2020 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 2020 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
- Brakes11424.6%
- Engine10422.5%
- Fuel system5812.5%
- Electrical459.7%
- Powertrain (other)408.6%
- Driver assistance367.8%
- Steering132.8%
- Suspension112.4%
- Other / unspecified102.2%
- Airbags91.9%
- Body & structure71.5%
- Exterior lighting61.3%
- Seat belts30.6%
- Interior & seats30.6%
- Visibility30.6%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 Chevrolet Equinox, approximately 84,453 miles. On XXX, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic braking/mechanical failure. The brake system lost power assist. Following physical inspection, the insurance adjuster documented that an internal brake booster/vacuum-related failure caused loss of brakes and excessive vacuum on the engine, resulting in internal engine failure requiring engine replacement. I subsequently learned of pending federal litigation, [XXX] et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. XXX concerning an alleged brake vacuum-pump system defect in 2018-2022 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. I am reporting my vehicle because the failure involved loss of braking assistance and catastrophic engine damage and appears potentially consistent with the failure pattern alleged for these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vacuum pump failed causing brakes to fail then causing exhaust camshaft to break.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 Chevrolet Equinox, approximately 84,453 miles. On XXX, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic braking/mechanical failure. The brake system lost power assist. Following physical inspection, the insurance adjuster documented that an internal brake booster/vacuum-related failure caused loss of brakes and excessive vacuum on the engine, resulting in internal engine failure requiring engine replacement. I subsequently learned of pending federal litigation, [XXX] et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. XXX concerning an alleged brake vacuum-pump system defect in 2018-2022 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. I am reporting my vehicle because the failure involved loss of braking assistance and catastrophic engine damage and appears potentially consistent with the failure pattern alleged for these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
A large work pickup truck pulled out in front of our vehicle and into the oncoming lane. The larger pickup truck's driver miscalculated their turn by turning too widely, side-swiping a smaller pickup truck, ricocheting off of the smaller pickup, and lastly, impacting us on the front drivers-side wheel offset.(front-left wheel offset) Our vehicle's front axle and wheels are now inclined to the right. Only the front two airbags were deployed, even though the impact was distributed slightly to the driver's door.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vacuum pump failed causing brakes to fail then causing exhaust camshaft to break.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, but initially the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to drive to the residence, but the vehicle failed to restart. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and identified a failure with the fuel pump module, Part Number: 13565338, as the cause of the failure. General Motors was contacted by phone and informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
2020 Chevrolet Equinox, approximately 84,453 miles. On XXX, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic braking/mechanical failure. The brake system lost power assist. Following physical inspection, the insurance adjuster documented that an internal brake booster/vacuum-related failure caused loss of brakes and excessive vacuum on the engine, resulting in internal engine failure requiring engine replacement. I subsequently learned of pending federal litigation, [XXX] et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. XXX concerning an alleged brake vacuum-pump system defect in 2018-2022 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. I am reporting my vehicle because the failure involved loss of braking assistance and catastrophic engine damage and appears potentially consistent with the failure pattern alleged for these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Emissions traction ecs
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vacuum Pump failed, Camshaft is broken. When vacuum pump failed there were no brakes and no warning. Almost flew off a bridge.
Engine power reduced Car will not accelerate Jerks after a long stop Have replaced engine and transmission same problem occurred
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that occasionally while at a red light or while stopped, the vehicle hesitated for approximately 10 to 15 seconds to move while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle then accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to retrieve a fault code. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and an email was sent to the president of GM. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Engine power reduced Car will not accelerate Jerks after a long stop Have replaced engine and transmission same problem occurred
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I am submitting this on behalf of my daughter, [XXX] . On Friday, May 8, 2026, [XXX] was traveling southbound on Highway 89A approaching [XXX] . Highway 89A is a narrow, winding two-lane canyon road with limited shoulder and significant elevation changes. While still on the canyon road, her 2020 Chevrolet Equinox suddenly lost all power, including power assist to both steering and brakes. A sudden loss of power steering and brake assist on this road presented a serious risk of loss of vehicle control. Fortunately, she was able to get the car stopped off of the roadway. However, she was then unable to place the car into Park or shut off the ignition. Multiple warning lights were illuminated across the instrument cluster. Her roadside assistance plan towed the car to the nearest repair facility, where on Monday, technicians were unable to replicate the issue. A previously stored DTC P3055 was found in the diagnostic system. This code relates to a known and documented issue with Chevrolet Equinox vehicles, for which Chevrolet has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins, including TSB 21-NA-139, which identifies the Multifunction Power Supply Converter (GM Part #13510484) as the known culprit for this failure mode. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
UNKNOWN
A go's threw gas really fast the brakes drag and when it starts/stop it acts funny like it has a hard time starting/stopping and my suspension every time I go over something there's clunking started at 34000 miles when I got it from the dealership and I only have 52,000 miles on it it shouldn't be doing that yet
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine, traction control, and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Advance Auto Store and was diagnosed with a fuel injector failure. The fuel injectors were replaced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 92,080.
1. The harness will randomly loosen while we are driving down the road after we have insured our child is securely in the seat. 2. Our child would not be properly restrained in the result of a wreck. 3. Yes, inspected by a CPST.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
A large work pickup truck pulled out in front of our vehicle and into the oncoming lane. The larger pickup truck's driver miscalculated their turn by turning too widely, side-swiping a smaller pickup truck, ricocheting off of the smaller pickup, and lastly, impacting us on the front drivers-side wheel offset.(front-left wheel offset) Our vehicle's front axle and wheels are now inclined to the right. Only the front two airbags were deployed, even though the impact was distributed slightly to the driver's door.
None of the airbags deployed in an accident. The right front end of the car hit a utility trailer and nothing went off. The car has been deemed a total loss after being trailered to the lot and assessed by the insurance inspector.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
A large work pickup truck pulled out in front of our vehicle and into the oncoming lane. The larger pickup truck's driver miscalculated their turn by turning too widely, side-swiping a smaller pickup truck, ricocheting off of the smaller pickup, and lastly, impacting us on the front drivers-side wheel offset.(front-left wheel offset) Our vehicle's front axle and wheels are now inclined to the right. Only the front two airbags were deployed, even though the impact was distributed slightly to the driver's door.
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)
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
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signal flashed two or three times and then stopped. In addition, the doors independently locked and unlocked, and the TPMS sensors were inoperable. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the front headlights flashed off and came back on. 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 approximately 32,050.
On August 3rd, while driving on the freeway at 55mph, my vehicle's brakes became extremely stiff, and I could not press them down to engage the braking system. I was about to collide with the vehicle in front of me, so I quickly veered right without looking because I had no time. After moving to the right, the brakes finally slowed the vehicle to around 40mph. Luckily, the traffic light turned green, allowing me to continue moving with the remaining momentum. As I attempted to take a turn on a bridge above the freeway, the steering wheel became stiff. At this point, I was unsure whether I could turn the car at that speed with the steering not responding. I need General Motors and Chevrolet to take action on the severity of the situation and make the necessary and appropriate restitution to me for the traumatic and physical injuries sustained during the incident. For the amount of time I've been without a vehicle, I am now running high risk of loosing my job. $3,700. is what they are charging me, which is conveniently not under warranty. When consistently stating that no one really sure what's covered and what's not covered.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
We were in a 9car pile up. Front and back and drivers side were hit and severely damaged. Airbags did not deploy. After the accident smoke was seen coming from the sides of the car where the seat belts come out of. Both front and back were white puffs of smoke from all four seatbelts. The front passenger seatbelt failed to tighten on impact as all the other seatbelts did. Passenger was thrown about the front area, hitting multiple parts of the body. Car is currently in a tow lot. Insurance is going to inspect it.
My son was just in his car seat with the seat belt as an extra layer of protection and the seat belt wouldn’t retract. My son was stuck. Thank god it wasn’t an accident. Passenger side back seat belt. This needs to be dealt with. It took me 30 mins because I was trying to get it to retract and it started to squeeze my baby legs. I did take a video. It only lets me upload photos. Please contact me
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 contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signal flashed two or three times and then stopped. In addition, the doors independently locked and unlocked, and the TPMS sensors were inoperable. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the front headlights flashed off and came back on. 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 approximately 32,050.
System states rear seat reminder. Look in rear seat. Look in rear seats. This is a hazard to my infant as his car seat is located in the back seats behind the passenger.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there were persistent electrical issues with both side-view mirrors independently adjusting after the vehicle was turned off. The driver was constantly manually readjusting the mirrors while operating the vehicle. The dealer performed a software reprogram, but the failure recurred the same day. The was intermittent at first but had become a constant failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that at start -up, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the A/C compressor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-162; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
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
These tires came on my brand new car that is less than a year old (21000 miles). I went for an oil change and the dealership told me I have 3/32nds on my tires! Bridgestone new about the rapid wear of these tires but never sent out any kind of notification about it. My dealership had a bulletin about the tires premature wearing. (#20-NA-159) Bridgestone said they are offering to cover 40% of replacement cost if I get the same tires otherwise they aren't giving anything.....I would NEVER EVER get these tires on my car.
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 .