This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 34 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 60,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Equinox | 25 |
| 2017 Equinox | 30 |
| 2018 Equinox | 61 |
| 2019 Equinox | 34 |
| 2020 Equinox (this page) | 34 |
| 2021 Equinox | 16 |
| 2022 Equinox | 10 |
| 2023 Equinox | 4 |
| 2024 Equinox | 11 |
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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 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 powertrain 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.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox report a range of powertrain failures across multiple systems. Many describe sudden loss of engine power while driving — the vehicle either shuts off completely, stalls unexpectedly, or loses power mid-acceleration with no warning lights. Several owners report delayed or weak acceleration response, with 2–3 second lags or outright refusal to accelerate despite pressing the pedal fully. Transmission problems surface frequently: jerking, shaking, and shuddering during acceleration starting around 35–40 mph; failed torque converters; and transmission fluid leaks, some discovered within 500 miles of purchase.
Fuel-system issues include sputtering, vibration, and popping sounds after refueling, along with fuel pump failures and fuel injector problems. Some owners report water intrusion into the cabin and rear wheel wells correlating with stalling episodes. A vacuum booster pump is reported to have exploded catastrophically in at least one case. Electrical glitches tied to rain exposure cause gauges to fluctuate and false warning messages to cascade, making braking difficult. One owner reports the vehicle rolling backward on a slight incline without the emergency brake engaged. Several owners note that dealerships fail to duplicate issues or find causes, leaving problems unresolved. GM has acknowledged some transmission vibration issues to dealers but offers no fix.
Same Chevrolet Equinox powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Complete Loss of Engine Power / Electrical System Shutdown
Vehicle shuts down completely with zero power to engine and electrical systems while driving; requires restart to restore operation. No warning lights precede failure.
When: 4–7 months into ownership; various mileages; one incident at ~2,376 miles; one at ~55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; No engine response; No electrical power (lights, radio, dash, remote key non-functional); Cannot shift to neutral; Vehicle unresponsive for ~20 minutes in one report; Clicking sound on restart attempt
Codes mentioned: No check engine light illuminated in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: ECM reprogrammed at dealership in one case; other instances unrepaired or diagnostic indeterminate
Stalling During Acceleration and Driving
Engine stalls without warning while accelerating from stops or at cruising speeds; vehicle requires multiple restart attempts to resume operation. History of recurrent stalls on same vehicle.
When: Various mileages: ~68,000, ~55,000; some very early (~500 miles); persistent across multiple trips
Symptoms owners cite: Engine chokes and shuts off unexpectedly; Stalling during acceleration from stop; Stalling at cruising speed (25–35 mph range); Multiple restart attempts needed; Jerking/sputtering prior to stall; Car sputters and transmission grabs intermittently as it jerks to stop
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated in some cases, TPMS light in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector failure diagnosed in one case; fractured fuel cap replaced (dealership); fuel pump driver control module replaced in one case (~55,000 miles, under 60,000-mile warranty)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware in some cases; no recall applied to affected VIN in one case despite similar symptoms to recall 20V668000
Delayed or No Acceleration Response
Accelerator pedal produces no immediate response or extremely delayed (2–7 seconds) engine acceleration; affects both stop-and-go and passing maneuvers. Most pronounced in high temperatures.
When: Various mileages; intermittent, worsens in extreme heat
Symptoms owners cite: Zero engine response for ~30 feet after pressing accelerator; 2–3 second lag before vehicle reacts; Slow acceleration despite full pedal depression; Takes 5–7 seconds to reach 45 mph from stop; Multiple gas pedal presses required to accelerate beyond 10 mph; Engine RPM surges drastically (to 3000) without proper upshift timing
Codes mentioned: Engine Power Reduced message displayed, No check engine light in early cases
Repairs/costs cited: One case required front wheel drive transmission assembly replacement, transmission fluid flush, and transmission control module update at ~72,000 miles; repairs unsuccessful in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall associated with some VINs per manufacturer; recall 20V668000 suspected applicable but VIN not included in campaign; GM acknowledged transmission vibration issue to dealers (9/9/20) but no fix available
Transmission Jerking, Shaking, and Vibration on Acceleration
Vehicle shakes and shimies noticeably during acceleration, particularly between 35–40 mph. Vibration felt in seat and steering wheel; sensation described as coming from transmission or driveshaft. Issue worsens over time.
When: Very early mileage (~3,650 miles); ~60,000 miles; persistent since purchase (December 2019 for one owner)
Symptoms owners cite: Shaking and shimmying during acceleration; Vibration in seat and steering wheel; Jerking while driving; Worse upon acceleration; Vibration/jerking continues until acceleration halted; Gets worse over time
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement performed in at least one case at ~60,000 miles; transmission assembly replacement in another case; one service advisor misdiagnosed and replaced transmission converter (unsuccessful); issue persisted after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM sent letter to dealers (9/9/20) acknowledging issue but no fix available; documented as manufacturer issue at one dealership
Failed Torque Converter
Torque converter fails, causing transmission malfunction, jerking, and stalling. One case reports torque converter case became porous; another reports half the torque converter case porous at very low mileage.
When: ~60,000 miles; ~500 miles (very early failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic jerking while driving; Transmission malfunction; Transmission fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement authorized and performed; one transmission replacement authorized after dealer found porous torque converter case
Transmission Fluid Leak
Transmission leaks fluid; cause sometimes unknown. One case identified porous torque converter case as source. Leaks occur very early in vehicle life.
