RoadVitals

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
13
Latest Jul 16, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 299 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 13 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

EngineSteering
Filed Jul 16, 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
BrakesPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed May 12, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID
11737381
Incident
May 8, 2026
BrakesElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 21, 2025

I am experiencing a recurring issue with my vehicle where the Park Assist system keeps activating unexpectedly, and the Check Engine Light (CEL) also comes on. I have taken the vehicle to O’Reilly Auto Parts for a diagnostic scan, and they reported no repairable codes present. Additionally, I visited Tires Plus, and their assessment was that if the light goes off on its own, then no issue is present that requires repair. Despite the temporary disappearance of the warning lights, the issue keeps returning, which raises concern. The Park Assist activation is not being manually triggered and appears without warning, often accompanied by the CEL. This inconsistent behavior suggests there may be an intermittent or underlying issue with the vehicle’s sensors, wiring, or onboard systems that may not register a permanent diagnostic code. At this time, no repairs have been performed due to both locations stating that no actionable codes or faults were detected. However, the issue continues to happen periodically, and I would like further inspection or documentation of the problem, especially if it worsens or begins affecting vehicle safety or drivability.

NHTSA ID
11682238
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
Steering
Filed Jul 9, 2023
Crash reported

While driving 25 mph in town on a straight road my 2020 Equinox 4D 1LT steering pulled to the right with out any reason and I hit a parked vehicle. I was not distracted, did not hit a pot hole, tire pressure and tread were all good. This road is near my house and have traveled on it many times. The car just turned to the right and hit the parked vehicle before I could react to the steering problem. This is a very unsafe condition. I feel it had to do with the electric steering. I just purchased this car from a reputable Chevy dealer. I’m a careful driver and have never had an accident before.

NHTSA ID
11531167
Incident
Jun 28, 2023
Steering
Filed Nov 21, 2022

I was driving out in the country on 1-41 towards West Union. The steering tightened up and came up with a sensor that said Power steering ESC. The car went offroad due to the steering tightening from the power steering going out in the vehicle. I contacted the dealer, Mike Castrucci Chevrolet, and they told me that I would have to pay for any problems with this vehicle and I have only had the vehicle for 3 weeks. I put $2000 down on this vehicle and now am in a deathtrap due to this issue. The vehicle only has 60,800 miles and feel now that this issue could put my life and others at risk due to a faulty steering issue. I do not understand why this vehicle has driven beautifully to this point and yet there are many Chev Malibus that have that problem. How long will it take before someone recognizes this problem. There were no warnings before and I could have gotten myself and my friend killed in this car driving at night in the country. I spoke with an AutoZone representative and he said that he had a Chev Malibu with the same issue. They discovered that it was the power steering motor having to do with the traction control. I guess that I will be forced to keep driving this vehicle, and if there is an accident, then I should hold liability to be General Motors and Mike Castrucci Chevrolet who refuse to fix this car. When I took the vehicle, I was promised that they would stand by their car. I am getting no help with this situation. However, this is my only vehicle so I will keep this on the road until this is resolved. If you should wish to contact me, my number is [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11494458
Incident
Nov 20, 2022
ElectricalSteering
Filed Sep 9, 2022

Computer issues, dash sceen glitching freezing or not workimg correctly. Hard shifting and idling. Steer asist reduced msg. Gears geeting stuck

NHTSA ID
11483658
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Steering
Filed May 17, 2022
Crash reported

2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSTITUENT STATED THAT THEY EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING DIED. THE DRIVER HAD DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING THE VEHICLE AND SWIPED A GUARDRAIL. THE VEHICLE DID NOT INDICATE AN ISSUE UNTIL AFTER THE FAILURE OCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE COLLISION CAUSED THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL, BUT REFUSED TO SEND THE CONSUMER THE REPORT.

NHTSA ID
11464945
Incident
May 17, 2022
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Mar 25, 2022

Car has been brought in three times for wobble at speeds of 39 mph accelerating shaking steering wheel. Dealer continues to just add weights to tires and problem does not go away.

NHTSA ID
11458290
Incident
Mar 17, 2022
Powertrain (other)SteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 1, 2021

EXPERIENCED SEVERE SHAKING IN STEERING AND SUSPENSION WHILE ACCELERATING, USUALLY STARTING AT THE 2-3 SHIFT. AT 12,836 MILES LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT HALF SHAFTS FAILED DUE TO 'EXCESSIVE LATERAL RUNOUT' . BULLETIN 20-NA-227 APPLIED(AS PER DEALER) AND BOTH REPLACED. NOW AT 21,500 MILES, THE SAME ISSUES ARE OCCURRING AGAIN. WHEN IT HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO STEER AND I'M CONCERNED SHOULD A TOTAL FAILURE OCCUR WHILE I'M DRIVING. INITIAL PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 4000 MILES BUT ONLY OCCURRED VERY SPORADICALLY.

NHTSA ID
11442295
Incident
Jul 20, 2021
BrakesSteering
Filed Oct 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, the power steering assist and brake assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake module to be replaced. The brake module was replaced, and the brake fluid was flushed. The vehicle was repaired but experienced failure the following day. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the shoulder nut on the brake module to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced failure while leaving the dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,418. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE A BAD BATTERY.

NHTSA ID
11438497
Incident
Oct 7, 2021
Mileage
2,418 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 22, 2020

FRONT WHEEL SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY ON A THROTTLE LOAD AT TIMES

NHTSA ID
11365755
Incident
Sep 21, 2020
Mileage
4,500 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 9, 2020

I HAVE A BRAND NEW CHEVY EQUINOX AND THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING. IT MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I TURN OR BACK UP TO TURN AROUND. I HAVE LESS THAN 2000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11344154
Incident
Jul 30, 2020
EngineSteering
Filed Jan 29, 2020

THIS COMPLAINT IS NOT THE RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT, BUT TO PREVENT ONE FROM HAPPENING AND POSSIBLE TAKING LIVES OF PEOPLE. THE KEEP LANE ASSIST (LKA) IS DANGEROUS IN THAT IF YOU ARE DEPENDING ON IT. THERE ARE OCCASIONS THAT NORMAL TRAFFIC LINES ARE PRESENT AND FOR SOME REASON THE JUST DISAPPEAR AND ARE NOT PRESENT AND IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD OR INTO THE OPPOSING LANE. GENERAL MOTORS DOES PROVIDE A MEANS OF TURNING LKA OFF, BUT IT RE-ENABLES EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. THE AUTO STOP (AS) HAS THE ISSUE THAT IF YOU STOP AND YOUR VEHICLE STOPS RUNNING, YOU CAN BE IN A SITUATION WHERE YOU CANNOT GET OUT OF THE WAY IN TIME TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS TO HAVE TIME TO RESTART. OTHER MANUFACTURES PROVIDE A MEANS OF DISABLING AS WITH A SWITCH BUT GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND GENERAL MOTORS AND BOTH DECLINED TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID
11302773
Incident
Oct 29, 2019

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.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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