2019 Chevrolet Equinox
The Verdict
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has 306 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (137 complaints) and brakes (61 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 43/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Equinox, consider the 2024 model year which has 73% fewer complaints.
Safe Bet
The 2024 has 73% fewer complaints
View the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox dashboard →
Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution
About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.
How is this calculated?
The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.
Recalls 2
Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel ...
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this r...
Reported Apr 10, 2026
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or ...
Reported Jul 3, 2019
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Under the Hood
Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.
| Year | Body | Brakes | Electrical | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 126 | 77 | 142 | 196 | 96 |
| 2006 | 333 | 74 | 121 | 142 | 24 |
| 2007 | 139 | 25 | 205 | 291 | 24 |
| 2008 | 109 | 7 | 159 | 81 | 13 |
| 2009 | 16 | 3 | 41 | 28 | 6 |
| 2010 | 229 | 13 | 101 | 325 | 116 |
| 2011 | 164 | 20 | 81 | 441 | 74 |
| 2012 | 214 | 8 | 47 | 380 | 34 |
| 2013 | 210 | 9 | 59 | 434 | 31 |
| 2014 | 232 | 9 | 46 | 245 | 17 |
| 2015 | 337 | 12 | 64 | 243 | 23 |
| 2016 | 149 | 3 | 23 | 214 | 10 |
| 2017 | 32 | 8 | 26 | 195 | 13 |
| 2018 | 89 | 94 | 55 | 125 | 47 |
| 2019 | 50 | 61 | 33 | 137 | 25 |
| 2020 | 50 | 73 | 31 | 142 | 22 |
| 2021 | 26 | 5 | 21 | 37 | 11 |
| 2022 | 26 | 5 | 13 | 133 | 5 |
| 2023 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 59 | 2 |
| 2024 | 23 | 13 | 11 | 31 | 4 |
| 2025 | 89 | 23 | 63 | 35 | 27 |
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Complaints
•Vehicle: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox •Speed: Approximately 70 mph •Warning displayed: "Vehicle Power Reduced" •Vehicle reduced speed to approximately 30 mph •Vehicle would not accelerate •Safety risk: Exposure to high-speed traffic and possible rear-end collision •Dealer stated VIN is not covered by any recall •Symptoms appear consistent with those described in GM Campaign N192271200 / N192266090
1- brakes failed entering garage they were applied, it screeched and hit the wall 2- there was a safety risk, but fortunately no injuries, just vehicle and property damage 3 - not reproduce, dealer who had performed rear brake job 4 weeks prior looked at it and said it was fine 4- no it has not been inspected by anyone but the dealer 5- no warnings were noticed, so unknown
SAFETY VEHICLE COMPLAINT / DEFECT REPORT Vehicle: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Complaint Type: Brake Failure / Loss of Braking Ability / Vehicle Malfunction Incident Date: XXX Location: [XXX] Request: Safety defect investigation Description of Incident On XXX, while my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox was being operated in the [XXX] area after exiting the highway, the vehicle experienced a serious and potentially life-threatening malfunction. As the vehicle approached a situation requiring the driver to stop, the brake pedal was pressed, but the vehicle did not stop as expected. The brake pedal went completely to the floor, and there was little to no braking response from the vehicle. At the same time, the vehicle experienced additional significant mechanical/electrical problems. The vehicle would not properly shift into gear, and the vehicle began flickering/shaking and malfunctioning. The combination of loss of braking ability and the inability to properly shift the vehicle created an extremely dangerous situation. A failure of the braking system while the vehicle is being operated on or near a highway presents a serious risk of a crash, injury, or death. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by a mechanic. I was informed that the issue was possibly related to the fuel pump, although the cause of the brake failure and the other vehicle malfunctions has not been definitively established. I am requesting that this incident be formally documented and investigated as a potential safety defect involving the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. My primary concern is that the vehicle experienced a complete or near-complete loss of braking ability, with the brake pedal going to the floor and the vehicle failing to stop normally. The simultaneous inability to shift gears and additional vehicle malfunction makes this particularly concerning. I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether there is a recurring defect . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard to press while the vehicle was being driven. The problem occurred unexpectedly while the driver was slowing down. Significantly more force than normal was required to press the brake pedal, which made it difficult to slow and stop the vehicle safely. The suspected component/system is the brake assist system, potentially the brake booster or vacuum system, but the exact cause is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This created a significant safety risk because the braking system suddenly required substantially increased pedal force while the vehicle was in motion. We were able to get the vehicle stopped and did not continue driving it because of the safety concern. The problem has NOT yet been confirmed or diagnosed by a dealer or independent repair facility. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurance representative. The check-engine warning light came on AFTER the hard brake pedal problem occurred. There were no known warning symptoms immediately before the brake problem occurred. The brake issue appeared suddenly and unexpectedly while driving. At this time, the exact component that failed is UNKNOWN. Our best assessment is that there may be a problem with the brake booster, vacuum supply, or another component responsible for brake assist.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate before lurching forward. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving 60-70 MPH and decelerated to 10 MPH. The engine revved while stopped at a red light, and the RPM was at HIGH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on six occasions for the recurring failure. The contact stated that DTC: P0401 and P0521 were retrieved and cleared after securing the air box cover after the first failure. The second time, the EGR housing was clogged with carbon, and the oil sensor failed internally and was replaced. The third time, the wiring harness and unknown sensors were replaced. The fourth time, an unknown sensor and module were replaced. The fifth time, the dealer replaced the transmission with a used transmission, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, and it was determined that the driver's side CV axle seal, NOx sensor 1, MAF sensor, passenger side front wheel bearing, two front tires, four TPMS, intake manifold, and air temperature sensor mount needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Car has less than 75,000 miles and needs a new transmission
The power liftgate on my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox experienced a sudden mechanical failure without warning. I pushed the automatic liftgate button and the liftgate raised normally. Once raised, the upper mounting bolt securing the power liftgate actuator severed. The actuator broke loose, struck the rear taillight assembly and pushed it outward approximately one inch, and the liftgate came crashing down without warning. My [XXX] grandson was approaching the rear of the vehicle to retrieve his golf clubs. Fortunately, he had not yet reached the area beneath the liftgate when it fell. Had he or another person been standing beneath it, I believe the sudden uncontrolled closing of the liftgate could have caused serious injury. The failure was confirmed during repair by an independent mechanic who is a former GM mechanic. He had considerable difficulty extracting the severed mounting bolt and repaired the actuator/bolt failure at a cost of approximately $400. The mechanic retained the failed parts, including the severed bolt, and they are available for inspection upon request. The actuator also displaced the rear taillight assembly. The mechanic attempted to reseat it, but the taillight still does not sit flush with the vehicle, so damage resulting from the incident remains. The vehicle and failed components have not been inspected by GM, police, or an insurance representative. I reported the incident to General Motors and received a GM case number. GM declined reimbursement because the repair was performed outside a GM dealership. There were no warning lamps, warning messages, or other symptoms that I noticed before the failure. The liftgate appeared to operate normally until the sudden failure.I reported the incident to GM under case #XXX and requested the case be reopened because the taillight remains displaced and does not sit flush. The failed parts, including the severed bolt, were retained by my mechanic and are available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving and turning on a flashing yellow arrow, I was hit by a truck and upon impact, my seatbelt came unbuckled and my body was thrusted into the dash, my Left knee took the impact from next to the steering wheel and my thigh was slammed into the steering wheel.
Unusual engine noise inspection at 86011 miles determined engine failure do to metal shavings and particles found in engine oils and oil filter by GM Dealership wher serviced only by them at mileage intervals on record and purchased new in 2019.
Hard brake pedal and Service Assist message. This issue was recalled for trucks and larger SUVs but not the Equinox. This is a known safety issue to Chevrolet, making my vehicle undrivable until I can come up with the $1,500 to have it towed and repaired.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact stated the failure reoccurred. The transmission failed to shift out of first gear, and the RPM was elevated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
In May 2026 while driving home from her job in downtown St. Louis, my daughter was driving my equinox. While traveling on the highway at the speed limit of 55 miles an hour her brakes failed and she came within a few feet of rear ending a full gas tanker truck. She was able to maneuver to the shoulder of the highway and avoid an accident. After a few moments of the engine, idling the engine completely stopped working and shut down. After having the car towed to my local mechanic at a Midas shop, they began the diagnosis. I began similar research online to find cases of similar things happening. What was diagnosed is that the vacuum pump on the brake line was faulty and broke. Pieces of this pump made their way into my engine and ruined two of the cylinders in my engine. The car is now not drivable and needs a replacement engine. Chevy knew about this faulty, vacuum pump part and they did issue recalls on other vehicles using the same part. They have also issued technical bulletins to their technicians for a diagnosing this failed vacuum pump. I have tried to contact Chevy and they have offered me no assistance. I know a class action suit has been filed for this very same issue. Chevy is aware of this issue. Chevy‘s choice to use a part they knew was faulty. Almost led to the death of my daughter.
