Owner complaints
320NHTSA recordsUSED VEHICLE RESEARCH
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Research the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox using available NHTSA owner complaints, safety recalls, manufacturer communications, defect investigations, and CarIQ data-coverage analysis.
DATA CONFIDENCE: ModerateIs This A Good Car?APPROVED IMAGE NOT YET AVAILABLE
Chevrolet Equinox2020 · RESEARCH CATALOG
Recall campaigns
4Year, make and model lookupManufacturer communications
0Matched NHTSA recordsInvestigations
0Matched NHTSA recordsSUBJECTIVE OWNER FEEDBACK
OWNER EXPERIENCE
What it is like to live with the vehicle—kept clearly separate from official NHTSA evidence.
THE FIRST USEFUL PERSPECTIVE COULD BE YOURS
No approved owner experiences yet.
Contributions are collected carefully and only appear here after moderation. No placeholders, sample testimonials, or invented sentiment.OWNED THIS CAR?
Help the next buyer understand the real ownership experience.
Share what you liked, what could be better, and whether you would choose it again. Every contribution is moderated before publication.INDEPENDENT EVIDENCE TYPES
NHTSA owner complaint records remain part of Official Vehicle Data. Subjective review contributions remain in Owner Experience. One does not validate or prove the other. Read the methodology.
EVIDENCE, NOT A SCORE
WHAT THIS DATA CAN TELL YOU ABOUT RELIABILITY
Official records can provide useful research context, but each source has a different meaning. Complaint counts are not failure rates; recalls are formal safety campaigns; manufacturer communications are technical or service documentation; and investigations reflect formal NHTSA activity. Data Confidence measures evidence availability, not vehicle quality. CarIQ does not publish a composite Reliability Score.
Available evidence summary: 320 NHTSA owner complaint records; 4 safety recall campaigns; 0 manufacturer communications; 0 applicable NHTSA defect investigations.
EVIDENCE AVAILABILITY — NOT VEHICLE RELIABILITY
DATA CONFIDENCE
ModerateData Confidence measures how much usable evidence CarIQ has for this vehicle. It does not measure how reliable the vehicle is.
Why this rating?
- Owner complaint data
- Available
- Manufacturer communications
- Available
- Recall data
- Available
- Investigation data
- Available
- Production denominator
- Unavailable
- Complaint component completeness
- 100%
- Mileage completeness
- 0%
- Incident-date completeness
- 100%
DESCRIPTIVE ANALYTICS
DATA INSIGHTS
Derived from official NHTSA source records. These statistics are descriptive and are not a reliability score.
- Complaint records analyzed
- 320 NHTSA complaints
- Most reported component
- Service Brakes 36% of categorized complaint records
- Top-three component concentration
- 66% Records mentioning at least one top-three component
- Median reported incident mileage
- Not available from current source 0 valid mileage observations
- Recall campaigns
- 4 NHTSA recalls
- Most recent recall report
- May 11, 2023 NHTSA recalls
- Manufacturer communications
- 0 NHTSA manufacturer communications
- Most documented component
- Not available NHTSA manufacturer communications
- Top-three communication concentration
- Not available Share of categorized manufacturer communications
SOURCE COMPLETENESS
DATA QUALITY
- Complaint records analyzed
- 320
- Component classification available
- 100%
- Incident date available
- 100%
- Mileage available
- 0%
- Structured outcome fields available
- 100%
Completeness describes fields present in the retrieved complaint records. It is not a data-quality grade or a vehicle assessment.
Learn about CarIQ methodologyPRODUCTION-ADJUSTED DESCRIPTIVE METRIC
NORMALIZED COMPLAINT CONTEXT
Production-normalized complaint data is not currently available for this vehicle.
This metric compares the number of NHTSA owner complaint records retrieved by CarIQ with NHTSA-reported production volume for the corresponding vehicle population.
It is not a vehicle failure rate. Complaint reporting behavior, vehicle age, time on the road, production definitions, and other factors can affect the result.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Early Warning Reporting, Light Vehicle Production Data. Read the methodology.
OFFICIAL NHTSA OWNER COMPLAINT DATA
PROBLEMS REPORTED IN NHTSA RECORDS
CarIQ groups available NHTSA owner complaint records for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox by vehicle system to make recurring documentation easier to research. Most represented complaint categories describe the retrieved records—not failure frequency.
