2019 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Power Train Problems

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled, and the vehicle was nearly rear-ended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately made a turn into the nearby independent mechanic shop parking lot. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred while the vehicle was being test-driven by the independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

On Sunday, [XXX] (a very hot day in Michigan. My vehicle registered 100 degrees) I was driving on [XXX] about 70-73 mph when I got an alert that said (to the best of my recollection) TOO HOT - IDLE IMMEDIATELY! and there was a continuous high pitch beeping which I only heard after turning off the radio. I continued at highway speed for a good 2-3 miles to the next exit afraid at any minute my car would start smoking. I exited and had to stop at a red light before turning left into a Kroger plaza with a fuel station. When the light turned green I accelerated and a grinding sound came from my car. I pulled into the plaza and turned the car off but had to turn it back on in about a minute as it was too hot to sit in car without air conditioning. It started and idled just fine. I googled roadside service and got a nice fellow (on a SUNDAY!) and he arrived in about 40 minutes. He towed me 40 miles away to a recommended auto shop that on Monday told me it was my transmission cooler that was defective and that I needed a transmission shop for a new transmission. It was then towed another 20 minutes away where it stayed for 9 days. Cost: $6564.48 plus $150 for paying with a credit card so totaled $6714.48. My drive train warranty was only good to 60,000 miles/5 years and I have 76,000 miles on my car at the time. Was told the transmission cooler was defective so I asked to have the cooler part and I have it in my garage. I spent over $1000 at the dealership in the months of Feb/March/April 2025 as my car hit the 70,000 mile mark so I had them do all work required by the car manual. The transmission cooler is apparently not a part they check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Symptoms were poor gas mileage, highly rough idle (especially in DRIVE, while at a stop), lag in acceleration as well as delayed response to gas pedal depression, struggled take off from an incline while utilizing AC on high output. Diagnosed by a code reader with confirmation by a trusted mechanic that the transmission is malfunctioning. Mechanic indicates the need to seek a shop specializing in transmissions because this entails disassembly of drain pan and plug to find issue either with fluid seal or the start/stop assembly in relation to the transmission. Issues began approximately 6 months ago, as I have been trying to deduce the issue by process of elimination by way of services and mileage recommendation. All professional involved indicate that a Chevy at this mileage and age do not typically display concerns related to the transmission.

To Whom It May Concern, I'm writing to formally report a critical failure of the Auto Start-Stop system in my 2019 Chevy Equinox that occurred today, resulting in a hazardous situation during rush hour traffic. While stopped in the northbound left turn lane of Route 202 at the intersection with Baltimore Pike, the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop feature engaged as expected. However, upon releasing the brake to proceed, the engine failed to restart, and the vehicle remained completely inoperative — engine off, no power, and unresponsive to ignition attempts. This failure caused the vehicle to become stranded in a live intersection during heavy traffic, posing a serious safety risk not only to myself but also to other motorists. A Pennsylvania State Police officer arrived on the scene and assisted by pushing the vehicle across three active lanes of traffic while in neutral, performing a battery jump with a brand new battery of five months, and escorting me home to ensure I was safe. This situation was both dangerous and unacceptable, especially considering that the failure stemmed from a system designed for emissions/fuel efficiency, not safety. The Auto Start-Stop feature in this vehicle clearly introduces critical failure points without adequate redundancy or reliability, particularly in real-world driving conditions. Additionally, I contacted my local Chevrolet dealership and spoke directly with a technician in the service department. He confirmed that they have had multiple customers reporting similar failures with the Auto Start-Stop system. According to him, this is not an isolated incident, and in several cases, it has placed drivers in equal danger. I am formally requesting: An investigation into this incident, Information on any existing Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to this failure, A full inspection of the vehicle at GM’s expense, And a report on what steps GM is taking to prevent similar failures from putting other drivers in harm’s way.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Advanced Auto Parts where a diagnostic test was performed and DTC U0101 and P12A6 were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to a local independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,533.

Mileage: 108,533

The vehicle is leaking oil from in between the engine and transmission I am some bit mechanical and im sure its the rear Maine seal leaking yes the vehicle is available for inspection im taking it to H&H chevrolet [XXX] for a inspection I talked to Christian brothers repair and I told them what it was doing and they told me alot about my vehicles problem and gave me some Estimates and also said they have 2 in there shop right now needing the same repair...How was my safety or the safety of others put at risk? well me and my family went out to get a few groceries and it was -25 outside and we almost didn't make it back home because the car was not wanting to drive.if it had died we would have been stuck in dangerously cold weather.no warning lights came on I only found it was leaking when I started to smell burning oil so I looked under it and there was a small puddle of oil. this happened Monday [XXX] and the car hasn't been drivable since it sounds fine but I don't know we haven't moved it since we got it home. this is really inconvenient this vehicle is my only means of transportation to work and I never thought on a car I purchased brand new it would ever blow a rear seal I have heard many other having these problems and I still can't understand why this isn't a recall this is a very expensive problem to just be put on people financially. i hoping GM can resolve this for me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle runs with reduced engine power. Was initially told the turbo needed cleaned, and it continued to happen. Then was told it needed to be replaced. The final result is that the tube that connects to the turbo keeps falling off. Being told there is no fix, and no recall, we just need to keep putting it back on when it pops off.

