← New search

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Equinox years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox are substantially higher than the model-year median of 382.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

632 reports with mileage · 150 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 386 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 145 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

30 crash reports3 fire reports26 injury reports

What owners actually said

782 reports
50,000 miles · Oct 30, 2018
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 50,000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING 25 MPH DOWN A CITY STREET. OF COURSE, I'M OUT OF WARRANTY BECAUSE OF YEARS, AND, GM WILL NOT CONSIDER GIVING ANY ASSISTANCE, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2011 EQUINOXES. AN EMPLOYEE AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION IN THE EQUINOX LIKE MINE IS GARBA…

Read full complaint

TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 50,000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING 25 MPH DOWN A CITY STREET. OF COURSE, I'M OUT OF WARRANTY BECAUSE OF YEARS, AND, GM WILL NOT CONSIDER GIVING ANY ASSISTANCE, EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2011 EQUINOXES. AN EMPLOYEE AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION IN THE EQUINOX LIKE MINE IS GARBAGE. I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN MARCH, 2011, AND IN FEBRUARY 2015 AT 26,000 THE A/C COMPRESSOR WENT OUT, AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THAT REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #11144051

122,000 miles · Oct 24, 2018
EnginePower Train

I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 10 MONTHS AND IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THAN ANYTHING. IT'S ALREADY ON ITS SECOND ENGINE AND THAT WAS SEPTEMBER 14TH, NOW OCTOBER 23RD IT IS NOW NEEDING A TRANSMISSION. THIS DOESN'T INCLUDE THE UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UPS. I'VE STALLED IN REVERSE AND DRIVE. THE CAR DIED OUT WHILE DR…

Read full complaint

I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 10 MONTHS AND IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THAN ANYTHING. IT'S ALREADY ON ITS SECOND ENGINE AND THAT WAS SEPTEMBER 14TH, NOW OCTOBER 23RD IT IS NOW NEEDING A TRANSMISSION. THIS DOESN'T INCLUDE THE UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF OIL CHANGES AND TUNE UPS. I'VE STALLED IN REVERSE AND DRIVE. THE CAR DIED OUT WHILE DRIVING AND IS EXTREMELY LOUD AT TIMES. ALL I HAVE FOR DOCUMENTS ARE MY RECEIPTS. I'M DISABLED WITH CHILDREN AND WHEN I THOUGHT WE WERE BUYING A CAR WE BOUGHT A LOT OF PROBLEMS INSTEAD. CONSTANTLY TRYING TO STILL FIND RIDES TO DR APPTS AND SUCH. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT A RECALL HASN'T BEEN DONE YET, AFTER THE ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON SAID VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11142319

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2018
Engine

THIS IS A SAFETY COMPLAINT. I CARRY MY GRAND KIDS AND AM WORRIED FOR OUR SAFETY. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED DUE TO THE VERY LOW MILEAGE AND AM TRYING TO BE PROACTIVE. I KNOW OF MANY MANY HAPPENINGS. THE CARS STARTING AT ~ 5000 MILES WILL STALL OUT AT SIGNALS & ON THE ROAD. THIS WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN TO ME WHEN I REACH 5K MILES.THE CA…

Read full complaint

THIS IS A SAFETY COMPLAINT. I CARRY MY GRAND KIDS AND AM WORRIED FOR OUR SAFETY. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED DUE TO THE VERY LOW MILEAGE AND AM TRYING TO BE PROACTIVE. I KNOW OF MANY MANY HAPPENINGS. THE CARS STARTING AT ~ 5000 MILES WILL STALL OUT AT SIGNALS & ON THE ROAD. THIS WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN TO ME WHEN I REACH 5K MILES.THE CAR HAS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE THAT GM CANNOT FIX. I'M AFRAID OF A REAR END COLLISION AND FIRE. THE CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS AND HOPE IT GETS RECTIFIED ASAP. (XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11141877

140,000 miles · Oct 18, 2018
Service BrakesCrashInjury

WE WERE DRIVING OUR EQUINOX AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS. WE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF US ON THE FREEWAY OFF RAMP AND THAT CAR HIT THE NEXT CAR. BOTH DRIVERS REPORTED INJURIES. THERE WAS NO WAY TO SLOW DOWN LET ALONE STOP. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND A BR…

Read full complaint

WE WERE DRIVING OUR EQUINOX AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS. WE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF US ON THE FREEWAY OFF RAMP AND THAT CAR HIT THE NEXT CAR. BOTH DRIVERS REPORTED INJURIES. THERE WAS NO WAY TO SLOW DOWN LET ALONE STOP. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY EITHER. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND FOUND A BRAKE BOOSTER IS THE PROBABLE PROBLEM. BOTH OUR CAR SERVICE PROVIDER AND ON LINE BLOGS LIST THIS AS AN ISSUE. SOMETHING ABOUT THE VACUUM AND BRAKE FLUID CAUSING TOO MUCH PRESSURE SO THE BRAKE PEDAL COULD NOT BE DEPRESSED. THIS HAPPENS IN HIGH HEAT AND WHEN THE CAR IS ON A HILL. AFTER THE CAR STOPS AND COOLS DOWN OR IS LEFT ON LEVEL GROUND, THEN THE BRAKES START WORKING AGAIN. THIS MAKES THE ISSUE HARDER TO FIND ACCORDING TO OUR CAR REPAIR SHOP. WE HAD GM TAKE A LOOK AT THE ISSUE AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO OVERALL DEFECT IN THE PART. THEY DID NOT LOOK AT OUR SPECIFIC PART. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. WE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR INCLUDING HAVING THE ENGINE REBUILT FOR THE HIGH OIL USAGE ISSUE. WE ARE GLAD THAT WE AND OUR CHILDREN WILL NOT BE DRIVING THIS DEATH TRAP ANYMORE.

NHTSA ODI #11141251

120,000 miles · Sep 27, 2018
Visibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROADWAY DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER (JOE BOWMAN CHEVROLET, 2455 E MARKET ST, HARRISONBURG, VA 22801, (540) 908-2809) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS N…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIPERS FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY AND SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROADWAY DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER (JOE BOWMAN CHEVROLET, 2455 E MARKET ST, HARRISONBURG, VA 22801, (540) 908-2809) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL CAMPAIGNS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *TT CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING WIPERS FROZE DURING HEAVY RAIN. UPDATED 11/21/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11131996

120,000 miles · Sep 27, 2018
EnginePower Train

I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 CHEVY EQUINOX I JUST PURCHASED AUG 5,2018 WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I WENT TO TURN IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN I HAD TRY COASTING INTO A SPACE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER ONLY TO LEARN THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH G MM C/CHEVROLET. UNFORTUNATELY GMC IS T…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 CHEVY EQUINOX I JUST PURCHASED AUG 5,2018 WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I WENT TO TURN IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN I HAD TRY COASTING INTO A SPACE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER ONLY TO LEARN THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH G MM C/CHEVROLET. UNFORTUNATELY GMC IS TURNING A DEAF EAR TO THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF A MAJOR INTERSTATE I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND GMA IS CLEARLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSING TO DO A RECALL I'M PRAYING NOONE GETS KILLED BEFORE THEIR HAND IS FORCED TO MAKE THEIR PRODUCT SAFE FOR THE CONSUMER.

