2023 Chevrolet Equinox Problems

**NHTSA Complaint Summary: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Warranty & Safety Failure** * **First Stall & Initial Negligence:** After a factory engine replacement, the vehicle suffered a fuel system failure. Castle Rock Chevrolet falsely claimed it was repaired, leading to a catastrophic stall on a high-speed highway with raw gasoline and burning plastic odors. * **Second Stall & False Diagnosis:** Following a tow, the dealership cleared the car, claiming "no errors". Within 24 hours, it stalled again in live traffic. Castle Rock then refused emergency warranty service and hung up on you. * **Critical Safety Hazard:** The vehicle experiences a severe electrical voltage drop (triggering **"Engine Power Is Reduced"** and **"Battery Saver Active"** warnings). This causes a sudden, dangerous **loss of Electric Power Steering (steering locks up)** and **fuel injection failure** while driving in traffic, creating an extreme crash risk. This recurring hazard stems from improperly reassembled or melted wiring harnesses following dealership repairs.

The vehicle is experiencing repeated, sudden engine stalling while driving at speed, creating an immediate risk of a severe traffic collision. In March 2025, the fuel pump failed and was replaced by an independent mechanic, who later had to clear a system clog in August 2025 after a second stall. In August 2026, the dealership replaced the fuel pump under an official NHTSA safety recall. Within days of receiving the vehicle back, the new recall remedy failed, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic again and nearly cause a major accident. The vehicle has suffered four separate fuel-system-related failures/stalls under 87,000 miles. The manufacturer's official recall remedy has failed to resolve the safety hazard, and the vehicle remains entirely unsafe to drive.

The ongoing issues with my 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, VIN [XXX], which I have brought to your dealership multiple times for the same unresolved problem. I was told three separate times that the engine light was fixed. I checked the vehicle today, and the engine light is still on. I was misled three times. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have not been able to drive it. Instead, I have spent the last four weeks repeatedly picking up and dropping off the car at your dealership. The vehicle has spent more time in your service department than with me. This has caused significant loss of time, money, and peace of mind. You have wasted my time, energy, and resources, and your team has already put 95 miles on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The vehicle is experiencing repeated, sudden engine stalling while driving at speed, creating an immediate risk of a severe traffic collision. In March 2025, the fuel pump failed and was replaced by an independent mechanic, who later had to clear a system clog in August 2025 after a second stall. In August 2026, the dealership replaced the fuel pump under an official NHTSA safety recall. Within days of receiving the vehicle back, the new recall remedy failed, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic again and nearly cause a major accident. The vehicle has suffered four separate fuel-system-related failures/stalls under 87,000 miles. The manufacturer's official recall remedy has failed to resolve the safety hazard, and the vehicle remains entirely unsafe to drive.

Entering a freeway off-ramp at about 65 mph, I depressed the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor with little resistance. Two error messages were displayed on the dashboard: "Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed" and "Service ESC". The following dashboard lights came on: Check Engine, Brake, ESC, ABS. I held the brake pedal to the floor and coasted to a complete stop at the intersection, then proceeded slowly into a nearby parking lot and stopped. Braking effort did not become difficult, rather it was reduced to a small fraction of normal braking power. An online search indicated that disconnecting/reconnecting the negative battery terminal might resolve the problem, and it did, allowing me to carefully drive home with full braking. The local Chevrolet dealer replaced the brake system control module based on GM document 5081450.

Multiple problems since vehicle was bought brand new 2023 with 9 miles on it. 1st time - high pressure fuel pump died doing 70mph on high way. Took them 3 months to repair it. 2nd time- breaks completely stopped working while driving, all lights came on. They cleared the code and said to drive it. 3rd time- 2 days later breaks keep pushing through. They will not address it. 4th time- broke down with check engine light on high way. Turned off then on again light goes away, never saved a code. 5th time- will not shift out of 4th gear on high way. Dealer said they could not replicate this. It has not stopped doing this along with throttle response being dangerously poor.

