This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
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 Preliminary Information communicates a intermittent rough idle on initial cold start and potential CEL/SES Light more on inclement weather and Engineering is investigating.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two distinct categories of problems. The dominant issue is a recurring check engine light with diagnostic code P04FB (crankcase ventilation system), appearing as early as 300 miles but more commonly within the first 5,000 miles. Dealerships repeatedly clear the code, but it returns within days or weeks. Multiple owners have visited dealerships monthly or more frequently—one owner logged nine visits in about eleven months for the same issue. Owners note the problem correlates with cold weather and moisture exposure. Chevrolet has acknowledged the defect but states no permanent fix is available; the replacement part (crankcase or PCV valve) remains on backorder at dealerships. The malfunction disables remote start functionality.
The second set of reports describes safety-critical events: one owner experienced complete engine shutdown at 70 mph on a highway, followed by automatic braking engagement and automatic parking brake deployment without driver input, bringing the vehicle to a stop in a busy traffic lane. Another reports check engine light accompanied by unintended vehicle deceleration requiring hard throttle to maintain speed. A third describes engine revving unexpectedly when braking, making it difficult to stop the vehicle. Dealers have not diagnosed or repaired these drivability issues, and in some cases could not reproduce the symptoms.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
P04FB Crankcase Ventilation System Code - Recurring Check Engine Light
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly with diagnostic code P04FB (crankcase ventilation sensor/pressure sensor issue). Dealerships clear the code, but it returns within days to weeks. Some owners report the issue correlates with cold/damp weather or moisture buildup on the PCV valve. Part reportedly on backorder at dealerships. Chevrolet has acknowledged the issue but reports no permanent fix is available, only temporary resets.
When: As early as 300 miles; recurring from 5,000 miles onward; pattern of monthly visits starting within 3 months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates and remains on or returns intermittently; Yellow warning light comes on and off; Light more likely to trigger after cold nights or exposure to moisture/snow; Remote start function disabled when check engine light is on
Codes mentioned: P04FB
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership has attempted clearing codes and control module updates (ANC update applied per GM service bulletin in at least one case). Replacement crankcase/PCV valve reportedly on backorder. No permanent repair completed in any narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet acknowledged 'working on it' with no fix available; manufacturer engineers reported to be working on 'improved solution' per dealer communication. No recall or service bulletin for permanent fix mentioned.
Unintended Engine Shutdown and Automatic Emergency Braking
Engine shuts down while driving at highway speed (70 mph), accompanied by automatic braking engagement and automatic parking brake deployment. Vehicle brought to complete stop in middle lane of highway without driver command. Occurred during what was initially diagnosed as bearing noise from Active Noise Cancelling system. Safety-critical event with potential for collision.
When: Approximately 300 miles; engine shutdown event on June 14, 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent bearing noise at highway speeds initially attributed to ANC system; Engine shutdown during highway driving; Automatic braking engaged; Automatic parking brake applied without driver input; Dash display showed 'Automatic Braking Engaged!' message
Repairs/costs cited: Initial diagnosis: Active Noise Cancelling system issue; control module update applied per GM service bulletin. No documented resolution of the shutdown event itself.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM service bulletin referenced for ANC control module update, but no documented fix for the engine shutdown/emergency braking malfunction.
Unintended High RPM Revving During Braking
Engine revs to higher RPM unexpectedly when depressing brake pedal. Occurred on multiple occasions. Hard brake pedal pressure required to stop vehicle. No warning light illuminated. Diagnostic result was unknown and vehicle was not repaired.
When: Approximately 14,417 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs unexpectedly when brake pedal depressed; Failure occurred on several occasions; Hard brake pedal pressure needed to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer for diagnosis but diagnostic result was unknown and vehicle was not repaired.
Check Engine Light with Unintended Vehicle Deceleration
Check engine light illuminates accompanied by immediate unintended vehicle deceleration/limp mode. Vehicle slowed down without driver input when check engine light came on. In one case, transmission would not go into reverse after event; owner pressed gas hard to get home and then to dealer. Another case reported check engine light blinking with immediate slowdown; driver had to accelerate to reach gas station.
When: Varying mileages; occurrences reported during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates (blinking in one case); Vehicle slows down immediately and unexpectedly; Hard acceleration needed to keep vehicle moving; Transmission function affected (reverse gear reported inoperable after event in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer said battery contacts weren't tight, but this does not appear to address the underlying issue. No confirmed repairs performed.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Check engine light was on after just sitting in the snow for two days. Dealer is saying that it is a fuel injector and something with the gas. I hope this fixes it.
My car threw on the check engine light and a note flashed on the screen and car just slowed down immediately. I had to press on the brakes really hard to get it home and then the transmission wouldn’t go in reverse. I took it to the dealer and they couldn’t duplicate the problem but said the battery contacts weren’t tight.
My daughter was driving and she said the check engine light started blinking and the car slowed down immediately. She had to press the gas to get it into a gas station.
Had engine trouble with your 2025 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 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 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?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 9,709 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2025/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.