Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and made a clicking sound while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the exhaust camshaft timing was over-advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period, the system performance catalyst was low efficiency, and the evaporator systems had a small leak. The contact stated that two calipers and the boot of the axle were previously repaired due to a leak. The mechanic stated that the contact needed to replace the engine variable valve timing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,823.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 - 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning lights illuminated. However, after the failure, the low engine power warning message would display. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure would recur. The failure occurred on 4 separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was no oil, although the panel showed the vehicle had 40% oil, transmission, and a high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 20-25 mph, the vehicle stalled with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
I have had my vehicle for only a year and bought it used from a dealership here in town. I understand that the vehicle is nearly 12 years old though I have seen vehicles that were way older and not have half the problems that I am having with mine and it has been well keep and maintenance has been up to date. Early this week my car had been warming up for nearly 30 minutes and I put it in drive and it jerk harder then normal. I just thought it was because it went from hot to cold outside overnight that that was the problem. Though as I was driving down the street my check engine light came on and the vehicle was stalling in between 35-40 mph. So I got it check out and the code said that it was a transmission shift solenoid. …
I bought a Chevy Equinox in 6/2020 and have had high oil consumption problems. I took it in to where I bought it and they said it was a catalog converter problem along with seals and pistons that could damage your engine. After researching it, i found out there was a recall and class action suit fought in 2018 for the same problem. I was never told about this from the dealer and because it's outside the date to fix under the recall and warranty I have to pay for all the damage. The car broke down yesterday and had to be towed. What can I do? I'm still financing the vehicle
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. …
My wife was driving home from work to eat lunch as with any other day and all of a sudden the vehicle started shaking violently, the check engine light came on along with a "reduced engine power" message and an exclamation mark. I've done a ton of research and have seen this show up as a common issue with many GM models. I found the GM TSB 11273 that describes the exact condition we are having. Want to know the problem? My wife's 2010 Equinox isn't listed in the TSB!!! I do not understand this at all. I've called GM to explain the situation and they will hear nothing of it and are telling me they will not cover the expense. It makes no sense to me how they admit fault and pick of the cost of the exact same repair on other GM models but they will not pay for the repair on my vehicle for the exact same problem. …
On June 21, 2015 while on my way home from work, I stopped behind a vehicle that was making a left turn. When I went to accelerate, my vehicle acted like it didn't want to shift. The motor revved up instead. I had a vehicle come up behind me and thankfully they were able to drive into the other lane an go around me, otherwise I would have gotten hit. I managed to get it off the road. Had it hauled to the dealer. Today I'm told that the transmission, catalytic converter, and the timing chain are all bad and to replace will be $5500. I just replaced the timing chain nov of 2014 at a cost to me of $800. The dealer told me it would be $1500 to fix, so I had it fixed at another repair shop. Then I find out while browsing around my OnStar account that there are 2 extended warranties for the timing chain. Why didn't the dealer know that? …
The transmission failed in our 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with roughly 78K mile on it. We originally bought the car brand new in fall of 2009. My wife was driving it near a school when the car lunged forward. She came to a stop sign and then tried to accelerate, but the car didn't go anywhere as the engine just revved like it was in neutral. We had it towed to the dealership. The dealer stated it would need a new transmission which would cost $4,150. Called GM who stated the most the most cost assistance they could provide was $1546 which is based off a calculator they use since the powertrain warranty was expired. The senior advisor for GM that I spoke with stated the transmission shouldn't have failed, but that they couldn't replace the transmission for free since there was no open recall yet for the transmission. …
I have a 2010 Chevy Equinox and in late March while driving our young children; our transmission blew up. When I say blew up, I mean it literally exploded and my husband started to lose control of the vehicle. We were stranded and had to get it towed. When we brought it into the mechanic he said he would do what he could to try to "re-build" it and perhaps save us some money. Once he opened the hood; he said he could not believe his eyes and said it was not possible to salvage anything about this transmission and we pd.$4,000 to get this part repaired. He mentioned he had never seen anything like it in 30 years. When I went online I saw several different people with the same issue for the same make and model transmission. They, and myself have sent concerned letters to GM, however; GM will not hold any accountability for this issue although it has happened to so many. …
Transmission complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 182 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, 23% of the model year's 784 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.