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2010 Chevy Equinox Problems

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Comments

  • jeno555jeno555 Member Posts: 1
    I bought a 2013 4 cyl LTZ, so far it has been great, the gas mileage is pretty close to what it is rated as, it is a very comfortable riding vehicle, the seats in the LTZ are very different from the ones in the LS group, power seats was one of my most important requirements, and I got great seats in this one, car handles really well, and is enjoyable to drive, I owned a 2002 Chevy 4x4 Trailblazer before this,I had purchased new, had 85K when I traded,and the only time it was in the shop for repairs was to replace a clutch fan, I change oil, tire pressure and tire rotation and filters on a regular basis, can only hope this one does as well.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    jeno555,
    We're so glad to hear that you are enjoying your new Equinox! Welcome to Chevrolet and we wish you many more happy miles. If you should ever need anything, we can be contacted at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name, contact information, and the last 8 digits of your VIN with your inquiry).

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • augustbabeaugustbabe Member Posts: 1
    My 2011 Equinox also sounds like a diesel from time to time. The device department says its nothing to worry about. I've had it for two years it has 49K on and runs just fine. Sometimes it feels like the tranny is slipping but I had same feeling with my Hyundai and Ford so I think it's that I'm used to older cars and this is just the way they run.
    I also bought my Chevy for the same reason; America. Unfortunately, when I look at the sticker in my car door jam, it says Mexico. My husbands Ford says Canada, go figure!! There is a Toyota plant in TN employing Americans I assume.
    The reason I came on this forum, was to see if I should use the Eco button on the highway, city, or both.
  • nisakat2nisakat2 Member Posts: 1
    my daughter has a 2011 equinox. she has had to have the timing chain replaced 2 times in the last 2 months. her warranty is about to run out. will she continue to have the issue?? will chevy stand behind this vehicle when the warranty runs out?? help.
  • tlundsrtlundsr Member Posts: 8
    I bought my 2010 Equinox w/2.4 in Nov. 2009. After 38000 miles, check engine light came on, traction control problem light came on and engine would stumble. Took it in to dealer and they found that the High Pressure fuel pump was faulty and allowing gas into the oil. They said the pump was not covered under warranty since the b to b was over at 36000 and this was not a power train component. After hearing me complain, the dealer did nice and only charged me $50 for the replacement. Now at 109000 mileage, the car would not start after a short trip. Sounded to me like a slipped timing chain because there was no compression loading the engine when turning it over. Had it towed to a service station and they found lots of gas in the crankcase. They could not diagnose the problem so I had it towed from there to the dealer. After 2 days of diagnostics, I called the dealer and they told me the High pressure pump failed again and put gas into the crankcase so much that it destroyed the engine. There is no compression left. Dealer is contacting GM on Monday to see if they will do anything to help getting a new engine. Second pump, same type of failure and now I have a car that is useless unless I come up with another $4300 for an engine. I bought GM because I put on lots of miles and needed a reliable vehicle. Two of the same component failure is beyond chance. Hope they start to cover the damage done by their faulty pumps!
  • smc8888smc8888 Member Posts: 25
    You need to file a formal complaint against your dealer, high-pressure fuel pump is definitely a powertrain component and they stole $50 from you.
  • wirks4mewirks4me Member Posts: 7
    I had the same problem with my 2010 Equinox in the summer of 2011...engine light came on, hit OnStar, they did a quick check and said get it to your dealer now!