When: ~3 months / ~500 miles; ~120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission oil leak observed; Stalling (may correlate with leak); Reduced power
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics diagnosed but could not determine cause in one case; transmission replacement authorized in another case due to porous torque converter case
Fuel Pump / Fuel System Failure
Fuel pump driver control module fails or fuel pump fails, causing stalling and loss of power. One case initially misdiagnosed; repair partially successful.
When: Various; one at ~55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling; Loss of power; Sputtering; Jerking
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump driver control module replaced (~55,000 miles, under warranty); subsequent service attempted fuel pump replacement
Fuel Sputtering, Vibration, and Popping Sounds
After refueling with unleaded fuel, vehicle vibrates, sputters, and produces popping sounds; fuel may not be reaching engine during acceleration.
When: Recurring over 4–7 months
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration after refueling; Sputtering; Jerking; Popping sounds; Fuel starvation sensation during acceleration
Engine Power Reduced / Reduced Engine Power Messages
Recurring 'Engine Power Reduced' or 'Reduced Engine Power' warning message displays; vehicle loses power or reduces acceleration. Persists despite multiple shop visits and maintenance.
When: Various mileages; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Engine Power Reduced message displayed; Vehicle power loss or severe reduction; Unable to maintain speed; Stuttering while driving; Hard to push accelerator pedal
Codes mentioned: PO299 code in one case (turbo-related)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement recommended ($4,000) in one case; multiple independent shops unable to find cause in another case; unresolved after multiple visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledged PO299/turbo issue as very common but doing nothing about it per owner allegation
Catastrophic Vacuum Booster Pump Failure
Vacuum pump inside engine fails explosively, sending metal components throughout engine system. Vehicle loses power mid-drive and fails to brake properly.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown in traffic; No warning signs prior to failure; Clunky noise preceding failure; Failed to restart; Difficult braking (service brake assist failure); Reduced engine power message displayed
Codes mentioned: Reduced engine power message, Service brake assist message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspection determined vacuum booster pump exploded and sent metal fragments throughout engine; repair details not provided
Electrical Glitches Triggered by Rain / Moisture Exposure
After rain exposure, multiple electrical systems malfunction: gauges fluctuate, false warning messages cascade continuously, power steering and ESC systems fail, braking becomes difficult. Vehicle becomes unsafe to operate.
When: Recurring after rain exposure; occurs while driving at all speeds including highways
Symptoms owners cite: All gauges going up and down; Cascading false warning messages: Fuel Level Low, Shift to Park, Park Assist Off, All Wheel Drive System, Service Power Steering, ESC; Brakes hard to push; Loss of vehicle control at low and high speeds; Vehicle unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to service department 6+ times; technicians unable to duplicate problem or fix it
Vehicle Rolling Backward on Slight Incline Without Engagement
Vehicle rolls backward 10–20 feet down a slight driveway incline without emergency brake engaged and without driver input. Wheels turn during rolling. Hazard to pedestrians and property.
When: Multiple incidents (4+); mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on slight incline without emergency brake engaged; Wheels turn during rolling; Occurs on completely dry driveway; Vehicle slides onto sidewalk, posing pedestrian danger
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer states unable to replicate; refuses to repair
Forward Disengagement / Loss of Forward Gear
Vehicle forward transmission completely disengages while driving or stopped; vehicle will only move in reverse. Occurs at very low mileage.
When: <500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Forward completely disengaged; Vehicle will not move forward; Only reverse gear functional
Repairs/costs cited: Repair details not provided
Transfer Case and Rear Differential Noise / Failure
Vehicle produces terrible noise from transfer case or rear differential without warning. Requires extended parts lead times; root cause not immediately clear.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Terrible noise from powertrain; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement required (10-day lead time); later diagnosis of rear differential failure (additional 10-day lead time)
Oil Leaking from Transmission / Engine
Transmission or engine oil leaks; appears very early in vehicle life. One case correlates with torque converter porus case.
When: 3 months / ~500 miles; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from transmission; Oil leaking from gasket; Oil always empty after oil change; Visible oil leaks from unknown location
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement authorized in cases where porous torque converter case identified
Water Intrusion into Cabin and Stalling Correlation
Water leaks into cabin from moonroof and accumulates in rear wheel wells and floor. Vehicle stalls multiple times coinciding with water intrusion. Moonroof and radio rendered inoperable.
When: Approximately 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking from moonroof into cabin; Rear wheel well filled with water; Water moving around inside vehicle; Floor mats extremely wet; Engine stalling (4 times in one trip); Moonroof inoperable; Radio inoperable
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illuminated, TPMS light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel cap replaced (fractured); stalling persisted; fuel injector failure diagnosed by independent mechanic but not addressed by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware
Service Brake Assist Malfunction
Service Brake Assist warning illuminates randomly or brakes become difficult to engage; correlates with other powertrain failures.
When: Various; recurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Service Brake Assist warning illuminates on dashboard; Brakes hard to push; Brakes lock up; Difficult to stop vehicle
Codes mentioned: Service brake assist message
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum booster pump failure identified in one case
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My 2020 equinox has less than 500 miles and over the weekend, when coming to a stop at a light, the forward completely disengaged and would not allow us to move forward. We could only go reverse. We had our 5 year old grandson with us and this was terrifying. It could have been even more dangerous had it been dark or on a busier road.
Forward collision system dint notify of an object infront , also breaks locked up when used .Air bags didn’t go off while a forward collision with a bus happened
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 3,800 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,800; a quarter make it past 72,000. 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 $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/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.