NHTSA ODI #11131897

60,450 miles · Sep 20, 2018
Visibility/wiper

I WAS DRIVING DOWN I75 WHEN IT STARTED RAINING THEN POURING,I TURNED ON MY WIPERS AND THEY WORKED FINE FOR A COUPLE MINUTES. THEN STOPPED WORKING ,I COULD STILL HEAR THE MOTER WORKING ,BUT NO MOVEMENT FROM HE WIPERBLADES.TTRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND I COULD NOT SEE ,I TURNED ON MY FLASHERS AND LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF TH…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING DOWN I75 WHEN IT STARTED RAINING THEN POURING,I TURNED ON MY WIPERS AND THEY WORKED FINE FOR A COUPLE MINUTES. THEN STOPPED WORKING ,I COULD STILL HEAR THE MOTER WORKING ,BUT NO MOVEMENT FROM HE WIPERBLADES.TTRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND I COULD NOT SEE ,I TURNED ON MY FLASHERS AND LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THEN I WAITED TILL THE RAIN STOPPED TO DRIVE HOME

NHTSA ODI #11130405

49,000 miles · Sep 10, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

MY CAR HAS A ROUGH IDLE/FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL WHEN IT'S IDLING. AFTER GETTING A LOW-ENGINE POWER INDICATOR LIGHT, I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THE REAR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AS A RESULT OF THE CODE DURING DIAGNOSTICS. AT A COST OF MORE THAN $1,300, THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, AND AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM TH…

Read full complaint

MY CAR HAS A ROUGH IDLE/FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO STALL WHEN IT'S IDLING. AFTER GETTING A LOW-ENGINE POWER INDICATOR LIGHT, I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THE REAR HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AS A RESULT OF THE CODE DURING DIAGNOSTICS. AT A COST OF MORE THAN $1,300, THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, AND AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND I CALLED THE DEALER RIGHT THEN. I WAS TOLD TO LET THE CAR RESET AND DO HIGHWAY DRIVING. AFTER FIVE DAYS AND A 12-HOUR HIGHWAY ROUND TRIP, I STILL HAD THE PROBLEM AND CALLED THE DEALER BACK. THEY HAD MY CAR THREE DAYS AND NOW SAY THIS IS A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE, BUT THEY ALSO SAY THAT SOME OF MY MODELS ARE HAVING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION, LEADING TO THE TIMING CHAIN ISSUE; THEREFORE, THEY'RE TRACKING MY OIL CONSUMPTION FOR 2,000 MILES. STILL, MY QUESTION IS WHY REPLACE THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP SINCE THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM? MY YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL--BUT NOT VIN--IS CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL FOR FAILING HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMPS, BUT MY DEALER WON'T BUDGE AND INCLUDE IT IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL IS: #43180: PRODUCT EMISSION RECALL ' HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ' (SEP 30, 2016). I ALSO CONTACTED GM'S HELP LINE, AND THEY INVESTIGATED AND DID NOTHING. I CAN PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION IF NECESSARY, BUT I'M REQUESTING THAT THE RECALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MY VIN.

NHTSA ODI #11128514

63,253 miles · Sep 7, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT COULD NOT START THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE REVERSING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM BROWNE CHEVROLET TAMPA BAY (11300 N FLORIDA AVE, TAMPA, FL 33612, (88…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT COULD NOT START THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF IT WERE REVERSING WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM BROWNE CHEVROLET TAMPA BAY (11300 N FLORIDA AVE, TAMPA, FL 33612, (888) 366-5458) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL WAS BURNT OUT AND THE CIRCUIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,253.

NHTSA ODI #11128144

115,000 miles · Sep 5, 2018
EnginePower TrainSteering

WHILE DRIVING CAR TREMBLED A LITTLE A MINUTE OR SO BEFORE IT SEEMINGLY LOST POWER, NO ACCELERSTION, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. LIGHTS REMAINED ON DASH BUT NO POWER. NO WARNING LIGHTS. NOTHING. THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP NEAR SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THEBKEY AND CAR STARTED LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. THANKFUL I WAS EXITING A…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING CAR TREMBLED A LITTLE A MINUTE OR SO BEFORE IT SEEMINGLY LOST POWER, NO ACCELERSTION, STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. LIGHTS REMAINED ON DASH BUT NO POWER. NO WARNING LIGHTS. NOTHING. THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP NEAR SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THEBKEY AND CAR STARTED LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. THANKFUL I WAS EXITING A PARKING LOT, AND WASNT ON THE HIGHWAY LIKE I WAS JUST A FEW HOURS PRIOR. I COULDVE BEEN KILLED

NHTSA ODI #11124466

Official recalls

3

16V502000 · Electrical System:ignition; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jul 5, 2016

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."

