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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
70,060 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems

engine problem

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2010 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments (Page 13 of 14)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #24

Jul 012013

Equinox

  • 55,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine, the transmission wave plate, and the gear shift selector had failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the components needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failures. The failure mileage was 55,000.

- Sewickley, PA, USA

problem #23

Jun 012011

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
My 2010 Chevy Equinox (purchased 05/2010) has continuously had issues when idling or at low speeds in the city or in heavy highway traffic, since about a year after I purchased it. Sometimes this will cause the car to stall. This has been particularly scary and problematic on the highway in rush hour traffic and on the bay bridge during rush hour traffic. What is particularly frustrating is what I am told by the dealership service team - "it's because you're low on oil." When I explain that I just had an oil change 1,500 miles ago and topped off the oil a week before, they said, "well this car burns a lot of oil, and you were down a quart. You should just check it every week and keep topping it off." No concern for the fact that I am doing this, and it is stalling. No concern for the fact that this car is 3 years old and burning that much oil. When I ask what type of engine problem would result in this type of oil consumption, they quickly change the subject and say they have found "nothing wrong" or that they are just "going by what GM says to do, since we are only the service team, not the manufacturer." At this point, I bring my car in anywhere from once every other month to multiple times per month. Sometimes the oil is low; sometimes the check engine light is on. Just last week (10/15), after I started a claim with GM and told the service team that I was filing a complaint, they finally agreed to run an oil consumption test. We did not get that far, though, as my car has been rough idling all week and my check engine light is back on - it's back with the service folks... just 5 days after being there last.

- Dublin, CA, USA

problem #22

Oct 182013

Equinox

  • 89,000 miles
Check engine light came on and found out that the code P 0010 was found during a scan by the dealer. Contacted GM for the 100,000 power train warranty they offer on this vehicle only to find out that the cam shaft position solenoid is not covered and will cost my $108.75 for the diagnosis scan and $157 for the part, why is GM offering the powertrain 100,000 warranty on there engines when only certain parts are covered. Is there any recalled on the engines for the Chevy Equinox engine made in 2010.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #21

Jan 012012

Equinox

  • 51,983 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2.4 L engine fuel pump plunger seal is defective. Allows gasoline to leak into the engine, thinning the oil. This causes engine bearing surfaces to wear throughout(basically ruining the engine). Engine performance deterioration began and symptoms included rough idle, engine knock, poor acceleration and stalling. My wife had a close incident when her car stalled and was nearly rear ended by another vehicle a good friend of mine reported that his daughter-in-laws Equinox stalled out on a detroit expressway - walk home! this was extremely dangerous. My engine was replaced after 5 service visits in August 2012. Today, GM has sent letters to all 2010 and 2011 customers detailing the "may have this condition - could cause engine run-on or rough running engine", which is true, but a very weak and unnaceptable explanation for what really can happen. GM is "extending" warranty mileage on both 2010 and 2011 Equinox vehicles with this2.4L engine. This will not take care of engine stalling, potential rear end collisions and customer walk homes. GM's pathetic approach should not be accepted by NHTSA. This should be investigated immediately, as for the reasons GM prefers to risk driver's safety. Reliability engineering at GM must not exist any longer. Call me!

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #20

Jul 052013

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 23,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that engine lost power and stalled without warning. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer began observing the oil consumption for over a year prior to the failure. On April 12, 2012, the dealer replaced the cam shaft actuator. After the most recent failure the contact was told by the dealer that the pistons and the rings would need to be replaced. The dealer stated that the most recent repair was a manufacturers suggestion, but the repair will not correct the problem because there is a defect in the engine. The dealer stated that when the engines were cast, there was sand left in the engine and since the engine was not flushed, it caused the engine to lock up over time. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 35,138.

- Arlington, MA, USA

problem #19

Jun 112013

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
Car stalls with no warning, stalled in mid right turn, on freeway, on narrow 2 lane road. Dealer wants me to drive car with a monitor in it so I can press button when stall occurs, this while trying to keep control of the vehicle. Have had issue with metal shavings in oil, timing chain, excessive use of oil.

- Montague, CA, USA

problem #18

Jun 012010

Equinox

  • 24,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while traveling at various speeds, the engine overheated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was determined that the piston rings had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also mentioned that the engine had to be replaced several times. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000 and the current mileage was 84,000. The VIN was not available.

