2010 Chevy Equinox Problems

gmcustsvc

evanpeg,
If you have any questions comments or concerns feel free to email me.
Christina
GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc

ray80,

I understand. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us directly.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc

cg3035,

Have you spoken with GM Customer Assistance? If so, do you have a case set up?

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

jstu

I have a 2010 Equinox 4 cyl, LT1, FWD. Took it into the dealership on 3/23 because between 2-3rd gears while accelerating the RPM's would jump 500-600 while it was shifting. I took it to dealer with video proof of what it was doing - and they told me there was a "nick" in a piston seal and the tranny needed to be dropped and the seal replaced. I went to the dealership while the repair was being done, to see the work and the "nick" which they showed me. During that time my fuel pump was also replaced as it was leaking, too.

I picked up the car on April 4, 2011 and was told everything was fixed and the new "program" was downloaded for the tranny, so i should expect a different feel in shifting. Fast forward to April 17, 2011 - same exact issue but now the RPMs jump between 1st and 2nd gears, and 2nd and 3rd gears. The car is back in the shop, and I am waiting an answer. Was told last time their best transmission guy was working on the car, I don't have much faith anymore.

I looked for about 15-20 minutes on the forums and did not see this "up shifting" spike being mentioned. Anyone else out there experiencing this?

smc8888

I bought my 2010 AWD Equinox on Oct. 2009, I am having severe and persistent powertrain vibration problem for the past six months. When I stopped the car at a traffic signal or on my driveway with engine running and transmission in gear, I can feel strong shaking on my hands from both the steering wheel and the transmission stick, and, worse yet, the vibration also come through the seat that shake my whole body. I asked my wife and she said she can feel it on the passenger seat as well. The strong shaking reduced substantially (not completely) as soon as I shift the transmission to neutral/park, basically decoupling the engine and transmission subsystem.
I took this problem to my purchasing dealer and was told that everything was normal and there was not service bulletin on this. As a retired powertrain engineer, I know it is definitely not normal. I hate to see this problem become wide-spread and destroy a vehicle that I like a lot.

Similar to some other posts here, I also have experienced regularly the same problem of seeing blurred images from my rearview mirror while driving on highway under normal conditions.

juve3

I've been driving my 2010 Equinox LS since Sept. 2009, last year around August I noticed that I was low on oil a number of times between oil changes and 3 times the dip stick showed no oil. On average I've had to add between 1L to 3L of oil. I have take my veichle to the Dealer 4 times and I have been told different things each time. First I was told that an oil consumption test needed to be done, which I expected, and all I was told that the next time I noticed the oil was low to bring it in so they could monitior and make notes for GM as to how much oil was added. I did an oil change (not at the dealer- but a warrently approve location) and about a month later I was low on oil, took it to the dealer and was told that I need to do my oil changes there so they could monitor and keep track. I expalined to the gentalmen that he told me himself that the next time I was low to bring it in and I was't told to do the next oil change with them, he ignored me and told me that I should take my car to them for oil changes. All he did was just make a note on my file the 2L of oil needed to be added. So I said fine, the next oil change I brought the car to the dealer, with low oil, and explained to them about my situation. He asked me if I was making notes on paper about when I had to add oil, with dates, KMs and how much oil I added. I said no, that I was first told one thing, then told another, not told to make my own personal notes at all. He them tells me that I need to make notes in order for them to correctly monitor and get a better idea of how much oil is being used. I'm starting to get anoyed and frustrated at the fact I keep getting told to do different things, and my issue is not getting resolved or even looked at properly. I have contacted GM, back when I first had issues, I wasn't given a case #, just a phone # I could call customer service back at. I forgot the info at home so I surley will be calling GM tomorrow to update them on everything, has any one else exrienced oil consumtion issues?

wolfzr2

Has anyone gotten a fix from a dealer yet on this issue? Mine seems worse now that the weather is warming up a bit. I really had to fight it the other day on a long 100 mile+ trip into WVA. Any long gradual turn felt like the wheel was going to come out of my hands...once i finally got it to turn. Need some ammo for the dealership here.

gmcustsvc

juve3,

Please keep us updated when you call GM Customer Assistance.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc

jstu,

I would like to set up case with GM Customer Assistance. In order to set up a case I will need the VIN, current mileage, full name, address and best contact number for our records sent to me in an email. Also, what dealership are you currently working with? Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Caron, GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc

smc8888,

By chance, have you contacted GM Customer Assistance?

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc

wolfzr2,

Please keep us updated when you have taken the vehicle into the dealership.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

audionutty

I have a 2010 equinox 2.4L AWD with 40K miles. I have been getting increased oil consumption 1 quart per 2000 miles despite using Penzoil Platinum full synthetic.