The ongoing issues with my 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, VIN [XXX], which I have brought to your dealership multiple times for the same unresolved problem. I was told three separate times that the engine light was fixed. I checked the vehicle today, and the engine light is still on. I was misled three times. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have not been able to drive it. Instead, I have spent the last four weeks repeatedly picking up and dropping off the car at your dealership. The vehicle has spent more time in your service department than with me. This has caused significant loss of time, money, and peace of mind. You have wasted my time, energy, and resources, and your team has already put 95 miles on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

From the very first day of purchase, the vehicle displayed a check‑engine light, which I immediately pointed out to your salesperson. My concerns were dismissed, and I was assured that it was “not a big deal,” despite the fact that the issue was clearly present at the time of sale. Since then, I have spent substantial time and money attempting to resolve the vehicle’s defects. A mechanic spent six hours diagnosing and attempting repairs, yet the vehicle continues to display serious fault codes, including: EVAP System Switching Valve “B” Performance / Stuck Open DC/DC Converter Voltage Sensor “A” Range/Performance

The vehicle is experiencing repeated, sudden engine stalling while driving at speed, creating an immediate risk of a severe traffic collision. In March 2025, the fuel pump failed and was replaced by an independent mechanic, who later had to clear a system clog in August 2025 after a second stall. In August 2026, the dealership replaced the fuel pump under an official NHTSA safety recall. Within days of receiving the vehicle back, the new recall remedy failed, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic again and nearly cause a major accident. The vehicle has suffered four separate fuel-system-related failures/stalls under 87,000 miles. The manufacturer's official recall remedy has failed to resolve the safety hazard, and the vehicle remains entirely unsafe to drive.

I have confirmed with a reputable repair shop that my alternator is defective and is dangerous to drive. No dealership in my area will entertain that this is a possibility. I have consistently had problems with braking, accelerating and steering. My vehicle throws codes constantly for suspension, communications, safety restraints, air bags, rear differential, ABS and more. This vehicle is a significant danger to myself and others. This has been happening since the day I purchased it. There is also an active safety bulletin regarding my fuel pump that the manufacturer will not address. Again, This vehicle will hurt someone.

**NHTSA Complaint Summary: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Warranty & Safety Failure** * **First Stall & Initial Negligence:** After a factory engine replacement, the vehicle suffered a fuel system failure. Castle Rock Chevrolet falsely claimed it was repaired, leading to a catastrophic stall on a high-speed highway with raw gasoline and burning plastic odors. * **Second Stall & False Diagnosis:** Following a tow, the dealership cleared the car, claiming "no errors". Within 24 hours, it stalled again in live traffic. Castle Rock then refused emergency warranty service and hung up on you. * **Critical Safety Hazard:** The vehicle experiences a severe electrical voltage drop (triggering **"Engine Power Is Reduced"** and **"Battery Saver Active"** warnings). This causes a sudden, dangerous **loss of Electric Power Steering (steering locks up)** and **fuel injection failure** while driving in traffic, creating an extreme crash risk. This recurring hazard stems from improperly reassembled or melted wiring harnesses following dealership repairs.

Electronics continually work in a “muted” manor. Not enough heat from the seat, steering wheel etc. Park assist and cruise control disengage on their own. Infotainment screen fails to recognize key fob and reboots radio. Entire camera system frequently goes out with an error that no cameras are even hooked up. HVAC system runs way too cold. Blower cuts out. Random vents will work, others don’t or struggle. Zero airflow out of the rear vents. Excessive water drips out of vehicle from several spots while either minimal or no exhaust coming from tailpipe. Sometimes exhaust comes from under the hood. Transmission shifts when it shouldn’t and doesn’t when it should. Grinding sensation from gas pedal upon accelerating. Very sluggish. No power. Rpms reach 3000-4000 trying to accelerate down steep inclines. Gravity is no match for this vehicle. Long shifts cause vehicle to remain in a state of constant braking. Getting only 18 mpg. Can’t maintain speed. Every shift is felt in pedals and steering wheel. Pulls to different sides after each shift. Power steering much too tight and difficult to turn. Numerous times fuel has failed to reach the engine. Not having control of acceleration, steering and no winter warmth is dangerous. At best. It’s downright deadly. DePaula Chevrolet will do absolutely nothing. GM corporate was also no help. This vehicle is destroying me financially and cost me my job. These problems have been happening daily since two miles after I left the lot on the date of purchase.