Vehicle is having "shift to park" issue. The vehicle is in park and will not turn off or start. This is a commonly known issue on other Chevy and GM vehicles, but GM has not acknowledged the problem or will not fix unless paid out of pocket.

UNKNOWN Shift to park after pulling to into parking spot and coming to complete stop. Car would not register it was in park on the dash or the gear shift and kept prompting to “Shift To Park”. Check engine light, TC system light, TC light, and park assist light all popped on at once. Car would not turn off. Car had no power going to transmission upon tow. Car would still not turn off after tow. While E-brake was on and waiting for tow, car kept idling and would make a “clunk” noise and then the RPM would jump.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH for approximately a mile, the Engine Power Reduced message was displayed. The vehicle lost motive power, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact spoke with an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact continued to drive, and the engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer contacted the manufacturer for additional guidance. The dealer later informed her that the vehicle needed two computer program updates. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle decelerated. The reduce engine power message was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air conditioner caused the failure, the charge air cooler was freezing, and the turbo and shutter system needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving at highway speeds, the reduced engine power message was displayed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Michael Bates Chevrolet Inc. (23755 Allen Rd., Woodhaven, MI 48183, (734) 365-6790), where it was diagnosed that there was zero pressure in the turbocharger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

My 2019 Chevy Equinox with 30,000 miles will not start due to a "Shift to Park" error. This is a common issue with other models of Chevrolet in that same time frame 2017 - 2019 Malibu, Traverse, and Volt. The dealer wants to charge over $1500.00 for an issue that appears to be related to a failing sensor. The vehicle will turn on (power) but will not start. Once power is on, you can not shut off the power as it believes that the vehicle is in gear. This causes the battery to drain. This should be a recall by GM as this is a common issue that the manufacture chooses to ignore.

The vacuum pump blew apart and sent shrapnel into the cam shaft and valve cover. Yes it is available for inspection because it’s still down. Our safety was put at risk because we were coming off the freeway and our brakes basically went out. We have an estimate from the dealer for $1,926.87. No warning at all!!

I bought my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox brand new from Chevrolet dealership. I was driving to pick up passengers. As I drove on too the customers property I pick up my passenger in a wooded area I had to drive up a steep hill. Then I backed up into the next drive path, as I was making my turn to go forward to leave, I tried to backup to make a clear turn but my reverse gave out on me. Something got lodged under my vehicle as I was going forward I got stuck in a ditch on there property. I called me wife and she came to pick me up, I contacted my insurance to request a tow truck and waited 45 minutes but no one showed up. Two of the customer neighbor pulled me out using their tow strap attacked to their 4×4 truck.

While traveling a message appear "power reduced" a noise was heard like whistle (air whooshing). The time Car was started the engine light was on. The car was serviced by GM/Chevrolet dealership service. They found water in the spare tire compartment, but didn't not agree that it was the cause of malfunction. The asked if the car had been in a flood. I did my own research and found that this water leak problem is a known issue in litigation.

My vehicle beginning idling and check engine light came on while at red light. So I decided to head to nearest auto parts to see what the code was. The light turned green and my truck didn’t want to go forward. Once it started to pull off it went slow and then gain a little more speed. This could’ve caused an accident. The people from the opposite side of rode would’ve hit and probably killed my son and I. This is not okay and needs to be checked on all vehicles because that’s a very late warning sign and can cause a huge issue. I’m reaching out to Chevrolet tomorrow morning since today is Sunday.

Twice the vehicle has gone into limp mode (15 mph max) on busy highway in last month. Diesel particulate filter clogged both times. Currently has been in Chevy dealer shop for over two weeks. Emission system failure and dealer cannot figure out cause. They are currently replacing many parts and cannot assure us this problem will not reoccur. 47,000 miles. Maintenance has been better than recommended for oil changes and filters. Currently awaiting second repair invoice.

