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)
Chevrolet Equinox engine failure problems
477 of the 9,225 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Equinox describe engine failure, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 477
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $6,000
- typical mileage
- 91,000
By model year
Often reported together
Oil consumption 156Check engine light 99Stalling 81Loss of power 49Knocking 33Won't start 29Wipers 28Jerking 19
Trouble codes mentioned
P0016 3P129F 2P0017 2P228D 1P1295 1P0341 1P0335 1P0303 1P0089 1P0014 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the windshield wipers failed to function as intended. The contact stated that there was a sound coming from the windshield wiper motor; however, the wiper arms had seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while it was raining on a busy highway. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
"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."
I am filing this complaint regarding a safety-related engine problem with my 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. My vehicle is currently experiencing excessive crankcase pressure associated with the PCV system. The vehicle requires PCV service, and I have been advised that the excessive crankcase pressure has contributed to multiple engine oil leaks, including a timing cover leak and front main seal leak. I am concerned that the underlying PCV/crankcase-pressure problem is causing or contributing to these failures rather than these being isolated gasket or seal failures. Excessive crankcase pressure can force engine oil past seals and gaskets, resulting in significant oil loss. This creates a safety concern because an engine oil leak can worsen suddenly and result in substantial loss of engine oil, potentially causing engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. Oil contamination of the serpentine belt is also concerning because it can affect the belt's ability to operate properly and may result in belt failure and loss of engine-driven components. I believe the PCV/crankcase ventilation issue should be investigated as a potential underlying defect in the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether there is a recurring safety defect involving the PCV system, excessive crankcase pressure, resulting oil-seal/gasket failures, and associated oil contamination in these vehicles. I am also concerned that owners may be required to pay for multiple repairs to correct the consequences of an underlying PCV/crankcase pressure problem. The vehicle is currently in need of repair for the PCV system, excessive crankcase pressure, front main seal, timing cover gasket, and oil-contaminated serpentine belt. The timing chain may also require replacement depending on the inspection and extent of damage. Documents are included.
I had no issues with my car before taking it in for the fuel pump module safety recall. The next morning after they installed it at Malcolm Cunningham Chevrolet, the engine died in the middle of the road. it started slowing down and the more I pressed the gas the slower it went until it stopped while the engine shook then it died. I could restart it, but then it would shake again and die within 15 seconds. I tried a third time and it began to drive again. I took it back the next day and they said it was a low battery. I changed the battery and it died again the following day. This has since happened 5x! It is back at Malcolm Cunningham Chevrolet and they are trying to tell me it has nothing to do with the fuel pump yet they do not know what the problem is!
Timing chain guide broke and caused catastropic engine failure while driving 70 miles an hour on the highway causing steering, brakes etc to lock up putting me and my family at risk of accident and great bodily harm. Vehicle is available for inspection. No prior knowledge of mechanic problems due to only having purchased the vehicle from Mac's Chevrolet 4 months prior. Have since learned of the oil consumption issue associated with this year equinox which likely contributed to the timing chain failure. Vehicle has been inspected by two independent mechanics. This vehicle completely locking up on the highway at this speed could have killed us all if near another vehicle or semi.
vehicle has 19000 miles on it. While driving, the engine died in traffic. I was sent a code from on-star of P129F. I had the suv towed by AAA to the nearest Chevy dealer and had to get a hotel. After researching, I discovered that this is a common problem with a multitude of GM vehicles whereas the control module for the fuel pump has a known failure issue. The module is an FPDCM module. The issue is so frequent that GM has a service bulletin 24-NA-139 and yet there is no recall. My suv has been serviced by Chevy dealerships over 4 times since purchasing new and this module should have been replaced before I was put in a potentially dangerous position. A recall needs to be issued immediately.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. While the contact's daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine shut off. The contact's daughter attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that the oil was topped off every two days. The failure occurred while minor children were inside the vehicle. The failure was a persistent failure. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure and timing chain failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
**the federal safety agency Complaint Summary: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Warranty & Safety Failure** * **First Stall & Initial Negligence:** After a factory engine replacement, the vehicle suffered a fuel system failure. Castle Rock Chevrolet falsely claimed it was repaired, leading to a catastrophic stall on a high-speed highway with raw gasoline and burning plastic odors. * **Second Stall & False Diagnosis:** Following a tow, the dealership cleared the car, claiming "no errors". Within 24 hours, it stalled again in live traffic. Castle Rock then refused emergency warranty service and hung up on you. * **Critical Safety Hazard:** The vehicle experiences a severe electrical voltage drop (triggering **"Engine Power Is Reduced"** and **"Battery Saver Active"** warnings). This causes a sudden, dangerous **loss of Electric Power Steering (steering locks up)** and **fuel injection failure** while driving in traffic, creating an extreme crash risk. This recurring hazard stems from improperly reassembled or melted wiring harnesses following dealership repairs.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the mother was driving, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil pan and informed the contact that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption over a 14-month period. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Chevrolet Equinox engine failure
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (61 complaints), 2015 (61 complaints) and 2016 (53 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,000 (median of 100 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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