**NHTSA Complaint Summary: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Warranty & Safety Failure** * **First Stall & Initial Negligence:** After a factory engine replacement, the vehicle suffered a fuel system failure. Castle Rock Chevrolet falsely claimed it was repaired, leading to a catastrophic stall on a high-speed highway with raw gasoline and burning plastic odors. * **Second Stall & False Diagnosis:** Following a tow, the dealership cleared the car, claiming "no errors". Within 24 hours, it stalled again in live traffic. Castle Rock then refused emergency warranty service and hung up on you. * **Critical Safety Hazard:** The vehicle experiences a severe electrical voltage drop (triggering **"Engine Power Is Reduced"** and **"Battery Saver Active"** warnings). This causes a sudden, dangerous **loss of Electric Power Steering (steering locks up)** and **fuel injection failure** while driving in traffic, creating an extreme crash risk. This recurring hazard stems from improperly reassembled or melted wiring harnesses following dealership repairs.

My 2023 Equinox RS losses power during quick acceleration for lane changes or passing. It will also lose power during some turns at normal speed. It will also accelerate and deaccelerate at a low speed making it feel like the gears are slipping. Auto stop on occasion will be a hard take off requiring a firm foot on the brake. At time it will also shift hard into 1st gear. My car has been in the dealership three times for this issue and the last time the tech said there was a recall for the issue and performed some reset and gave me the car back. Other than that they said there is nothing they can do about it. This issue presents a major safety issue especially when it losses power during a lane change or passing someone. I can't anticipate when the power will come back and by that time the traffic has now caught up to me. This problem started probably 6-8 months after I purchased the car new from the dealership.

On January 21, 2026 i was involved in a car accident with a tractor in which the tractor collided with my passenger front side of my car causing me to slide into corn field causing the total destruction of my vehicle. None of my airbags deployed. There were no warning lamps or indicators from the vehicle showing a fault prior to the accident. The vehicle has been inspected by the insurance adjustor. It is unknown if other vehicles have had the same issue to my knowledge.

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the windows rolled down, the vehicle would shake violently with a loud winding sound throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that the shaking was extremely severe, causing it to be difficult to see out of the mirrors. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unstated defect was found but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40.

On January 21, 2026 i was involved in a car accident with a tractor in which the tractor collided with my passenger front side of my car causing me to slide into corn field causing the total destruction of my vehicle. None of my airbags deployed. There were no warning lamps or indicators from the vehicle showing a fault prior to the accident. The vehicle has been inspected by the insurance adjustor. It is unknown if other vehicles have had the same issue to my knowledge.

Front impact crash with two deer, rear seatbelt came unlatched causing car seat to fly into the front seat and the front seat belt did not lock nor did the airbags go off. No sensors alerted.

We bought the car in July 2023. We had it for a month then it started to smell like mildew and mold. It permeated into our clothes. We took it to the dealership and they had the car for about two months. When we got it back it smelled like strong soap, but after a week or two it started to smell again. We took it back again. This time they used Ionize. That lasted two days and it smells again.

When flat towing behind a motorhome, per manual instructions, going on or off a highway ramp....cloverleaf, the tires will squeal like they are dragging. This does not occur every time, however 75% of the time it does. A very loud screeching, dragging or braking, pulling the motorhome down from 35mph or 40mph to 10mph. This is also noticed occasionally on turns from one street to another, however short lived by comparison. The dragging/slowing is unnerving and dangerous to suddenly slow down with no brake action by the motorhome. This has occurred on several trips this summer (2023). ****Several times this summer, most recent of 10/12/23. This car was purchased primarily because it states in the manual, it could be flat towed behind a motorhome. We are concerned that this may be damaging the vehicle and putting us and others at risk.

Front impact crash with two deer, rear seatbelt came unlatched causing car seat to fly into the front seat and the front seat belt did not lock nor did the airbags go off. No sensors alerted.