    Gas in the crankcase, had about 28000 miles on the car...warranty covered the repair. So it seems this problem can happen at any (and all) times to this engine. I am waiting for this to happen to my new replacement engine too, it's just a matter of time with this piece of crap GM vehicle!
  • bbainbridgebbainbridge Member Posts: 3
    My issues with Chevy have been ongoing now for 2 weeks since they made repairs according to bulletins which made problem much worse. I have spoken with Customer Service numerous times and had the Dist. Specialist lie to me at one point; then on another call tell me my powertrain warranty had already expired....at 15 mo and 17000 miles. I asked for her supervisor and was told they would call me back with info about a loaner car for next week to make an over 1000 mile trip. Also to answer questions about the new engine. So far, I'm still sitting here with no answers and no loaner car, no new engine and a car I'm scared to drive out of town. I have totally lost confidence in GM/Chevy. Each person I speak to gives me a different answer--no 2 are the same. We are ready to trade, since they won't give us a buy-out for their lemon engine vehicle that they sold us. I don't feel safe driving and I know we will not be allowed to have our grandkids in this SUV because of the ongoing issues with it. What was purchased to make us so happy, has turned into a nightmare. Time keeps going on and on and on. Evidently Chevy isn't real concerned about its customers, its reputation, and its future sales from previous owners. This is sad--and what we'd expect from a foreign car purchase...Not made in the USA! Buyers beware!
  • rydah72rydah72 Member Posts: 7
    Someone needs to call the consumer board and the news stations. If everyone having this same issue pulls together and makes a loud enough noise they will listen.
  • esperinosesperinos Member Posts: 18
    Folks, I was having the exact same problem this past December and January. I still have one Equinox, which thus far has been OK (28000 miles), but I am keeping a close eye on it, AND changing the oil every 3500 miles (not waiting for the "oil life" indicator to tell me - that thing is deceiving). The engine was opened twice - the second time for rings (a ring job, at 50000 miles?); at first they were going to replace the entire cylinder head - I was thinking that it needed an entirely new engine (and I have seen some people actually get this). It's like operating on the heart, after the first time, it's never the same. I made the decision to trade it in. After an insulting trade in value from my Chevy dealer (who I asked for some consideration to stay in a Chevy/GM vehicle), I got a very good trade in for a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. So far, almost as many miles as our older Nox, and no problems. The experience has soured me on GM, which I had come back to after so many years. There is clearly something wrong with the design of the engine (or at least, a certain batch of them). A general recall would cost them a lot of money, and would validate the case for many of the current and former owners of this vehicle. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
  • amarsai73amarsai73 Member Posts: 1
    There was a service bulletin for the high pressure fuel pump. Had mine replaced at 99000. Engine went out at 120000. GM is picking up 45% of cost, they should be picking up whole thing. Bad design and way too many problems with this engine for me to think about buying another GM product again. It's a shame considering we still own almost half of GM.
  • llamitiellamitie Member Posts: 13
    I agree. There needs to be a recall and or restitution paid to those of us who have literally been consumed and effected by this. Others need to be aware. I am in process of writing my letter and compiling information. It included dates and times and how many days my car has been in shop - how many times I was treated like garbage from my district specialist and copies of work orders etc.I will be giving copies to my dealership,GM and the State Attorney General. I suggest everyone do the same.
  • tlundsrtlundsr Member Posts: 8
    Anyone know of an existing class action suit against GM for this?
  • ajmcajmc Member Posts: 3
    Hi.. only have minimum heat from heater and heat gauge not up to normal ..any ideas ..waiting for an appointment with dealer Thanks Arnold
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    A stuck open Thermostat would keep it running cooler then it should, may also eventually cause check engine light.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    nisakat2,

    The timing chain, per the 2011 Chevrolet Warranty Manual, is covered under the 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. As the vehicle is within the time parameters, and unless she's nearing 100,000 miles, she is still covered under this, although if she should encounter the same problem again we would love to check into it further with her at Customer Assistance.

    If you have further questions, we can be reached at socialmedia@gm.com (please include your name and contact information as well as the last 8 digits of your VIN with your inquiry).

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    tlundsr,

    We're sorry to see that you've had these difficulties with your Equinox. Have you already spoken with Customer Assistance? If you would like for us to check into this further, we can be reached at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and contact information, a summary of the situation, the last 8 digits of your VIN and the name of your dealership).

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Keep us posted on how your appointment with your dealership goes, ajmc! If you have any questions about the upcoming visit, please contact us at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, a summary of the situation, and the name of your involved dealership).