- Berwyn, IL, USA

problem #17

Apr 012012

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 25,000 miles
Purchased 4/2010 1 at a red light, car idled really rough, then all of the dash lights came on. I drove straight to the dealership. They checked it out and said I needed a new fuel pump. I had about 47,000 miles. 2. oil consumption - the first time this happened I was hearing a funny noise when I turned left coming from the engine. My boyfriend checked the oil the next morning to find no oil on the dipstick. We put in 2 qts then when the dealer ship opened I took it in. They told me they could not find any internal or external leaks so bring in weekly for oil consumption test (I was about 1500 miles since my oil change that was done at the same time the fuel pump was replaced) drove out of town to visit family (about 2000 miles after oil change) after driving 200 miles heard the noise again checked the oil.......2 qts low. Added oil and took to local dealership. No problems found related to oil, but did find another alert that needed to be completed when I got home related to the water pump tensioner. GM customer service again, but only was told to wait until my next scheduled oil change and start consumption tests again. 3. I pod jack - worked fine for the first 2 years, but then would cause all center console lights to go out, could not operate radio or A/C. 4. stalling - I have only had this problem once but it was as I was turning left across 3 lanes of traffic! 5. jerky transmission - the first time this issue happened it jerked so hard I thought I hit something. Took it to the dealership and was told, like others it was the transmission "learning" me. The transmission codes were updated and problem only occurs occasionally 6. drivers seat lumbar support airbladder - has popped and had to be replaced two times.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #16

Jan 052013

Equinox

  • 29,000 miles
My check engine light came on. I brought my car to an autoparts store to get the code. Upon running the code it was discovered the oil was low in the car. The mechanic put it in 3 quarts of oil. I had my oil changed in October and had just put 3000 miles on the car. The next day the check engine light came on again and the car was 1 quart of oil low. I called the Chevy dealer and gave them the code P00014. They said it was my camshaft and to bring it in for warranty work. Upon drop off they said they could smell oil burning and heard a knocking in the engine. They said the oil in my car was very black/dirty and low when they received it. They told me to make sure I change my oil regularly and not follow the "oil life" light in the car. They did an oil change and said the car was running fine. I was informed to keep an eye on the oil so they could do a consumption test. A week later the same check engine code came on in my car. I brought it back to the dealership. They replaced chains and actuators in the engine. I got my car back, watched the oil and drove 1000 miles. At that point my car was 1.3 quarts of oil low. The dealership documented it and sent me on. I drove 700 miles and was 3/4 a quart of oil low. It also had that knocking noise in the engine again. The dealership took my car back and called GM. They were told took look for markings in the engine. They ended up replacing my entire engine and the fuel pump system due to the markings they found. GM said these problems were linked to issues in engines with these marks. My situation has been fixed for now but I wanted to make my problem known for others who have not had it fixed.

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #15

Dec 152010

Equinox

  • 6,000 miles
When accelerating to pull onto highway, engine stalls with no response from accelerator pedal and sometimes engine completely shuts off and you have to restart the vehicle. This is an intermittent problem that happens often. My vehicle has been to the dealer several times for this issue but the dealership has yet to find the problem. I have also contacted Chevrolet customer support about this problem and told them of my concerns of having an accident because of this issue. I have researched this problem on the internet and found owners of 2010-12 Chevrolet Equinoxs all over the United States are having the same problem.

- Vansant, VA, USA

problem #14

Mar 182013

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 104,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Start-up noise coming from engine, sounds very similar to running a diesel. Vehicle is experiencing rough idle, or near stalling/complete stall out at a low throttle opening. Check engine light came on throwing codes P0014 and P0011. Vehicle is also burning through at least 2 quarts of oil each week and not receiving the expected amount of gas mileage (only about 1/2). These issues are very similar to those recorded for recall 11195A on the 2011 Equinox model with the 2.4L engine. My 2010 is no longer covered under GM's powertrain warranty and would like to see this recall extended for the 2010 models as I am not the only one experiencing these problems. chevroletforum.com/forum/Equinox-23/yet-another-2010-Equinox-burning-oil-stalling-51192/ www.gminsidenews.com/forums/F53/2011-Equinox-cold-start-engine-noise-102947/index4.html.

- Dansville, MI, USA

problem #13

Oct 082012

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 48,000 miles
I had been having oil consumption problems, like many other owners of 2010 equinoxes and was undergoing an oil consumption test. Was driving on I-81S on a 500 mile trip. When I started the car after stopping for gas, it idled very roughly. Foolishly, I got back on the interstate, thinking that maybe a higher speed would help. The car would not get up to a safe speed and completely stalled out about a quarter mile from the exit, leaving me stranded (by myself) 150 miles from my destination. Was towed 70 miles to a dealership who replaced the timing chain, tensioner and fuel pump. This dealer stated the problem was due to low oil level as well as dirty oil. I incurred an unexpected $1200 bill and was without my car for a week. My home dealership replaced my engine 2 weeks ago and I received reimbursement for the repair bill. I am pleased, presently, with the response from GM, but it required persistence. Although I have had my present problem rectified, I'm reporting this problem as many, many others have been experiencing this same problem with varying responses from GM. I've also experienced some shifting problems as well, but the engine problem took precedence, so I'm waiting to see if the transmission problem continues!

- Dover, PA, USA

problem #12

Mar 072011

Equinox

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was abnormally consuming two quarts of oil per month. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the oil rings were replaced. The dealer asked the contact to wait until their next oil change to see if the vehicle was still consuming oil. The contact stated that the vehicle was out of oil less then 500 miles after the oil rings were replaced. The contact also stated that the oil warning light did not illuminate to indicate that that the oil level was low. The failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.

