Print this page

9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$820
Average Mileage:
86,000 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace throttle body (3 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
2010 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments

problem #5

Nov 192020

Equinox ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,140 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Everyone I know that has a 2010 Equinox has had this problem or is now. The check engine light is on, the Stabillitrak, the traction control all came on. It may drive ten miles without a problem or the lights come on (even if I have the systems turned off) and the engine power is reduced, the car won’t go over 30 and if you try to drive it the rest of the way home it dies. And you have to wait for it to decide to start again.

If I had known that unlike every Chevy I had bought before that this one was going to be such a hunk of junk I wouldn’t have bought it. Some people are telling me that they have replaced everything to fix this problem and $4500 later they have a $3,000 car back. I have always loved Chevrolet (having at least 15 in my life) would never buy a new Chevrolet again. Either old ones or some other car company I guess.

- Robert A., Talkeetna, US

problem #4

Jun 152016

Equinox LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

Thankfully I was in town when this issue happened otherwise it would have led to a serious accident as it is a HUGE safety issue! While driving the car began to drive extremely rough (aggressively shaking, coming to hard stops, etc.) Shortly after pulling over, several notifications popped up on our dash - engine power reduced, service stabilitrack and our check engine light turned on. We were unable to go anything over 25 mph (imagine being on the freeway at 65 mph, and getting kicked down to 25 mph, imagine the accident waiting to happen). We took it in and they flushed the throttle body and all was well, for the time being. Less than 2 months later the same issue occurred, all lights kicked on and car would not exceed 25 mph! Thankfully my 3 year old was not in the car with me at this time as i was on a main busy road! Took it back in to the deal and almost $800 later they replaced the throttle body completely. Fast forward to a few months later, now, I went to turn on my car and once again all the lights turned on again, however, the car would not start and just made a clicking sound when turning the key. I AM SO DONE WITH THIS CAR and ready to lemon law it if i can! It has been nothing short of a money pit, safety concern and headache! I am truly surprised after reading all these complaints that this issue has not been recalled!

- Alissa K., Turlock, US

problem #3

Jan 312016

Equinox LX 2.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,749 miles

Engine power reduced message appears on dashboard and the car is not able to pick up speed, or go faster than 10-20 km/h, then it shuts off. Lights and radio remain on, although the car is in drive, it stops. Fairly significant problem as it happens during a drive and could cause a fatal accident. The car is at the mechanic, so waiting on diagnosis. Will never purchase another Chevy again.

- Ivana S., Winnipeg, MB, Canada

problem #2

Nov 272015

Equinox LT1 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,038 miles

Well to paint a picture, I had my family with me on a 1.5 hour trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from Marquette to Kingsford. At just about 50,000 miles the check engine light cam on and displayed, "service stabilitrak, engine power reduced." This occurred halfway through the trip so we still had 45 minutes to go. Luckily we pushed through at sometimes 20 mph but couldn't stop because we were in the middle of nowhere at 9:00 at night when the temperature was 10 degrees...and I had two sleeping kids in the back.

Took it to the dealership on a Saturday during deer hunting season, so come Monday the local dealership said it was the throttle body. Seriously, why does a throttle body go bad at 50K miles? I have had numerous cars, all with over 100K miles and have not had to replace a throttle body.

I sent this directly to GM Customer Service and was referred to the local dealership (as this happened 9 hours away from where we live on vacation. I was asked what I would like, and I said a reimbursement of the $430 repair. She said, "why would I think that I could get reimbursed for repair outside of warranty." If it was an anomaly I'd be ok with it, but from everything I've read its not. So I explained that GM should pick pursue a recall instead of pushing costly repairs onto its customers. I am severely irritated with GM, specifically its quality and the fact their cars are stylish but only designed to last through an initial lease period.

I will very hard pressed to buy another GM product. With all other issues associated with this vehicle and the looming threat of needing an engine replacement, I'm looking to dump this car ASAP.

- Jason M., Royal Oak, MI, US

problem #1

Jan 262015

Equinox LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

Driving on NJ TURNPIKE, reduced power warning light illuminated. Within 1 minute car started to slow even though I was pushing gas pedal. Put on flashers and luckily made it to work never able to get over 15 mph. DANGEROUS! AAA sent flatbed ..took it to Chevy dealer. Thank God still had warranty left . Replaced throttle body. NC.

I loved this truck but this is an alarming somewhat common problem. After repairs, did some Googleing and concluded Equinox's have a lot of expensive issues after 50k miles. So asked for trade in value ..($11,800). Wound up w a LT1 with more "bells and whistles" and after research less repair complaints. . Unfortunately the 4 cylinder not as good w acceleration as the old 6..

- bloshi, Monroe, NJ, US

Not what you are looking for?