TOTAL COMPLAINTS320
MOST REPRESENTED COMPLAINT CATEGORIES
Service Brakes114 complaints
36%of categorized complaint records
Engine95 complaints
30%of categorized complaint records
Fuel/propulsion System51 complaints
16%of categorized complaint records
Electrical System44 complaints
14%of categorized complaint records
Unknown or Other44 complaints
14%of categorized complaint records
Power Train40 complaints
13%of categorized complaint records
Vehicle Speed Control15 complaints
5%of categorized complaint records
Forward Collision Avoidance14 complaints
4%of categorized complaint records
Hydraulic13 complaints
4%of categorized complaint records
Steering13 complaints
4%of categorized complaint records
Suspension11 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Air Bags9 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Engine and Engine Cooling9 complaints
3%of categorized complaint records
Fuel System7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Gasoline7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Structure7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Wheels7 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Exterior Lighting6 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)5 complaints
2%of categorized complaint records
Back Over Prevention3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Lane Departure3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Seat Belts3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Visibility3 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Buckle2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Chest Clip2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Harness2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Latches/locks/linkages2 complaints
1%of categorized complaint records
Equipment1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Parking Brake1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Seats1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Tires1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
Traction Control System1 complaint
0%of categorized complaint records
A complaint may list more than one component and therefore contribute to multiple categories. Percentages show the share of categorized complaint records that mention each component—not the percentage of vehicles affected. Category percentages may overlap.
INCIDENT REPORTS BY YEAR
1969
2
2019
8
2020
38
2021
23
2022
24
2023
45
2024
56
2025
55
2026
69
Grouped from complaint records with a valid incident date.
RECENT OWNER COMPLAINTS
Electrical System · Service Brakes · Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11775934Read complaint narrative
2020 Chevrolet Equinox, approximately 84,453 miles. On XXX, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic braking/mechanical failure. The brake system lost power assist. Following physical inspection, the insurance adjuster documented that an internal brake booster/vacuum-related failure caused loss of brakes and excessive vacuum on the engine, resulting in internal engine failure requiring engine replacement. I subsequently learned of pending federal litigation, [XXX] et al. v. General Motors LLC, Case No. XXX concerning an alleged brake vacuum-pump system defect in 2018-2022 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. I am reporting my vehicle because the failure involved loss of braking assistance and catastrophic engine damage and appears potentially consistent with the failure pattern alleged for these vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air Bags · Structure · Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11775757Crash reported
Read complaint narrative
A large work pickup truck pulled out in front of our vehicle and into the oncoming lane. The larger pickup truck's driver miscalculated their turn by turning too widely, side-swiping a smaller pickup truck, ricocheting off of the smaller pickup, and lastly, impacting us on the front drivers-side wheel offset.(front-left wheel offset) Our vehicle's front axle and wheels are now inclined to the right. Only the front two airbags were deployed, even though the impact was distributed slightly to the driver's door.
Service Brakes · Engine · Fuel/propulsion System
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11772496Read complaint narrative
Vacuum pump failed causing brakes to fail then causing exhaust camshaft to break.
Service Brakes
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11772013Read complaint narrative
There were no warning lights prior. We were driving on the highway and the brake pedal all of a sudden became hard as a rock, and we could barely stop the car. Stoping distance was extremely long and dangerous, we were very lucky there was no one in front of us and that we were almost the the exit we needed to be at. Managed to slowly pull the car into a lot and arrnage for a tow to the nearest Chevrolet dealer (Open Road Chevrolet, Union NJ). They inspected it and said the vacuum pump was missing. Also said the notify the customer that tehre may be damage to the camshaft but they did not elaborate and they replaced the vacuum pump and verified their work and said no further repairs required at this time. Crazy dangerous situation to be in. Nothing warned us aboutt he issue at all. Just happened and we were very lucky.
Service Brakes
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11771876Read complaint narrative
Vacuum pump, I was driving 75mph and needed to slow down due to traffic and my break pedal was hard and wouldn’t stop me, I almost hit a car in front of me. I also had my children with me. No the problem hasn’t been inspected, I bought the part to repair it myself. There was no fair warning. I ALMOST wrecked with my children in the car! I was over a hour and half from my house.