- Candia, NH, USA

problem #11

Nov 082012

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 46,000 miles
It started with the check engine light would come on and the stabilitrak light coming on sometimes. And you hear a rough idle.and a horrible rattling noise was coming from the engine while parked and. When I drove the car when accelerating it sounded worse as if I was driving a diesel truck. And the car would stay on for about 2 to 3 seconds after I turned the car off. So I dropped the car off at the dealer they checked it with a scanner and they got the P0172 - too rich error code. And they saw for themselves the car stayed on after turning off the car and the rattling noise it was making. After 2 days I picked up the car coalition??T hear the rattling noise as much.you could still hear the rattling but very slightly the check engine light was off. After a week driving my car you can hear the rattling noise very, very little. They fixed the rattling noise somewhat it was covered ( by power train warranty) however both the check engine light and the stabilitrak light came back on. And the car still would stay on for about 2 to 3 seconds after I turned the car off. And sometimes when I start my car it would rev up has if I step on the gas pedal and then it will drop to normal. All issues were not resolved still having problems with check engine light stabilitrak light on and the car staying on. For a few seconds. After turn off the car. Took it back to the dealership now they are saying they found that it is a problem with the high pressure fuel pump and the body throttle. Not functioning correctly. This may cause gas to leak into the oil. I did some research this is a common problem with the 4 cyl Equinox. The dealership said the repair would not be under the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

- Tomball, TX, USA

problem #10

Mar 302012

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
Vehicle burns large quantities of oil, often in short periods of time. (we will check oil, it's fine, and then a few days later we've burned two quarts.) this requires us to pull over rapidly and find new oil to prevent engine failure, making it a major safety hazard. We've burned 1 to 2 quarts of oil every 1,000 to 1,500 miles pretty consistently since March, when we first discovered we were down 3 quarts.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #9

Oct 272012

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 93,500 miles
Equinox starts powering down occasionally during acceleration through hard right turns and, once, during a soft bump against a curb. Dashboard lights turn off, engine dies, etc. Can be restarted from stop. We had been able to duplicate the problem, but haven't been able to do so at the dealership, so it remains unfixed. We are concerned about the safety of driving a vehicle that may power down during a hard right turn and heavy acceleration. We now intentionally accelerate slowly and cautiously through right turns. We worry that we will get in a situation where, for instance, we'll need to turn out of the way of a semi trailer and our car will power down, putting us in great danger.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #8

Sep 062012

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 39,181 miles
Car was having rough idling and intermittent stalling at stops starting about a week ago. Stalled at light yesterday and couldn't keep it started; happened to be across the street from dealership. Shop indicated it was due to late oil change (low and dirty oil). Only potential issue identified was the cam shaft actuators sticking but indicated there were no bulletins or recalls and it was just from the late oil change. Upon further research, I have found a lot of information indicating there have been a lot of stalling and actuator issues with this vehicle and there really would be no reason at all my oil would be low of course (last oil change had been 7000 miles ago - I commute to work daily so the miles add up quickly). I'm definitely anticipating further issues but so far since yesterday, just the oil change has improved the rough idling and no stalling yet. With the number of complaints I've seen on line (and even my co-worker guessed I had an Equinox when I described the issue because he has had 2 actuator replacements and timing chain replaced), I'm finding it very hard to believe the dealer didn't know these issues are out there.

- Lockport, NY, USA

problem #7

Jan 102012

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
Excessive engine noise, pinging, misfires-transmission shift hesitations upon acceleration-backfires/tiny explosions coming from exhaust-suspension noise.erroneous mpgs-defective air conditioning/intermittent/stale smelling air/not cold.

- Highland Park, NJ, USA

problem #6

Aug 132012

Equinox 4-cyl

  • 52,000 miles
When starting the vehicle at any time the engine idles very rough and rpms fluctuate significantly enough that it shakes the vehicle. Engine noise is very loud, even for a small direct-injected engine. When driving the throttle is slow or jerky to respond and the engine noise increases. At different rpms a rattling sound comes from the engine compartment, as though something is loose and will fall off. I have had this vehicle at our Chevy dealer several times for this issue and most recently for the vehicle not shutting-down when powered off. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced based on GM bulletin but nothing was done about the loud and obscene engine noise. Dealer stated this was normal operation although bulletins exist in GM system for timing and valve-train issues and repairs. I am concerned that the engine will simply quite one day under normal operation. Planned obsolescence at 100,001 miles? I will be taking the vehicle to another dealer very soon to try an remedy the situation and understand my concern and work with me to correct issues.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #5

Jul 142012

Equinox

  • miles
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated and the air conditioning failed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine fans would continue running for 20 minutes after the vehicle had been powered off. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who informed the contact that they were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a second dealer and was told that the heating center was failing. The contact spoke to the manufacturer in regard to NHTSA recall campaign id number: 09V489000 (visibility: Defroster/defogger system) but the manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 15,000.

- Apollo Beach, FL, USA

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