This vehicle has started to lose power was taken to firsteam Norfolk Va where purchased took for oil change and tire rotation also loss of engine power at speeds of 20-32 mph and 50-62 mph. Dealership at Norfolk Va sent to firstteam Hampton VA Chevrolet for diagnosis and came back no engine light and small misfire 3/4 sparkplugs needed changed 177.00. After plugs were changed still had misfire then they felt it was number 4 injector 500.00 but never did work. I took it to national shop for recommended injector and when plugs were pulled mechanic found no new plugs. Injector was replaced with gm part and still misfiring. Norfolk firstteam towed vehicle back to Hampton Va firstteam and they are now giving me the run around. They want a blank check to replace parts till they find the problem. Unexceptable to even ask. Service writer has been very disrespectful and hung up on national shop and myself. When asked questions regarding work done service writer would just talk over us and speak to us disrespectful and then hung up. We have requested service manager at Hampton firstteam Chevrolet contact us and we were told she would tell him later. I have contacted Aston Lewis Jr owner of all firstteam dealerships here in Va requesting help three times and still no response. We need this reported so someone can fix the misfire and power loss the dealership does not know how to fix. Car is under power train warranty . Any help would be nice.

I purchased the crossover 2019in or around Sept 2021 the engine light appeared, it was taken to Reedman Toll Chevy of Springfield and they replaced the mass air flow sensor or oxygen sensor. Sept 2022 the engine light appeared again they replaced the oxygen sensor, Dec 19,2022 the engine light appeared again the vehical was taken to Reedman were it remains and I am being told it's th orifice tube(PVC tube). They stated this part is not covered under warranty after research GM bulletin No.: 20-NA-047 states this part is in fact covered. Reedman states the coverage of the service is $2,000.00 I contacted GM warranty dept (Irene) case#9-8392615536 who stated the part is covered also. Reedman refuses to follow the order given under the bulletin and GM.

Purchased 2019 Sept 2021 engine light appeared fixed mass air flow by Reedman Chevy Sept 2022 engine reappears they fixed oxygen sensor Dec 19 2022 engine light reappears. Taken to Reedman 12/28/22 states orifice sensor or tube discover GM is aware of issue bullentin no.:20-NA-047 Reedman refused to honor repairs. States service will be $2,000.00 after contacting GM Protection Plan stated they give a $300 good will offer toward repair however the part is not covered under warranty(confused).

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, the engine failed to engage while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the RPM failed to increase. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the contact needed transmission fluid however, the failure recurred. The contact was concerned that while driving the failure might cause an accident. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,002.

Mileage: 50,002

While driving on the highway a warning message came up that said “engine power reduced” and moment after we lost the ability to accelerate. We pull over and turn the car off, when trying to restart it, it would not restart. We were left stranded on the side of the highway. We had to get it towed to a GM dealership and after 3 days we received a diagnosis that the vacuum pump failed and seized which caused damage to the end of the cam shaft. Repair costs are approx. $1800! We are lucky we didn’t completely lose control of our vehicle and was able to get to the side of the road!

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who replaced the throttle body, but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 14,000

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. While stopped, the vehicle would intermittently stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle would restart soon after failure however, recently the vehicle was towed to a dealer after the vehicle failed to restart after multiple attempts. The dealer was unable to duplicate the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

Mileage: 31,000

We noticed a reddish liquid on our garage floor. As the car is under warranty, we took it to the dealer who said it was a leak at the drivers side axel seal; they kept the car for one day, said it was fixed, and called me to come pick up the car. The very next day I noticed leak was worse, and so I reported that to the dealer (see uploaded photo). The dealer told me that they would connect with "tech assist" (whatever that means) and get back to me. I'm concerned that if the leak gets even greater while on the road it could be a safety problem.

TL* THE CONTACTS WIFE OWNED A 2019 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE COMING OUT OF A STANDSTILL THE CONTACT HEARD A STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PRODUCE SMOKE AND PROCEEDED TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY CITY POLICE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONTACT STATED ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING DISPLAYED WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING DESTROYED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V668000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,199.

Mileage: 16,199

I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND APPLIED THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO THE GAS PEDAL AT FIRST AND JUST SAT THERE. AFTER A FEW SECONDS I WAS ABLE TO START MOVING. THIS SITUATION ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE REAR ENDED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE A FEW WEEKS AGO FOR SAME ISSUE.

Mileage: 32,800

I'LL BE DRIVING VERY LIGHTLY AND ABOUT 25MPH WHEN IT WANTS TO SHIP IT SURGES. I STILL HAVE THE SAME PRESSURE IN THE GAS PEDAL. I SEEN IT GET STUCK AT DOWN SHIFTING A FEW TIMES WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL. IT HAS LUNGED ALMOST TOO ONE TIME. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER THEY TEST DRIVE IT, HAD NO CODES WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. I BEEN DRIVING CVTS FOR A DECADE NOW AND I KNOW THIS IS NOT THAT SONI SORT OF BOUGHT IT. I THINK THE TRANSMISSION SHOULDN'T DO THIS.