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

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."

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

Remedy: 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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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."

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

Remedy: 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.

14V447000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Jul 23, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

10V623000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Dec 15, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE NEAR THE SEAT ATTACHMENT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE PASSENGER AND/OR THE DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

PE20009 · Momentary Increased Steering Effort

Opened Jun 1, 2020 · Closed Jun 3, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System

On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a straight line at a sustained high speed, without turning the steering wheel, for approximately 30 minutes or longer. The steering gear contains a servo unit that includes a worm gear with a worm and a worm wheel. General Motors (GM) stated that the primary root cause of the increased steering effort is the supplier's inconsistent application of grease in the interface between the worm and the worm wheel. The grease may have been applied in a location on the worm wheel that didn't interface with the worm, depriving the worm gear of proper lubrication.On November 1, 2014, GM issued Special Coverage 14232 to address the power steering stick-slip issue in MY 2010-2014 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; MY 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt; MY 2012-2014 Buick Verano; and MY 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. GM notified consumers via mail.The Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the steering gear with an improved internal worm gear greasing process for MY 2010-2012 vehicles. For the MY 2013-2014 vehicles, the Special Coverage repair includes a reprogramming of the steering gear control module. The new software has an anti-stick feature which senses and reduces the friction between the worm and worm wheel by oscillating the worm gear. GM stated that the difference in remedy is due to the inability of the MY 2010-2012 steering gear control module to accept the new software.The remedy implemented in GM Special Coverage 14232 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Considering the low complaint and warranty rates of steering rack replacement as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. ODI has not identified a safety defect or defect-related failure trend in the subject vehicles. In view of the Special Coverage, low rate of failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11424633,11421725,11229647,11101375,10919921,10689932,10671557,10664687,10663350, 10593429,10592065,10585476,10585365,10576237,10575693,10532766,10490295,10434128, 10417845,10412535,10403168,10395532,10395171,10391948,10384211,10375515,10366297, 10360999,10360599,10345626,10319530,10305569,10304769,10299745

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a straight line at a sustained high speed, without turning the steering wheel, for approximately 30 minutes or longer. The steering gear contains a servo unit that includes a worm gear with a worm and a worm wheel. General Motors (GM) stated that the primary root cause of the increased steering effort is the supplier's inconsistent application of grease in the interface between the worm and the worm wheel. The grease may have been applied in a location on the worm wheel that didn't interface with the worm, depriving the worm gear of proper lubrication.On November 1, 2014, GM issued Special Coverage 14232 to address the power steering stick-slip issue in MY 2010-2014 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; MY 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt; MY 2012-2014 Buick Verano; and MY 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. GM notified consumers via mail.The Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the steering gear with an improved internal worm gear greasing process for MY 2010-2012 vehicles. For the MY 2013-2014 vehicles, the Special Coverage repair includes a reprogramming of the steering gear control module. The new software has an anti-stick feature which senses and reduces the friction between the worm and worm wheel by oscillating the worm gear. GM stated that the difference in remedy is due to the inability of the MY 2010-2012 steering gear control module to accept the new software.The remedy implemented in GM Special Coverage 14232 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Considering the low complaint and warranty rates of steering rack replacement as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. ODI has not identified a safety defect or defect-related failure trend in the subject vehicles. In view of the Special Coverage, low rate of failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11424633,11421725,11229647,11101375,10919921,10689932,10671557,10664687,10663350, 10593429,10592065,10585476,10585365,10576237,10575693,10532766,10490295,10434128, 10417845,10412535,10403168,10395532,10395171,10391948,10384211,10375515,10366297, 10360999,10360599,10345626,10319530,10305569,10304769,10299745

