2019 Chevrolet EQUINOX: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
301 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
9,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2019 model year. Data snapshot: . 128 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 100 of 301 complaints (33.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 103 | 34.2% |
| Engine operation | 21 | 7.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 20 | 6.6% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 20 | 6.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 18 | 6.0% |
| Steering behavior | 11 | 3.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 100 |
| Service Brakes | 67 |
| Electrical System | 41 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 40 |
| Unknown Or Other | 37 |
| Power Train | 34 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 |
Engine: 100; Service Brakes: 67; Electrical System: 41; Fuel/Propulsion System: 40; Unknown Or Other: 37; Power Train: 34; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 12; Vehicle Speed Control: 12
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 86 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 13 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 10 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 12 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 6 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 86; 25,000 to 49,999: 13; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (86). 173 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 60 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 48 |
| 2026 | 35 |
2018: 2; 2019: 60; 2020: 25; 2021: 24; 2022: 25; 2023: 34; 2024: 48; 2025: 48; 2026: 35
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 103 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 21 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 20 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11131748 · 2018-09-26 (September 26, 2018)
THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT THE SYSTEM ON THIS GM MODEL ACCORDING TO GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THOUGH I AM SURE IT IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED FOR CERTAIN OWNER DRIVING STYLES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS HAZARD. CAR MAKERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO EITHER DISABLE THE FEA…
Owner-reported narrative. 250 miles reported. Look up ODI 11131748 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11163917 · 2018-12-29 (December 29, 2018)
THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH OF A DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT THE SYSTEM ON THIS GM MODEL ACCORDING TO GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THOUGH I AM SURE IT IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED FOR CERTAIN OWNER DRIVING STYLES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS HAZARD. CAR MAKERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO EITHER DISABLE TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 11163917 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11164934 · 2019-01-07 (January 7, 2019)
I AM UNABLE TO GAUGE THE TIME NEEDED FOR THE CAR TO RESTART AFTER "AUTOSTOP" SHUTS THE MOTOR AT A HARD STOP. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR ALL DRIVERS AS EVEN WHEN LIFTING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AS IT SHOULD IN "DRIVE." INSTEAD, PLACING MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL IS REQUIRED. THIS CAUSES UNEXPECTED DELAYS IN BEGINNING TO DRIVE THAT COULD HAVE SEVERE AND LONG LASTING CONSEQUENCES. I DO NOT AT ALL FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS BOTH DURING CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING, I.E. WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC. OTHER MANUFACTURERS HAVE A SWIT…
Owner-reported narrative. 4,300 miles reported. Look up ODI 11164934 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11165737 · 2019-01-03 (January 3, 2019)
THE AUTO STOP IS A HAZARD. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC THE CAR DOESN'T GET TO SPEED QUICK ENOUGH.
Owner-reported narrative. 10 miles reported. Look up ODI 11165737 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11170986 · 2019-01-19 (January 19, 2019)
THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH OF A DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT THE SYSTEM ON THIS GM MODEL ACCORDING TO GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THOUGH I AM SURE IT IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED FOR CERTAIN OWNER DRIVING STYLES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS HAZARD. CAR MAKERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO EITHER DISABLE TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 11170986 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11173146 · 2019-01-30 (January 30, 2019)
UNABLE TO DISABLE AUTO STOP ENGINE FUNCTION. WINSHIELD DEFROSTER USES AC COMPRESSOR TO AID DEFROAT OF WINDSHIELD WHICH NEEDS ENGINE RUNNING TO OPERATE. WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT WINDSHIELD STEAMS UP ON THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF EXCESS MOISTURE IN EVAPORATOR.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11173146 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11174820 · 2019-02-06 (February 6, 2019)
THE AUTO STOP ENGINE FEATURE HAS NO CONTROL DEVICE TO DISABLE THE FEATURE. AUTO ENGINE STOP CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN RESTARTING FROM THE AUTO STOP CONDITION AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED HESITATION OF THE RESTART CONDITION WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A BUSY INTERESECTION CAUSING MYSELF SLIGHT PANIC WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO COMPLETE THE TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC APPROACHING. VERY DANGEROUS! THIS FEATURE SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE TURNED OFF BY THE OWNER ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. SAFETY IS MORE IM…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11174820 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11174946 · 2019-02-07 (February 7, 2019)
THE VECHICLE'S ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE STOPPED FOR A VERY SHORT TIME ON ROADS IN TRAFFIC. IT CAN BE A MAJOR HIGHWAY, OR INTERSTATE AND EVEN NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS. IT CAN BE HAZARDOUS AS THE VEHICLE TAKES A MINUTE TO START BACK UP AND GET GOING. I HAD NO IDEA THIS FEATURE EVEN EXISTED, BEFORE I EXPERIENCED IT AFTER PURCHASING. I AM ALSO EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE TAILGATE/TRUNK LOCKING. I LOCK THE VEHICLE, AND ALL DOORS LOCK EXCEPT THE TRUNK. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE SINCE DEC 31,2018 AND AM VERY SURPRISED TO BE EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES …
Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11174946 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
18V576000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper
Reported: 2018-08-30 (August 30, 2018)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V184000 · Seats
Reported: 2019-03-07 (March 7, 2019)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V667000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 2019-09-19 (September 19, 2019)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V668000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2020-10-29 (October 29, 2020)
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. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
NHTSA campaign record ↗