Electrical System
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11771727Read complaint narrative
Emissions traction ecs
Unknown or Other · Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11771045Read complaint narrative
"Brake vacuum pump seized and shattered, sending metal debris into engine via camshaft. Vehicle lost power and would not restart – towed to dealer. Dealer found metal debris in oil fill (photo available) and quoted $2,101 for camshaft/vacuum pump and $9,480 for engine assembly – total $12,493.83. This is identical failure to class action Thieme et al v. GM for 2018-2022 Equinox 1.5L. Safety risk – loss of power brake assist and sudden stall. RO 449922 Dave White Chevrolet Sylvania OH since 10/2/26. Known defect not under recall."
Suspension · Service Brakes · Engine
Owner-submitted NHTSA complaint · ODI 11770743Read complaint narrative
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaints are reports submitted by vehicle owners and other consumers. Complaint counts do not represent the percentage of vehicles affected and do not by themselves establish that a safety defect exists.
A higher complaint count can partly reflect how many vehicles were sold, vehicle age, and other factors. CarIQ does not yet normalize complaint counts by vehicles sold.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This site is not endorsed by NHTSA.
OFFICIAL NHTSA SAFETY RECALL DATA
SAFETY RECALLS
4 recall campaigns found
01CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHORCampaign 23V339000May 11, 2023
Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Safety Consequence
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
02POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONCampaign 20V668000October 29, 2020
Summary
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.
Safety 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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
03SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPERCampaign 19V704000October 3, 2019
Summary
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.
Safety Consequence
Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and 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 October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
04FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYCampaign 19V667000September 19, 2019
Summary
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.
Safety 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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall results shown here are based on year, make, and model. A specific vehicle may or may not be affected. Check the vehicle's VIN with NHTSA to confirm open recalls before purchasing. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
OFFICIAL NHTSA MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION DATA
MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATIONS
TOTAL COMMUNICATIONS0
No NHTSA manufacturer communication records were returned for this year, make, and model.
Manufacturer communications include service bulletins and other technical information submitted by manufacturers to NHTSA. The existence or number of communications does not establish how often a condition occurs or whether an individual vehicle will experience it.
Some manufacturers may issue more detailed service documentation than others, so communication counts should not be used alone to compare vehicle reliability.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration manufacturer communicationsNATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS
TOTAL INVESTIGATION RECORDS0
No applicable NHTSA defect investigation records were returned for this year, make, and model.
NHTSA investigations evaluate potential motor-vehicle safety defects. The existence of an investigation does not by itself establish that a safety defect exists, and the absence of an investigation does not establish that a vehicle is problem-free.
Open and closed describe NHTSA's process status, not a CarIQ reliability judgment.
View official NHTSA investigation data ↗DESCRIPTIVE SOURCE OVERLAP
CROSS-SOURCE VEHICLE DATA
CarIQ compares categories appearing across independent NHTSA datasets. Overlap can help identify areas with more available documentation, but it does not establish defect frequency or prove that an individual vehicle will experience a problem.
| Component | Owner complaints | Manufacturer communications | Recall campaigns | NHTSA investigations | Official sources containing records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 114 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Engine | 95 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Electrical System | 44 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Unknown or Other | 44 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Power Train | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
| Steering | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 of 4 |
Displayed first by the number of source categories containing the component, then by owner complaint count, then alphabetically. This is a presentation rule, not a vehicle ranking. Complaint reports, manufacturer communications, recalls, and investigations describe different events and are never added into a combined total.
- complaint
- Available
- communication
- Available
- recall
- Available
- investigation
- Available
- production
- Unavailable
COMMON RESEARCH QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
CarIQ does not currently assign a reliability score to the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. Available evidence is shown as separate official-source records with a Data Confidence classification of Moderate.
What problems are reported for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
320 NHTSA owner complaint records. When complaint data is available, the page groups records by the NHTSA component categories they identify without treating those categories as verified failure rates.
Are there recalls for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
4 safety recall campaigns. Year, make, and model results do not confirm whether a specific VIN is affected or whether a remedy has been completed.
USED-CAR CANDIDATE RESEARCH
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