Mileage: 14,000

TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHILE DRIVING AT LOW RPM. INTERMITTENT HARD OR ROUGH SHIFTING. THIS HAPPENS USUALLY AT SPEEDS AROUND 45 MPH IT HAS A SHUDDER AND SLIGHT SURGE. ANOTHER INCIDENT WHILE STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD.

Mileage: 10,650

PURCHASED NEW CAR ON SEPTEMBER 7 2019. STARTED HAVING CAR ISSUES ON 9/25/2019 TOOK CAR IN ON 9/27/2019. CAR WAS MAKING LOUD SCREECHING NOISES, BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GET HARD. WAS HARD TO BREAK. WHEN REVERSING SCREECHING NOISE WOULD GET LOUDER AND LOUDER. WAS TOLD BY A CHEVROLET TECHNICIAN CAR WAS FINE IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS NEW. TOOK CAR IN ONCE AGAIN ON 12/26/2019 VEHICLE WOULD RANDOMLY NOT TURN ON, BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GET HARD, CAR WOULD SCREECH. CAME TO THE POINT WERE I WAS SCARED TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE GROCERY STORE BECAUSE I WAS UNSURE ON WHETHER THE CAR WOULD RANDOMLY NOT START. INFORM CHEVROLET OF EVERETT AND WAS TOLD IT WAS 3 BOLTS, AND WAS GIVEN THE CAR BACK. TOOK CAR TO CALIFORNIA AFTER THE DEALER TOLD ME CAR WAS COMPLETELY SAFE. 1/14/2020 CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT TURN ON. CALLED CHEVROLET THEY SAID THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT TURNS OFF AND WHY IT WON'T TURN ON. CALLED GM MOTORS THEY SAID THEY ARE UNABLE TO HELP BUT I CAN START A CASE IN WHICH I DID. WENT TO CHEVROLET ON 1/24/2020 THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO IDEA ON WHY THE VEHICLE IS HAVING STARTING PROBLEMS, TRIED MAKING ME TAKE THE VEHICLE HOME KNOWING IT IS UNSAFE BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIX IT. CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN SHOP NOW FOR 14 DAYS AND NO ONE HAS INFORMATION ON HOW TO HELP ME, NOR HAS ANYONE CONTACTED ME, I HAVE CALLING RECORDS ON HOW MANY CALLS I'VE MADE TO GM MOTORS TRYING TO GET A HOLD OF ANYONE WHO CAN HELP ME BUT THEY ALWAYS STATE NO ONE IS AVAILABLE TO HELP ME. GM MOTORS ALSO DID 'ADVICE'ME TO NOT SEEK ANY LEGAL HELP IF I WANTED TO BE HELPED.

Mileage: 3,000

CAR WOULD START BUCKING, STUTTERING AND JERKING. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES. A/C COMPRESSOR FROZE, HAD TO BE REBUILT. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED TWICE. THE DEALER COULD FIND NO PROBLEM ON THE LAST TWO TIMES. THIS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS WHILE IN MOTION AND FROM A STOP.

Mileage: 1,301

BOUGHT EQUINOX WITH 9 MILES O IT ON MONDAY 05/27/2019 AND ON FRIDAY 5/31/2019 ON THE WAY HOME FROM GOING TO DINNER, WITH ONLY 213 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. LOOKED UP THE ERROR CODE ON LINE, BECAUSE THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS NOT THAT EASY. CODE DISPLAYED COULD SHUT ENGINE OFF AT ANY TIME TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. THANK GOD WE WERE A 2 MILES FROM HOME.

Mileage: 213

AUTO STOP / START IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED. HESITATION FROM BRAKE TO GAS CAUSES A WHIPLASH EFFECT TO EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE. ALSO, PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC IS A TOTAL CRAP SHOOT AS TO WEATHER THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO START, HESITATE OR GO AT ALL.

Mileage: 500

THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH OF A DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT THE SYSTEM ON THIS GM MODEL ACCORDING TO GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THOUGH I AM SURE IT IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED FOR CERTAIN OWNER DRIVING STYLES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS HAZARD. CAR MAKERS SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO EITHER DISABLE THE FEATURE PERMANENTLY BY OWNER REQUEST OR HAVE A METHOD FOR THE OWNER TO BYPASS THE SYSTEM. WITH LESS THAN 250 MILES I HAVE EXPERIENCED 2 INCIDENTS OF ALMOST HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME FROM A STOP AND 1 OF ALMOST BEING HIT PULLING INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC FROM A STOP. I SEE MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND HOPE THIS CAN BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR WORSE DUE TO IT. WHILE STOPPED AT A RAILROAD CROSSING WITH AUTO STOP THE ENGINE UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED AS A/C COMPRESSOR TURNED ON CAUSING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD TOWARD THE MOVING TRAIN. ALMOST A MAJOR NEAR DEATH ISSUE.

Mileage: 1,100