2020 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV offering a blend of practicality and comfort, making it a popular choice for families and commuters. Two engine options were available: a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Equinox for its spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and comfortable ride. However, some common dislikes include the base engine’s lack of power and reported issues with reliability.
Engine
1.5L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported the 1.5L engine consuming oil at a higher-than-normal rate, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This may lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not monitored. Blue exhaust smoke may also be present.
- Solution: Possible solutions range from replacing the PCV valve to more extensive work like piston ring replacement. A compression test can help diagnose the severity.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (PCV valve) - $3,000+ (piston ring replacement/engine rebuild).
- Recalls: None Found
- Purge Valve Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The purge valve can fail, leading to rough idling, difficulty starting, and a check engine light. A common diagnostic trouble code (DTC) associated with this issue is P0496.
- Solution: Replacement of the purge valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
- No Issues Found
Transmission
9-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)
- Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noted harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between certain gears. There may also be a hesitation or delay when accelerating from a stop.
- Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. In other cases, it could be related to worn transmission components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ (Software update) to $2,000 - $5,000+ (Transmission Repair/Replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- No Issues Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or unexpectedly crash. This can affect navigation, audio, and other functions controlled through the screen.
- Solution: A software update or replacement of the infotainment module may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software update, if covered under warranty or a service bulletin) to $500-$1500+ (Infotainment module replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, especially if the vehicle sits unused for a few days. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve testing individual circuits and components to identify the culprit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the source of the draw
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- No Issues Found
Interior
- No Issues Found
Overall Summary
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, while generally a reliable vehicle, does have some common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The most significant reported issues revolve around the 1.5L engine’s oil consumption and the infotainment system’s reliability. Transmission issues, though less frequent, can also be costly to repair. While not every Equinox will experience these problems, understanding these potential issues can help buyers make a more informed decision and be prepared for potential repairs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences like infotainment glitches to potentially serious engine problems. Repair costs can vary widely depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage.