pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11753062

Incident

Jul 26, 2026

Mileage

94,000 mi

While driving, my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox suddenly lost power and shut off without warning while I was pulling into traffic. The vehicle would buzz not crank afterward but would not restart. This created a safety hazard because the unexpected engine shutdown occurred while the vehicle was in motion. This is the second brake vacuum pump failure I have experienced with this vehicle. In 2022, the brake vacuum pump failed and was found shattered internally. At that time, the engine continued running, and the pump was replaced. During this most recent incident, the brake vacuum pump failed again, and the internal end of the pump broke apart. I replaced the vacuum pump and removed the broken pieces I could access, but the vehicle remains in a crank/no-start condition. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealership or independent repair facility. However, after seeing the shattered pump components, a couple of mechanics I know expressed concern that the broken pieces may have affected the engine timing. That has not been confirmed. The failed pump and replacement parts are available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11752556

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

I was pulling into a parking lot off the state Thruway with the brake system failure no brakes, hard pedal, and the car would not stop

NHTSA ID

11751405

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

I bought the 2020 equinox May the 9th 2026 the dealership concealed a lot of things going on this vehicle and I complain to them two days after purchase he told me I was stuck with it in the meanwhile as I drive the vehicle I have had repairs done but it's something going on with the acceleration it accelerates on its own sometimes and slow to pick up speed. The steering seems to get away from me at times that makes me feel like I'm going to lose control when driving. I have almost had a couple of accidents since then so what really worries me is the steering problems which I just had a little alignment done today July 15th 2026 and the accelerating from time to time went backing up or pulling off. I do feel like the safety of others can be at risk for should I say my safety is that risk at times so I am extremely cautious when I'm driving. No I have not had really anyone to look at I have been having a car looked at for many issues but that issue I am still trying to get in to see a mechanic that I'm used to dealing with but he's been backed up. No there are no lights of any such but when I purchased it the sensors in the tires and I've had that replaced and I've noticed this situation with the acceleration when I bought the vehicle and the slow speed pick up when driving.

NHTSA ID

11750722

Incident

May 9, 2026

In early XXX, I noticed that water was pooling in the spare tire well. I took it to a Chevrolet dealership and they concluded that the rear sunroof drains were clogged. After unclogging the drains and confirming adequate sealing of the tubes, rain water was still leaking into the spare tire well. This is causing mold on the carpet and rust. This same issue, with the same year/make/model, happened to somebody else around the same time, and they made a post on Reddit ([XXX]). I believe there is an issue with the drainage system, leading to auto parts potentially rusting and mold growth, both of which severely harm the driver and passengers. Two cases of the exact same situation, starting around the same time, may not be a coincidence and it’s possible this is a widespread issue that has yet to be reported. An investigation into this issue could help drivers stay safe on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11750076

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

My cooling and heating sensor is reading negative 40 degrees outside but it has been 80 degrees and higher the past several weeks. This is not safe when you have children especially if they are under [XXX] old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11749888

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

Brakes went stiff and hard to push no warning light. I was driving on the interstate with my daughter. Was stuck out of town with no breaks.

NHTSA ID

11749665

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

As I was coming to a stop at light my brakes became very difficult to push the pedal down to stop. It took everything in me to get the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection and oncoming traffic. I was able to get the vehicle parked safely in a nearby parking lot but then the engine wouldn't start it just kept trying to turn over. The brake assist error popped up, and then the check engine light came on. I was able to get it started again about 20 minutes later, all the same warnings and lights. I white knuckled the drive back to my house... Once I got home the engine was smoking, smelled like it was burning, and oil was spilling out all over the place underneath, impossible to see where a leak was as it was coming from the entire engine. There was ZERO warning with the vehicle, no issues up to this point, and suddenly the equinox is now useless in my driveway unable to start with oil still leaking in multiple spots. An oil pan under the main leaking area, but there are still multiple areas of oil spilling even a week later. Oddly enough my onstar report for the month came to email a few days later reporting perfect engine health and zero issues - even thought the vehicle can't start now.

