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2023 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering seats and front passenger. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “High-pressure fuel pump failure and engine stall.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS

Campaign #22V724000 · Sep 29, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The driver's seat may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height-adjust pivot.

Risk: A seat with a missing or loose bolt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222377890.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #22V929000 · Dec 15, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.

Risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 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 N222388911.

CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR

Campaign #23V339000 · Nov 5, 2023

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox.

Reported to NHTSA

High-pressure fuel pump failure and engine stall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

42 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-08

“My Equinox completely stopped functioning in the middle of a major intersection as I was making a left turn during 5pm traffic. I was able to push the car out of the intersection with the help of other drivers (they had to exit their vehicles to assist) and the car restarted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726263
“This is fleet vehicle. Driver was traveling on the freeway at approximately 70MPH. The vehicle began to slow down and warning light came on. Vehicle would not exceed 35 MPH. Diagnosis provided by Courtesy Chevy - Malfunctioning fuel pump. Part has been on back order since…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574474
“my vehicle suddenly stopped at a speed of 55 miles on [XXX] in Miami and the car dashboard showed a lack of gasoline power that the gas pump stopped working, braking the car abruptly and with a high risk that a vehicle could collide with me at high speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658604
“High pressure fuel pump failed while driving causing a sudden loss in power. Vehicle went into limp mode and would not exceed 5 mph. Check engine light and dash warning illuminated. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealer could then not get vehicle to even start”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642873

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire/brake lockup during flat towing on curved ramps

SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2023-11

“While four wheel down towing my 2023 Equinox behind my motorhome, under certain road conditions, the tires can be heard squealing and burnt rubber can be seen and smelt. I put a camera in the car to record the event and during the described events the steering wheel can be seen…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550019
“when flat towing the Equinox behind a motorhome through turns such as cloverleaf offramp of freeways that have a banked side to the turn the brakes on the car lock and the car loses traction and slides. The Equinox tires make a loud screeching noise and the smell of burning…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550805
“2023 Equinox tires lock up on cloverleaf on/off ramps when being flat towed behind a motorhome. The safety concern has occurred several times on cloverleaf on/off ramps. Proper procedures for flat towing per GM user manual do not resolve the problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543586

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal loss and ABS/ESC warning illumination

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2024-12

“The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. The check engine, ABS, and traction control warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact managed to coast…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11563792
“TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR ON DOWN HILL GRADE. GOT VEHICLE STOPPED. 8600 MILES ON VEHICLE. WE ARE WAITING FOR BACK ORDERED PART. A MONTH WAIT TILL AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566977
“Entering a freeway off-ramp at about 65 mph, I depressed the brakes and the brake pedal went to the floor with little resistance. Two error messages were displayed on the dashboard: "Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed" and "Service ESC"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631695

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission vibration and torque converter slippage

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-07

“My car has a vibration, I went to the dealer after one week of buying it, they first told me it has a learning transmission and after it learns how I drive it will go away. I later found out there is not such thing, the vibration at first was at slow speeds 30 t0 40 mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697136
“Getting vibration and loud noise at 35 to 40 mph since taking delivery. Have contacted dealership and they are waiting for GM to respond. I have seen similar complaints about drive line and drive axle complaints for earlier model year Chevrolet equinox”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507636
“My 2023 Equinox RS losses power during quick acceleration for lane changes or passing. It will also lose power during some turns at normal speed. It will also accelerate and deaccelerate at a low speed making it feel like the gears are slipping”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749947

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system shutdown and no-start events

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-02

“The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine, ECM, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 60 MPH, with the accelerator pedal depressed to the floorboard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11509281
“I can be driving at speeds up to 40 -60mph. The car will just shut down on high way, putting not only myself but children at risk of a crash. The car will start reduced power engine, and the engine will start to stall and completely shut down”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719731
“Vehicle doesn't start all the time. Also has shut down when driving.everything shuts down.then it will start back up in about a minute or two. Had it at dealer and the can't find any problems or codes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554576

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal collision

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-04

“On January 21, 2026 i was involved in a car accident with a tractor in which the tractor collided with my passenger front side of my car causing me to slide into corn field causing the total destruction of my vehicle. None of my airbags deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728894
“Front impact crash with two deer, rear seatbelt came unlatched causing car seat to fly into the front seat and the front seat belt did not lock nor did the airbags go off. No sensors alerted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553980

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion into rear passenger compartment

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2024-10

“Water leak flooding the rear passenger compartment floor and the rear spare tire well. The water appears to be entering at the rear pillars. On the left rear leak, it is entering the fuse panel. The right rear leaks by the power outlet”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622594
“We bought the car in July 2023. We had it for a month then it started to smell like mildew and mold. It permeated into our clothes. We took it to the dealership and they had the car for about two months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569797

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

11 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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