Problems · NHTSA complaints

2010 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Owners filed 784 complaints about the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with NHTSA between Oct 2009 and Mar 2026. The most-cited component is engine (271).

Complaints
784
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
15
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
23
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine271
  2. Power train182
  3. Visibility/wiper132
  4. Electrical system81
  5. Air bags57
  6. Electronic stability control (esc)49
  7. Steering44
  8. Vehicle speed control32
  9. Fuel/propulsion system32
  10. Engine and engine cooling31
  11. Visibility29
  12. Structure22
  13. Service brakes22
  14. Fuel system, gasoline16

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20092
201043
201131
201222
201340
201488
201564
201690
201790
201888
2019107
202056
202120
202210
202317
202410
20253
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

271 reports3 crashes6 fires
“The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin TSB #: 19-NA-065. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward; the driver was able to pull over. While attempting to restart the vehicle, it suddenly caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. AAA was called, and the vehicle was towed to her residence. The occupant called 911, and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was called, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2026EngineFire reportedODI 11727517

Power train

182 reports1 crash1 fire
“Vehicle looses power and can very easily cause a bad wreck I've replaced multiple thing and it still does it I'm not sure what it is possibly the timing or something to do with camshaft”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 21, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11725985

Visibility/wiper

132 reports
“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 this failure that began in 2019.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2024Electrical system, Seats, Visibility/wiperODI 11630057

Electrical system

81 reports1 crash2 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 14, 2024Electrical systemODI 11571928

Air bags

57 reports9 crashes1 fire
“After taking my vehicle to three repair shops I was advised by the last body shop that there was a bulletin (14159) out in regards to excessive engine oil consumption. The mechanic explained the issues I am having with my car is due to the excessive engine oil consumption. He stated the car is not losing oil it’s burning it. My entire engine is effected due to this issue. To go further in detail my car was cutting on and off in the middle of traffic. This is a huge safety issue for me I have a disabled son who I travel with on the daily. I quote “ All consumers should receive notice of a recall affecting them. Car manufacturers are required to notify registered owners and purchasers of all recalled cars by letter, and state agencies will provide manufacturers with lists of registered owners for this purpose.” I never received a letter concerning a recall or this issue. I took very well care of my vehicle my car is a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and it only has 108,774miles. This is so devastating I have no other transportation and now I’m stuck looking for a new vehicle. If any documentation is needed I can assure you I can provide it.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2023Air bags, EngineODI 11536425

Electronic stability control (esc)

49 reports
“IT USES OIL LIKE CRAZY. WE HAVE CHANGED EVERYTHING,BESIDES GETTING A NEW MOTOR. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TONIGHT AND THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON OUT OF NO WHERE. MY BRAKES WHERE TRYING TO LOCK UP. WHEN YOU CRANK IT NOW IT MAKES A FUNNY NOICE”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2020Electronic stability control (esc), Service brakes, EngineODI 11360354
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.