I had just come back from [XXX]. I just gotten off the highway was turning to go home went to break and I could not depress the break on my dashboard. It said brake assistant failure or brake assistance. Something I was 2 miles from home. I had two babies in the car. I had to drive it 2 mph because it was after dark and there was no way to get anybody out there to get me home or to tow it anywhere. It was the most terrifying experience in my life had this happened on the highway we would’ve been dead. Prior to this there have been no issues with my breaking. My brakes are in good shape. There is some kind of failure in this car. My engine check engine light came on the brake assistant light came on warning the little icon on your dashboard and I could not break now my car is parked in my driveway. I have no secondary car and I am so upset about this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2019 Chevrolet Equinox: check engine light
63 of the 310 complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 63
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 10,000
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Reduced Speed" was displayed. The dealer was contacted, and a diagnostic test was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with Product Emission Recall : N192271200. The failure mileage was 90,000.
While driving my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard to press while the vehicle was being driven. The problem occurred unexpectedly while the driver was slowing down. Significantly more force than normal was required to press the brake pedal, which made it difficult to slow and stop the vehicle safely. The suspected component/system is the brake assist system, potentially the brake booster or vacuum system, but the exact cause is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This created a significant safety risk because the braking system suddenly required substantially increased pedal force while the vehicle was in motion. We were able to get the vehicle stopped and did not continue driving it because of the safety concern. The problem has NOT yet been confirmed or diagnosed by a dealer or independent repair facility. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or an insurance representative. The check-engine warning light came on AFTER the hard brake pedal problem occurred. There were no known warning symptoms immediately before the brake problem occurred. The brake issue appeared suddenly and unexpectedly while driving. At this time, the exact component that failed is UNKNOWN. Our best assessment is that there may be a problem with the brake booster, vacuum supply, or another component responsible for brake assist.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate before lurching forward. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving 60-70 MPH and decelerated to 10 MPH. The engine revved while stopped at a red light, and the RPM was at HIGH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer on six occasions for the recurring failure. The contact stated that DTC: P0401 and P0521 were retrieved and cleared after securing the air box cover after the first failure. The second time, the EGR housing was clogged with carbon, and the oil sensor failed internally and was replaced. The third time, the wiring harness and unknown sensors were replaced. The fourth time, an unknown sensor and module were replaced. The fifth time, the dealer replaced the transmission with a used transmission, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, and it was determined that the driver's side CV axle seal, NOx sensor 1, MAF sensor, passenger side front wheel bearing, two front tires, four TPMS, intake manifold, and air temperature sensor mount needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff. The brake pedal was pressed with force to slow the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mechanical vacuum pump had exploded and there were metal shards inside the engine oil, camshaft, and the timing jump, and that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) connector corroded and disabled the fuel pump system. My car's fuel system failed while driving, and I had to pull over. After further research, I found that this particular FPCM and connector are located by the rear passenger axle and are exposed to the weather elements. This makes corrosion highly likely and poses a significant security threat for drivers, as there was no warning or engine light indication until moments before the failure. This is a design flaw and should be recalled by the manufacturer immediately.
Vacuum pump failed: On May 28th, 2025 the brake pedal on our 2019 Chevrolet Equinox became very hard along with check engine light, a "Reduced Power" notification, and "Brake Assist Failure" notification. After a mechanic inspected the engine, he found that the vacuum pump had shattered. The mechanic replaced the pump with an OEM replacement from GM. On May 11th, 2026 the same exact issue happened again. 1. The vehicle and/or part is available for inspection. 2. Anyone driving or riding in the vehicle is at risk due to the difficulty of braking. 3. The vehicle/component has not been inspected by the manufacturer since the 2nd incident.
A "Reduced Engine Power" warning in a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT usually indicates the car has entered "limp mode" to protect the engine, most commonly caused by a dirty/faulty throttle body, loose Charge Air Cooler (CAC) tube, or sensor issues (MAF/TPS). Common codes include P0299 (turbo underboost). When this occurs, I cannot utilize my remote starter. I purchased an Innova OBD2 Code Reader, connected it to the vehicle and this code P0299 populated. There has been a few times that the engine light would go off, then I was able to use the remote starter to start the engine.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,000.
I had an issue starting the vehicle. Once it started the check engine light was lit. I stopped at the nearest Autozone for a diagnostic check and the code P00C6 registered for Fuel Pump. I had the vehicle checked by a mechanic and he explained to me this vehicle has (2) fuel pumps. One in the fuel tank and one on the engine, which is considered a high pressure fuel pump. That is where the failure is and the pump requires special tools to install. It is something they can not do and recommend the vehicle go to the dealer. Thank you for taking time to read this & be well.
2 nights ago, my engine light came on. I purchased a code reader today so see what may be wrong, and code P0299, popped up. I’ve reviewed and saw there’s no known recall on the issue but there’s a known Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). In a Facebook group I saw, it says that some people have replaced and code P0299 is still populating. I’m buying this vehicle and I have barely had 2 years now and wanted it to last.
Vehicle experienced derating. Check engine light on. Called mobile repair service. 20 year mechanic. Replaced Pedal Sensor. Fail. Second visit replaced Throttle Body. Fail. He advised better to take it to a reputable shop. Did. Shop worked on it for 2 months and ended up replacing ECM. I finally had the unit towed to an Electrical Specialist in Longmont Colorado. They replaced Wiring loom between pedal sensor and car worked again. Drove car to Kansas and after about 300 miles, loud boom and messages on display. ECM engaged electric emergency brake hard at 79 MPH. WAS on cruise. At 20 mph car stopped messaging, and resumed normal operation. Pulled over, checked car. 50 miles from nearest city. cautiously drove about 20mph, then 30, then more until up to speed limit again. Worked fine 140 miles (needed a population center to get car fixed)) and it happened again. Limped car a few miles to repair in Salina, Kansas. ECM erased all miles, messages, etc. They could find nothing. my research showed the 2025 Equinox EV recall (We had replaced ECM and reprogrammed). I went to get car and risked driving, but without cruise. Warnings would come up, but car ran. No more emergency stops, but plenty of warnings. $3K in repairs and still problem. I believe current problem is electrical that Equinox is known for. The ECM/Reprogramming problem that activated the Brake is the issue here and previously reported by many. Extremely dangerous! Car has 50K miles. Was flawless driver until now. Note: Unit was Rebuilt Salvage. I bought at 1460 miles. Hit right rear, Replaced right rear sheet metal, Rear driveline on right side (Genuine GM parts), Replaced Hatch door. Inspected by state of Michigan. Reputable Rebuilder. Zero bad reviews. Hundreds of excellent reviews. P.S. Cannot take to Chevrolet - they universally refuse to work on car - not to even change oil.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California...
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
- This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
63 of 310 owner complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox (20%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
There are 0 recalls and 201 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Loss of power 24Brake failure 16Stalling 16Jerking 13Engine failure 10Adaptive cruise 9Fuel pump 8Spongy pedal 8Fire or smoke 7Hesitation 7Transmission failure 6Won't start 6No deployment 5Fuel leak 5Headlights 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history