2010 Chevrolet Equinox recalls and problems

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox has 3 safety recalls and 784 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
784
Crashes / fires
15 / 9
Injuries / deaths
23 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2010 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox recalls

Recall 16V-502: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Jul 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Recall 14V-447: Seats

Reported Jul 23, 2014 · 414,333 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Risk: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Recall 09V-489: Visibility

Reported Dec 23, 2009 · 59,031 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, controls and displays". The software in the center instrument panel can cause the heating, air conditioning, defrost, and radio controls, as well as the panel illumination to become inoperative.

Risk: Driving without a functioning defrost system can decrease your visibility under certain driving conditions and could result in a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine271
Power Train182
Visibility/Wiper132
Electrical System82
Air Bags58
Unknown or Other52
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)49
Steering44
Engine and Engine Cooling33
Vehicle Speed Control32
Fuel/Propulsion System32
Visibility30

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 13
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 4
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 3
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 3
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2010 Chevrolet Equinox complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Mar 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin TSB #: 19-NA-065. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward; the driver was able to pull over. While attempting to restart the vehicle, it suddenly caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. AAA was called, and the vehicle was towed to her residence. The occupant called 911, and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was called, but the vehicle…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 152,000 miles · reported Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light or stop sign, the vehicle experienced severely rough idling before it stalled. The contact believed that the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) was the cause of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Power Train · reported Mar 21, 2026
Vehicle looses power and can very easily cause a bad wreck I've replaced multiple thing and it still does it I'm not sure what it is possibly the timing or something to do with camshaft
Engine · reported Jun 4, 2025
This 2010 Chevy Equinox has the 2.4 liter motor that is recalled in similar vehicles by Chevrolet due to the piston rings having “blow by”. We have had to carry a quart of oil because of the constant consumption of oil, which led to the catalytic converter getting clogged. Most recently while traveling to Denver cylinder 3 lost compression and put the vehicle into “limp mode” on [XXX] (XXX) with traffic traveling at 75MPH and our car doing 20 MPH trying to exit. I spoke to Chevy customer service several years ago and was told “Yes we know the issue however your VIN isn’t part of…
Power Train · at 115,000 miles · reported Dec 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 - 30 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning lights illuminated. However, after the failure, the low engine power warning message would display. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure would recur. The failure occurred on 4 separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was no oil, although the panel showed the vehicle had 40% oil, transmission, and a high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired but the…

Other Chevrolet Equinox years

Compare all Chevrolet Equinox years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox: 16V-502 (electrical system, power train), 14V-447 (seats), 09V-489 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?

Owners report engine problems most often (271 reports), followed by power train (182). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.