Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 while the vehicle was at the dealer for the rear tire inspection, the dealer diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the timing chain; however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Matthews-Hargreaves Chevrolet (2000 Twelve Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067) and diagnosed with rack and pinion, cylinder misfire, and catalytic converter failure. The dealer informed the contact that the rack and pinion and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed, and the vehicle would remain on after the key was taken out of the ignition. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and reimbursed the contact for the timing chain replacement. …
On August 21,2015 I was coming home while driving on the road I entered a curve and my steering wheel did not turn with the curve my car continued going straight I had no control of the steering wheel and I tried to brake and the brakes did not stop the car so I went into the ditch wrecking my car it was totaled and I was hurt the car was totaled the Chevrolet dealer told me to bring the car in and they would fix the problem at no charge they had a special warranty fund to cover the cost of repair of the steering problem there had been others with the same problem--needless to say my totally wrecked car could not be brought to the dealer --I was told to call roadside service to tow it in and fix the problem--a recall should be issued on the power steering and the brake system--I could of been killed and at the age of 71 years very thankful that god was with me and saved my life thank …
Tl* the contact owned a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a guardrail. The contact did not disclose whether a police report was filed. The contact sustained lower back injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Driving down the road going 55mph and all of a sudden I loose speed control to almost 20 MPH. I try to press the gas to accelerate and it feels like the brakes are being pressed down. Have to press gas pedal almost to the floor to get it off the road safely. Immediately turned on emergency flashers to alert vehicles behind me. Stabilitrk light and tc light comes on. I have read plenty of forums having this same problem with the 2010 cheverelet Equinox and nobody seems to know the solution to this problem. Have had several mechanics and break specialist look at the problem and they are confused to why this is happening. I have a small child in the back seat. Thank god we weren't on a 70 MPH highway and that happened. There could have been fatalities. I dont have any mechanic receipts because they dont know what to start to fix the problem with. …
Intermittently, the steering was seriously compromised when driven. Contacted GM and they sent me to a GM certified dealership/technician. The technician informed me that the car was unsafe to drive (due to a "twisted steering shaft") and steering could completely fail at any time. I escalated the issue to a Chevrolet senior advisor in detroit. The senior advisor informed me that there was no outstanding recalls for this type of issue. I informed the advisor that this defect could injure / kill someone if not made public. He indicated that there was nothing he could do further... I just don't want someone to get seriously hurt because of this issue. Please inform the public of this issue!!!
Brought my SUV in delership for recalls from 12/5/2016. It's been in for mutiplable recalls plus oil consumption recall now received my car back had it for 2 days now service department telling me my transmission wave plate needs to be replaced. Service department had returned my car saying everything was fine to drive let me leave in it knowing they knew this would happen. Very upset plus am out around $800 dollars thought these recalls were covered nope had to come out of my pocket. Now they want $4374.69!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A code randomly appears on the dash while driving. It's says to service the power steering. When this pops up you lose power steering completely. If you are in a middle of a turn, you can lose control of your car. This has almost happened to me. This code will stay on the screen then randomly goes away and power steering returns. Then all of a sudden the code will pop up when your driving and same result, no power steering. This is very dangerous when driving and this happens.
NHTSA reference #: 10081067 TSB reference #: g-205009 special coverage #: 14232a after the dealer replaced the parts on my vehicle, the steering wheel is still sticking and the dealer is requesting that additional part(s) from the steering wheel be replaced at my own expenses. I do believe that any additional parts required to make the vehicle safe should be at the manufacturer expenses. The troubleshooting was not done the right way in order to isolate the components.
I need to report that when driving on these icy roads that my AWD Equinox feels like it swerves? It feels like it takes me into the other lane most of the time. Now, I don't know if its the AWD causing it but other AWD vehicles that I've driven have never did it this bad to the point that it feels almost like my back end starts going sideways.
While driving my Equinox, there was a whining noise that started. When I turn my wheel, the steering wheel is making a grinding noise. And becomes very loose. I currently do not feel safe driving this car
NHTSA investigations
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will…
Steering complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, 6% of the model year's 784 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Equinox steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 Chevrolet Equinox steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.