2020 Chevrolet Equinox Problems And Complaints

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$23,800 - $35,700
Starting Price 
$15,413 - $18,485
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2020 Chevrolet Equinox in Cajun Red Tintcoat color
Cajun Red Tintcoat

Users Opinions on 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

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  • C

    CB

    05/06/2023

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    The first major issue that has loomed large over my ownership experience is the problematic fuel to intake ratio. Despite diligent maintenance and servicing as recommended by Chevrolet, I have had to invest money into fixing this issue - a staggering sum upwards of $1000. The problem continues to persist, making me wonder, what is next on this vehicle's list of malfunctions? The comfort quotientRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • PQ

    P'ed off and not staying quiet

    19/09/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    If you thought about getting a 2020 equinox because they're on sale. DO NOT DO IT!! I have had this POS for less than 2 years and it's had major repairs to the electronics of the motor twice. There is a HORRIBLE shaking/high speed wobble right at about 30-35mph, loud clicking when accelerating followed by lossRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • D

    DevilDoc

    27/05/2021

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    The very first day I got it and fill the gas tank up, it's sputtered installed and died. I took it back to the dealer you had it for a couple of days and said they could not get it to do it for. Next time IRead More

    Source: edmunds

2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

173

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating

Updated on: May 21, 2022

Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor

Selling close to 300,000 units a year, the Equinox easily has been a top-selling midsize SUV for Chevrolet. But Chevy is having a hard time with its latest generation of Equinox SUVs introduced with the 2018 model year as it has been seeing a consistent number of recalls and complaints, the latter in the three-digits, every year since its launch. The 2020 model year also does not see any considerable improvement as it has almost 3 recalls and 70 owner complaints on its name to this day, as officially recognized by the NHTSA. With starting prices of around $23,800, is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox a good alternative against the likes of midsize SUVs like the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Mazda CX-5? Here are things to look out for on this SUV, which should help you decide whether or not to get one.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

  • Engine- Multiple owners have complained about the engine on the Chevrolet Equinox stalling randomly, which is accompanied by the “engine malfunction” and “reduced engine power” warning lights. Some owners also noticed the engine sounding coarse and vibrating vigorously when this happens. The issue was traced to faulty fueling due to issues with ECU firmware, but there are complaints about the problem recurring even after the firmware reflash. A handful of owners have also complained about premature water pump failure on the SUV, with visible coolant leak in some cases, with an average failure mileage of just 10,000 miles.
  • Transmission- Not as common as the engine trouble mentioned, but the Chevrolet Equinox has received complaints on the transmission leaking fluid, finding metal shavings in transmission fluid, jerking and bucking while accelerating, and even rolling off when set in park mode. It is also advised to change the transmission fluid on the Chevrolet Equinox without fault in under 50,000-miles given the high possibility of a failure. One instance of fire has also been recorded on this issue due to reasons mentioned similar to the recall 20V668000.
  • Rear/ rear-drive axles- Premature wearing of the front and rear drive axles is another common complaint on the 2020Chevrolet Equinox. Front-end vibration, shaking, or wobble while accelerating is one of the main symptoms of this problem. Owners are required to do a replacement full-service (or replacement in some cases) of the front /rear axles to resolve this issue.
  • Steering- A handful of owners have complained about the steering shaking violently at high speeds. As mentioned by the owners, the dealers are aware of this problem and have informed the automaker about this. But no tenable remedy has been suggested apart from the replacement of the drive axles, which is not said to work for some owners.

Electric System complaints

  • Battery- Issues with batteries trigger a whole host of warning signs on the Chevrolet Equinox. Even though the engine cranks, the onboard computer throws a range one service warning for components ranging from the suspension to the brakes. Low battery voltage and faulty grounding are said to be the cause of this issue. A battery replacement is said to be the working fix to this complaint.
  • Infotainment- The media system on the Chevrolet Equinox occasionally goes completely blank without warning on the Chevrolet Equinox. Owners are forced to restart the vehicle to bring the system back on. Even though firmware updates were given on the infotainment module from the dealer end, the issue is still said to persist in some cases.

Safety Complaints

  • Airbag- Owners have complained about the airbags in the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox not deploying in the event of a crash. At least three crashes with 6 injuries have been reported against the Equinox on this issue. The automaker is yet to bring out a statement on this.
  • Forward collision avoidance system- A few owners have raised concerns about the automated emergency braking system onboard the Chevrolet Equinox. While some complaint about the system completely failing to work, others complain about it being too sensitive and intrusive. At least one crash has been recorded by NHTSA due to faults in this system.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

29th October 2020

20V668000

Missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator.

The start/stop accumulator end cap may have missing bolts which may result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to loss of propulsion and increase the risk of a crash. Transmission fluid in presence of an ignition source also increases the risk of fire.

The dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2020.

2

3rd October 2019

19V704000

Brake calipers may drag.

The rear brake calipers may have been produced with incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the seals to swell and brakes to drag, increasing the risk of a crash.

The dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid, and wheel-to-hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2019.

3

19th September 2019

19V667000

Improperly seamed seal on the fuel tank.

The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet, which in presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of fire.

The dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2019

Should you buy a used 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?

The short answer to this is yes and there is a reason behind it. The Chevrolet Equinox is easily one of the top-selling personal vehicles in the states. So the average number of complaints is expected to be on the higher side. The SUV has been receiving a consistent number of recalls every year which is a bummer, but on the good side, it gives us a sense that Chevy is trying hard and quick to sort things out with its midsize SUV offering here. Also, with some commendable nationwide service networks available at your disposal, accessibility of customer support and spares are convincing for Chevy. So, if you have got a clean used example n reach, the Chevrolet Equinox is definitely a good buy.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

October 6, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11618477

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11618477

Incident Date:
October 6, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXKEV9LS

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
Vehicle lost power because of a faulty fuel pump control module. On highway could have caused collision. ...

October 6, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11618552

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11618552

Incident Date:
October 6, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
2GNAXUEV7L6

Consumer Location:
CRAWFORDVILLE, FL

Summary
The Fuel module and fuel pump stalled my car out on a highway causing me to have to quickly roll off the ...

October 1, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11617792

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11617792

Incident Date:
October 1, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXHEV1LS

Consumer Location:
CHARLOTTE, NC

Summary
I was driving my car approaching a four way intersection, to realize my brake pedal was not pressing down...

September 17, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11615242

Components: 030000 BRAKES (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11615242

Incident Date:
September 17, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXKEV4LS

Consumer Location:
AXTELL, TX

Summary
We were driving on the highway and just exited. My husband hit the brakes and the pedal was hard to push....

September 8, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11613489

Components: 033100 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

NHTSA ID Number:
11613489

Incident Date:
September 8, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXKEV4LS

Consumer Location:
AXTELL, TX

Summary
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while exiting the highway at 50 MPH, t...

87/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

80/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

80/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

86/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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