YearToAvoid

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 112 brake complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, 36% of its 308 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 41,900. A related recall (19V704000) covers rear brake calipers built with incorrect lubricant.

Brakes complaints
112
36% of 308
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
5
Median mileage
41,900 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brake pedal reportedly goes to the floor with little or no stopping power, sometimes right after leaving the dealership.
  • Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or lunging even while the brake pedal is depressed, in some cases crashing into objects.
  • Several complaints mention the 'Service ESC' warning along with traction control, stability control, and lane assist disengaging on their own, sometimes triggered by wet or snowy roads.
  • Some drivers report excessive shaking of the vehicle when braking at low speed, paired with check engine and traction control warning lights.
  • A 'Service Brake Assist' dashboard message appears with the pedal sinking to the floorboard, reported on a vehicle with very low mileage.

When 2020 Chevrolet Equinox brake complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 22, 2020, latest Sep 10, 2026.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter122020 Q12021 Q32022 Q32023 Q32024 Q32025 Q32026 Q3
112 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2020 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q3 (12).

Brakes recalls for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

  1. NHTSA 19V704000Oct 3, 2019Brakes166 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.

    Risk: Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.

Brakes complaints by Equinox model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201065 (8%)
  2. 201177 (10%)
  3. 201238 (6%)
  4. 201332 (4%)
  5. 201426 (5%)
  6. 201530 (4%)
  7. 201612 (3%)
  8. 201711 (4%)
  9. 2018139 (34%)
  10. 201983 (28%)
  11. 2020112 (36%)
  12. 20217 (7%)
  13. 20226 (3%)
  14. 202315 (16%)
  15. 202413 (16%)
  16. 202527 (12%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA lists 112 brake-related complaints for the 2020 Equinox, which is 36% of the 308 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
Yes. Recall 19V704000 covers rear brake calipers that may have been produced with incorrect lubricant, which can cause the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2020 Equinox?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on the 2020 Equinox is 41,900 miles.
Have the 2020 Equinox brake issues caused crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint area shows 8 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries reported for the 2020 Equinox.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.