NHTSA ID

11748127

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

The turbocharger are bad on the 1.5 L vehicles. My current one , I had replaced already and my previous one had it too. Reduced engine power and should be recalled. I want to be reimbursed for the service and part replacement. 976.00 for the turbocharger and labor costs of 400.00. 3 1/2 hours of labor costs and the diagnostic test my nirth country GM in Hibbing. Should be recalled for all of these vehicles. 218-290-5027 Craig Johnson

NHTSA ID

11747964

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

The vacuum pump failed and my brakes went out pedal became extremely hard to push. I was driving on the highway at the time and was lucky I had a shoulder to slow down on and finally stop. I took the car to my usually mechanic who confirmed the vacuum pump failure but referred me to the Chevy dealer because this is a known issue. The dealer confirmed the pump had blown apart( their words to me) and that there are most likely debris now in the engine. No warning lights or alerts of any kind came on. Total suprise.

NHTSA ID

11747928

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a thumping sound coming from the brake pedal, with the message “Service Brake Assist” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that the next day while driving approximately 63 MPH, the message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. The contact exited the highway, and while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the pedal was firm, and the vehicle failed to slow as intended. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal with force, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle slowed down eventually. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and a handheld diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and failed to restart. The vehicle was restarted after three attempts. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the following day, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the vacuum pump, camshaft, and timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11747893

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Mileage

111,000 mi

My car is a 2020 Chevy Equinox with only 31852 miles. While driving today, all of a sudden the car started shuddering badly and stalled in the middle of the highway. Talk about a very scary situation. I pushed the car to the side of the road, and had it towed to a local shop. They found that the Fuel Pump Control Module had failed (P129F code). Upon doing some research, I found out that the 2021 Equinox had recalls issued for this same exact issue. I also found that the 2020 and 2021 Equinox both used the same part number Fuel Pump Control Module (13565638). Because of this, the recall should be extended to the 2020 Chevy Equinox so that owners pay get the major possible safety issue fixed. Luckily, I did not get into an accident when this occured and honestly Chevrolet should be reimbursing me for the repair as this should have included in the safety recall for 2021 Equinox using the same part. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hopefully seeing the right thing done here. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11747853

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The sunroof opens and closes without driver input. It initially occurred at startup but now also while driving (safety/security risk) . The sunroof switch has currently been unresponsive since 2025 . The issue is intermittent and has occurred multiple times. I have a pending diagnostic appointment and an open chevrolet customer assistance case. **My 2020 Equinox has approximately 55,000 - 60,000 miles on it and I'm also not certain if I have any warranty left that will cover the cost for this issue. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this matter.

NHTSA ID

11747496

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

December 2025 I was at a complete stop and the car clunked and the brake pedal got hard hard to push and then a couple months later a brake sensor light came on and when I plugged the code reader into it, it said give me a brake sensor code, and then it started slamming on the brakes all by itself when I went to takeoff hard like give you whiplash hard and it didn’t just do it once it did it a few times and then it wouldn’t go into reverse and then it wouldn’t go in neutral, and then it started smoking. My safety was affected by it, slamming on the brakes that could make someone hit me. It could hurt my back and neck. Yes, I have proof. Yes, I notified the dealer. Yes the vehicle has been inspected and I got an estimate by two different Car Lot the one I bought it from Ken valor motors, and Matt Mazzoni’s I have. Plus I have diagnose diagnostics printouts from OnStar and this is a 2020 vehicle. It should not be having these problems and now I’m stuck paying for a vehicle that I can’t even drive.!!

NHTSA ID

11747321

Incident

Dec 29, 2025

Fuel Stall with no acceleration while driving on the highway. Barely made it to the side of the road. Vehicle is at a mechanic shop. Both the Direct injection high pressure fuel pump and the electric fuel pump as well as the fuel pump module has to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11746159

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

Brake vacuum, pump failed while driving which made the brakes not work. I had it towed to a dealer and they found that the pump was internally damaged. Pump was then replaced. There was no warning this was about to happen and it happened suddenly. One moment the car had brakes and the next there was no braking. A very dangerous situation and we were lucky to not have a major accident.

NHTSA ID

11744943

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated the brake pedal became firm while driving approximately 40-45 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the brake assist service message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake housing had shattered inside the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000.

