Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she waited approximately 30 minutes before restarting the vehicle. Additionally, one quart of engine oil needed to be added to the vehicle every one to two months. The contact stated that after inserting the key into the Ignition, the key became stuck. The contact had to manipulate the key to be able to remove the key from the ignition switch. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the variable solenoid valve and intake and exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle temporarily lost electrical power inadvertently. They were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V489000 (Visibility). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. …
Reported to GMC about how my car radio goes out, a/c would turn itself on and blow hot air also the door locking itself after being unlocked. I was told there were no issues reported on what I was calling for to only read simething different online. So I took it to the dealership and told them how Air went from working to not working and took to dealership and was told I had a leak in my evaporator core. I informed them I had the freon checked and the level was correct and also it didn't need to be charged but the compressor wasn't coming on. Also called an independent mechanic who said that year was full of issues and if my levels were correct that I didn't have a leak but something else going on. Took to dealership on 5/16 also called mechanic the same day. I made the appointment last Thursday for the dealership to look at after noticing the problem.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signals and the speed odometer were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN for the failure. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle where the vehicle was purchased for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle had several failures since purchasing the vehicle three years ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When I turn off my Chevrolet Equinox and leave the key in the ignition the vehicle attempts to restart itself numerous times. The lights on the dash all come on for a brief moment and you can hear it act like it's going to start but then everything cuts off a second later. This has occurred everytime I turn my vehicle off and do not remove the key. I am always sitting in the vehicle when the key is in the ignition.
Visibility: Defroster/Defogger 2009-12-18 Recall#09V489000 Software computer module Center console will malfunction causing the radio, heater, radio, a/c and defroster to quick working. Putting the vehicle to be a safety hazard when not working, can result in crash without warning. Dealer refuses to fix.
Engine cylinders & seals are faulty and easily crack causing the car to STOP /STALL WHILE IN DRIVE! I NEARLY HIT A SEMI-TRUCK BECAUSE THE CAR STOPED MID DRIVE AND THE CAR JERKED SO HARD THAT THE WHEEL JERKED TO THE SIDE AND THEN LOCKED!! AS THE CAR CONTINUED TO GLIDE IN A CIRCLE BECAUSE IT DIDNT STOP ALL THE WAY I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL TO AVOID THE SEMI, WHAT SAVED MY LIFE WAS THE CLEAR ROAD THAT ALLOWED THE SEMI TO GO AROUND ME!! MY CAR LITERALLY SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ACROSS THE YELLOW LINE! This issue persists and corrupts the ENTIRE fuel system, catalytic conveyer, resonator, and timing chain SIMULTANEOUSLY! This causes each owner to replace the entire engine because it simply can not be fixed. Fixing or repairing one of the components does NOT fix the issue or stop the engine from failing, all must be replaced! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. Wally edgar Chevrolet (3805 s lapeer rd, orion charter township, mi 48360, [phone]) was notified and stated that the vehicle would be covered under a power train warranty. The contact purchased an electrical box from the dealer to repair the engine failure; however, the box did not assist with the failure. The contact stated that the failure occurred again four days later without warning. Since owning the vehicle, the contact has had the engine, fuel pump, electric line, doors, and windshield wipers replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000. The consumer stated that the vehicle while at a stop sign, during rainy weather, the windshield wipers failed. …
Intermittent loss of system heat. Blower works but blows frigid air into cabin and onto windshield causing frosting and safety issue. Controls do not work to correct issue. Actuator doors either don't move or move randomly. No change in blower air. Air temp feels like below zero. No warning of change from hot to cold air. Vehicle can be stationary, in motion, highway speeds, side street speeds, turning, straight, it doesn't matter. In going to destination heat stopped and cold air blew. This has been a recurring issue for about 2 years. Dealer says not coding or storing codes. Main computer doesn't sense the problem. Actuators recalibrated on Friday, it reoccurred on Saturday. There is a recall on the control system brain but dealer unwilling to do repairs. 2010 and 2011 were the worst years for issues in these vehicles. Many complaints of the same issues. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
Electrical complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 81 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, 10% of the model year's 784 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-502 (ignition, Jul 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.