2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Common Problems
Ranked from 241 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
16 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine oil consumption
61complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine consumes excessive oil, requiring frequent refills.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine power loss
48complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine power is significantly reduced, causing the vehicle to stall or struggle to accelerate.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine stall at idle due to fuel system failure
43complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle due to a fuel system issue, causing the vehicle to stop while driving.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Transmission failure to shift gears
43complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails to shift gears, causing the vehicle to stall or not move.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Windshield wipers fail to operate
40complaintsHigh severityOtherWindshield wipers stop working during rain, reducing visibility.
- 6
Steering wheel shake at high speeds
25complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel shakes uncontrollably at high speeds, reducing driver control.
- 7
Timing chain failure
21complaintsHigh severityEngineThe timing chain fails, causing the engine to stall and requiring expensive repairs.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Excessive oil consumption
16complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThe engine consumes excessive amounts of oil, requiring frequent oil changes.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Windshield wiper motor failure
15complaintsMedium severityElectricalWindshield wipers stop working, reducing visibility during rain or snow.
Related recall: 16V502000
- 10
Engine misfire and hesitation
11complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and experiences hesitation during acceleration.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Engine stall at idle
11complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle, especially in the mornings, causing inconvenience and potential safety issues.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Electrical system failure causing loss of heat
4complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system failed, causing the heat blower to not function properly and the cabin to freeze.
Related recall: 16V502000
- 13
Engine noise at low speeds
4complaintsMedium severityEngineLoud noise from the engine area, especially during acceleration at low speeds.
- 14
Airbag system failure
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbag system repeatedly failed to reset, posing a safety risk.
Related recall: 16V502000
- 15
Steering Wheel Binding
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel binds up and sticks, requiring a tug to free it.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Transmission stall at high speed due to transmission control module failure
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission stalled at high speed due to a failure in the transmission control module.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.