I have noticed the enginer running rougher when cold lately, but no check engine light. Given the comments about the High Pressure Fuel pump failing and leaking fuel into the oil, I am speculating that fuel contamination may be the root cause of oil consumption either from increased wear, or vicsosity reduction. I sent an oil sample to a laboratory to test for fuel contamination.

I have not found a TSB on HPFP failure in the 2.4L 4cyl; only for the 3.0L V6. For those that got their fuel pump replaced on the 4cyl, what were the symptoms that caused them to diagnose it?

smc8888

Hi Caron,

No I have not, could you provide the necessary information to do so? Is there a form that I should fill out?
Thanks for your prompt reply

gmcustsvc

smc8888,

I would be happy to assist in setting up the case with GM Customer Assistance. In order to start the process I will need the VIN, current mileage, full name, address and best contact number for our records sent to me in an email. Or you can contact Customer Assistance at 800-222-1020. Hours: Mon to Sat, 8am to 9pm ET; Closed Sunday.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

george162

After putting 8,000 miles on my 2010 Equinox, I now have the sticky steering problem others are complaining about. It's noticable at highway speeds on a smooth road surface and doesn't happen until the vehicle is driven at least 45 minutes from when it is cold. I brought it to the dealer today to have it checked out and they told me just what I thought they would tell me. There are no trouble codes stored in the computer, they could not duplicate the problem and of course GM is not aware of any other problems like this one. I find that hard to believe since so many others are complaining about the exact same problem I'm having. Seems like the new GM is just like the old GM. It's my fault. After having many problems in the past with other GM vehicles, I decided to give them one last chance. This is the last GM vehicle for me. They just can't seem to get it right any more. My suggestion for everyone having problems with the electric power steering on the Equinox is to submit a complaint to NHTSA with the hope that they will investigate this problem and maybe force GM to fix it.

wolfzr2

Caron, I will keep you updated. It's due to go into Berglund Chevrolet in Roanoke, Va on May 2nd.

carguy05

Had the same problem on my nox, but eventually it went away at about 12,000 miles. no dealer fix. Now have 29,00 miles and have not had any other problems.

juve3

Hi Caron,

Thanks for your response, I called Gm and they have contacted the dealer and have cleared everything up. I'm to bring my Equinox in to the dealer when oil is needed and they will measure and keep track. No more confusion.

And this past Friday I had an engine light come on, contacted On-Star and they gave me the code and went to my usual dealer and had a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor replaced and Camshaft Actuator replaced, both were bulletins.

gmcustsvc

juve3,

Glad to hear everything is getting cleared up for you! Please keep us posted on any information regarding the vehicle. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us directly.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc

george162,

Have you contacted GM Customer Assistance?

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

george162

Caron,

I'm going to call GM customer service tomorrow. In my opinion, a large part of the blame in not being able to diagnose the sticky steering problem rests on the Chevrolet service dept, mainly the service advisor who heard what I was telling him, but wasn't listening. In order for the problem to occur, the vehicle must be operated for at least 45 minutes, and driven at highway speeds on a smooth road surface. That is exactly what I told him and this is the way he wrote up the work invoice: "Customer states steering feels stiff after driving for a while." When I confronted him about this I was told not to worry about it and that they would have to talk to GM about this problem anyway. The bottom line, is that my Equinox was not driven for 45 minutes, and was not driven on the highway but only driven around on local bumpy, pot hole ridden city streets which would never allow the problem to manifest itself. And because the service advisor thought he knew what I was trying to say better than I did, I get to waste taking a day off from work and wasting all of my time for absolutely nothing. I'm hopeing that my call to GM customer assistance tomorrow will help.

I thank you for your concern Caron.

gmcustsvc

george162,

I completely understand. Please keep me posted on information after contacting GM Customer Assistance.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

dmathews3

In my opinion there is no way they are going to drive your car for 45 min. On the highway to find your problem. Since the mechanic gets paid by the jobs not by the hour he isn't going to spend that kind of time on your car. Your best bet is to discuss this with service manager and mechanic if possible telling them you will drive the car for the time it takes to stick and then call them at predetermined phone so the manager and mechanic can be ready to jump in the car and drive it. I don't see any other way.

george162

Your probably correct in what your saying, and I was thinking the same thing before I took it in for service, but if they were unable to duplicate the driving conditions that they were told were needed in order for the sticky steering condition to occur, then they should have explained that to me so that other arrangements could have been made such as the one you suggested. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help them out. I told the service advisor more than once that the vehicle had to be driven for 45 minutes and then at highway speeds on a smooth road surface, but they ignored those important facts and then came to the conclusion that the steering was working normal after driving it around the block a few times and checking for non existent trouble codes in the computer. That's not the way it should have been done.
Thanks for your suggestion. I agree that it's probably the best way to handle this.

smc8888

Hi Caron,

Thanks for the prompt reply. Could you provide an email address that I can send the information to you directly? I prefer not to post these data openly.

