On November 5, 2026, my 2026 Chevrolet Equinox experienced a sudden loss of propulsion in a busy, four-lane intersection, leaving me completely immobilized in active traffic. When I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle would not respond. I tried restarting it multiple times, but the engine remained completely silent. Although the infotainment screen, Wi-Fi, and other electrical systems continued functioning, multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated, including the check engine light. Most alarmingly, the vehicle would not shift into Neutral. Several bystanders attempted to help push the vehicle out of the intersection, but the transmission would not disengage from Park. As a result, the vehicle could not be moved to safety, leaving me stranded in a dangerous intersection with traffic approaching from multiple directions. This created a significant risk of a serious collision. There were no prior warning signs or mechanical issues. However, the vehicle received a software update on November 4, 2026, just one day before the incident. Whether this contributed to the failure is unknown. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealership for inspection, and the cause remains undetermined. Following the incident, I discovered multiple 2026 Chevrolet Equinox owners reporting nearly identical experiences, specifically sudden immobilization and an inability to shift into Neutral. I strongly urge the federal safety agency to investigate this potentially recurring safety defect. A vehicle that unexpectedly becomes immobilized in active traffic and cannot be shifted into Neutral to allow emergency removal presents an extremely serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and surrounding motorists.
Chevrolet Equinox won't shift problems
100 of the 9,236 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Equinox describe stuck in gear or won't shift, most of them for the 2010 model year.
- owner complaints
- 100
- worst model year
- 2010
- typical repair cost reported
- $3,197
- typical mileage
- 81,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 31Loss of power 16Stalling 14Oil consumption 9Fuel pump 8Transmission failure 7Won't start 4Misfire 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P2138 2P2135 2P0299 2P228C 1P2227 1P0717 1P0700 1P0697 1P0301 1P0300 1
What owners say
Electric Drive Unit and 12V battery have failed 3 times in less than 6 months. The vehicle will not shift into drive, reverse, or neutral. It is stalled/stuck and can't be driven.
I've noticed several times that my '25 Equinox LT AWD doesn't shift gears correctly, like it gets stuck on a certain gear. When it gets stuck, I slowly take my foot off the accelerator, it often helps, but this needs to be fixed. I had one scary incident when I was getting on the freeway and accelerating of course and the car automatically shifted to Neutral. Thank goodness there was no cars behind me, I had to pull over and switch it to drive. This is one of the times I took it to the dealership. I've taken it to the dealership several times for this issue, but they say since they can't duplicate that issue there is nothing they can do. I'm in an Equinox group and there's quite a bit of people that are having this same issue.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping and shifted hard. Additionally, while on an incline, the vehicle failed to get up to speed. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode back to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,381.
While turning right at a red light my vehicle started making knocking noises, loss of acceleration then the ECM (limp mode) and ESC code happened. Protecting the vehicle from damage due to transmission fluid loss. Looked under the car and Transmission fluid was pouring out between the transmission and drive shaft. Car will no longer start due to codes being present from the computer shutting the car down during fluid loss.
The electronic brake control module causes the car to no start and goes into limp mode. Cuts off the power to every system in the entire dashboard including the transmission making the car very dangerous to drive.
Less than 2 years old and under 50k miles. Car began to sputter and then shut off - no warnings received until the car shut off. Once able to turn back on (approx. 10 minutes) car went into limp mode. Was able to drive to a dealership where they received codes for fuel tank with no visible issues through a thorough service at the dealership. Dealership reprogrammed the car and indicated codes could replicate and require a new fuel pump.
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged, and the vehicle shut off completely. The message "Please Hit The Start Button Again" was displayed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact press the start button, but the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the gear shifter was stuck in park(P), forcing the tow agency to drag the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,900.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine Auto START/STOP system intermittently failed to restart the vehicle while at a complete stop, requiring the driver to shift to park(P) to manually restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor entering the vehicle from the A/C vents. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10-15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with GM Customer Satisfaction Program: N242489010 (Possible Leak at Fuel Injector Rail Assembly). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
While driving at around 110,900 to 111,115 miles(it being 111,115 now), it occassionally will get a very loud thumping sound and my car goes into limp mode and loses power. Shakes horribly bad in the process. I have to turn the car off and sit there waiting for it to calm down and then drive 35mph to get home. Piston problem ive been told. Every time this has happened, ive been on a very busy highway with my 2 kids in the car with me. Please send out a recall! The miles are not high. This started in February 2026.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: control module: software
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. Incorrect software in the transmission control module (TCM) may result in harsh shifting, reduced power, unintended deceleration, rear wheel lockup, or cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direction.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up or moving in an unintended direction can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the transmission control module software calibration, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N242471620.
Recall number 24V839000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
- Risk
- If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Recall number 17V516000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, 'theft protection.' an ignition key park lock cable end fitting was not fully seated on the automatic transmission shifter nail head during installation.
- Risk
- This can prevent the cable auto-set from correctly adjusting the cable. An incorrectly adjusted cable prevents the shifter from locking in the 'park' position when the key is removed from the key cylinder.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for a properly functioning shift lock when the ignition key is removed. Dealers will repair vehicles that exhibit the subject condition. The recall began august 17, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.
Recall number 04V302000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Equinox won't shift
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have stuck in gear or won't shift problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2010 (20 complaints), 2018 (13 complaints) and 2011 (12 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix stuck in gear or won't shift on the Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,197 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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