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2018-2023 Chevy Equinox Problems

2018-2024 Chevy Equinox Problems

| by Michelle Yang, Esq.

Have you been thinking about buying a Chevy Equinox or do you currently own one? If so, you’ll want to know about the 2018-2023 Chevy Equinox problems, especially considering the long list of Equinox recalls and complaints.

In this guide, we cover the most common Chevrolet Equinox problems reported by drivers just like you. We also discuss models that might be worth driving and cover ways to get compensated if there’s a problem. In particular, we will look at the complaints about excessive oil consumption and compare the reliability with the GMC Terrain vehicles.

The Chevy Equinox was first introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the Tracker. The crossover SUV will also soon be available as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), increasing the options for consumers. With more than 200,000 sales of the Equinox each year, it’s no wonder people see this as a reliable vehicle. However, there are still some serious issues consumers should know about.

If you are the owner of a defective Chevrolet Equinox, you may be owed a refund, replacement or cash reimbursement. Please contact our experienced lemon law attorneys for a free case review. ¿Hablas Español? Contáctenos ahora para recibir más información.

2018 Chevy Equinox Problems

2018 Chevy Equinox Problems

With five recalls and more than two hundred consumer complaints, the NHTSA has a lot of documentation about this Equinox model. The trouble is that most of these problems lead to serious safety concerns.

Excessive Oil Consumption

The 2018 and earlier models of the Equinox are notorious for using too much oil. The oil consumption issues have even prompted class action lawsuits. The oil consumption problems weren’t as prevalent by the time the 2018 model arrived, but they hadn’t disappeared either.

Brake Failure

A recall affected more than 200,000 vehicles, showing that brake malfunctions could occur. When the vehicles left the factory, the rear brake caliper pistons weren’t coated correctly, leading to gas pockets forming. This problem reduces braking performance and puts people in danger.

Fuel Leak

General Motors issued a recall on some vehicles because the high-pressure fuel pump could come off from the edge where it attaches. When this happens, the pump can damage the high pressure fuel line and cause a leak. When there’s a fuel leak, there’s a higher chance of a car fire.

Transmission Fluid Leak

Nearly 200,000 more vehicles were recalled because the start/stop accumulator endcap was found to have some missing bolts. Not only can this problem create a transmission fluid leak, but it can also cause the vehicle to stop moving forward. It also increases the risk of a car fire. To add more concern to the situation, another recall exists stating that the right front intermediate driveshaft can fracture and separate, causing potential rollaway issues and other transmission problems.

Shattering Auto Glass

GM issued yet another recall because the driver and front window glass wasn’t tempered properly from the factory. If the glass gets broken, instead of breaking into large pieces, it shatters into smaller sections that can cause serious injury.

2019 Chevy Equinox Problems

2019 Chevy Equinox Problems

The 2019 Equinox only has four recalls and about 150 complaints on the NHTSA website, showing that it could be slightly better than the previous model. Some of the recalls were carried over from the previous year.

Fuel Leak

The fuel leak issue isn’t the same as with the 2018 models, but something completely different. Some of the fuel tanks are missing the sealed seam that secures the liquid. If this seam isn’t right, the fluid can leak and an increased chance of a fire occurs.

Head Restraint Failure

Back seat passengers may not have the support they think they do. Select Chevy Equinox vehicles were found to have improper welds on the head-restraint bracket of the rear-right seat. Without it, injury is more likely during a crash.

Loss of Power

With sixty complaints about the engine, it’s clear that consumers are unhappy with the power this SUV puts out. However, it goes beyond a simple lack of engine power. This Chevy model seems to lose power while driving, to the point that it’s dangerous when driving in traffic. The Check Engine Light tends to come on at the same time.

2020 Chevy Equinox Problems

2020 Chevy Equinox Problems

General Motors may fix previous issues leading to recalls, but the company can’t seem to remain trouble-free. The 2020 Equinox has its own list of problems, according to the NHTSA.

Dragging Brakes

GM issued a recall because the rear brake calipers have an insufficient lubricant that can cause the rubber seals to swell, leading to brake drag. When the brakes drag, they get hot and the stopping power is reduced.

Electrical Issues

This Equinox seems to suffer from a variety of electrical glitches, ranging from mild to severe. Some people complain about the turn signals not working and the infotainment screen going dark. On the more serious side, the SUV can stop shifting because of electrical trouble or power can be reduced to the engine.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

Several fuel and engine-related troubles have led to a drop in fuel economy. Reduced fuel efficiency isn’t as noticeable as bigger mechanical malfunctions, such as a blown engine that is sure to get your attention.  For this reason, it’s hard to spot when the fuel economy is down unless you are paying attention. If you watch, you might notice that you are spending more to fill up the tank.

