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Chevy Equinox Downshift Problems

89 messages,  Last post on Apr 02, 2013 at 8:48 AM

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#1 of 89 Don't buy a 2010 Equinox! by wallyuwl

Aug 13, 2009 (7:07 pm)

Note: for anyone feel free to send me an email (wallyuwlyahoo.com) if you are OR are not having tranny problems (described below). For those who do have these problems, please do the things suggested in post 3 of this thread, it will help all of us get things fixed faster.
 
The problems I've been having with our new 4 cyl. FWD 2010 Equinox are well documented in the "2010 Equinox Problems" thread. Also, many others have noticed this issue, but many have not.
 
After driving with two dealership mechanics, they finally admit the downshifting issues are not normal. They even noticed it upshifting harshly, though we weren't able to duplicate the jitteriness between 17-12 mph (of course I felt it that night while driving). They think it is the computer program that controls when the tranny shifts.
 
But they are saying there have been no updates to the software program, and so they can't do anything! Obviously some of the programs are working, because not everyone has this problem. But they refuse to get new tranny computer hardware with the software loaded (think of this as having a PC with a Windows problem, and replacing the hard drive with a new one that has Windows already installed), or even try to reinstall the software. If they'd try and fix it and it still did it, then I'd wait for a fix because one would be coming. But they just refuse to make an effort to replace or even reinstall anything.
 
And it isn't just the dealer, it is also the person I've been communicating with at GM's Exec. Office that has been ZERO help. She tried to buy me off with some maintenance program for a few years. I can pay for my own oil changes, thank you, I just want my BRAND NEW vehicle fixed!
 
If you buy this vehicle you are likely to have problems, and when you have problems GM won't fix them. We are spending $50 billion in taxpayer money to bail them out and this is what we get?! Never will I buy a GM product again, this is a company that needs to fail once and for all.

#2 of 89 Re: Don't buy a 2010 Equinox! [wallyuwl] by back2front

Aug 13, 2009 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: wallyuwl (Aug 13, 2009 7:07 pm)
This sure is not good news, I have been following your posts because mine does exactly what you have described. I have a 4 cyl. AWD LS and when it shifts into second gear it jumps and causes you to buck forward in your seat. It also almost drags to a stop when you take your foot off the gas under 20 mph. After the second gear problem it shifts the rest of the way smooth and without any problems. I did notice mine is worse when the A/C is on and the engine hasn't warmed up yet. Let's face it we are the test for the 2010, my hope is this is something they will get complaints on and will in turn come up with a fix. I have an appointment tomorrow with the dealer about this, now I'm not expecting too much help.

#3 of 89 Re: Don't buy a 2010 Equinox! [back2front] by wallyuwl

Aug 13, 2009 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: back2front (Aug 13, 2009 7:49 pm)
Note: for anyone feel free to send me an email if you are OR are not having tranny problems. For those who do have these problems, please do the things suggested below, it will help all of us (as I explain).
 
Thanks for the reply, b2f.
 
Would you mind posting or emailing me your VIN so I can send it to the lady I'm talking with at GM so maybe they can start a database determining the vehicles impacted? wallyuwlyahoo.com if you don't want to post your VIN.
 
Besides just going to the dealer, you should let GM know directly by calling their Customer Care line. If this isn't the exact place they would be able to get you the right number. 1.800-222-1020. I can also get you the contact info. of the person I've been talking with at the Exec. Office (who tried to buy me off with a maintenance package in place of fixing the problem) to complain to her directly if you'd like - doesn't seem like she has much pull, but it is the Exec. Office. You also could submit a message through the "Tell Fritz" part of the www.gmreinvention.com web site.
 
I'd suggest doing all of the above. The more people tell them their problems, and the more vocal we are, the quicker they'll be a "bulletin" or "recall" fix (since they don't want to do anything unless there is one of these things).
 
Good luck tomorrow. I have an appt. for next week with a different dealer that hopefully will actually want to fix the problem (they get paid for warranty work from GM anyway).

#4 of 89 Re: Don't buy a 2010 Equinox! [wallyuwl] by tidester

Aug 14, 2009 (1:27 am)

Replying to: wallyuwl (Aug 13, 2009 8:06 pm)
feel free to send me an email
 
Why don't we just keep the conversation here so everyone can benefit from the exchange.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#5 of 89 Always skip the into year by cmhj2000

Aug 14, 2009 (4:28 am)

One thing I've done for almost 30 years is not to buy a new model in its first season. While the 10 isn't totally new it has enough newness, if you will, that I'll wait at least 1 or 2 years before buying one.