Steering

On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a straight line at a sustained high speed, without turning the steering wheel, for approximately 30 minutes or longer. The steering gear contains a servo unit that includes a worm gear with a worm and a worm wheel. General Motors (GM) stated that the primary root cause of the increased steering effort is the supplier's inconsistent application of grease in the interface between the worm and the worm wheel. The grease may have been applied in a location on the worm wheel that didn't interface with the worm, depriving the worm gear of proper lubrication.On November 1, 2014, GM issued Special Coverage 14232 to address the power steering stick-slip issue in MY 2010-2014 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; MY 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt; MY 2012-2014 Buick Verano; and MY 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. GM notified consumers via mail.The Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the steering gear with an improved internal worm gear greasing process for MY 2010-2012 vehicles. For the MY 2013-2014 vehicles, the Special Coverage repair includes a reprogramming of the steering gear control module. The new software has an anti-stick feature which senses and reduces the friction between the worm and worm wheel by oscillating the worm gear. GM stated that the difference in remedy is due to the inability of the MY 2010-2012 steering gear control module to accept the new software.The remedy implemented in GM Special Coverage 14232 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Considering the low complaint and warranty rates of steering rack replacement as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. ODI has not identified a safety defect or defect-related failure trend in the subject vehicles. In view of the Special Coverage, low rate of failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at nhtsa.gov under the following identification numbers:11424633,11421725,11229647,11101375,10919921,10689932,10671557,10664687,10663350, 10593429,10592065,10585476,10585365,10576237,10575693,10532766,10490295,10434128, 10417845,10412535,10403168,10395532,10395171,10391948,10384211,10375515,10366297, 10360999,10360599,10345626,10319530,10305569,10304769,10299745

EA19005 · Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

Opened Dec 13, 2019 · Closed Nov 28, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility; Visibility/wiper; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intruding into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint resulting in loss of windshield wiper function. ODI?s review focused on 2010-2012 and 2014-2016 Equinox and Terrain vehicles. Owners were reporting a high rate of failures of the windshield wiper system. These failures were the same as that addressed by recall 16V-582. ODI's review of data supplied by GM as well as its own confirmed a high failure rate in model years 2014 and 2015. On March 17, 2022, GM filed a defect information report recalling all MY2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the front windshield wiper transmission assembly.General Motors is also conducting a special coverage program, N192266181, for MY2010-2012 and MY2016-2017 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The special coverage is for a period of 15 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.Both the recall, 22V-165, and the special coverage program, N192266181, address windshield wiper system failures on the subject vehicles. The dealership will inspect the front wiper assembly for ball joint wear. Depending on the degree of wear, the wiper links will be replaced, and a water shield installed or the entire module will be replaced.In view of the recall and special coverage, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Visibility

On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intruding into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint resulting in loss of windshield wiper function. ODI?s review focused on 2010-2012 and 2014-2016 Equinox and Terrain vehicles. Owners were reporting a high rate of failures of the windshield wiper system. These failures were the same as that addressed by recall 16V-582. ODI's review of data supplied by GM as well as its own confirmed a high failure rate in model years 2014 and 2015. On March 17, 2022, GM filed a defect information report recalling all MY2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the front windshield wiper transmission assembly.General Motors is also conducting a special coverage program, N192266181, for MY2010-2012 and MY2016-2017 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The special coverage is for a period of 15 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.Both the recall, 22V-165, and the special coverage program, N192266181, address windshield wiper system failures on the subject vehicles. The dealership will inspect the front wiper assembly for ball joint wear. Depending on the degree of wear, the wiper links will be replaced, and a water shield installed or the entire module will be replaced.In view of the recall and special coverage, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intruding into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint resulting in loss of windshield wiper function. ODI?s review focused on 2010-2012 and 2014-2016 Equinox and Terrain vehicles. Owners were reporting a high rate of failures of the windshield wiper system. These failures were the same as that addressed by recall 16V-582. ODI's review of data supplied by GM as well as its own confirmed a high failure rate in model years 2014 and 2015. On March 17, 2022, GM filed a defect information report recalling all MY2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the front windshield wiper transmission assembly.General Motors is also conducting a special coverage program, N192266181, for MY2010-2012 and MY2016-2017 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The special coverage is for a period of 15 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.Both the recall, 22V-165, and the special coverage program, N192266181, address windshield wiper system failures on the subject vehicles. The dealership will inspect the front wiper assembly for ball joint wear. Depending on the degree of wear, the wiper links will be replaced, and a water shield installed or the entire module will be replaced.In view of the recall and special coverage, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.