Thanks

farmboy98922

Add me to the list of sticky steering on the 2010 equinox I have 37000 miles on mine and it is intermittent sticky when on the freeway. it only feels sticky when i am turning off center

gmcustsvc

farmboy98922,
I apologize for your frustrations. Can you please email me with your VIN and contact information? I look forward to your response.
Christina
GM Customer Service

farmboy98922

VIN# 2CNFLGEW2A6330993

stever

Just click on another member's name to get to their Profile. That's where you'll find the email address (if it's marked public in their Profile).

gmcustsvc

farmboy98922,
If you haven't been to the dealer yet I would recommend doing so very soon due to your mileage. Please email me directly so we can discuss how to proceed with this further.
Christina
GM Customer Service

gmcustsvc

wolfzr2,

Great! I look forward to hearing from you after the dealership visit.

Thank you and have a great weekend!
Caron, GM Customer Service

llamitie

I bought my first new car EVER. My 2010 equinox has been plagued by problems. Withtin a few thousand miles my car started bucking/hesitating quite often. I took my concerns to my dearlership srvice shop when my first maintenance was scheduled. They could not locate the problem or reproduce the problem and the computer had no record of all of these hesitations. I took the car back several months later bc the problem was still occurrring. I was afraid the car would hesitate even more when I was pulling out on a highway and would cause me to be in an accident. This time they kept the car several days and thought they caught the problem. Weeks later problem occured again but was told theres nothing they could do - they have been over the car a lot and would let me know if there were any bulletins regarding the issue. Since then the following problems have occured in addition to the bucking issue:
1) Tire pressure sensors were programmed for the wrong tires.
2) Lumbar suport on driver side popped (had te go for service 2x on this one)
3) all my weather stripping in the doors fell off this winter when I simply opened the doors one morning. Alse cost me 2 more service visits.
4) temperature gauage stopped working and screen told me "AC off due to high engine temp". On this particular day it was 45 degrees out and the car had not been running for 3 hrs. Temp guage was below cold so why did the car think it was overheating. Fan ran even when I turned car off and then 4 hrsl ater - suddenly stopped and all went back to "normal" Dealership cant find problem or reproduce problem and no engine codes to history again. They had my car three days.
5) Passenger seat warnign has gone off telling me to put the seatbelt on even though its only my purse in the car. This mysteriously stopped after a few weeks.
6) Car sounds like its diseil - loud and choppy.
I feel unsafe in this car and have no idea if anything else will fail or if my airbags will even work. Two major probelsm as far as I am concerned and neither have or can be fixed per the dealers service shop. I dont want my car anymore. I am convinced I have a lemon.
Where do I start? Who do I call? This car is 14 months old. First problem reported at 7k miles.
thank you!

raab

I have the same problem with my 2010 Equinox. Have you solved your problem, yet? I am taking mine to the dealership tomorrow.

kristy8

ME TOO!!!!
I have sticky steering on the highway....add me on that ever LONG list
I have a 2010 4cyl.

kristy8

My noxs too has loads of issues before and the list just keeps getting longer...first the pinging-need a special code to stop misfiring and making holes in my pistons
timing was all off, there's a weird noise coming from my vents when the heat is on (window-part)-no one can seem to locate the issue, my weather stripping was crooked and need to be re aligned, my car VIBRATES so hard that I can't make out in my rear view mirror what kind make or model of vehicle is behind me, my noxs bucks and very hesitant-some say it's because I have a 4cyl.-I don't but that, sometimes my radio doesn't work-the volume, I will have it on and turn it down all the way then when I turn it back up it takes a few. it's up but nothing comes out, the scariest for me is the sticky steering -especially on the highway I have fear when it sticks it feels like for that split sec I have no control at that point in time-and it happens all the time!!!! I really DON"T like the bucking either that's scary. AND last but not least I don't like how loud and obnoxious my car is it sounds like a diesel and that IS VERY irrating...I don't know maybe I am just being too picky

ronwel

I've had the same vibration problem since I first picked up my Equinox. It gets so bad that when I am at a stop the car feels like it is going to stall, and it keeps fighting to stay running. I've had this into my dealership several times and they say nothing is wrong. I spoke to two differnt GM mechanics last week and they both said that the shake and vibration is caused by the drastic fuel economy settings that GM had to put on this engine in order to get the ratings it did. They had me sit in a Cadilac that has the "ECO" function and it shook and vibrated as well. Both mechanics laughed and scoffed at the way GM "starved" the engine in order to increase fuel efficiency.

