2020 Chevrolet Equinox Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
I bought the equinox with 30,000 miles on it. It's at 67,000 now and I maintain the vehicle regularly. So why have I replaced the throttle body already because it gets dirty fast? And now I'm getting a check engine light for P2099 TurboCharger Underboost. When the vehicle is not old it's 5 years old, hasn't been driven hard. So why are you using a crap 1.5L engine with a turbo that is notorious for these issues??? And what's worse the engineering is horse s$*t, because the air inlet hose is only one time use. But the part is underneath it where you can't reach. Why has this not been recalled yet????????? It's not but a scam to make you take it to a dealership. I'll continue to write complaints this is not right. And I'll never buy one again.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 58 MPH, the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed, and the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the nearest exit and to the nearest gas station. The contact waited for a while before driving to the residence, while not exceeding 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, bypass tube, the injector seal set, an unspecified plug, and the vacuum pump seal had failed, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving, my engine light came on. After taking it in, it turned out that I had water/oil freezing in the intercooler. This could have been very dangerous when I was driving. I have had the GM Wrap put on it. I am hoping that this will not be a problem again.
Oil Consumption... loses 1 QT every 1000 miles driven... Car only has 28,000 miles driven on it...
Engine burning excess oil causing engine to go in safety mode and preventing car to go over 25 miles per hr. This happen on a major highway with two kids in the car and was almost rear ended. Took to dealership who has recieved bulletins regarding this issue and will repair the engine. To me this should be on a recall due to saftety.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message “Reduced Engine Power” was displayed. The vehicle did not require a restart to resume operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the wastegate actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the coolant inside the actuator had frozen due to the local low temperatures. The dealer advised that precautions were needed to prevent future coolant-related failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the instrument panel lights became dim/flicker, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact mentioned she pulled over to the right side and left the vehicle at the scene. In addition, the contact drove back to the scene where the vehicle was parked, and she noticed the state trooper and a tow company. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. The contact mentioned the fire happened overnight. The vehicle extinguished independently. A fire department mentioned to the contact that there were calls about the fire and that the fire was coming from the engine. However, the fire report was unknown. A police report was filed. The insurance company denied the claim of fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate. Afterward, the message "Low Power Mode" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Turbocharger Control Valve (TCV). The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-020. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The contact waited thirty minutes, and the vehicle started to operate as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving above 50 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally and failed to properly accelerate. The contact stated that the message "Turn Off Engine" was displayed. The contact stated that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the PCV was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: U18A2. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
ENGINE PISTON FAILURE cannot get it fixed new engine on order 5 weeks now chevy will not even talk about it
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop to purchase a diagnostic tool; the diagnostic tool was used to diagnose the vehicle. The diagnostic scan tool determined that the ECM Module, air induction system, and oil pressure system needed to be repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 144,919.
On going issue since August 2023. Same issues that a class action suit was filed but did not incude the 2020 model. This has happened in Aug 2023, Oct 2023 and now Feb 2024. Low oil pressure Engine power is reduced I have been towed 3 times I have dealt with Castriota Chevrolet, Hudson FL where I purchased the car who would not speak with me I have dealt with Chevrolet of Milford who claims I only needed an oil change but since August this is the 3rd time this is happening and Jonathan does not return my call I have sent all my Invoices and expenses this has cost since it happened to Chevrolet Corp and filed a complaint but they said there was nothing they could do, this is the case number and contact person Selinda Chevrolet Customer Assistance Service Request Number:[XXX] Phone Number: 1-866-790-5600, Extension: 5912260 I contacted the States Attorney office and they advised I contact you, so here I am. I have photos, invoices and receipts to back up everything and the things there is not enough room to fit in this space. This car is a hazard to me, the drivers on the road, my family and grandchildren I pick up daily. It does not belong on the road or traded in to have someone else have these issues. You do not get any warning, it just happens. The class action suit was for this problem up to 2017 models. This is what is in the suit: The lawsuit stresses that operating a car without sufficient engine oil is dangerous and can lead to an engine fire or an increased risk of accidents. Per the suit, GM itself warns drivers in its owners’ manuals to stop driving if their car’s oil pressure is low, stating that the engine “can become so hot that it catches fire.” The lawsuit goes on to stress that if an affected vehicle’s engine is damaged enough, it could fail to accelerate properly or shut down unexpectedly while the car is being driven. This could lead to an accident or leave drivers and their passengers stranded in an unsafe location, the suit says. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle stalling, smell of fuel in oil. Dealer reported - high-pressure fuel pump failure, excessive fuel in crank case. Vehicle stalled/misfiring CEL present. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer from an island. Dealer will not warranty the part. Vehicle had less than 3,000 miles. Yes, three thousand miles.
This model has an acceleration problem like its older counterparts. While on the interstate and in traffic it chooses to decelerate and almost cut off. No prior warning given.
I was driving at about 25 miles per hour and the vehicle made a banging noise and shut off. I went to restart and nothing would happen. I then had it towed to a local dealership. Upon evaluation the vacuum pump went out and caused catastrophic engine failure. I purchased brand new and there was no indication I had a problem. The vehicle was making no noise and no lights were on prior to the incident. I am told the repairs to the motor on a vehicle 3 years old are going to be $4,500. I have told the dealership I would like all of the parts that are removed and replaced from the vehicle when repairing
i’ve been experiencing not one or twice but more than 5 times. when i’m about to stop my car stalled and can’t even used my hazard light which is not safe in the dark area. hope nhtsa will see this one to avoid future accident. oh brake sensor is already been replaces by the dealer last year. but it still keep on stalling.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a loud pop from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power, and she was able to coast off to the side of the road. The contact stated that she attempted to restart the vehicle, but only heard a clicking sound when she would depress the START/STOP button. The contact stated that unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the vacuum pump had seized, causing the pistons to continue running which severely damaged the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving into her driveway, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated shifted into park(P) and then turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired and was awaiting a scheduled service appointment at the local dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,500.
1.Vacuum pump and exhaust camshaft failed. 2.No, service center kept the parts. 3.Vehicle stopped operating while driving putting driver, passengers and public safety at risk. 4.Yes, the problem was confirmed by service center. 5.Yes, Vehicle/components were inspected by dealership/service center. 6.No, no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. 7. First appeared on 10-09-2022
Water pump failure noticed on 2/17/22. Engine noise sounded like loose engine belt. Car taken to Beaty Chevrolet dealership in Knoxville, TN. Problem confirmed failed water pump at 14,804 miles. Dealer replaced pump quickly. Concerned about long term engine issues due to water pump failure. No warning Lites or indication of failure from car systems.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently to 20 mph with the steering wheel locked. The ESC message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact continued to drive to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the failure as water leaking into the engine which caused the electronic failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to shake and then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact started the vehicle and drove to her destination. The contact stated that the check engine warning light disappeared the following morning. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The contact also called Feldman Chevrolet Of Livonia (32570 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, (734)237-1006) and notified the dealer of the failure. The contact stated that on July 27, 2021, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted however, the failure recurred. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact called a third local dealer George Matick Chevrolet (14001 Telegraph Rd, Redford Charter Twp, MI 48239, (313) 332-7572) and made them aware of the failure. The contact stated that she experienced the failure again on July 28, 2021. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,600.
The check engine light keeps coming on and off right after I had an oil change. Now my engine shimmers or vibrates in a funny way. This vehicle is not even two years old.
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The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has 27 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.