Comprehensive guide to Chevrolet Equinox lemon law claims, common defects, NHTSA recalls, and your legal rights as an owner.
Model years covered: 2018-2024
The Chevrolet Equinox is one of General Motors' best-selling SUVs, offering families a spacious and affordable ride. However, models produced between 2018 and 2024 have been plagued by a series of persistent mechanical and electrical defects. From engines that consume oil at an alarming rate to faulty fuel pumps that cause sudden stalling, these recurring issues have left many owners frustrated and stranded. When dealerships are unable to permanently resolve these problems after multiple repair attempts, the vehicle may qualify as a lemon under state and federal laws.
Owners of the 2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox should be particularly vigilant about monitoring their vehicle's performance. Common warning signs include transmission shuddering, frequent check engine lights, and the need to add oil between regular service intervals. These defects not only diminish the vehicle's value but also pose significant safety risks on the road. If your Equinox has spent an unreasonable amount of time in the repair shop for the same recurring issue, you have legal rights that can protect you from bearing the financial burden of a defective vehicle.
Determining if your Chevrolet Equinox qualifies for a lemon law claim involves reviewing your repair history. Keep meticulous records of every dealership visit, including repair orders that detail the reported problem and the attempted fix. If your vehicle meets your state's specific criteria—typically three to four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same substantial defect, or 30 cumulative days out of service—you may be entitled to a full refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement, with the manufacturer covering all legal fees.
Your vehicle make and model are pre-selected in the case review form. Share your repair history to connect with a qualified lemon law attorney in your state.
Total recalls: 30
The 2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox has been subject to several significant recalls. One notable recall involved certain 2018 models where the driver and front passenger door window glass was improperly tempered, posing a risk of shattering into dangerous shards. Another major issue prompted a recall for the 2021-2022 models regarding the fuel pump module, which may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, leading to stalling.
Additionally, GM has issued recalls for the 2024 Equinox related to excessive powder coating on certain components. Other safety campaigns have addressed issues such as insufficient coating on rear brake caliper pistons in 2018 models, which could cause gas pockets to form and reduce braking performance. Owners are strongly advised to check their VIN against the NHTSA database to ensure all recall repairs have been performed.
View all Chevrolet recalls and NHTSA safety alerts
General Motors has issued thousands of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018-2024 Chevrolet Equinox, addressing a wide range of known issues. For instance, the 2018 model alone has over 1,700 TSBs. Notable bulletins cover the cold start control system in direct-injection engines to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, as well as procedures to locate and repair engine wiring harnesses to correct multiple electrical issues in 2024 models.
Other significant TSBs address the widespread transmission shudder and hard shifting problems, providing dealerships with updated diagnostic and repair procedures. There are also bulletins related to the excessive oil consumption issue in the 1.5L engines, guiding technicians on how to measure oil loss and when to replace internal engine components. These TSBs are crucial evidence in lemon law claims, as they prove the manufacturer's awareness of the defects.
The Chevrolet Equinox has been the subject of significant litigation regarding its recurring defects. In May 2024, a major class action lawsuit (Kerr et al. v. General Motors LLC) was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging that 2020-2024 Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs were equipped with defective fuel pumps that cause the vehicles to stall or lose power while driving. The plaintiffs argue that GM knew about the defect since 2019 but failed to disclose it, instead replacing faulty pumps with equally defective parts.
Additionally, GM has faced class action lawsuits over excessive oil consumption in the Equinox. A proposed settlement valued between $40 million and $45 million was reached to cover related class actions concerning oil-guzzling SUVs, providing compensation for repairs and lost vehicle value. Another settlement, Jefferson & Riley v. General Motors, offered qualifying class members a $500 cash payment and up to $375 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair expenses. Despite these class actions, many owners opt to pursue individual lemon law claims, which can result in much higher compensation, such as full vehicle buybacks averaging around $50,000.
Yes, excessive oil consumption is a common defect in the Equinox that can qualify for lemon law protection. If you have to add oil frequently (e.g., a quart every 1,000 miles) and the dealership has failed to fix the issue after multiple attempts, your vehicle may be considered a lemon.
Engine stalling is a serious safety defect often linked to the faulty fuel pump in 2020-2024 models. You should immediately take your vehicle to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for repair. Keep all repair invoices, as this defect is the subject of a class action lawsuit and can form the basis of a strong lemon law claim.
The exact number varies by state, but generally, if your Equinox has been in the shop 3 to 4 times for the same substantial defect (like transmission shudder or fuel pump failure), or if it has been out of service for 30 cumulative days, it may qualify as a lemon.
Yes, you can often opt out of a class action lawsuit to pursue an individual lemon law claim. Individual claims frequently result in higher compensation, such as a full vehicle repurchase, compared to the smaller settlements typically awarded in class actions.
No. Under state and federal lemon laws, if your claim is successful, the manufacturer (General Motors) is required to pay your attorney's fees and legal costs. You should not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses to pursue a valid claim.
These lemon law attorneys can review a claim involving your Chevrolet Equinox and explain the options available in your state.