Visibility/wiper

On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intruding into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint resulting in loss of windshield wiper function. ODI?s review focused on 2010-2012 and 2014-2016 Equinox and Terrain vehicles. Owners were reporting a high rate of failures of the windshield wiper system. These failures were the same as that addressed by recall 16V-582. ODI's review of data supplied by GM as well as its own confirmed a high failure rate in model years 2014 and 2015. On March 17, 2022, GM filed a defect information report recalling all MY2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the front windshield wiper transmission assembly.General Motors is also conducting a special coverage program, N192266181, for MY2010-2012 and MY2016-2017 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The special coverage is for a period of 15 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.Both the recall, 22V-165, and the special coverage program, N192266181, address windshield wiper system failures on the subject vehicles. The dealership will inspect the front wiper assembly for ball joint wear. Depending on the degree of wear, the wiper links will be replaced, and a water shield installed or the entire module will be replaced.In view of the recall and special coverage, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.

RQ18002 · Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure

Opened Nov 2, 2018 · Closed Dec 19, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility; Visibility/wiper; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on the Air Inlet Panel at the base of the windshield.RQ18-002 was opened to assess windshield wiper failure rates in the MY 2010-2012 and MY 2014 - 2016 Equinox and Terrain (subject vehicles).During the course of the investigation, ODI received additional consumer complaint traffic bringing its total to 602 concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In their December 20, 2018 response to ODI's Information Request (IR) Letter, GM reported 1,303 complaints related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Together, these bodies of data correspond to 1,905 unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).GM stated the recalled vehicles exhibited double the warranty rate and five times the complaint rate of the subject vehicles and that continuing complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles stemmed from publicity surrounding Recall 16V-582.ODI's review of GM's data confirms the stated difference in failure rates between the recalled and subject vehicles. However, ODI believes that the subject vehicle failure rates are nevertheless elevated and that publicity alone cannot account for the continued consumer complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. ODI is upgrading to RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis to compare subject vehicle failure rates and engineering practices to those in peer vehicles.The 602 ODI complaints cited can be viewed in a separate attachment.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Visibility