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • thelma61thelma61 Member Posts: 8
    edited November 2012
    I have been watching this forum with interest being the not so lucky owner of a 2010 Equinox. I have had problems from the beginning with this vehicle with noisy engine and was told by the dealership where I bought it that it was normal. After a year of monitoring the dismal fuel consumption and ridiculous oil consumption PLUS increasingly noisy engine I went to a second dealership. They have been great in trying different fixes, but they are up against the manufacturer who have been terrible to deal with. My car is at the dealership getting a new engine FINALLY - but this has been a hard fought battle with GM, and they have had it for 3 weeks today. The new engine seems to be setting off all kinds of sensors and now I am worried that I am just going to have different problems. I was at the point where I was going to trade it in but didn't want to pass on the problem. GM needs to acknowledge to all owners of this lemon that they will rectify this problem without making people jump through hoops! I bought a new vehicle for the fuel economy and have nothing but problems since day 1. I wish us all well and if there is a class action lawsuit I would be happy to participate as nobody should have to endure what we have gone through here.
  • didhedorightdidhedoright Member Posts: 15
    I feel your pain.... I never got the advertised fuel consomption... We should have bail out the old Lada cars... ugly and uncomfortable but they gave you what they advertised.. good luck........
  • gjdeweygjdewey Member Posts: 8
    Just started my new oil consumption test today. Feel encouraged, presently,....the dealer seems to really want to get this resolved and the GM rep said that she is going to follow-up weekly. I'm nervous, too, about a new engine, but, like you, don't want to pass along problems....unlike GM evidently ;). If anyone knows about a class-action suit, please keep us posted!
  • elove88elove88 Member Posts: 5
    Mine was at the dealer for 17 days and went through 2 engines before I got it back. I'm 700 miles into the new engine and found that I got 21 mpg on the last tank. Definitely not happy about that! I was getting at least 26 or 27 before! Also, I notice that it always smells hot when I park it. Not sure what to think of that! I'm on board with a class action lawsuit if there is one! I have no faith in this car and I doubt the trade in value will be adequate since its clearly not reliable:-(
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Keep us updated on how everything runs once you get it back, thelma61. We're available to check into anything further for you as well - please feel free to contact us at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name and contact information, the last 8 digits of your VIN and mileage, and the name of your dealership, as well as a recap of the situation).

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • tlundsrtlundsr Member Posts: 8
    So I finally had to call the dealer on Monday the 19th and they told me they couldn't check with GM until the 26th because they were closed all week for the Thanksgiving holiday. Another weeks rental I have to pay for. They call me today and tell me that yes, the fuel pump failed again but it did not destroy the engine like they had previously thought. Just slipped the timing belt. Belt is stretched so will have to be replaced for $1500 out the door. They will cover the pump replacement. WHAT!!! After the mechanic telling me that even if the engine seemed ok, with the pump failure it would cause premature engine failure so would need to be replaced.
    Not sure what to believe anymore. All I know is that two pumps failed and dumped gas in the crankcase and that causes severe wear on the metal parts. So I have to put all that money into an engine that has been subjected to undue wear because of a faulty part from the factory. And the car isn't even paid for yet. Probably will not make it to payoff if that engine stays in there. Does $1500 sound unreasonable for a timing belt/chain replacement on this engine?
  • roykulproykulp Member Posts: 52
    How many miles on this Nox; are you the original owner; is there recorded history for oil changes Etc. must be a reasonable reason for GM taking this warranty position. Really; GM was closed all week during Thanksgiving; this must be part of the Obama Motors bail out!!!!
  • tlundsrtlundsr Member Posts: 8
    It only has 109,000 on it. Shouldn't need a timing chain this early. Always had regular oil changes and maintenance too. Just a badly designed engine I think.
    They should stand behind their mistakes. I have to.
  • nox123nox123 Member Posts: 76
    Need to find out what 2010 4cyl GM recomendation is for changing timing chain in the 4cyl NOX; should be listed in owners manual if replacment is recomended. If GM is not recomending this chain replacment they should do whats right and prorate the 100.000 engine warranty.
  • goinpostal2goinpostal2 Member Posts: 1
    Just had an oil consumption test on my 2010 Equinox 4 cyl. I was told I need a new engine. Apparently there is an oil leak associated with the timing chain. I was also told this is a recurring problem. The service manager is also waiting on another engine for a similar Equinox.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Glad to hear that your dealership has been able to determine a plan of action for you, goinpostal2. Keep us updated on the progress of the replacement!

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • oscar34oscar34 Member Posts: 1
    Please, don't do what we did in purchasing a new 2010 chev equinox. We have replaced the motor, rebuilt the transmission, repaired driver seat twice, the list goes on.

