Chevrolet Equinox transmission and drivetrain problems, 2016–2027
295 of the 2,715 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Equinox 2016–2027 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2018 (66), 2020 (39), 2019 (37). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Chevrolet Equinox transmission and drivetrain problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 17 | 21% | — | — | the year → |
| 2025 | 34 | 9% | — | 26 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 11 | 6% | — | — | the year → |
| 2023 | 5 | 5% | — | 39 TSBs | the year → |
| 2022 | 11 | 6% | — | 136 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2021 | 17 | 18% | — | 73 TSBs | the year → |
| 2020 | 39 | 13% | 4k | 95 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2019 | 37 | 12% | 16k | 100 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2018 in depth | 66 | 16% | 20k | 129 TSBs · 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% | — | 86 TSBs | the year → |
| 2016 | 26 | 7% | — | 97 TSBs | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 3 · 2017: 3 · 2018: 8 · 2019: 18 · 2020: 16 · 2021: 24 · 2022: 29 · 2023: 32 · 2024: 32 · 2025: 61 · 2026: 69
Across the model years, half of the 88 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 4,000 and 68,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
On two occasions my transmission wouldn't engage when I shifted it from "park" to "drive." my car started rolling like it was in neutral. I slammed on my brakes and after about 3 - 5 seconds the transmission engaged and I was able to accelerate as normal
There are 2 problems which are interrelated 1) when stopped at a stop light the vehicle does not repond when the gas is applied to move forward when the light turns green. Then, the vehicle suddenly lurches into gear.
Experienced severe shaking in steering and suspension while accelerating, usually starting at the 2-3 shift. At 12,836 miles left and right front half shafts failed due to 'excessive lateral runout' . Bulletin 20-na-227 applied(as per dealer) and both replaced. Now at 21,500 miles, the same issues are occurring again.
The car started making a terrible noise. I went to the dealer. They said it was the transfer case. 10 days to get part. Now they say it’s the rear differential. Another 10 days. There was no warning on the dash. The fear for me is do a 6 hour trip. Afraid of what else can happen
My vehicle beginning idling and check engine light came on while at red light. So I decided to head to nearest auto parts to see what the code was. The light turned green and my truck didn’t want to go forward. Once it started to pull off it went slow and then gain a little more speed. This could’ve caused an accident.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 24V839000 HighNov 7, 2024 · 77,824 vehicles
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. Incorrect software in the transmission control module (TCM) may result in harsh shifting, reduced power, unintended deceleration, rear wheel lockup, or cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direction.
- 20V668000 HighOct 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles
- 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.
- 17V516000 HighAug 22, 2017 · 2,905 vehicles
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Other systems with a record on the Chevrolet Equinox
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Chevrolet Equinox problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Chevrolet Equinox years have the most transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2018, 66; 2020, 39; 2019, 37. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2026 (21%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Chevrolet Equinox?
Yes — 3 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 24V839000 (2022), 20V668000 (2020), 17V516000 (2018). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 24,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 4,000 and 68,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.