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…
2019 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain problems
moderate 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 34 powertrain 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 34 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2019 Equinox with powertrain complaints involves serious risks: Auto Start-Stop can fail to restart in traffic, transmissions shudder and fail before warranty ends, and turbo/vacuum pump failures damage engines. Multiple owners report dealerships cannot diagnose or fix recurring issues. Demand a thorough pre-purchase transmission, turbo, and electrical inspection by an independent shop before buying.
2019 Chevy Equinox powertrain complaints cluster around a dozen distinct failure modes, many appearing within the first years of ownership or even under 250 miles.
Engine restart failure after Auto Start-Stop engages is the most serious safety concern: owners report the engine dying in intersections during traffic, leaving them stranded. Multiple owners cite dealership techs confirming this is not isolated—one tech reported several customers with identical issues. The system can also lurch the vehicle forward unexpectedly when the A/C compressor kicks in, nearly causing collisions with trains and other vehicles. Owners note there's no way to disable the feature.
Transmission problems are widespread: shuddering at 45 mph, hard shifting, jerking from stops, and delayed acceleration appear across multiple ownership periods. One owner's transmission cooler failed at 76,000 miles (past warranty), costing $6,700. Another owner paid the same to replace the entire transmission after shuddering and stalling. Diagnostics cite transmission control module faults and failed coolers.
Engine power reduced warnings correlate with turbocharger and vacuum pump failures. One vacuum pump exploded, sending shrapnel into the camshaft ($1,926 repair). Turbo intake tubes disconnect, and dealerships say there's no fix—owners just keep reattaching them. One vehicle caught fire at 16,199 miles.
Shift-to-Park errors prevent the engine from shutting off, draining the battery while the vehicle refuses to acknowledge it's in gear. This happens even at low mileage (30,000 miles) and is common across 2017–2019 Chevy models. Dealerships quote $1,500+ for sensor replacement but don't fix it.
Stalling without warning, misfire that persists after spark plug and injector replacements, oil and axle seal leaks, and A/C compressor freezing round out the catalog of reported issues.
Same Chevrolet Equinox powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start-Stop System Failure / Engine Won't Restart
Engine fails to restart after Auto Start-Stop feature engages, leaving vehicle completely inoperative in traffic. Multiple owners report the feature creates hazardous situations—stalling at intersections, during merging, or at railroad crossings with unexpected lurching when AC compressor or other loads engage.
When: At idle or traffic stops; early in ownership (some under 250 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to restart after Auto Stop engages; Vehicle stranded in live traffic; Unexpected engine start and lurching forward; Delay in response when accelerating from stop; Nearly rear-ended or hit other vehicles due to hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned; GM dealership technician confirmed multiple customers reporting similar failures; dealership unable to fix or offered no solution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs specifically cited for this failure mode; owners note there is currently no way to disable the feature permanently
Transmission Failure / Shuddering / Hard Shifting
Transmission exhibits rough idle, shuddering at low RPM (around 45 mph), delayed or sluggish acceleration response, hard shifting, and jerking. Some cases progress to complete transmission failure requiring replacement. One owner diagnosed with defective transmission cooler at 76,000 miles (beyond warranty).
When: 6 months to several years of ownership; varies from 30,000 to 108,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Poor acceleration response and lag; Rough idle, especially in Drive while stopped; Shuddering and surging at highway speeds; Hard or delayed shifting; Transmission jerks and stalls; Hesitation pulling out into traffic; Vehicle lunges forward unexpectedly while stopped
Codes mentioned: U0101, P12A6
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cooler replacement ($6,714.48 including tow and shop labor); full transmission replacement ($6,564.48 plus $150 credit card fee); transmission control module replacement recommended; one owner reports transmission shop kept vehicle 9 days; another reports ongoing misfire despite multiple injector and spark plug replacements
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain warranty limited to 60,000 miles / 5 years; owner at 76,000 miles was out of warranty; GM bulletin No. 20-NA-047 covers orifice tube (PVC tube) but at least one dealership (Reedman) refused to honor it despite GM confirmation
Engine Power Reduced Warning / Turbo and Air Intake Issues
Engine power reduced warning and check engine light illuminate, causing loss of acceleration and limp mode. Diagnostics reveal turbocharger issues including zero pressure, frozen charge air cooler, turbo intake tube disconnecting, and vacuum pump failure. One case involved vacuum pump exploding and sending shrapnel into camshaft.
When: Various mileages from 14,000 to 78,000 miles; some early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced warning message; Loss of motive power and acceleration; Check engine light illuminated; Whistling or air whooshing noise; Rough idle; Vehicle hesitant to accelerate when pedal depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Air cooler/turbo cleaning attempted but did not resolve; turbo replacement recommended; vacuum pump replacement (approx. $1,800); one owner told tube keeps falling off and no fix exists; camshaft and valve cover damage from vacuum pump failure ($1,926.87 repair estimate); one vehicle destroyed by fire at 16,199 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to determine cause in some cases; manufacturers offered computer program updates (which did not resolve issue); one case associated with NHTSA campaign 20V668000 (powertrain)
Shift to Park / Transmission Control Module Failure
Vehicle stuck in gear, refusing to register Park on dash or shift indicator, preventing engine shutdown. Check engine, traction control, and park assist lights illuminate simultaneously. Battery drains because vehicle cannot power down. Occurs at low mileage (30,000) and is described as a common issue across 2017–2019 Chevy models (Malibu, Traverse, Volt).