#6 of 89 Re: Always skip the into year [cmhj2000] by back2front

Aug 14, 2009 (7:00 am)

Replying to: cmhj2000 (Aug 14, 2009 4:28 am)
I totally agree, usually I have waited also but this time I thought it had been out long enough for the bugs to be out but with a new engine and tranny I should have waited. It's problems like this US car makers got into the mess they are in. I'm going to try to stay positive and wait for GM to address this.

#7 of 89 Re: Always skip the into year [back2front] by wallyuwl

Aug 14, 2009 (8:34 am)

Replying to: back2front (Aug 14, 2009 7:00 am)
b2f, could you please email me (wallyuwlyahoo.com) or post your VIN? If you want to do anything with mine in your quest to get yours fixed, mine is: 2CNALDEW2A6200740
 
Also please do the steps I mention above (phone number listed above, Tell Fritz feature), like I said, the more people complain and the more vocal we are the better our results about getting it fixed will be. I can get you the contact info. of the person I've been talking with at the GM offices - I put it on here once but the mods took it off so I'll have to get it to you by email if you want it.
 
Anyone else also feel free to send me anything or post anything that might be helpful to all of us.

#8 of 89 Re: Always skip the into year [cmhj2000] by steve_ HOST

Aug 14, 2009 (8:34 am)

Replying to: cmhj2000 (Aug 14, 2009 4:28 am)
JD Power did a study a few years back that said that quality and reliability problems with brand new models wasn't any worse than ones that had been around a year or two.
 
My minivan was the new "second generation" model (tweaked engine, major body style changes, etc.) and it's been a gem over the last decade.
 
There's going to be ~205 new-model launches in the U.S in the next 3 years. There's too much at risk for the automakers not to spend a lot of time and money to get them right the first time. Inaugural Vehicle Launch Index
 
Consumer Reports is more wary of new models but even they gave their highest scores to a brand new model line. (link)
 
If you like it, buy it.

#9 of 89 Re: Always skip the into year [steve_] by cmhj2000

Aug 14, 2009 (10:02 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Aug 14, 2009 8:34 am)
I've seen some of those surveys. Yet I've been in the automotive business for 40 years and have seen new release problems during the first year or 2 more times than not, that when seen after 2-3 years were not seen again.
 
2 recent examples are rear tire problems on the Matrix/Vibe in 2003 & 4. The 05 and up have been great. The first 2 years of the Cobalt had electrical issues. I could go on but that has been the trend since the early 80s.
 
Second generation vehicles don't always have issues but I've seen some. I'm talking big picture industry overall, not a select few.
 
Part of the issue too is most people don't realize they even have a problem when they do. Gas it a go!.
 
Having been under the hood for 40 years & written warranty claims for 30 years for GM, Ford, Mercedes, Honda, Suzuki and Chrysler I can state this without reservation. Likewise many times people THINK they have a problem but don't.
 
If you like it buy but, I won't be a first year and sometimes second year guinea pig.

#10 of 89 Re: Don't buy a 2010 Equinox! [wallyuwl] by dragonsback

Aug 14, 2009 (10:09 am)

Replying to: wallyuwl (Aug 13, 2009 8:06 pm)
Wally,
 
If there is indeed a problem I would really think that GM in on it and if there was a serious issue there will be a recall issued.
Cases like this depend on ALOT of things, I kinda get the feeling that a handful of bad apples are leading you to believe the whole orchard is spoiled.
I can say that our LS 2wd 4 cyl. is fine...could not be happier with it.
If you have a tranny issue bring it to your Chevy dealer and demand a loaner in the mean time. Let them fix it.
One thing I am thinking of is "break in"
How many people follow this rule, and how many don't?
What kind of driving conditions are you putting the vehicle thru during the early stages of engine wear?
I personally take it very easy on new vehicles until 1000 miles. Drive speed limit, no harsh breaking and no hard acceleration...seems to work great on the 5 new vehicles I've owned in my life.
I understand that you are frustrated, but let people make up their own minds.

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