2020 Chevrolet Equinox: won't start

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · NM

While driving, my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox suddenly lost power and shut off without warning while I was pulling into traffic. The vehicle would buzz not crank afterward but would not restart. This created a safety hazard because the unexpected engine shutdown occurred while the vehicle was in motion. This is the second brake vacuum pump failure I have experienced with this vehicle. In 2022, the brake vacuum pump failed and was found shattered internally. At that time, the engine continued running, and the pump was replaced. During this most recent incident, the brake vacuum pump failed again, and the internal end of the pump broke apart. I replaced the vacuum pump and removed the broken pieces I could access, but the vehicle remains in a crank/no-start condition. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealership or independent repair facility. However, after seeing the shattered pump components, a couple of mechanics I know expressed concern that the broken pieces may have affected the engine timing. That has not been confirmed. The failed pump and replacement parts are available for inspection.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · WI

As I was coming to a stop at light my brakes became very difficult to push the pedal down to stop. It took everything in me to get the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection and oncoming traffic. I was able to get the vehicle parked safely in a nearby parking lot but then the engine wouldn't start it just kept trying to turn over. The brake assist error popped up, and then the check engine light came on. I was able to get it started again about 20 minutes later, all the same warnings and lights. I white knuckled the drive back to my house... Once I got home the engine was smoking, smelled like it was burning, and oil was spilling out all over the place underneath, impossible to see where a leak was as it was coming from the entire engine. There was ZERO warning with the vehicle, no issues up to this point, and suddenly the equinox is now useless in my driveway unable to start with oil still leaking in multiple spots. An oil pan under the main leaking area, but there are still multiple areas of oil spilling even a week later. Oddly enough my onstar report for the month came to email a few days later reporting perfect engine health and zero issues - even thought the vehicle can't start now.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

One morning, in an attempt to start my car, it would not start. Instead, it lit up the check engine light. The engine was turning over and attempting to start, but would not start. I know someone with a code reader device that I asked to come hook up to my car and read what code was causing my check engine light to pop up. The reader displayed the code U18A2 which indicates a "Lost Communication with Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)". This commonly causes a no-start or stalling condition due to a broken CAN bus wire, corroded harness, or faulty FPCM ground. Key fixes involve repairing wiring along the frame rail. Many versions of the 2020 equinox have already been recalled for a fuel pump control module problem, and I was trying to inquire whether or not my vehicle qualifies as part of the recall for the fuel pump module.

Filed Sep 28, 2025 · Fuel system · SC

In the middle of rush hour traffic and my car just stopped and wouldn't start. After having it towed to the closest auto repair shop I was advised that the Fuel Pump Module was bad and needed to be replaced. Cheverolet was aware of this defect which is why they recalled it in 2021.

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Fuel system · OH

Fuel pump driver control module went out in my car while trying to drive forward in my drive way. My car will not start again.

Filed Sep 2, 2024 · Brakes · KY

Was driving (in July) through a parking lot when brakes became hard to push. After stopping car, it would not start and went into battery save mode. Car was towed to Chevy dealership in Paducah, Ky. Vacuum pump was replaced and damage to cam shaft and timing chain. Problem was fixed after about $5800 of repairs. Now 2 months later, was driving and noticed “service brake assist” light came on, and brakes were hard to press. Luckily was at a low speed and able to pull over on the side of the road. Car was towed to the local Chevy dealership in Hopkinsville, ky. It is currently waiting for diagnosis of probably the same issue. first incident happened in July, 2nd was at the end of august.

Filed Aug 29, 2024 · Fuel system · TX

I was driving home when I exited the freeway my car turned off on me. I tried to turn it back on since I was in the middle of a busy street it started for under a minute which it gave me enough time to merge jusr a little to the right. After that the car wouldn't start at all. This problem could've been a lot worse if it would've happened while I was on the freeway. My vehicle turned off without any warnings any vehicle would've slammed in to me at high speed if it would've shut down a minute prior to me exiting. I didn't get any warnings/ lights nothing it just turned off on me in the middle of the road. I had to get it towed to Autonation where they detected the Fuel Module was the problem. This item has been out of stock for sometime now. My car is still at a dealership and may be inspected if needed.

Filed Feb 3, 2024 · Electrical · NC

I got this car in April of 2022. I am the second owner. Since May of 2022 every time I drive for longer than an hour the radio completely shuts off by itself and comes back on. I've taken it back to the dealership they drove for 5mins and stated radio did not shut off even though I told them they did not drive long enough. In January of 2024 while out shopping I go to start vehicle and it has power but won't start. I had the same issue in November of 2023 took it to dealership they stated nothing wrong with it. I called roadside in January 2024 power was on vehicle would not start. I ended up having to get vehicle towed to my home and had a mechanic come to me. Told me I needed a new motherboard. Paid for the new motherboard yet radio still cuts off. This has been an issue for far too long and is messing other systems up in the vehicle. I also had to have battery replaced and am still in need of four tires because the wheel spokes are rusted. A four year old car with this much trouble is not worth the headache.