Selling close to 300,000 units a year, the Equinox easily has been a top-selling midsize SUV for Chevrolet. But Chevy is having a hard time with its latest generation of Equinox SUVs introduced with the 2018 model year as it has been seeing a consistent number of recalls and complaints, the latter in the three-digits, every year since its launch. The 2020 model year also does not see any considerable improvement as it has almost 3 recalls and 70 owner complaints on its name to this day, as officially recognized by the NHTSA. With starting prices of around $23,800, is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox a good alternative against the likes of midsize SUVs like the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Mazda CX-5? Here are things to look out for on this SUV, which should help you decide whether or not to get one.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- Multiple owners have complained about the engine on the Chevrolet Equinox stalling randomly, which is accompanied by the “engine malfunction” and “reduced engine power” warning lights. Some owners also noticed the engine sounding coarse and vibrating vigorously when this happens. The issue was traced to faulty fueling due to issues with ECU firmware, but there are complaints about the problem recurring even after the firmware reflash. A handful of owners have also complained about premature water pump failure on the SUV, with visible coolant leak in some cases, with an average failure mileage of just 10,000 miles.
- Transmission- Not as common as the engine trouble mentioned, but the Chevrolet Equinox has received complaints on the transmission leaking fluid, finding metal shavings in transmission fluid, jerking and bucking while accelerating, and even rolling off when set in park mode. It is also advised to change the transmission fluid on the Chevrolet Equinox without fault in under 50,000-miles given the high possibility of a failure. One instance of fire has also been recorded on this issue due to reasons mentioned similar to the recall 20V668000.
- Rear/ rear-drive axles- Premature wearing of the front and rear drive axles is another common complaint on the 2020Chevrolet Equinox. Front-end vibration, shaking, or wobble while accelerating is one of the main symptoms of this problem. Owners are required to do a replacement full-service (or replacement in some cases) of the front /rear axles to resolve this issue.
- Steering- A handful of owners have complained about the steering shaking violently at high speeds. As mentioned by the owners, the dealers are aware of this problem and have informed the automaker about this. But no tenable remedy has been suggested apart from the replacement of the drive axles, which is not said to work for some owners.
Electric System complaints
- Battery- Issues with batteries trigger a whole host of warning signs on the Chevrolet Equinox. Even though the engine cranks, the onboard computer throws a range one service warning for components ranging from the suspension to the brakes. Low battery voltage and faulty grounding are said to be the cause of this issue. A battery replacement is said to be the working fix to this complaint.
- Infotainment- The media system on the Chevrolet Equinox occasionally goes completely blank without warning on the Chevrolet Equinox. Owners are forced to restart the vehicle to bring the system back on. Even though firmware updates were given on the infotainment module from the dealer end, the issue is still said to persist in some cases.
Safety Complaints
- Airbag- Owners have complained about the airbags in the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox not deploying in the event of a crash. At least three crashes with 6 injuries have been reported against the Equinox on this issue. The automaker is yet to bring out a statement on this.
- Forward collision avoidance system- A few owners have raised concerns about the automated emergency braking system onboard the Chevrolet Equinox. While some complaint about the system completely failing to work, others complain about it being too sensitive and intrusive. At least one crash has been recorded by NHTSA due to faults in this system.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
29th October 2020 |
20V668000 |
Missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator. |
The start/stop accumulator end cap may have missing bolts which may result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to loss of propulsion and increase the risk of a crash. Transmission fluid in presence of an ignition source also increases the risk of fire. |
The dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2020. |
|
2 |
3rd October 2019 |
19V704000 |
Brake calipers may drag. |
The rear brake calipers may have been produced with incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the seals to swell and brakes to drag, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid, and wheel-to-hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began on October 29, 2019. |
|
3 |
19th September 2019 |
19V667000 |
Improperly seamed seal on the fuel tank. |
The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet, which in presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of fire. |
The dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2019 |
Should you buy a used 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
The short answer to this is yes and there is a reason behind it. The Chevrolet Equinox is easily one of the top-selling personal vehicles in the states. So the average number of complaints is expected to be on the higher side. The SUV has been receiving a consistent number of recalls every year which is a bummer, but on the good side, it gives us a sense that Chevy is trying hard and quick to sort things out with its midsize SUV offering here. Also, with some commendable nationwide service networks available at your disposal, accessibility of customer support and spares are convincing for Chevy. So, if you have got a clean used example n reach, the Chevrolet Equinox is definitely a good buy.