NHTSA ID

11744733

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

Mileage

213,000 mi

The vehicle was taken to College Chevrolet for body work. . When the vehicle was at the body shop, the shop informed me that a turbo light was on but I am unsure when it appeared because it wasn't on when I took it to the dealer. The brake assist light was on; I noticed this about May 20, 2026. I parked the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the body shop on June 1. The body work was completed on June 9 and the vehicle was at my residence. My Ex-husband and son were coming to pick me up at the car rental. The car caught on fire. My son & Ex-husband could have died in that car. The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle hasn't been examined by anyone at this time. An insurance claim in in process.

NHTSA ID

11743540

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

Brake vacuum pump failed at 112k miles while doing 60 on the highway with no warning or way to stop. Very dangerous. Service brake assist light only come on after the fact of brake pump failure. Shrapnel from the failed part was sent into the engine block that had to be professionally cleaned out. This happened again 4 months later when I had to replace the brake vacuum pump AGAIN. I almost wrecked and lost my life then as well since again, it happened out of nowhere while driving no warnings. Brake assist light only came on after. This is DEADLY and should be recalled and rectified by GM promptly before someone is killed.

NHTSA ID

11743438

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Recall Number N202313440 My car matches make, model, and year but for some reason is not included in the recall and my vehicle has the leaking bolts. Please Review

NHTSA ID

11742924

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

I was driving at the speed about 30~ miles/per hour on the city road, as I was slowing down to turn into the Penera Bread where I plan to, and I pressure the break paddle, the break paddle was stocked, it cannot pressed down. It was extremely dangerous situation, I cannot stop the vehicle, and it was very scary. I finally switch the driving to 'P" to stop the vehicle, and route the vehicle to curb to force hard stop. This is extremely risky situation. My understanding is model year 2020 - 20xx Equinox has reported this problem by many consumers. Vehicle brake stocked while driving, I hope there is no injury or death occurs. This is extremely dangerous. My seatbelt pressed really hard on me, my chest hurts from this sudden hard stop, and I am so scared. A week after, I still cannot resume the driving due to the impact of the situation.

NHTSA ID

11741435

Incident

May 29, 2026

Multiple occasions of “engine reduced power” and vehicle stalling/jolting/jerking when trying to go over 45 mph. When trying to go to work Monday - on the interstate, it was jerking/jolting when trying to increase any speed and brakes were getting harder to press on, decided to try to reduce speed and get pulled over without the brakes, car was overheating completely. Now seeing multiple people have had this issue with the same car - I’m not sure whether it’s comforting that I’m not the only one or terrifying to know there’s multiple vehicles on the road experiencing this dangerous issue. Seeing a pending lawsuit did not surprise me one bit - I am not happy whatsoever about risking my own life and others on the roadway due to this not being a priority in the first place to correct before selling this vehicle to me, buying it with my hard earned money. Greedy greedy.

NHTSA ID

11741037

Incident

May 25, 2026

My engine started running rough and, as a result of a repeating PO301 code, the car was towed to Lester Glenn of Toms River. Their diagnostic scan report (codes DTC PO301 & DTC PO303) found the engine assembly has scored cylinder walls due to failed piston rings. The entire engine had to be replaced. The odometer reading was 19,000 miles. Piston rings are designed to last 150,000 plus miles. For them to be worn enough to score a cylinder wall at 19,000 miles is a textbook definition of a manufacturing defect. Piston failure represents a serious safety defect as it could have caused a total loss of power at highway speeds. This was a safety-related manufacturing flaw, and not a maintenance issue. GM refused to pay for the repair bill in full.

NHTSA ID

11740481

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

While driving, the vehicle experienced an almost total loss of braking capability. The pedal was very hard to press, and when pressing with all my weight, I could slow the vehicle to a stop, but it took a great distance. There was no warning or malfunction indicator until I pulled into a parking lot a few minutes later. At that point, a "Service Brake Assist" message appeared. Had I been in traffic, going faster, or in an area with pedestrian crossings, this could have caused a possibly deadly crash. I searched online and found that there is a vacuum pump that is known to fail on this vehicle, and can cause these symptoms. Upon replacing this vacuum pump, the issue was resolved. I still have the failed vacuum pump.

NHTSA ID

11740098

Incident

May 25, 2026