This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 38 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 74,400 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
38
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Equinox | 161 |
| 2017 Equinox | 147 |
| 2018 Equinox | 38 |
| 2019 Equinox | 51 |
| 2020 Equinox (this page) | 38 |
| 2021 Equinox | 9 |
| 2022 Equinox | 11 |
| 2023 Equinox | 8 |
| 2024 Equinox | 4 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 38 engine complaints filed for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 38 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.
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
The 2020 Equinox engine complaints cluster around a pattern of sudden power loss and stalling, typically triggered by low oil pressure, PCV valve failure, vacuum pump seizure, or fuel system problems. Most striking: failures occur without warning lights in many cases, catching owners at highway speeds or traffic lights. One owner reports the same low oil pressure issue that spawned a class action suit against GM for 2017 and earlier models—yet the 2020 was excluded from that settlement despite identical symptoms.
Owners describe recurring check engine lights and "Reduced Engine Power" messages that ground the vehicle or force speeds below 30 mph. Two engine fires are documented, both from undetermined or under-hood origin with no prior warning. Water and coolant freeze in intercoolers in cold climates. Oil dipsticks slip out of position, dumping quarts onto hot engine components. Several owners faced catastrophic engine damage requiring $4,500 to $13,000 replacements as early as 25,000 miles.
Excessive oil consumption appears at 28,000 miles (1 quart per 1,000 miles), and fuel pump failures show up before 3,000 miles. Dealers sometimes blame bad fuel or cold weather for design flaws, and GM assistance programs appear inconsistent or insufficient. The troubling thread: owners maintain their vehicles on schedule, yet the engine still fails suddenly without mechanical warning.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Low Oil Pressure / Intermittent Power Loss
Engine enters reduced power or limp mode with low oil pressure warnings appearing repeatedly over months. Owners report the failure occurs without advance warning and can strand the vehicle on the highway. Class action lawsuit filed for 2017 and earlier models cited this same issue as a fire risk.
When: Recurring from August 2023 through February 2024; also reported at various mileages (18,600 to 144,919 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminates; Reduced engine power message displayed; Vehicle loses acceleration ability; Instrument panel lights flicker or dim; Vehicle stalls without warning
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended oil change in some cases; some owners had to replace entire engine ($13,000 replacement reported; $9,072 paid after GM assistance)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Customer Assistance Service opened case but advised no action could be taken in one instance; GM Cost Assist program offered partial reimbursement ($4,100) in another. Class action suit did not include 2020 model year.
Vacuum Pump Seizure
Vacuum pump seizes suddenly, causing engine damage severe enough to require complete engine replacement. Failure occurs without warning lights or prior symptoms and results in immediate loss of power and inability to restart.
When: At 106,000 miles and 25,000 miles (two separate incidents reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop from underneath vehicle; Complete loss of motive power; Only clicking sound when attempting to restart; Unknown warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner quoted $4,500 for engine repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; no information provided on warranty or assistance
Turbocharger/Wastegate Actuator Failure
Wastegate actuator fails, triggering reduced power mode and inability to accelerate. Dealer attributes coolant freeze inside actuator to cold weather but does not explain why the design allows this failure mode.
When: At 103,000 miles; also reported at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced Engine Power message displayed; Failure to accelerate despite depressing pedal; Vehicle shaking and abnormal vibration
Codes mentioned: P2099 (Turbocharger Underboost)
Repairs/costs cited: Wastegate actuator replacement; throttle body reported as getting dirty and requiring replacement by 67,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware and referred contact to NHTSA Hotline; Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-020 referenced
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve Failure
PCV valve fails or becomes faulty, causing reduced power, stalling, and check engine lights. Multiple owners report PCV-related failures at different mileages. One owner replaced PCV valve, bypass tube, injector seal set, and vacuum pump seal.
When: At 45 MPH during normal driving; at unknown mileages; reported at 74,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Reduced Engine Power or Low Power Mode message; Vehicle stalls; Excessive oil consumption; Vehicle shaking above 50 MPH; Turn Off Engine message displayed
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement, bypass tube replacement, injector seal replacement reported; cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance provided in some cases
Engine Fire
Two separate incidents of engine compartment fires reported. Both vehicles declared total loss by insurance. In one case, fire department identified fire originating in engine; in the other, cause listed as undetermined with origin under hood. No prior warning signs in either case.
When: At unknown mileages; one vehicle lost while parked overnight
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light (in one case); Instrument panel lights dim/flicker (in one case); Loss of power at 70 MPH (in one case); No warning signs (in other case)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; unable to repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; fire report cause 'undetermined' in one case
Oil Dipstick Displacement / Oil Leakage
Oil dipstick becomes dislodged from its normal seated position, allowing up to 3.5 quarts of oil to escape from the 4.5-quart capacity engine. Dealer reports gasoline contamination in oil, then claims no gasoline was found after oil change with no explanation. Creates fire and loss-of-traction hazards.