When: 30,000+ miles; some near purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Shift to Park error message persists; Vehicle will not turn off; Check engine, traction control, and park assist lights all illuminate; Transmission loses power; RPM jumps and vehicle makes clunking noise; Battery drains
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted over $1,500 for sensor replacement; no repairs completed in any reported cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; GM chooses to ignore issue despite it being common across multiple model years
Misfire / Spark Plug and Injector Issues
Engine misfires with no check engine light, or misfires persist after spark plug and injector replacements. Independent mechanics and dealerships replace spark plugs ($177) and injectors ($500+) without resolving the issue. Dealership service is poor and dismissive of the problem.
When: Repeated episodes over months; mileage not consistently stated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire (cylinders 3 and 4 identified); Loss of engine power at 20–32 mph and 50–62 mph speeds; No or intermittent check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced ($177); number 4 injector replaced ($500); GM injector installed; misfire continued; dealership unable to diagnose root cause and requested blank check for trial-and-error parts replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Under powertrain warranty; dealership service poor and dismissive; service writer was disrespectful and hung up on owner and independent shop
Oil Leak / Rear Main Seal Failure
Oil leaks from the joint between engine and transmission (rear main seal). Owner smelled burning oil and found puddle underneath. Independent mechanic reports two other vehicles in shop with same issue. Vehicle became undrivable in sub-zero weather.
When: Unknown mileage; occurred during -25°F weather
Symptoms owners cite: Oil puddle under vehicle; Burning oil smell; Vehicle undrivable in cold weather
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; owner notes this is an expensive problem and questions why it is not recalled
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued
Axle Seal Leak
Reddish liquid leaking from driver side axle seal. Dealership repair failed—leak worsened the day after pickup. Dealership unable to fix and blamed 'tech assist' for lack of resolution.
When: While under warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Reddish liquid leaking on garage floor; Leak worsens after dealership repair attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attempted one-day repair; leak persisted and worsened
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership deferred to 'tech assist' and failed to resolve
Check Engine Light / Mass Air Flow / Oxygen Sensor / PVC Orifice Tube Issues
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly. Dealerships replace mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensor multiple times without lasting resolution. Actual cause is defective orifice tube (PVC tube), which GM bulletin 20-NA-047 states is covered under warranty, but dealership refused to honor coverage and demanded $2,000 out of pocket.
When: Recurring over years of ownership (Sept 2021 purchase; issues Sept 2021, Sept 2022, Dec 2022)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light repeatedly illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Mass air flow sensor replaced; oxygen sensor replaced twice ($300–$500 range estimated); orifice tube (PVC tube) requires replacement ($2,000 dealership quote); GM offered $300 goodwill toward repair despite bulletin stating part is covered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletin No. 20-NA-047 covers orifice tube; GM warranty department confirmed coverage; dealership (Reedman Chevy) refused to honor bulletin; manufacturer offers only $300 goodwill when part is supposedly covered
Stalling / No Warning / Loss of Power at Low Speeds
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at low speeds (20–30 mph) or when accelerating from a stop. Vehicle may restart but failure recurs. No check engine light in some cases. Nearly causes rear-end collisions.
When: Various mileages including 31,000 miles; intermittent pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Vehicle jerks and stalls; No acceleration response from gas pedal; Engine fails to engage when accelerator pressed; RPM fails to increase; Vehicle nearly rear-ended
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; mechanic diagnostics indicate transmission failure; dealership unable to duplicate or diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response in most cases
Diesel Particulate Filter Clogging / Limp Mode
Diesel particulate filter clogs twice in one month, forcing vehicle into limp mode (15 mph max speed) on busy highway. Dealership unable to determine root cause despite maintenance better than recommended. Dealer replacing multiple parts without assurance issue will not recur.
When: 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters limp mode with 15 mph speed limit on highway; Engine power reduced; Emission system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership in shop over two weeks; multiple parts being replaced; repair still incomplete
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response noted
Water Leak into Spare Tire Compartment
Water found in spare tire compartment during engine power reduced diagnostic. Dealership did not agree this caused the malfunction. Owner researched and found this is a known issue in litigation.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Water in spare tire compartment; Engine power reduced warning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership did not acknowledge water as cause of malfunction
Reverse Gear Failure
Reverse gear failed while owner was backing up on customer property. Vehicle got stuck in ditch and required neighbors' 4x4 truck with tow strap to extract.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Reverse gear failed; Vehicle unable to back up
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned; vehicle extraction required external tow
A/C Compressor Freezing / Bucking and Jerking
A/C compressor freezes and vehicle experiences bucking, stuttering, and jerking episodes. Compressor required rebuilding. Owner nearly rear-ended twice. Dealership unable to find problem on subsequent visits.
When: Multiple episodes across driving history
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle bucking, stuttering, jerking; A/C compressor frozen; Engine sluggish and unresponsive; Nearly rear-ended
Repairs/costs cited: A/C compressor rebuilt
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to duplicate or diagnose root cause on follow-up visits
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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…
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…
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.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 34 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,650 and 50,002 miles, with the median around 16,199. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,650; a quarter make it past 50,002. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.