This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 5,500 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Equinox | 169 |
| 2016 Equinox | 161 |
| 2017 Equinox | 147 |
| 2018 Equinox | 38 |
| 2019 Equinox (this page) | 51 |
| 2020 Equinox | 38 |
| 2021 Equinox | 9 |
| 2022 Equinox | 11 |
| 2023 Equinox | 8 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 51 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 51 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report three major failure patterns in 2019 Equinox engines. The most frequent involves the charge air cooler tube or intake duct disconnecting from the throttle body under acceleration, triggering "reduced power" mode that limits speed to 35-55 mph. Owners describe hearing a loud pop or bang, loss of power on highways at 70 mph, and dangerous speed loss in traffic. Multiple repairs with retaining clips and new tubes have failed; some cars returned to dealers repeatedly for the same issue within days or weeks. Dealers acknowledge this as a known problem with no permanent fix from GM, and parts are frequently backordered.
A second pattern involves turbocharger failures and related hose disconnects. Owners report turbo hoses popping off, turbochargers failing outright, and vacuum pump explosions that damaged camshafts and caused brake seizures. One owner's vacuum pump failure left them unable to brake in rush-hour traffic.
Third, owners report engine power loss at idle and during acceleration, often triggered by the auto-stop feature restarting the engine with a lurch or hesitation. Owners cannot disable auto-stop. Some vehicles have developed timing chain failures, camshaft damage, and total engine failure requiring replacement. Codes cited include P0299 (turbo underboost), P0442 (EVAP leak), and transmission error codes. One owner's engine failed at 71,000 miles with no warning; another at 72,000.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Charge Air Cooler Tube Disconnect from Throttle Body
The plastic intake duct or charge air cooler tube separates from the throttle body connection, typically under acceleration or on hills. This triggers reduced power mode, limiting vehicle speed to 35-55 mph. Check engine light illuminates. Multiple owners report the same vehicle failing repeatedly after dealer repair attempts with clips and new tubing.
When: Typically early in ownership: 500–8200 miles; some occur as early as 45 miles on the road
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop or bang from engine; Sudden loss of power while accelerating; Reduced power warning message on dashboard; Check engine light illumination; Speed limited to 35–55 mph in limp mode; Jerking or violent vehicle deceleration
Codes mentioned: P0299 (turbo/supercharger underboost)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have installed metal reinforcement clamps, new retaining clips, and replacement intake ducts and throttle bodies. Parts frequently on backorder. Service bulletin N192271200 referenced by some owners. Repairs often unsuccessful; same failure recurs within days or miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall regarding charge cooler hose mentioned by some owners (Narrative #2). Service bulletin N192271200 exists but coverage is inconsistent—some dealers deny warranty coverage even when symptoms match the bulletin. Multiple owners report dealers stating 'no official fix from GM.'
Turbocharger Failure and Hose Disconnection
Turbocharger fails or the hose connecting the turbo system disconnects under acceleration or load. Owners report the hose blowing off the turbo connection, loss of boost pressure, and engine power loss. One owner's turbo hose disconnected three separate times in three months.
When: Early in ownership: 500 miles to 70,000 miles; some failures at low mileage, others after significant use
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop from engine compartment; Engine loses 80% of power; Check engine light and reduced power warning; Inability to accelerate above 35 mph; Vehicle stalling or sputtering
Codes mentioned: P0299 (turbo underboost)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced turbochargers, hoses, and fasteners. One owner replaced turbo three times in three months; one replacement used a 'newly designed GM part' that still failed. Parts often backordered.
Vacuum Pump Failure with Camshaft Damage
Vacuum pump exploded or failed internally, sending broken pieces into the engine and damaging the camshaft. Brakes seized momentarily due to loss of vacuum pressure. Owner reports this is a known issue in Chevy Malibus and Equinoxes sharing the same engine, with no prior warning.
When: Mileage not specified; owner stated frequency is high in related models
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden vacuum pump failure; Brake seizure (complete loss of brake function briefly); Engine damage from internal debris; No warning lights or prior indication
Repairs/costs cited: Auto shop inspection revealed broken camshaft and internal engine damage. Owner was advised that this typically locks up the engine completely and would normally cause fire or explosion; vehicle survival was luck. Damage extensive.
Engine Power Loss and Reduced Power Mode (Unresolved)
Vehicle enters reduced power mode with no clear cause, persisting across multiple diagnostic cycles and sensor replacements. One owner changed all four crank and cam sensors, MAP sensor, and heat sensors without resolution. Engine immediately shuts off after restart in limp mode.
When: 72,000–97,000 miles; some occur earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses automotive power at stop; Engine shuts off suddenly in traffic; Reduced power mode persistent across power cycles; Crankshaft timing codes (over-advanced); Transmission error codes; Check engine light with multiple fault codes
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft timing codes (over-advanced), Transmission error codes, Crank sensor codes, MAP sensor codes, Heat sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced crank sensors, cam sensors, MAP sensor, heat sensors, and battery twice. Vehicle continues to shut off and enter reduced power mode. Sitting since 10/4/22 with no resolution despite multiple repair attempts at independent shops.
