Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 | 22% | 6,000 miles |
| 2025 | 35 | 15% | 6,000 miles |
| 2024 | 11 | 13% | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 6% | — |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% | — |
| 2021 | 17 | 17% | 67,000 miles |
| 2020 | 40 | 13% | 11,000 miles |
| 2019 | 37 | 12% | 16,000 miles |
| 2018 | 66 | 16% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% | 63,000 miles |
| 2016 | 27 | 7% | 61,000 miles |
| 2015 | 63 | 9% | 81,000 miles |
| 2014 | 40 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 2013 | 80 | 11% | 84,000 miles |
| 2012 | 84 | 12% | 76,000 miles |
| 2011 | 145 | 19% | 76,000 miles |
| 2010 | 182 | 23% | 85,000 miles |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% | 110,000 miles |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% | 91,000 miles |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% | 46,000 miles |
| 2006 | 31 | 4% | 56,000 miles |
| 2005 | 114 | 18% | 62,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was a crackling sound coming from the brake pedal while depressing the brake pedal, with the message a "Service All Wheel Drive System" displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while the AWD feature was activated and driving up an incline, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal with the "Service All Wheel Drive System" message displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure, and an appointment was made for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150.
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged, and the vehicle shut off completely. The message "Please Hit The Start Button Again" was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact press the start button, but the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the gear shifter was stuck in park(P), forcing the tow agency to drag the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,900.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic sign, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission automatically shifted to park(P). The vehicle was towed to a service station and the vehicle was refilled. The contact was able to start the vehicle, and the message "Auto Shut Down" was displayed and a 5-minute countdown was started, and the vehicle turned off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to use the vehicle, there was an automatic update alert. The contact's wife's cellphone had alerted her to the update; however, she was unable to access the vehicle for 15 minutes. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the transmission failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the reverse symbol was displayed on the instrument panel, and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and informed the contact that the automatic update was normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 999.
The biggest issue is last year while driving on 74 in busy traffic, the car automatically went into a "low power" mode and limited the power without warning. So now in traffic driving 55 mph, the car drastically slowed to about 35 without warning. It would not go faster no matter what I did. Then the check engine light came on afterwards. Thankfully I made it home safely after turning on my hazards and swerving through heavy traffic. I took it to the dealership and they didn't find any issues... of course. It did it again I took it back. They didn't find anything and then it stopped. Now fast forward today... my daughter drove to the store and the car cut off in the middle of the street. The way she explained it to me it was similar to what happened before. Except it cut all the way off this time. Same error on dash something like, "switched to low power." So I'm panicking. …
The biggest issue is last year while driving on 74 in busy traffic, the car automatically went into a "low power" mode and limited the power without warning. So now in traffic driving 55 mph, the car drastically slowed to about 35 without warning. It would not go faster no matter what I did. Then the check engine light came on afterwards. Thankfully I made it home safely after turning on my hazards and swerving through heavy traffic. I took it to the dealership and they didn't find any issues... of course. It did it again I took it back. They didn't find anything and then it stopped. Now fast forward today... my daughter drove to the store and the car cut off in the middle of the street. The way she explained it to me it was similar to what happened before. Except it cut all the way off this time. Same error on dash something like, "switched to low power." So I'm panicking. …
My car has a vibration, I went to the dealer after one week of buying it, they first told me it has a learning transmission and after it learns how I drive it will go away. I later found out there is not such thing, the vibration at first was at slow speeds 30 t0 40 mph. I made a complaint to gm and the dealer, the dealer felt the vibration but could find what was the cause and said gm has to receive several complaints and considered this normal, I have taken it back for service a advised them gain of the ,problem and was told they could not fine the problem to wait until it get worse . I took it back over 6 times with no answers. …
**NHTSA Complaint Summary: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Warranty & Safety Failure** * **First Stall & Initial Negligence:** After a factory engine replacement, the vehicle suffered a fuel system failure. Castle Rock Chevrolet falsely claimed it was repaired, leading to a catastrophic stall on a high-speed highway with raw gasoline and burning plastic odors. * **Second Stall & False Diagnosis:** Following a tow, the dealership cleared the car, claiming "no errors". Within 24 hours, it stalled again in live traffic. Castle Rock then refused emergency warranty service and hung up on you. * **Critical Safety Hazard:** The vehicle experiences a severe electrical voltage drop (triggering **"Engine Power Is Reduced"** and **"Battery Saver Active"** warnings). …
Related recalls (4)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. Incorrect software in the transmission control module (TCM) may result in harsh shifting, reduced power, unintended deceleration, rear wheel lockup, or cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direction.
Remedy: Dealers will update the transmission control module software calibration, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024.
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, 'theft protection.' an ignition key park lock cable end fitting was not fully seated on the automatic transmission shifter nail head during installation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for a properly functioning shift lock when the ignition key is removed. Dealers will repair vehicles that exhibit the subject condition. The recall began August 17, 2004.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (182), 2011 (145), 2005 (114), 2012 (84) and 2013 (80) model years. Transmission complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 24V-839 (software, Nov 7, 2024); 20V-668 (automatic transmission, Oct 29, 2020); 17V-516 (driveshaft, Aug 22, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (64 mentions), followed by the driveline (24).
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.