2020 Chevrolet Equinox recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox and 317 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (114), engine (92), fuel/propulsion system (50). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2020 ranks #8 of 14 Equinox model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (362). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.5 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Child seat · vehicle latch anchor
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
Power train · automatic transmission
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · disc · caliper
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.
Risk: Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.
Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
There were no warning lights prior. We were driving on the highway and the brake pedal all of a sudden became hard as a rock, and we could barely stop the car. Stoping distance was extremely long and dangerous, we were very lucky there was no one in front of us and that we were almost the the exit we needed to be at. Managed to slowly pull the car into a lot and arrnage for a t…
Vacuum pump, I was driving 75mph and needed to slow down due to traffic and my break pedal was hard and wouldn’t stop me, I almost hit a car in front of me. I also had my children with me. No the problem hasn’t been inspected, I bought the part to repair it myself. There was no fair warning. I ALMOST wrecked with my children in the car! I was over a hour and half from my house.…
Emissions traction ecs
Safety ratings
2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD
2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox.
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Equinox AWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 1.5 L · Turbo
Regular
Equinox FWD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, most recently for child seat · vehicle latch anchor (05/11/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
Based on 317 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (114), engine (92), fuel/propulsion system (50).
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox safe?
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2020 ranks #8 of 14 Equinox model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (362). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox range from 24 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: EQUINOX, Equinox.