Car fails to move while in reverse, the rpm’s accelerate but the car doesn’t move the transmission seems to not be griping when in reverse i get a reading from diagnostic saying P2723
I was driving and the suv moved forward with a jump like that scared myself, this happened several times. I just had my oil changed at the dealership of which I been working with for 20 years. A few of my sensors went out at the same time. On June 19-26 my suv refused to change gears. I pulled over and tried again. Made it home and towed it to the dealership June 22. I noticed that there are two car factories having the same issue and had a repull, so I thought that my suv would be included. Well, Not, my suv is from another factory that has no recalls. Dealership wasn’t working with me until July 17th after I reported them to BBB-and General Consumer. I met with the dealership July 24, and offered me 11600.00 just for fixing the transmission. I can’t get an answer if anyone else from factory number three has had the same problem as myself and the other two factories. My SUV is seven years and 81,000. Dealership offered to buy my car for 500.00 as is.. and after the transmission only 1000.00. This is crazy!!! I bought new and they are the only dealership that has worked on my car. I only put premium gas. Why does it matter what factory if they all have the same problems. Thank you..
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox and the repeated failure of its brake vacuum pump. This is not an isolated repair issue. I have had the brake vacuum pump replaced or repaired three separate times, and each failure has placed my safety, and the safety of others, at serious risk. The first failure was the most terrifying. While driving approximately 65 miles per hour on my way to work, I suddenly applied the brakes and discovered that I had almost no braking assistance. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and the vehicle failed to slow down as expected. I was fortunate that traffic conditions allowed me to avoid a catastrophic accident. Had another vehicle stopped suddenly in front of me, or had a pedestrian entered the roadway, the outcome could have been fatal. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated event. The brake vacuum pump has failed two additional times, resulting in similar symptoms, including the sudden loss of brake assist and an extremely hard brake pedal. Each occurrence has left me questioning whether my vehicle is safe to operate. I recently learned that General Motors is facing a proposed nationwide class action lawsuit alleging that certain Chevrolet Equinox vehicles suffer from a defective brake vacuum pump that can fail without warning. According to the lawsuit, this defect causes a sudden loss of power brake assist, significantly increasing stopping distances and creating a serious safety hazard. The lawsuit also alleges that GM was aware of brake vacuum pump issues through technical service bulletins and customer complaints dating back several years. My personal experience mirrors these allegations exactly. The failures on my vehicle occurred without warning and created an immediate safety emergency. The fact that I have experienced this same dangerous failure three separate times strongly suggests that replacing the component alone has not corrected the underlying defect.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff. The brake pedal was pressed with force to slow the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mechanical vacuum pump had exploded and there were metal shards inside the engine oil, camshaft, and the timing jump, and that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving on the freeway at 64 MPH when my Brake Assist alert appeared on my dashboard. At that time I lost assisted braking capability. I was able to steer and stop my vehicle on the shoulder of the freeway. I turned the car off and was unable to start the car again. The car was towed to the dealership where they stated “ Hi Erika, the vacuum pump on your engine seized and broke the shaft and damaged the tone ring on the camshaft, there are quite a bit of metal pieced in the engine due that that failure. Unfortunately, the solution is a remanufactured engine at the cost of $11500.00 parts and labor plus tax. How would you like to proceed?” Currently we are opting to not replace the motor. It is apparent that this is a common issue with this year/make/model of vehicle.
The Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) connector corroded and disabled the fuel pump system. My car's fuel system failed while driving, and I had to pull over. After further research, I found that this particular FPCM and connector are located by the rear passenger axle and are exposed to the weather elements. This makes corrosion highly likely and poses a significant security threat for drivers, as there was no warning or engine light indication until moments before the failure. This is a design flaw and should be recalled by the manufacturer immediately.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system became inoperable, and the brakes unexpectedly locked up with no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved trouble code TSB-21NA268. The contact was informed that the brake vacuum pump connected to the crankshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Vacuum pump went out while driving down the interstate causing hard breaking. Break pedal was extremely hard to push down putting us at risk of not being able to break in time. There were on and off alerts to service breaks assist, however it was not consistently an alert. We replaced the vacuum pump and the issue seems to be resolved. The pump is not available as we tossed it in the trash.
306 total