On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on the Air Inlet Panel at the base of the windshield.RQ18-002 was opened to assess windshield wiper failure rates in the MY 2010-2012 and MY 2014 - 2016 Equinox and Terrain (subject vehicles).During the course of the investigation, ODI received additional consumer complaint traffic bringing its total to 602 concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In their December 20, 2018 response to ODI's Information Request (IR) Letter, GM reported 1,303 complaints related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Together, these bodies of data correspond to 1,905 unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).GM stated the recalled vehicles exhibited double the warranty rate and five times the complaint rate of the subject vehicles and that continuing complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles stemmed from publicity surrounding Recall 16V-582.ODI's review of GM's data confirms the stated difference in failure rates between the recalled and subject vehicles. However, ODI believes that the subject vehicle failure rates are nevertheless elevated and that publicity alone cannot account for the continued consumer complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. ODI is upgrading to RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis to compare subject vehicle failure rates and engineering practices to those in peer vehicles.The 602 ODI complaints cited can be viewed in a separate attachment.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on the Air Inlet Panel at the base of the windshield.RQ18-002 was opened to assess windshield wiper failure rates in the MY 2010-2012 and MY 2014 - 2016 Equinox and Terrain (subject vehicles).During the course of the investigation, ODI received additional consumer complaint traffic bringing its total to 602 concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In their December 20, 2018 response to ODI's Information Request (IR) Letter, GM reported 1,303 complaints related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Together, these bodies of data correspond to 1,905 unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).GM stated the recalled vehicles exhibited double the warranty rate and five times the complaint rate of the subject vehicles and that continuing complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles stemmed from publicity surrounding Recall 16V-582.ODI's review of GM's data confirms the stated difference in failure rates between the recalled and subject vehicles. However, ODI believes that the subject vehicle failure rates are nevertheless elevated and that publicity alone cannot account for the continued consumer complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. ODI is upgrading to RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis to compare subject vehicle failure rates and engineering practices to those in peer vehicles.The 602 ODI complaints cited can be viewed in a separate attachment.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on the Air Inlet Panel at the base of the windshield.RQ18-002 was opened to assess windshield wiper failure rates in the MY 2010-2012 and MY 2014 - 2016 Equinox and Terrain (subject vehicles).During the course of the investigation, ODI received additional consumer complaint traffic bringing its total to 602 concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In their December 20, 2018 response to ODI's Information Request (IR) Letter, GM reported 1,303 complaints related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Together, these bodies of data correspond to 1,905 unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).GM stated the recalled vehicles exhibited double the warranty rate and five times the complaint rate of the subject vehicles and that continuing complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles stemmed from publicity surrounding Recall 16V-582.ODI's review of GM's data confirms the stated difference in failure rates between the recalled and subject vehicles. However, ODI believes that the subject vehicle failure rates are nevertheless elevated and that publicity alone cannot account for the continued consumer complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. ODI is upgrading to RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis to compare subject vehicle failure rates and engineering practices to those in peer vehicles.The 602 ODI complaints cited can be viewed in a separate attachment.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on the Air Inlet Panel at the base of the windshield.RQ18-002 was opened to assess windshield wiper failure rates in the MY 2010-2012 and MY 2014 - 2016 Equinox and Terrain (subject vehicles).During the course of the investigation, ODI received additional consumer complaint traffic bringing its total to 602 concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In their December 20, 2018 response to ODI's Information Request (IR) Letter, GM reported 1,303 complaints related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Together, these bodies of data correspond to 1,905 unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).GM stated the recalled vehicles exhibited double the warranty rate and five times the complaint rate of the subject vehicles and that continuing complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles stemmed from publicity surrounding Recall 16V-582.ODI's review of GM's data confirms the stated difference in failure rates between the recalled and subject vehicles. However, ODI believes that the subject vehicle failure rates are nevertheless elevated and that publicity alone cannot account for the continued consumer complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. ODI is upgrading to RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis to compare subject vehicle failure rates and engineering practices to those in peer vehicles.The 602 ODI complaints cited can be viewed in a separate attachment.

Visibility/wiper

On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on the Air Inlet Panel at the base of the windshield.RQ18-002 was opened to assess windshield wiper failure rates in the MY 2010-2012 and MY 2014 - 2016 Equinox and Terrain (subject vehicles).During the course of the investigation, ODI received additional consumer complaint traffic bringing its total to 602 concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In their December 20, 2018 response to ODI's Information Request (IR) Letter, GM reported 1,303 complaints related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Together, these bodies of data correspond to 1,905 unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).GM stated the recalled vehicles exhibited double the warranty rate and five times the complaint rate of the subject vehicles and that continuing complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles stemmed from publicity surrounding Recall 16V-582.ODI's review of GM's data confirms the stated difference in failure rates between the recalled and subject vehicles. However, ODI believes that the subject vehicle failure rates are nevertheless elevated and that publicity alone cannot account for the continued consumer complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. ODI is upgrading to RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis to compare subject vehicle failure rates and engineering practices to those in peer vehicles.The 602 ODI complaints cited can be viewed in a separate attachment.

Go deeper into Chevrolet Equinox problems