2023 Chevy Equinox Problems & Complaints

Short Answer: The biggest problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox are engine problems, steering system issues, and electrical system problems. Engine problems were the most common while steering system and electrical system issues aren’t as common.

Some of these problems have even resulted in recalls; Chevrolet has issued three for this vehicle. They are for a loose bolt in the driver’s seat frame, a passenger air bag that may deploy when a child is in the passenger seat, and child seat anchors which may not function.

Take a look below for more detailed 2023 Chevy Equinox problems and recalls.

Common 2023 Chevy Equinox Problems 

2023 Chevy Equinox Engine Problems

Owners frequently reported engine issues like reduced performance, check engine lights, hard starts, and stalling. While not always severe, these problems can impact drivability and should be inspected.

Reduced engine performance

• Severity: Moderate–high; owners report “reduced engine power” warning and loss of acceleration.
• Manufacturer’s Response: TSB PIP5927B cites a damaged or loose charge air inlet pipe as a cause of reduced power and DTCs (P0237, P0299) in 2023–2025 models.
• Fix: Inspect/replace charge air inlet pipe, clean/replace throttle body, verify fuel/air system sensors.

Check engine light on

• Severity: Variable; minor to serious engine/emissions faults.
• Manufacturer’s Response: GM issued two TSBs for check engine light concerns, TSB 18‑NA‑020 (Charge air cooler restriction may trigger DTCs P0300, P0299, P2227) and TSB 23‑NA‑033 (ECM software fault may cause misfires or MIL illumination)
• Fix: Scan for DTCs; repair or replace affected components.

Hard starting

• Severity: Moderate; may leave vehicle unable to start reliably.
• Manufacturer’s Response: No specific TSB found for 2023
• Fix: Test battery/alternator, starter, fuel delivery, ignition and sensor systems.

Stalling

• Severity: Moderate to high — can result in loss of power while driving.
• Manufacturer’s Response: Covers stalling, rough idle, or no acceleration in 2022–23 Equinox; identifies possible failure of the Fuel Pump Drive Control Module with DTCs P023F or P129F.
• Fix: Scan for codes; if related DTCs are found, replace the FPDCM. Otherwise, inspect fuel, ignition, and air systems for faults.

2023 Chevy Equinox Steering System Issues

Some 2023 Equinox owners reported tire screeching and burning smells when towing the vehicle behind RVs. Owners may want to avoid towing until more guidance is available.

Screeching and burning tires while turning and being towed

• Severity: Moderate–high; indicates potential steering/drivetrain binding under load.
• Manufacturer’s Response: No published TSB/recall specific to this exact scenario in 2023 Equinox.
• Fix: Inspect steering geometry and front drivetrain for binding or misalignment when towed.

2023 Chevy Equinox Electrical System Issues

Owners reported weak A/C and heating along with infotainment issues like GPS failures and audio glitches. While not always serious, these problems can be frustrating but are often resolved with software updates.

Weak electric systems (A/C, heating)

• Severity: Moderate; reduces comfort and may indicate broader electrical issue.
• Manufacturer’s Response: GM issued TSB 18‑NA‑162 addressing poor A/C performance or refrigerant loss.
• Fix: Replace the A/C system desiccant, check for leaks, and recharge the refrigerant per TSB 18‑NA‑162.

Infotainment system issues (GPS, sound system)

• Severity: Moderate to high — owners report freezing screens, loss of connectivity, audio distortion.
• Manufacturer’s Response: GM issued TSB 23‑NA‑042 for a software update (Version V164) to resolve infotainment system malfunctions, and TSB PIC6486D acknowledges ongoing issues with a pending broader fix.
• Fix: Update infotainment system to software version V164 per TSB 23‑NA‑042; if issues persist, reset the system or replace the infotainment module and inspect related wiring.

What 2023 Equinox Drivers Note

NHTSA Complaint

“While I was driving the Engine reduce power came on. I was currently doing 75 miles and the truck dropped down to 55 miles per hour. I took it to the Chevrolet place and it needed a fuel pump , and I was advised that this has been a common issue for the Chevrolet Equinox vehicles , and my vehicle is practically brand new. This issue needs to looked into because the is dangerous and a-lot of dealerships are stating this is a common issue.”

Kelley Blue Book Complaint

“Bought this car used with 41,000 miles on it. at 133,454 miles i had to replace the engine. Piston rings cracked and oil seeped up into my engine. Took 3 different mechanics to figure out what was wrong with the car. The car auto stops before i come to complete stop along with many other little quirks. I would not recommend this car to anyone.”

NHTSA Complaint

“My car is having serious problems regarding its touch screen. 3 times a week the screen stops working and the car audio makes an unbearable noise. It doesn’t allow me to use the GPS, it doesn’t allow me to take calls and it presents problems in terms of technology.”

How to Assert Your Lemon Law Rights

The lemon law offers a legal lifeline for consumers when their vehicle fails to live up to expectations despite repeated repair efforts.

If a car, truck, or SUV develops a defect that significantly impairs its use, safety, or value, the owner may have rights under state lemon laws.

The key condition is that the defect persists after the manufacturer or dealer has been given a reasonable number of opportunities to fix it under warranty.

Keep all repair orders, service invoices, and correspondence with the dealership or manufacturer. These records provide the trail of repair attempts and downtime, showing that you did your part and the defect remains unresolved.

Equally important is tracking how long the vehicle has been out of service, because many statutes consider excessive repair time as part of the “lemon” criteria.

The next step is to notify the manufacturer that you intend to invoke your lemon law rights. Many times, the manufacturer will respond with an offer: buyback of the vehicle, replacement with a comparable one, or a cash settlement.

If no agreement is reached, you may file a formal lemon law claim. Most state lemon laws allow you to recover your attorney’s fees if you prevail, which removes a significant financial barrier to pursuing your rights.

Work with Experienced Attorneys in Lemon Law

The lemon law is about fairness and accountability. When a manufacturer has had fair opportunity to repair a defect but fails to deliver, you should not be left with a vehicle that is unsafe, unreliable, or undervalued.

If you are considering bringing a claim, consider representation from the Lemon Law Experts. Our team will fight for justice and do our best to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Call us today at (877) 885-5366 or visit our website to fill out a contact form!