2019 Chevrolet Equinox: engine failure

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · OH

Unusual engine noise inspection at 86011 miles determined engine failure do to metal shavings and particles found in engine oils and oil filter by GM Dealership wher serviced only by them at mileage intervals on record and purchased new in 2019.

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine · WA

I was driving on the freeway at 64 MPH when my Brake Assist alert appeared on my dashboard. At that time I lost assisted braking capability. I was able to steer and stop my vehicle on the shoulder of the freeway. I turned the car off and was unable to start the car again. The car was towed to the dealership where they stated “ Hi Erika, the vacuum pump on your engine seized and broke the shaft and damaged the tone ring on the camshaft, there are quite a bit of metal pieced in the engine due that that failure. Unfortunately, the solution is a remanufactured engine at the cost of $11500.00 parts and labor plus tax. How would you like to proceed?” Currently we are opting to not replace the motor. It is apparent that this is a common issue with this year/make/model of vehicle.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Engine · PA

My car had been sitting for a week as we were off on vacation and when I came back the car would not start. Oil had been changed 1 week before that by Miller and Son. After towing it to Miller and Son Chevrolet (724‑378‑0542)we were told it was a timing chain issue and once they opened things up I was told the engine is ruined. The car only had 71,000 miles on it(I purchased it last year) We spoke to multiple mechanics who stated this was a common problem for this car and if the engine had failed while driving it could have caused a fire/accident. I have a [XXX] son and he very much could have been trapped in the car. If this is happening frequently as the mechanics have told me why has this not been recalled. I religiously had my oil changed as required. I tried calling GM (case #[XXX]) without much success. The dealer wants $9000 to put in a new engine which I need to get a loan to do but also my fear is will this happen again. I would appreciate you looking into this issue. Thank You. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 24, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · PA

To Whom It May Concern, I'm writing to formally report a critical failure of the Auto Start-Stop system in my 2019 Chevy Equinox that occurred today, resulting in a hazardous situation during rush hour traffic. While stopped in the northbound left turn lane of Route 202 at the intersection with Baltimore Pike, the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop feature engaged as expected. However, upon releasing the brake to proceed, the engine failed to restart, and the vehicle remained completely inoperative — engine off, no power, and unresponsive to ignition attempts. This failure caused the vehicle to become stranded in a live intersection during heavy traffic, posing a serious safety risk not only to myself but also to other motorists. A Pennsylvania State Police officer arrived on the scene and assisted by pushing the vehicle across three active lanes of traffic while in neutral, performing a battery jump with a brand new battery of five months, and escorting me home to ensure I was safe. This situation was both dangerous and unacceptable, especially considering that the failure stemmed from a system designed for emissions/fuel efficiency, not safety. The Auto Start-Stop feature in this vehicle clearly introduces critical failure points without adequate redundancy or reliability, particularly in real-world driving conditions. Additionally, I contacted my local Chevrolet dealership and spoke directly with a technician in the service department. He confirmed that they have had multiple customers reporting similar failures with the Auto Start-Stop system. According to him, this is not an isolated incident, and in several cases, it has placed drivers in equal danger. I am formally requesting: An investigation into this incident, Information on any existing Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to this failure, A full inspection of the vehicle at GM’s expense, And a report on what steps GM is taking to prevent similar failures from putting other drivers in harm’s way.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Engine · MI

While driving, the vehicle went into Engine Power Reduced mode, check engine light went on, and the Brake Assist notification came on. I pulled over and turned off the vehicle; vehicle would not restart. Had the vehicle towed for diagnosis; told initial codes were timing issues. Vehicle has 83,000 miles and showed no evidence of any sort of failures - no warning lights, no brake issues, no hesitation, no unusual sounds, no rough idling or driving. Dealership stated the vacuum pump failed and broke apart into the camshaft and into the engine. Official diagnosis was new vacuum system and engine replacement for a cost of $14,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 74,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine made an abnormal ticking sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal felt firm and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal two feet, the brake pedal travelled down as needed, causing the braking distance to be extended by 222 ft. approximately. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had seized and shredded to parts inside the engine. The mechanic determined that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that two unknown dealers and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Filed May 20, 2024 · Brakes · MI

Our 2019 Chevrolet Equinox had a sudden Brake Vacuum Pump failure causing loss of braking power by about 80%. The only reason we did not have an accident is it was early morning and there was no traffic when we exited the highway. I was not happy to realize that GM has no recall on this. They apparently knew this was a problem and in more recent years have changed the design. The other flaw is this pump is attached to the wall of the engine and shrapnel can fall into the engine compartment and that debris could lead to total engine failure if it travels to the combustion area. This is not only dangerous but financially ruining.

Filed Sep 28, 2022 · Transmission · 50,002 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, the engine failed to engage while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the RPM failed to increase. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the contact needed transmission fluid however, the failure recurred. The contact was concerned that while driving the failure might cause an accident. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,002.

Filed Jun 22, 2022 · Brakes · GA

After purchasing the vehicle in April 2021, 3 months later upon traveling home and entering an exit ramp the brakes completely locked while going 35-45mph into ongoing traffic downhill and would not allow me to press down on them so that I could come to a stop. I press the emergency brake and that did nothing. I had to glide through traffic into a gas station parking lot almost slamming into a gas pump. The sewer dip allowed the vehicle to slow up and come to halt blocking the traffic. This happened after midnight so I took it to the dealership in which i purchased. No lights appeared on the dash. They advised me the brake booster pressure sensor, brake booster vacuum hose and then after doing so they said non of it fixed the issue, I would need a new brake booster. All totaling over $2000 for a vehicle I had less than 6 months. Shortly after the month following July or August, stalled and the push to start button wouldn’t activate. I waited a few moments and then it turned on, with the engine light lit. I took it directly to dealerships service department and they had it a month, they eventually said it was the Oxygen Sensor and it needed to be replaced. I reached out to GM about all of the issues. They stated there were recalls but not for my VIN. CRAZY Now less than a month, a slight fender bender, another vehicle crossed into my lane, the sensors did not initiate, I had to swerve to dodge from causing any major damage and avoid on coming traffic. My vehicle sustained minor scratches on the front passenger side. Initially 30 minutes after it was running fine. Then the light sensors on the mirrors both sides remained on. No engine lights, no warnings. I’m traveling down the 5 lane Highway @75mph and the vehicle just shuts completely off. I had to get across traffic and avoid causing an accident. The vehicle would not start. Got it towed back into town. Back to the dealership and was advised I needed a new engine! Now I’m without a vehicle.

Filed Mar 7, 2022 · Brakes, Transmission · MI

While driving on the highway a warning message came up that said “engine power reduced” and moment after we lost the ability to accelerate. We pull over and turn the car off, when trying to restart it, it would not restart. We were left stranded on the side of the highway. We had to get it towed to a GM dealership and after 3 days we received a diagnosis that the vacuum pump failed and seized which caused damage to the end of the cam shaft. Repair costs are approx. $1800! We are lucky we didn’t completely lose control of our vehicle and was able to get to the side of the road!