2020 Chevrolet Equinox Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2020 model year · 1,590+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,590+ owner reports, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure with 789 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

789 owners

On the 2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, transmission shuddering is common in Equinox models, typically caused by torque converter clutch issues or depleted transmission fluid additives. The shudder is most noticeable during light acceleration between 25-50 mph as the transmission shifts through 3rd-5th gears.

This issue also affects: Acura MDX, Audi A4, Audi A6

Common Symptoms

Vibration or shudder during light acceleration
Shaking between 25-50 mph
Rough shifting between gears
Transmission slipping sensation
Check engine light with transmission codes

How to Fix

Transmission fluid flush and fill (3x flush procedure). Add transmission shudder fix additive (early intervention). Torque converter replacement. Complete transmission rebuild or replacement if severe.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 789+ owners who fixed this issue

TipA full transmission fluid exchange with Dexron VI can resolve early-stage shudder on the 6T40/6T45 6-speed
TipGM released multiple TCM calibration updates for the 6-speed - ask dealer for the latest software
UpgradeTransmission flush kit for complete fluid exchange to address shudder (Liqui Moly Transmission Flush Kit)
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UpgradeFull synthetic ATF designed to reduce shudder in automatic transmissions (Valvoline MaxLife ATF Full Synthetic)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $3,500

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789+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence789 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

456 owners

On the 2010-2023 Chevrolet Equinox, equinox models are prone to parasitic battery drain where electrical components continue drawing power when the vehicle is off. Common culprits include the OnStar module, radio/infotainment system, interior lights, and stuck relays.

Common Symptoms

Dead battery after sitting overnight
Repeated need to jump-start
Battery fails prematurely (under 3 years)
Infotainment screen going black while driving
Accessories not turning off completely

How to Fix

Perform parasitic draw test to identify culprit. Replace faulty OnStar module. Update infotainment software. Replace radio/infotainment module if drawing excessive current. Install battery maintainer if vehicle sits for extended periods.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 456+ owners who fixed this issue

TipCommon parasitic draw sources on Equinox: body control module (BCM) not going to sleep, OnStar module, and radio. A parasitic draw test identifies the circuit.
UpgradeAC Delco 48AGM professional AGM battery - upgraded AGM battery handles parasitic draw better than conventional batteries (AC Delco #48AGM)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $800

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456+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence456 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

345 owners

On the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T, the 1.5L turbocharged engine experiences oil leaks near the dipstick tube and PCV valve-related crankcase pressure issues. A faulty PCV valve causes excessive crankcase pressure, which can lift the dipstick tube seal and cause oil leaks.

This issue also affects: Audi A3, Audi A6, Audi Q5

Common Symptoms

Oil visible on top of engine near dipstick
Oil burning smell
Check engine light with PCV-related codes
Oil residue in intake pipes
Dipstick pushed out or loose

How to Fix

Replace PCV valve. Reseal dipstick tube. Replace turbo if seals have failed. Clean intake system if oil contaminated. Use shorter oil change intervals (4,500-5,000 miles).

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 345+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeGM 12690058 updated valve cover assembly with integrated PCV - revised diaphragm design for 1.5T LFV/LYX engine (GM #12690058)
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TipAfter replacing valve cover, check intercooler for oil contamination - failed PCV allows oil into the intake tract

Typical repair cost:$100 - $2,500

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345+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence345 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,590+ owner reports, the 2020-2020 Chevrolet Equinox has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure, Parasitic Battery Drain and Electrical System Issues, 1.5T Turbo PCV Valve and Oil Leak Issues. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

The 2020-2020 Chevrolet Equinox has 3 known issues documented across 1,590+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Equinox issues range from $100 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure?

Transmission shuddering is common in Equinox models, typically caused by torque converter clutch issues or depleted transmission fluid additives. The shudder is most noticeable during light acceleration between 25-50 mph as the transmission shifts through 3rd-5th gears. Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2023 Chevrolet Equinox Parasitic Battery Drain and Electrical System Issues?

Equinox models are prone to parasitic battery drain where electrical components continue drawing power when the vehicle is off. Common culprits include the OnStar module, radio/infotainment system, interior lights, and stuck relays. Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T Turbo PCV Valve and Oil Leak Issues?

The 1.5L turbocharged engine experiences oil leaks near the dipstick tube and PCV valve-related crankcase pressure issues. A faulty PCV valve causes excessive crankcase pressure, which can lift the dipstick tube seal and cause oil leaks. Repairs typically run $100-$2,500. Severity: medium.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox: Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2010-2023 Chevrolet Equinox: Parasitic Battery Drain and Electrical System Issues#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2018-2023 Chevrolet Equinox: 1.5T Turbo PCV Valve and Oil Leak Issues#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

What is the 2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure?

What is the 2010-2023 Chevrolet Equinox Parasitic Battery Drain and Electrical System Issues?

What is the 2018-2023 Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T Turbo PCV Valve and Oil Leak Issues?