Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 9% | 4,000 miles |
| 2025 | 25 | 11% | 12,000 miles |
| 2024 | 15 | 18% | 10,000 miles |
| 2023 | 18 | 18% | 37,000 miles |
| 2022 | 31 | 17% | 49,000 miles |
| 2021 | 18 | 18% | 88,000 miles |
| 2020 | 102 | 32% | 51,000 miles |
| 2019 | 105 | 34% | 5,000 miles |
| 2018 | 94 | 23% | 38,000 miles |
| 2017 | 192 | 70% | 85,000 miles |
| 2016 | 211 | 53% | 86,000 miles |
| 2015 | 231 | 34% | 90,000 miles |
| 2014 | 229 | 42% | 96,000 miles |
| 2013 | 420 | 56% | 94,000 miles |
| 2012 | 361 | 53% | 89,000 miles |
| 2011 | 419 | 54% | 85,000 miles |
| 2010 | 300 | 38% | 82,000 miles |
| 2009 | 18 | 19% | 78,000 miles |
| 2008 | 35 | 9% | 77,000 miles |
| 2007 | 54 | 8% | 85,000 miles |
| 2006 | 128 | 18% | 84,000 miles |
| 2005 | 165 | 26% | 74,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil gauge fluctuated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. An appointment was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,678.
On Friday March 20, 2026, we traded in a Chevy Equinox to get a newer model which is the VIN number we listed in this complaint. Driving home from the dealership the vehicle went from drive to park on its own (driving at 65 miles/hr) and my husband had to immediately put the car physically back into drive. Once we finally got the vehicle to our house, I went out to check it, and the vehicle would not even start. Every single light came on yet it would not start up. We called On-Star and they couldn't do anything and told us we'd have to take it to the dealership. We finally got it to start up again, but the check engine light never went off. …
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while reversing, the transmission remained in drive. The contact depressed the shifter to move. The contact stated that the gear shifter was sticking. The vehicle jerked, hesitated, and then stalled. The contact stated that the doors were locking and unlocking without driver input after an update was performed, and the keys became locked inside the vehicle. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The telematics module, GPS, and OnStar were not working as designed. The contact stated that the OnStar went into red and lost connectivity and was unable to locate the vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the engine revved to a higher RPM unexpectedly. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions, and the brake pedal needed to be depressed very hard while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle had started independently two to four times in a row. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,417.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle started jerking, vibrating, and decelerating before it stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with bearing and push rod failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but days later, the contact discovered engine oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the driveway. The vehicle was driven back to the dealer, who discovered a pinhole in the engine intake manifold, which had caused the engine oil leak. The intake manifold was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,600.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the air hose was leaking. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning illuminated. The contact immediately depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated, and the light turned off. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that two years later, while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred 9 days later. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,200.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on several occasions, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and a diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0191. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: N242450160. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (420), 2011 (419), 2012 (361), 2010 (300) and 2015 (231) model years. Engine complaints make up 56% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Equinox engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Equinox model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Equinox engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system (51 mentions), followed by the engine (38).
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.