Car Yearsto Avoid

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Problems

What owners have reported about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 314 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, engine and fuel system.

314 complaints 4 recalls, 2 fire risk 10th worst of 19 Equinox years

Top 2020 Chevrolet Equinox problems

1

Brake problems

110 complaints (35%) name the brakes, most often the vacuum and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.

Complaints 110 · Usually at 29,000–96,000 miles · Recall 19V704000

2

Engine problems

101 complaints (32%) name the engine, most often the crank / camshaft position sensor and crankcase (PCV).

Complaints 101 · Usually at 14,000–98,000 miles

3

Fuel system problems

57 complaints (18%) name the fuel system, most often the control / drive module.

Complaints 57 · Usually at 25,000–59,000 miles · Recall 19V667000

4

Electrical problems

42 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the software and instrument cluster / panel.

Complaints 42 · Usually at 3,000–21,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Brakes 35%
Engine 32%
Fuel System 18%
Unknown or Other 14%
Electrical 13%
Transmission 13%
Acceleration 5%
Emergency Braking 5%
Steering 4%
Suspension 4%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (80 of 314). The amber line is the middle value, about 19,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox recalls

Vehicle latch anchor

Can stall

The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge.

Recall 23V339000 · May 2023

Automatic transmission

Fire risk

The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts. Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge.

Recall 20V668000 · Oct 2020

Caliper

The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag. Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge.

Recall 19V704000 · Oct 2019

Tank assembly

Fire risk

The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet. A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge.

Recall 19V667000 · Sep 2019
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2020 Chevrolet Equinox gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, you'll hear about it the same week.

One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Equinox years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2010 Equinox 784
2011 Equinox 782
2013 Equinox 751
2012 Equinox 685
2015 Equinox 680
2014 Equinox 548
2018 Equinox 409
2016 Equinox 398
2008 Equinox 370
2020 Equinox 314
2019 Equinox 305
2017 Equinox 276
2025 Equinox 233
2022 Equinox 183
2021 Equinox 99
2023 Equinox 98
2009 Equinox 94
2024 Equinox 79
2026 Equinox 72

2020 Chevrolet Equinox problems by system

Brakes (110)Engine (101)

Common questions

Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 314 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, engine and fuel system.

What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Owners most often report problems with the brakes, engine, fuel system and electrical system. 110 complaints (35%) name the brakes, most often the vacuum and hoses, lines / piping, and fittings.

At what mileage do 2020 Chevrolet Equinox brakes problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 29,000–96,000 miles, with a middle value near 71,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have?

4. Vehicle latch anchor (23V339000); Automatic transmission (20V668000); Caliper (19V704000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?

Ask for service records covering the brakes, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.