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2020 Chevrolet Equinox: engine failure

17 of the 320 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox describe engine failure.

owner complaints
17
of this car's complaints
5%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 156 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · IN

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)

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine · OH

"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."

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · IL

Engine power reduced Car will not accelerate Jerks after a long stop Have replaced engine and transmission same problem occurred

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Brakes · FL

My son was driving the car the Service Brake Assist message popped up on the screen, and the brake pedal went stiff. He was coming to a red light and had to swerve to the right to avoid hitting the cars in front of him as he had no brakes at this point. We had the vehicle towed to our house, had the vehicle looked at by our mechanic. The Diagnosis was the brake vacuum pump, part number #12684050 exploded. It is available for inspection, at this point we don't know if the metal pieces have fallen into the engine compartments and we would rather not replace the engine as well. We had contacted the Local Chevy Service dept. who said we can pay $1500.00 to for them to take apart the top of the engine to look for broken pieces, but the best option is to trade it in as soon as possible.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Brakes · MI

The vacuum pump seized and broke and sent debris into the camshaft

Filed Aug 2, 2025 · Brakes · LA

My breaks stopped working while I was driving, they became hard to press and unable to function. The vacuum pump attached to the engine failed. The vacuum has broken pieces that are now inside of the engine. No warning indicator lights appeared before the incident. As far as I'm aware other similar models are having the same issue but my vin was not included in the recall.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · WA · crash · 1 injury

While driving on the freeway at 75 mph my vacuum pump seized and shattered, causing me to loose all breaking power, damaging my engine beyond repair and endangering my life and numerous other drivers on the road. There is a current recall on the particular year, make and model for this issue but my VIN is not included so the dealership refuses to fix the issue.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · OH

Vehicle brakes became hard and failed to stop, check engine light came on and warning saying reduced engine power. Vacuum pump seized and broke off in the crankshaft. After vacuum pump replacement vehicle failed to start multiple times. Vehicle started and had rough idle and stalled multiple times. Currently awaiting dealer inspection.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · TX

The vaccum pump seized which is connected to the camshaft which broke causing the timing chain to break. This caused the vehicle to lose breaking g power and almost wreck.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Engine loss of power while on highway. When tried to excelerate engine sputtered, going up small incline it would not exceed 50mph. Took to auto shop and spark plug tip was broke and error for cylinder #1. They said take to dealer. Took to dealer and they said engine failed. Cyclinder #1 no combustion. Vehicle had 87,000 miles. Engine had to be replaced. $13,000. GM assist covered some but I paid $9072 to replace engine. Vehicle at approx 25000 miles had same issue. I took to dealer and they said a spark plug was cracked and had to replace. I took my vehicle in every 7k miles for oil change and inspection to local Conrad’s total car care. I was originally quoted verbally $9900 for engine repair. I called GM to file a complaint and they said engine “GM cost assist” program called me. When they got involved they offered $4100 towards repairs and dealer - Serpentini Westlake, oh increased their quote to $13k so I still pair $9072. Dealer got an extra $3k for me calling GM to complain and I “saved” or got $800 benefit from GM cost assist. What a scam.dealer refused to give me paperwork showing the details of repairs or breakdown of cost. I received a receipt that stated engine replacement $9072. They wanted me to sign the receipt but would not let me read or view any of the attached paperwork. I refused to sign the receipt and they reminded how much of a favor they did for me by giving me a loaner for approx 10 days while replacing my engine. They additionally said they aren’t required to provide me with any details regarding the GM cost assist or pricing.

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · Engine · IA

ENGINE PISTON FAILURE cannot get it fixed new engine on order 5 weeks now chevy will not even talk about it

Filed Sep 2, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NC

I have 149,000 miles in this car. In my lifetime of being the one owner and purchasing this car brand new the vacuum pump has failed five times. Twice now resulting in blown engines. And still no recalls.

Questions about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?

17 of 320 owner complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox (5%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?

There are 0 recalls and 156 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Check engine light 53Fuel pump 33Stalling 31Loss of power 23Brake failure 18Jerking 12Spongy pedal 11Won't start 8Adaptive cruise 6Grinding brakes 6Lane assist 6

All model years of the Chevrolet Equinox

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