    This is truly a lemon.
  • nox123nox123 Member Posts: 76
    I have not had any of the mentioned issues I read about on this forum.....I'm glad I have 100K warranty left on drive line; if I do have engine or transmission issues which are ussully the most serious and costly, I'm sure my dealer will stand behind me getting nessisary warranty work done. I have an occassional shifting issue; not very concerned about it. The engine is raspy and always was. However my NOX cruises great on road and my MPG averages 22 mpg running A/C and 24 MPG with AC Off. Road trips 28 MPG at 70 MPH running AC. I have never seen 30 MPG the way I drive. I do push this raspy 4cyl and it dose a fairly good job. I let GM dealer change oil / filter every 3500-4000 miles since Nox purchase in October 2009. Dealer changed Transmission fluid at 38000 miles. I feel confident that any GM dealer will stand behind my current 50000+ mile driveline with my service history documentation since purchase. Changing drive line fluid is very cheap insurance, to help hold GM dealers feet to fire in the event of a driveline issues prior to 100.000 miles.
  • thelma61thelma61 Member Posts: 8
    I got my vehicle back last Thursday and everything seems OK and the new engine is definitely much quieter. Too soon to say on gas/oil consumption but I am very happy with my dealership - Barnes Wheaton in Surrey, BC - they bent over backwards to find the problem and treated me with the utmost respect throughout the whole painful process. Fingers crossed.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    This is great news, thelma61! Thank you for sharing and we're hopeful that everything's been resolved for you. Keep us updated, and have a great holiday season!

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • tlundsrtlundsr Member Posts: 8
    I sent my info to the address you listed and haven't heard anything back.
    Dealer just called. Finished putting on 2nd new fuel pump and timing chain. Said compression check came out good. Test drive went good. $885 for timing chain replacement. Hope it lasts. Still think that the faulty High Pressure Fuel pumps caused all of these problems. Last GM I buy!!
  • jlg44jlg44 Member Posts: 12
    I just got back my 2010 with a new motor put in at 34m miles .Was using too much oil. The motor is quiter than before and hope it works out. Had zebra striped cylinders. As far as the sensors goes mine had the same problem but the had to drive it for 60 miles to correct and reset computor . Love the car because of its gas milage. I have been lucky to have a good dealer ship that cars about their customers.
  • nailsgirlnailsgirl Member Posts: 13
    My new 2010 engine replacement has 20k and I am getting 25mpg. The old engine was getting 31mpg highway. I drive 100 miles a day . I am very disappointed with the outcome. I have 81k now on my Nox. I am really thinking about trading it in before 100k. I don't think I would buy another Equinox!
  • nailsgirlnailsgirl Member Posts: 13
    I have 20K miles on new engine. Gas mileage is terrible. I got 31mpg on the old engine and I am getting 25mpg on the engine. What gives??
  • brad5879brad5879 Member Posts: 12
    Traded in our 2010 Equinox for a 2013 CR-V EX-L today.

    I come from a long line of loyal Chevrolet/GM customers and have never owned anything myself that wasn't a Chevy, but the way this case was handled by the dealer and the GM Customer Service for the last 6 months was unacceptable.

    Like so many other have written all over the internet in regards to this issue, I was constantly treated like I was an idiot every time I tried to get the problem taken care of - especially by dealer. With so many other things going on in day-to-day life, I just could no longer be bothered to fight a pointless battle on a car that first started burning oil rapidly right after the 30,000 mile mark.

    The car was burning a quart of oil every 1,000 miles because I was constantly checking it and adding a quart, but the dealer just flat out lied to me and told me it wasn't. So to prove it to myself instead of believing maybe I was crazy, I finally stopped doing the consumption test and drove the car for exactly 5,000 miles without adding oil...sure enough the check engine comes on around 4,000 miles, we take it to a Mr. Good Lube that isn't going to lie to cover their asses, they drain the oil and their is less than a quart in the crankcase. So a car is just going to burn an entire load of oil over 5,000 and this is supposedly normal?

    The oil engine isn't the only problems I've had with this car either. The FM/Am radio reception was always terrible - which isn't the case with the new CR-V and the headliner was sagging about 2" minimum and of course, I was told that was normal too. I guess a poor product is just the new "normal" standard for GM.

    Just a F- for GM, Chevy and the way they treat their customers, new or loyal. They lost a customer for good. No more GM. EVER.

    I can't wait until I publish a negative review on dealerrater.com regarding my dealer and their General Manager contacts me within 24 hours begging me to remove it. No thanks, I think its fair everyone knows how lousy this car is and how lousy the service was.

    Good riddance and thanks for nothing.
  • smc8888smc8888 Member Posts: 25
    Like you, I have NEVER bought any non-GM cars ever since I bought my first used Buick Century in 1982. I also handle car purchasing for my wife and, naturally, she always drive a GM car (2009 Saturn VUE now). Although there were problems for most of the cars we bought, those were non-serous ones that were taken care of quickly and we have been, in general, happy with GM cars. The 2010 Equinox I bought completely changed that, I have numerous engine problems since the beginning, and GM simply don't want to admit and fix them properly. I have 67000 miles on the Nox now and if I can not get the oil consumption problem resolved soon, I will trade it in and say good-bye to GM for ever (that include my wife's car as well).
  • brad5879brad5879 Member Posts: 12
    This is exactly the same boat we were in. I am just astounded that GM and the dealer treat their customers like their a bunch of idiots. Don't they understand that this day and age with the internet we are all aware of this problem and how it's being handled across the board?

