About this problem
Stalling with a loss of power means the engine shuts off or drops to idle while the car is moving. Steering and brakes get heavier without engine assist, which is why it is treated as a safety issue. Common causes include failing fuel pumps, throttle bodies, sensors and wiring, and on some models a known electrical fault that a recall or software update addresses.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Equinox since 2012, 707 (14.3%) describe engine stalling and loss of power, making it the most reported problem we track on the Equinox. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 110. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 50,000 and 106,000 miles. 9 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Equinox owners report the engine stalling or losing power while driving, sometimes at highway speed. Many of these reports come from 2012 to 2014 models, and some are connected to the oil consumption problem on the 2.4-liter engine and to timing chain wear.
How it gets fixed
Dealers often start with a scan and software update, then look at the timing chain, throttle body or fuel system. Check the VIN for recalls.
Typical cost: Repairs range from a few hundred dollars for a sensor to $1,500 to $2,500 for a timing chain job.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Motorhome monaco executive 45' tag axle coach 525hp cummins toad Chevrolet Equinox 2014 subject vehicle purchased new 2014 nsa tow bar, 6000# limit in excellent condition surge brakes blueox baseplate, professionally installed in excellent shape."
2014 Chevrolet Equinox, 12,000 miles
"I had driven my car to work without a problem which is about 2 miles from my house. After work I went to the store again with no problem. When I backed out of the parking space my car stalled."
2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 75,890 miles
"First problem since I bought car june of 2020 was the stalling issue. I changed exhaust and camshaft selenoids still idled rough but didnt stall.. The car would start ticking every other week from the excessive oil this vehicle consumed ."
2013 Chevrolet Equinox, 104,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 237 bulletins that mention this problem on the Equinox. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles may have incorrect instructions in the owners manual for Dinghy and Dolly Towing.
Customer Satisfaction Program.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain 2021 model year Chevrolet Equinox vehicles, equipped with a charge air cooler, (CAC), with cold weather shutters, (RPO VRI), may have been built without cold weather shutters.
N192266090 03 - Customer Satisfaction Program.
18029 - Special Coverage.
Special Coverage (Revised Warranty).
Government investigations
Recall query RQ18002 · 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 · opened Nov 2018, closed Dec 2019
Before you buy a Equinox
- Drive on the highway and in stop-and-go traffic to see if it hesitates or stalls.
- Scan for stored codes.
- Ask for timing chain and oil change records.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have engine stalling and loss of power?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 110 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 79,000 miles, and half reported it between 50,000 and 106,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Repairs range from a few hundred dollars for a sensor to $1,500 to $2,500 for a timing chain job.