When: At unknown mileage; during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power message displayed; Check engine light illuminated; Oil visible all over engine and compartment; Oil under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Oil change performed; dipstick repositioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer found no explanation for dipstick displacement
Fuel Pump / Fuel Injection System Failure
High-pressure fuel pump fails or fuel injectors fail, causing stalling, misfiring, and check engine codes. Excessive fuel enters crankcase in at least one case with less than 3,000 miles. Engine running lean condition reported before stalling.
When: At 66,050 miles; at less than 3,000 miles; at 92,080 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Engine running lean (code indicated); Vehicle stalls and will not restart; Misfiring; Fuel smell in oil
Codes mentioned: Engine running lean (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement, fuel injector cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement required; quoted at $3,200 for parts and labor; fuel injector replacement attempted but failure persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance documented
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns or loses oil at abnormal rates—one owner reports 1 quart per 1,000 miles at 28,000 miles; another reports engine burning excess oil at 27,500 miles. One vehicle lost 2,000 miles' worth of oil in approximately 2,000 miles. Creates reduced power condition when oil level drops.
When: At 27,500 miles; at 28,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine in safety mode limiting speed to 25 mph; Reduced engine power message; No prior warning from vehicle systems
Repairs/costs cited: Engine repair required (pending in one case); no cost specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes dealership has received bulletins regarding this issue; suggests this warrants recall
Water/Coolant Freezing in Intercooler or Entering Engine
Water or coolant freezes inside intercooler or leaks into engine, causing electronic failures and loss of power. In one case, water leaked into engine causing electronic malfunction. Another case involved water/oil freezing in intercooler requiring GM Wrap fix.
When: At unknown mileages; in cold weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle deceleration to 20 mph with steering wheel locked; ESC message displayed; Engine light illuminated; Loss of power
Codes mentioned: U18A2
Repairs/costs cited: GM Wrap applied in one case; water/coolant leak repair needed in other
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance documented
Water Pump Failure
Water pump fails at low mileage with no warning lights or prior symptoms. Engine noise mimics loose belt. Failure caught early but raises concerns about long-term engine damage.
When: At 14,804 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine noise sounding like loose belt; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response; replacement completed by dealer
Check Engine Light / Diagnostic Code Issues
Check engine lights persist or recur repeatedly after repair attempts with no root cause found. One owner reports code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost) that does not correspond to any found defect despite year-long troubleshooting and multiple diagnostic fees. Another reports light returning days after repair.
When: Recurring over months or years; at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates and turns on/off repeatedly; Engine vibration or shimmer; No identifiable mechanical problem found
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost - no defect found)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple diagnostic attempts and repairs performed with no lasting resolution; multiple diagnostic fees paid
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance documented
Engine Stalling During Driving
Engine stalls unexpectedly during normal driving operations—backing out of driveway, slowing to stop, or highway driving. Stalling occurs repeatedly in some cases with no warning lights beforehand. Creates unsafe situations where vehicle cannot be restarted or restarted after significant delay.
When: At various mileages ranging from 12,000 to 130,000 miles; recurring multiple times in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall; Unable to restart immediately; Check engine light may appear after stall; No warning lights prior to stall in many cases; Hazard light sometimes inoperable after stall
Codes mentioned: U18A2
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnostic machine retrieved fault code in one case; most not repaired due to unknown cause or owner cost concerns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in several cases; referred contact to NHTSA Hotline
Engine Piston / Catastrophic Engine Failure
Engine experiences piston failure or catastrophic internal damage requiring complete engine replacement. Occurs at relatively low mileages with no prior warning or symptoms. One owner reports engine cannot be repaired and replacement on order with no manufacturer discussion.
When: At approximately 25,000 miles or less (fresh or used car); at 3 years old
Symptoms owners cite: Banging noise from engine; Sudden complete engine shutdown; No restart ability (only clicking when button pressed)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required at cost of approximately $4,500 or higher
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer will not discuss issue according to owner
Backup Camera/Sensor Malfunction
Backup camera and associated sensors malfunction or fail. Owner also reports turbocharger/supercharger failure in same complaint.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera malfunction; Backup assistant sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented
Synthesized from 38 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
ENGINE PISTON FAILURE cannot get it fixed new engine on order 5 weeks now chevy will not even talk about it
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving into her driveway, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated shifted into park(P) and then turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired and was awaiting a scheduled service appointment at the local dealer. The manufacturer was…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The contact waited thirty minutes, and the vehicle started to operate as intended. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on…
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 38 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 18,600 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 74,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,600; a quarter make it past 106,000. 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/2020/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.