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2020 Chevrolet Equinox

The Verdict

44 Proceed with Caution

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has 291 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (130 complaints) and brakes (67 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 44/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Equinox, consider the 2024 model year which has 77% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 77% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox dashboard →

44

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.

23V339000 CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, whic...

Risk

The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as nec...

Reported Nov 5, 2023

19V704000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to sw...

Risk

Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and 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 October 29, 2019....

Reported Mar 10, 2019

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20051267714219696
20063337412114224
20071392520529124
200810971598113
200916341286
201022913101325116
2011164208143974
201221484637834
201320795943331
201423194524117
2015337126324223
20161463232109
20173182419213
201885894912045
201948573312923
202046672613022
2021255192711
2022264131064
2023131410462
202417128244
20257717583222

By Category

Engine
130
Brakes
67
Body
46
Electrical
26
Transmission
22

By Severity

1
130
2
136
4
24
5
1

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Engine 1

As I was coming to a stop at light my brakes became very difficult to push the pedal down to stop. It took everything in me to get the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection and oncoming traffic. I was able to get the vehicle parked safely in a nearby parking lot but then the engine wouldn't start it just kept trying to turn over. The brake assist error popped up, and then the check engine light came on. I was able to get it started again about 20 minutes later, all the same warnings and lights. I white knuckled the drive back to my house... Once I got home the engine was smoking, smelled like it was burning, and oil was spilling out all over the place underneath, impossible to see where a leak was as it was coming from the entire engine. There was ZERO warning with the vehicle, no issues up to this point, and suddenly the equinox is now useless in my driveway unable to start with oil still leaking in multiple spots. An oil pan under the main leaking area, but there are still multiple areas of oil spilling even a week later. Oddly enough my onstar report for the month came to email a few days later reporting perfect engine health and zero issues - even thought the vehicle can't start now.

15d ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a thumping sound coming from the brake pedal, with the message “Service Brake Assist” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The contact stated that the next day while driving approximately 63 MPH, the message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. The contact exited the highway, and while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the pedal was firm, and the vehicle failed to slow as intended. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal with force, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle slowed down eventually. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store and a handheld diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and failed to restart. The vehicle was restarted after three attempts. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the following day, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the vacuum pump, camshaft, and timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

16d ago
Engine 2

The turbocharger are bad on the 1.5 L vehicles. My current one , I had replaced already and my previous one had it too. Reduced engine power and should be recalled. I want to be reimbursed for the service and part replacement. 976.00 for the turbocharger and labor costs of 400.00. 3 1/2 hours of labor costs and the diagnostic test my nirth country GM in Hibbing. Should be recalled for all of these vehicles. 218-290-5027 Craig Johnson

16d ago
Brakes 2

The vacuum pump failed and my brakes went out pedal became extremely hard to push. I was driving on the highway at the time and was lucky I had a shoulder to slow down on and finally stop. I took the car to my usually mechanic who confirmed the vacuum pump failure but referred me to the Chevy dealer because this is a known issue. The dealer confirmed the pump had blown apart( their words to me) and that there are most likely debris now in the engine. No warning lights or alerts of any kind came on. Total suprise.

16d ago
Engine 1

My car is a 2020 Chevy Equinox with only 31852 miles. While driving today, all of a sudden the car started shuddering badly and stalled in the middle of the highway. Talk about a very scary situation. I pushed the car to the side of the road, and had it towed to a local shop. They found that the Fuel Pump Control Module had failed (P129F code). Upon doing some research, I found out that the 2021 Equinox had recalls issued for this same exact issue. I also found that the 2020 and 2021 Equinox both used the same part number Fuel Pump Control Module (13565638). Because of this, the recall should be extended to the 2020 Chevy Equinox so that owners pay get the major possible safety issue fixed. Luckily, I did not get into an accident when this occured and honestly Chevrolet should be reimbursing me for the repair as this should have included in the safety recall for 2021 Equinox using the same part. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hopefully seeing the right thing done here. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

17d ago
Engine 1

December 2025 I was at a complete stop and the car clunked and the brake pedal got hard hard to push and then a couple months later a brake sensor light came on and when I plugged the code reader into it, it said give me a brake sensor code, and then it started slamming on the brakes all by itself when I went to takeoff hard like give you whiplash hard and it didn’t just do it once it did it a few times and then it wouldn’t go into reverse and then it wouldn’t go in neutral, and then it started smoking. My safety was affected by it, slamming on the brakes that could make someone hit me. It could hurt my back and neck. Yes, I have proof. Yes, I notified the dealer. Yes the vehicle has been inspected and I got an estimate by two different Car Lot the one I bought it from Ken valor motors, and Matt Mazzoni’s I have. Plus I have diagnose diagnostics printouts from OnStar and this is a 2020 vehicle. It should not be having these problems and now I’m stuck paying for a vehicle that I can’t even drive.!!

18d ago
Electrical 2

The sunroof opens and closes without driver input. It initially occurred at startup but now also while driving (safety/security risk) . The sunroof switch has currently been unresponsive since 2025 . The issue is intermittent and has occurred multiple times. I have a pending diagnostic appointment and an open chevrolet customer assistance case. **My 2020 Equinox has approximately 55,000 - 60,000 miles on it and I'm also not certain if I have any warranty left that will cover the cost for this issue. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this matter.

18d ago
Engine 1

Fuel Stall with no acceleration while driving on the highway. Barely made it to the side of the road. Vehicle is at a mechanic shop. Both the Direct injection high pressure fuel pump and the electric fuel pump as well as the fuel pump module has to be replaced.

