Total Complaints
1113 filings
CHEVROLET EQUINOX · model year
1113 NHTSA complaints, 24 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2010CHEVROLETEQUINOX carries 1113 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 24 crashes, 12 fires, 30 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 EQUINOX is engine with 269 filings, followed by power train (172) and visibility/wiper (132). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2010 EQUINOX, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
1113 filings
Crashes Reported
24 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 269 |
| POWER TRAIN | 172 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 132 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 78 |
| AIR BAGS | 54 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 52 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 49 |
| STEERING | 43 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 32 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 30 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 22 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 21 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 14 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 13 |
| VISIBILITY | 10 |
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS A
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt t
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 201
TCM shift issues
Windshield wipers mechanism popped on my Chevy equinox.
This 2010 Chevy Equinox has the 2.4 liter motor that is recalled in similar vehicles by Chevrolet due to the piston rings having âblow byâ. We have had to carry a quart of oil because of the constant consumption of oil, which led to the catalytic converter getting clogged. Most recently while traveling to Denver cylinder 3 lost compression and put the vehicle into âlimp modeâ on [XXX] (XXX) with traffic traveling at 75MPH and our car doing 20 MPH trying to exit. I spoke to Chevy customer service several years ago and was told âYes we know the issue however your VIN isnât part of our recall, weâve satisfied the NHTSB call for actionâ. In my research loss of compression due to âblow byâ can be direct correlation to engine failure. Oil was checked as I always do before any road trip, no engine lights or warning signs were present, we were 210 miles from home when this happened, and had to rent a car to continue our trip to Denver and return home to retrieve a truck and
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 - 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning lights illuminated. However, after the failure, the low engine power warning message would display. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure would recur. The failure occurred on 4 separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was no oil, although the panel showed the vehicle had 40% oil, transmission, and a high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Mileage: 115,000
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted off to the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that later while driving approximately 55 MPH and going left around a bend, there was an abnormal sound like metal snapping coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side rear tire had stopped rolling. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer where it was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the rear subframe and suspension had collapsed due to extreme rust. The contact stated that
Mileage: 158,000
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted off to the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that later while driving approximately 55 MPH and going left around a bend, there was an abnormal sound like metal snapping coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side rear tire had stopped rolling. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer where it was purchased. The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the rear subframe and suspension had collapsed due to extreme rust. The contact stated that
Mileage: 158,000
The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. The coincidence that my car falls in the category of vehicles included for this recall (Bulletin No.: 09298C), but is not included is confusing, to say the least. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to th
The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. The coincidence that my car falls in the category of vehicles included for this recall (Bulletin No.: 09298C), but is not included is confusing, to say the least. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to th
The climate controls, including the seat warmers, located on the control panel directly below the radio/stereo controls on my 2010 Chevy Equinox stopped working. As a result, the ability to control the temperature and direction of heated/cooled air was lost. I tolerated the conditions for several seasons, winter being the toughest due to temp and the need for defrost, until buying a new car (as an addition, not a replacement vehicle). As my oldest child became of age to begin driving, I've attempted to prepare the car for his driving and safety. In researching how to repair this malfunction, I came across a recall that addresses this exact problem; however, upon taking my Chevy Equinox to my local Chevy dealership, I discovered that my VIN is not on the list for this repair. The coincidence that my car falls in the category of vehicles included for this recall (Bulletin No.: 09298C), but is not included is confusing, to say the least. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to th
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to approximately 75 MPH. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle stalled, and the contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer it was purchased from. The dealer informed the contact that there was no oil in the vehicle even though an oil change had been performed on the vehicle. The dealer replaced the upper part of the engine; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering, made abnormal sounds and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lower part of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure
Mileage: 150,000
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine was consuming one quart of oil every 1,000 miles driven. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had remained illuminated since becoming aware of the oil consumption issue. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Mileage: 107,000
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the defroster became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle became very difficult to drive due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the computer module in the center instrument panel had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with TSB: 09298C (Heating and Windshield Defrost Inoperative. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in TSB: 09298C. The approximate failure mileage was 235,000.
Mileage: 235,000
I purchased this vehicle back last year and I put a lots of money into the engine and having troubles with it Iâm just now finding out this type of vehicle I have has been recalled and Iâm trying to see is there some type of way I can get it fix without coming out of my pockets like I already had engine light still on after I got the part put on and I donât have money like that to keep getting it fix I have low income and trying to take my kids to school sometimes I be afraid to drive cause it keeps cutting off in middle of traffic problems with the catalytic converter and 02 sensors I change everything and still having trouble and out of money can somebody please help me no incidents just a recall and bad motor
I purchased this vehicle back last year and I put a lots of money into the engine and having troubles with it Iâm just now finding out this type of vehicle I have has been recalled and Iâm trying to see is there some type of way I can get it fix without coming out of my pockets like I already had engine light still on after I got the part put on and I donât have money like that to keep getting it fix I have low income and trying to take my kids to school sometimes I be afraid to drive cause it keeps cutting off in middle of traffic problems with the catalytic converter and 02 sensors I change everything and still having trouble and out of money can somebody please help me no incidents just a recall and bad motor
I have a 2.4 ltr Chevy equinox and the engine went out at 140000miles, no warning symbol. Left me stranded in the middle of nowhere, two days after being stuck in a rain storm, when I found out my wipers died.
I have a 2.4 ltr Chevy equinox and the engine went out at 140000miles, no warning symbol. Left me stranded in the middle of nowhere, two days after being stuck in a rain storm, when I found out my wipers died.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and made a clicking sound while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the exhaust camshaft timing was over-advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period, the system performance catalyst was low efficiency, and the evaporator systems had a small leak. The contact stated that two calipers and the boot of the axle were previously repaired due to a leak. The mechanic stated that the contact needed to replace the engine variable valve timing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,823.
Mileage: 124,823
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, stalled, and made a clicking sound while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the exhaust camshaft timing was over-advanced beyond limits for a predetermined period, the system performance catalyst was low efficiency, and the evaporator systems had a small leak. The contact stated that two calipers and the boot of the axle were previously repaired due to a leak. The mechanic stated that the contact needed to replace the engine variable valve timing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,823.
Mileage: 124,823
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signals and the speed odometer were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN for the failure. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle where the vehicle was purchased for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle had several failures since purchasing the vehicle three years ago. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Horrible oil consumption issue. Piston rings are bad and the car doesnât have that many miles. A huge issue with the equinox.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
Fuel Line Leak
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.