I've started to run the car with the "ECO" function off, and it runs a bit better. There is a bit of vibration, but not as much. If GM could come out with a new program that would remove the vibration, I would gladly give up a few MPG for it.

raab

After the today's visit, the dealership THINKS
it is an Idle Chain (?) problem. So I have a rental
until...? I, too, had vibration and stalling issues, along with
Noise and sticky wheel.

gmcustsvc

ronwel,

I would like to set up a case with GM Customer Assistance. Could you please email me with your complete contact information, VIN, current mileage and involved dealership?

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

ronwel

Are you able to help me...even though I live in Canada?

gmcustsvc

ronwel,

Unfortunately, I am unable to assist customers located outside of the United States. I would encourage you to contact GM of Canada at 1-800-263-3777. Hours: M-F 7:30am - 11:30pm, Sat 7:30am - 6:00 EST.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

smc8888

Finally I hear something encouraging rather than "it is normal" where it is definitely NOT. Could you please keep all of us updated? Thanks

smc8888

Glad to know that I'm not alone in this, please keep us updated. Thanks

gmcustsvc

raab,

Thank you for the updates, please keep us posted. If you have any questions ro concerns please feel free to contact us directly.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

kittymow36

We have a 2005 and have always had vibration problems and dealership told us over and over nothing wrong. Replace tires, breaks, water pump have wireing issues, new engine, and today car in for new problems. Has anyone else had major issues with thier Equinox and dealer ship? I find it abnormal our Equinox has been in the shop 15 plus times since we owned.

kristy8

Ok CS.....I have had nothing but issues with my nox since day one!-I was one of the first customers whom brought the misfiring issue to my dealership and lit the match under the butts to get that problem resolved. My Noxs as mentioned to my dealership....shifts awkward...bucks....hestitant at times it feels like it going to stall out, sticky steering, and MAJOR VIBRATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, you and I both know that cs hears what the consumer has to say and of course nothing-gets where it needs to go, get related to and/or fixed and resolved. This is a forum where we all can vent out our frustrations and we have cs coming in all the time saying "Oh whats your vin...give us a call....open a case...YEAH a case to NOWHERE.-CS STOP AND LISTEN and FORWARD to the engineering department...if problems keep existing sales are not going to be in your FAVOR and we(consumers) WILL NOT tolerate being ignored...ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ON GOING ISSUES THAT MOST OF US HERE ARE EXPERIENCING OR WE WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER GM AGAIN, which in turn less sales..less jobs...everything snowballs...think about it! :mad:

wolfzr2

I spoke to the dealer this morning, and they are replacing the steering motor. Hopefully it will resolve the sticky steering issue. I should get the vehicle back by Friday.

wallyuwl

Well said Kristy. Unless the info. gets to who it needs to, and they act on it, it it useless to list anything here. It was through starting this thread, though, that things did get to the engineering dept. of GM and they had an engineer come to Lexington from Detroit a year and a half ago. That was regarding the rough shifting. Problem is, the updated calibration (has been updated in production vehicles since late fall 2009 and there is a technical service bulletin for the update for vehicles made before then that have the old transmission calibration) isn't ideal (still downshifts hard at times and bucks at times, with the occasional hard upshift), and the GM engineer in charge of that (actually the one in charge of the engineer that is in charge of that) said for 2010s they aren't doing another upgrade to the transmission calibration. :mad:

gmcustsvc

wolfzr2,

Thank you for the update! I hope this resolves the issues as well. Please update me after you get the vehicle back on Friday.

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

dc20024

I too have been experiencing the same problem. The 1st problem occurred on 4/6 and the 2nd on 4/27. My car has been in the shop for a 1 week and will probably not be ready until next week. I was informed that the transmission switch was defective (not sure what that means), but a part was ordered and supposedly this will fix the problem. I'm not so sure about this so I will be forwarding a certified letter to the manufacturer advising that failure to fix the problem could result in the vehicle being considered a lemon, thus requesting they repurchase the vehicle (purchased car 7/10, 12000 miles). Fortunately the first time the problem happened I was only driving roughly 10 mph during morning rush hour and the vehicle power shut down on the bridge. I was able to turn off the engine wait a few seconds and then start the vehicle backup with power. The second time the problem happened I was travelling 60 mph in the far left lane when the vehicle began losing power. I was lucky that although it was morning rush hour, I was able to coast over to the far right without completely losing power.

gmcustsvc

dc20024,

Have you contacted GM Customer Assistance? If so, do you have a case set up?

Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service