24d ago
Brakes 2

Brake vacuum, pump failed while driving which made the brakes not work. I had it towed to a dealer and they found that the pump was internally damaged. Pump was then replaced. There was no warning this was about to happen and it happened suddenly. One moment the car had brakes and the next there was no braking. A very dangerous situation and we were lucky to not have a major accident.

1mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated the brake pedal became firm while driving approximately 40-45 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the brake assist service message was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the brake housing had shattered inside the engine. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 213,000.

1mo ago
Brakes 1

Brake vacuum pump failed at 112k miles while doing 60 on the highway with no warning or way to stop. Very dangerous. Service brake assist light only come on after the fact of brake pump failure. Shrapnel from the failed part was sent into the engine block that had to be professionally cleaned out. This happened again 4 months later when I had to replace the brake vacuum pump AGAIN. I almost wrecked and lost my life then as well since again, it happened out of nowhere while driving no warnings. Brake assist light only came on after. This is DEADLY and should be recalled and rectified by GM promptly before someone is killed.

1mo ago
Body 4

The vehicle was taken to College Chevrolet for body work. . When the vehicle was at the body shop, the shop informed me that a turbo light was on but I am unsure when it appeared because it wasn't on when I took it to the dealer. The brake assist light was on; I noticed this about May 20, 2026. I parked the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the body shop on June 1. The body work was completed on June 9 and the vehicle was at my residence. My Ex-husband and son were coming to pick me up at the car rental. The car caught on fire. My son & Ex-husband could have died in that car. The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle hasn't been examined by anyone at this time. An insurance claim in in process.

1mo ago
Engine 1

Recall Number N202313440 My car matches make, model, and year but for some reason is not included in the recall and my vehicle has the leaking bolts. Please Review

1mo ago
Brakes 1

I was driving at the speed about 30~ miles/per hour on the city road, as I was slowing down to turn into the Penera Bread where I plan to, and I pressure the break paddle, the break paddle was stocked, it cannot pressed down. It was extremely dangerous situation, I cannot stop the vehicle, and it was very scary. I finally switch the driving to 'P" to stop the vehicle, and route the vehicle to curb to force hard stop. This is extremely risky situation. My understanding is model year 2020 - 20xx Equinox has reported this problem by many consumers. Vehicle brake stocked while driving, I hope there is no injury or death occurs. This is extremely dangerous. My seatbelt pressed really hard on me, my chest hurts from this sudden hard stop, and I am so scared. A week after, I still cannot resume the driving due to the impact of the situation.

1mo ago
Engine 2

Multiple occasions of “engine reduced power” and vehicle stalling/jolting/jerking when trying to go over 45 mph. When trying to go to work Monday - on the interstate, it was jerking/jolting when trying to increase any speed and brakes were getting harder to press on, decided to try to reduce speed and get pulled over without the brakes, car was overheating completely. Now seeing multiple people have had this issue with the same car - I’m not sure whether it’s comforting that I’m not the only one or terrifying to know there’s multiple vehicles on the road experiencing this dangerous issue. Seeing a pending lawsuit did not surprise me one bit - I am not happy whatsoever about risking my own life and others on the roadway due to this not being a priority in the first place to correct before selling this vehicle to me, buying it with my hard earned money. Greedy greedy.

1mo ago
Engine 1

My engine started running rough and, as a result of a repeating PO301 code, the car was towed to Lester Glenn of Toms River. Their diagnostic scan report (codes DTC PO301 & DTC PO303) found the engine assembly has scored cylinder walls due to failed piston rings. The entire engine had to be replaced. The odometer reading was 19,000 miles. Piston rings are designed to last 150,000 plus miles. For them to be worn enough to score a cylinder wall at 19,000 miles is a textbook definition of a manufacturing defect. Piston failure represents a serious safety defect as it could have caused a total loss of power at highway speeds. This was a safety-related manufacturing flaw, and not a maintenance issue. GM refused to pay for the repair bill in full.

1mo ago
Brakes 2

While driving, the vehicle experienced an almost total loss of braking capability. The pedal was very hard to press, and when pressing with all my weight, I could slow the vehicle to a stop, but it took a great distance. There was no warning or malfunction indicator until I pulled into a parking lot a few minutes later. At that point, a "Service Brake Assist" message appeared. Had I been in traffic, going faster, or in an area with pedestrian crossings, this could have caused a possibly deadly crash. I searched online and found that there is a vacuum pump that is known to fail on this vehicle, and can cause these symptoms. Upon replacing this vacuum pump, the issue was resolved. I still have the failed vacuum pump.

1mo ago
Brakes 1

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle's brakes did not depressed, it maintained the same speed the warning indicator stating service brake assist illuminated and then the check engine light illuminated. The emergency brakes were engaged in order to allow the vehicle to slow down. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a vacuum pump for brakes failure. Additionally, metal was in the engine due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was

2mo ago
Engine 2

I was driving to work, when I got off the exit I stopped at Sheetz. When I got back in the car my brake pedal was stiff as a rock, and there was oil on the ground. A friend of mine does mechanic work so I called him and he said it sounds like the vacuum pump. I had the car towed to his garage, the tow costed me $400 which was very cheap considering where I was located. When I got it to the garage he confirmed that it was the vacuum pump and we removed several pieces of metal from inside the engine. I now have my car at the Chevy dealership in Chippewa PA. They told me to be $180 a diagnose it, well they just called me a little bit ago and said it's going to be another $900 to take everything apart and to truly diagnose it. I'm finding out now that GM has known about the failing vacuum pumps and they kept producing them anyways. I see there's a class action lawsuit taking place, and I am not very happy. My life was put at risk. And now I'm expected to be stuck paying this huge bill?

2mo ago
Transmission 2

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)

2mo ago

291 total

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