    I don't have time to battle and mess around. They had 8 months to do something about it but apparently they were stalling hoping my warranty would expire first since the 5 year mark of the 5/100,000 warranty is less than 2 years away now.

    Give me a break. It's sickening that the government bails them out but they can't do anything to bail out their disgruntled customers driving around lemons.
  • archer42archer42 Member Posts: 4
    took my 2010 nox to the dealer saturday for because all the blogs i read about the problems other owners were having, well mine only has 13000 miles on it and when they checked the oil none was one the dip stick and was still at 50% before a oil change was due and they would have to pull the head to see if i had the same problems as other owners with the 2.4 about zebra stripes but don't worry cause they had 2 engines in stock if they have to replace the engine. this is the only problem i had with the eng. besides low gas mileage/steering which thet fixed by replacing the rack at 6000. miles. will be looking for a new car soon before anthing else goes wrong before the warranty runs out
  • jpfjpf Member Posts: 496
    “and fix them properly”

    Unfortunately, these engines are so poorly designed and engineered they can not be fixed properly. GM is developing a new 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine that will be used in the Equinox and hopefully that engine will be more reliable.
  • nox77nox77 Member Posts: 12
    It was with a heavy heart I purchased a new Dodge Journey. I turned in my Equinox for the exact reason you mentioned. After replacing my engine, the dealer next had to tear down the transmission. I had 71K. The dealer encouraged us to ask GM for assistance in purchasing a new vehicle. The negotiations went badly, with the regional GM manager pulling the original offer of assistance from the field rep. off the table and told us we get "nothing" due to the high mileage. I only kept the vehicle that long because I was being loyal. GM took care of all the issues, but, like you, I was looking at the end of warranty. So disappointed. I really liked my Equinox.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Good morning jlg44,

    We're glad to hear that you've been well taken care of! Have a great holiday season!

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Good morning archer42,

    Our apologies that you are having these troubles with your Equinox, though it sounds as though the dealership is working to repair the vehicle. Let us know if we can check into anything for you by email at socialmedia@gm.com (include our name, contact information, the last 8 of your VIN, and the name of your dealership with your inquiry).

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • vernal_noxvernal_nox Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2010 Equinox with 25000+ miles on it. It started to not engage when I put it in reverse, so I took it to the dealer and they are repairing/rebuilding the transmission. I am so disappointed in the GM product. I wanted a CRV, but bought the Equinox to "buy American". Big mistake. The service department is helpful and they are sorry it happened, but what is in store for me down the road. I am reading about the "oil consumption problem" and wondering if that will be next. :lemon:
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Hello vernal_nox,
    We're sorry to hear that there were difficulties with your transmission and hope that the rebuild goes well! Keep us posted, and if you want for us to check into anything please don't hesitate to contact us at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name, contact information, and the last 8 digits of your VIN with your inquiry).

    Sarah, GM Customer Service
  • dhorton66dhorton66 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2010 Equinox and have had the timing chain issue (twice), onstar issue (continuous), water in floor boards after rain and now the engine is being replaced. The vehicle has 42K miles on it and I am concerned about the future reliability and value. I have a case opened with GM and I am waiting for the call from the district service rep. They said they will be replacing the engine with a brand new 2011 engine and it will require special synthetic fluids and some sensors will also have to be replaced. This does not seem like a seemless engine swap and from what I have read there are the same issues with the 2011 engines. I would like GM to work with me on getting out of this vehicle and in a new one. I do not expect them to just swap it out, but a $1500 voucher would be an insult for all the issues this car has had.
  • joep15joep15 Member Posts: 1
    First time on this site. I've been going through a quart of oil every 900 miles for the past 6 months. The dealership told me this is normal..... Besides replacing the engine has there been any other solutions?

    BTW, I just called the dealer, told them about this site and the number of oil consumption problems I read. They now what me to bring it in on Monday. Hopefully, I won't get the run around.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Hopefully they won't give you the run-around. A quart every 900 miles is not within acceptable guidelines. Oil consumption test (pain that it may be) is most likely the best thing to do for now. I assume you have the 4 cyl that some have had ussues with.
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