Timing Chain and Camshaft Failure
Timing chain failure or camshaft damage, causing total engine loss of power and failure. One owner's engine failed at 71,000 miles with no prior warning; another at 72,000 miles. Engine cannot be repaired and requires replacement. One owner reported this as a common problem for the model despite regular oil changes.
When: 71,000–72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of automotive power; Engine will not restart; No warning prior to failure; Engine seized or damaged internally
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required ($9,000 estimate per one owner). Mechanics stated this is a common problem for the 2019 Equinox model. One failure while parked for a week after oil change by dealer; another at 72,000 miles. If failure had occurred while driving, risk of fire or accident reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls mentioned. Owner contacted GM with case number but was unable to reach anyone for support.
Auto-Stop Feature Causing Lurching and Safety Hazard
Engine auto-stop feature restarts with enough delay that the accelerator can be pressed before engine ignition, causing the vehicle to lurch forward instead of accelerating smoothly. Hesitation when restarting during heavy traffic maneuvers (e.g., left turns) creates hazard. Feature cannot be disabled by owner.
When: Occurs throughout ownership during city driving and traffic stops
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrollable lurch forward when engine restarts; Delay between brake release and engine restart; Hesitation during acceleration from stop in traffic; No warning lights associated with this feature
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available. Multiple owners requested ability to disable auto-stop; GM service department confirmed there is no way to temporarily or permanently defeat the system on 2019 Equinox.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM states auto-stop system operates as designed; no method to disable offered to owners.
EVAP System Failures (Purge Tube and Canister O-ring)
Evaporative emissions system failures causing check engine light, fuel vapor odor in cabin, and small leak codes. One owner reported purge tube not fully seated; another reported O-ring failure in the EVAP canister. Gas fumes smell inside the vehicle despite sealed system design.
When: Early in ownership: 957 miles and 1,426 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Gas fumes detectable inside cabin; Loud pop from rear of vehicle; P0442 EVAP small leak code
Codes mentioned: P0442 (EVAP small leak)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found purge tube not fully seated and O-ring failure. Both were serviced. Recurrence reported on second incident 23 days after first repair.
Starter Failure and Flywheel Issues (Multiple Replacements)
Starter fails repeatedly—three starters replaced within a few months—with noise and burnout. Related to auto-stop feature causing excessive starting cycles. Flywheel damage suspected as cause of recurring starter failure.
When: Scattered incidents over several months; failure pattern suggests cumulative stress
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Odd whirring noise during start attempts; Starter burns out or wears out rapidly; Requires multiple new starters in short period
Repairs/costs cited: Three new starters installed. Dealer suspects flywheel damage is causing repeated starter burnout. Owner links failures to auto-stop feature.
Air Intake and Throttle Body Issues
Throttle body and air cooler outlet tube failures, loss of response to accelerator input, and inability to exceed low speeds. One owner replaced both throttle body and intake pipe; choppy acceleration persisted after repair.
When: Mileage varies; one case at 52,827 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud engine sound; Vehicle fails to accelerate as intended; Speed limited to 12 mph maximum; No warning light illuminated initially; Choppy acceleration even after parts replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body and air cooler outlet tube replacement performed by independent mechanic. Symptoms of choppy acceleration persisted after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but provided no assistance.
Coolant System Leak (Expansion Tank Hose Failure)
Coolant expansion tank recovery hose failed, leaking engine coolant onto the PCM. Owner concerns that hose location makes re-failure likely once replaced.
When: 49,549 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking from engine compartment; Coolant pooling near PCM location
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant expansion tank recovery hose identified as failed; hose replacement required. Owner not yet repaired; concerns about durability of replacement.
Engine Fire
Vehicle caught fire while parked for approximately 10 hours after 7 hours of driving. Engine compartment completely consumed by fire.
When: Parked at motel; fire occurred 10 hours after vehicle was last driven
Symptoms owners cite: Fire in engine compartment; Complete consumption of engine compartment before fire department arrival
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished fire. No details on cause investigation.
Air Filter Housing Failure
Air filter box housing top came loose after oil service. Screws used instead of proper latch system were over-tightened during oil change, cracking plastic screw housing. Housing came completely loose, allowing dirt and excess air into engine.
When: Shortly after oil service
Symptoms owners cite: Air filter housing top comes off; Loss of power; Decreased fuel economy; Dirt ingestion into air system
Repairs/costs cited: Housing came loose due to over-tightened screws cracking plastic mounting points. Poor design using screws instead of latch.
Turbo Unit Rattling and Grinding Noise
Turbo unit strikes the radiator during hard stops or right turns, producing loud grinding noise. Dealer acknowledges as known issue not covered under warranty. Temporary dampening with special tape applied ($550 repair cost).
When: Present since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or rattling noise from engine area during hard stops; Loud noise during right turns; Noise audible from turbo striking radiator
Repairs/costs cited: Special vibration-dampening tape applied at $550 repair cost. Service bulletin 19-NA-098 referenced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged as known issue but denied warranty coverage.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet equinox. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle backfired and the check engine warning indicator illuminated, which meant there was reduced power. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to cape coral Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2200 ne pine island rd, cape coral, fl 33909) where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 51 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 1,605 and 37,000 miles, with the median around 5,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 1,605; a quarter make it past 37,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.