2021 Chevy Equinox Problems

2021 Chevy Equinox Problems

Things start to improve slightly with the 2021 Chevy Equinox models. The NHTSA has far fewer complaints for this model year, but it could also be too soon to tell. Here are some of the top Chevrolet Equinox problems.

Failing Fuel Pump

A GM recall states that a defective fuel pump module fails prematurely. This pump isn’t supplying enough fuel from the gas tank to the engine, leading to stalling. If the engine stalls in a dangerous intersection, it could mean the difference between life and death.

Separating Tire Tread

On a brand new car, no one expects to be dealing with tire issues, but 2021 Equinox owners have. Another recall says that the Hankook tires that were installed may not have the right curative agent, leading to a loss of tread. When the tire tread wears quickly, drivers are at risk of losing control of the vehicle.

Seat Belt Malfunction

People expect seat belts to protect them in the event of an accident. However, this Equinox model has a recall because the wrong bolts could have been used during assembly. If the bolts aren’t secured in the seat belt fastening location, they can become detached during an accident and allow serious injuries.

2022 Chevy Equinox Problems

2022 Chevy Equinox Problems

There’s an uptick in problems with the 2022 model year, according to the NHTSA. This information still has time to develop, so we expect to see more.

Faulty Seat Frame

Not only does the seat belt recall still apply to the 2022 model, but there’s also trouble with the seat. GM recalled some models because the driver’s seat frame may not have received the weld it should have in the power-tilt control. Therefore, drivers are not safe from harm if an accident occurs and the seat can’t provide restraint.

Steering Failure

Good steering is necessary to feel in control of the vehicle, but owners are complaining about losing all control. For some people, the steering issues are merely a lack of assistance. In these cases, drivers need to apply more force. However, there have been instances where all steering has been lost.

2023 Chevy Equinox Problems

The newest of the Chevy Equinox years reveals problems already. There are recalls that owners deal with every day, according to the NHTSA.

Faulty Air Bag

It appears that the front passenger seat air bag can deploy with a child in it. The Occupant Classification System doesn’t disable as it should on the front passenger seat, leaving smaller travelers at risk for injury.

Improper Seat Structure

The seat issue from last year was resolved, only for a new one to crop up. The newer Equinox may have a loose bolt on the seat frame where the height is adjusted. This can cause the seat to move freely during an accident.

Chevrolet Equinox vs. GMC Terrain Vehicles

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a better SUV than the GMC Terrain? Let’s look at a few reviews from the top online publications.

Car and Driver says, “Although competent and capable, the bland Equinox fails to inspire in a class of compact SUVs rife with cooler, quicker, and more fun-to-drive alternatives.” Furthermore, Car and Driver states, “Despite its assertive appearance the 2023 Terrain is anything but, and flounders in comparison to other vehicles in the segment.”

Edmunds says, “The Equinox faces stiff competition, and its small cargo space, lackluster cabin, and sluggish performance don’t move the needle against the class leaders. We think most small-SUV shoppers would be better off with a Ford Escape, Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5.” When discussing the Terrain, Edmunds says, “The GMC Terrain has a comfortable interior and easy-to-use technology features. But a weak base engine, unresponsive transmission and bouncy ride, along with a high price, keep the Terrain from standing out in the small SUV class.”

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a Reliable SUV?

RepairPal states that the Equinox has a $537 annual repair and maintenance cost. There are no further details given on how these Chevy SUVs up against the competition for repairs and the severity of problems.

However, the publication does list a long record of possible repairs that are needed. Some of them are as severe as a transmission fault, throttle body issues, failed piston rings, issues with the all-wheel drive and a malfunctioning timing chain.

Best Chevy Equinox Models To Drive

It’s difficult to recommend any of the Chevy Equinox models to drive. Even older models suffered from excessive oil consumption and four-cylinder engine failure because of trouble with the valves or cylinder walls. With class action lawsuits against GM and tons of recalls leading to safety concerns, this isn’t a model we could recommend in good conscience.

If you must choose a new Equinox, the new models may be better than the first generation or older models. This unibody construction SUV should also be checked for the most common issues, preferably by a mechanic. Keep an eye out for anything that’s a known issue an only choose the V6 engine if you don’t mind spending more on fuel.

If you want a Chevy SUV, there are other options to research. The first Chevy SUV was the Suburban, so maybe you want to give that a try. There are also the Trailblazer and Blazer models worth checking into. As with any model, you should do your research to find the one with the least amount of problems, so you can avoid a lemon car.

Chevy Equinox Lemon Lawyers

Are you driving a lemon Chevrolet? Our Chevy lemon lawyers know how to get the job done since they have been a part of more than 40,000 cases. Our lemon lawyers in Los Angeles work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

After you’ve taken your Chevrolet Equinox to the dealership for repairs with no remedy, it’s time to reach out to our lemon law attorneys. We fight for you as if it were our car. Call us now.

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