What is the lawsuit on the Chevy Equinox?
There is no single ongoing lawsuit tied to all Chevrolet Equinox models. Instead, multiple class-action suits and individual claims have been filed against General Motors over different model years of the Equinox. The primary allegations focus on excessive engine oil consumption, transmission problems, and safety-related recalls, with outcomes varying by case and year.
What the lawsuits generally involve
The following summarizes some of the most common allegations that have appeared in Equinox-related legal actions. This section helps readers understand the kinds of issues plaintiffs have alleged and the scope of the claims.
Engine oil consumption
Several lawsuits allege that certain Equinox engines burn through oil more quickly than expected, leading to frequent top-ups, reduced engine performance, and potential damage if oil levels are not maintained. Plaintiffs often contend that GM knew or should have known about the issue and failed to provide adequate remedies.
Transmission problems
Another frequent topic in court filings involves premature transmission wear or failure, including rough shifting, slipping, or long-term reliability concerns that necessitate costly repairs. Plaintiffs argue these problems arise despite reasonable maintenance and proper use.
Electrical and safety-related recalls
Some suits reference electrical system faults or safety-related recalls, including airbag inflator concerns and other components that may affect vehicle safety. Litigation in this area can overlap with regulatory recall activity overseen by agencies such as the NHTSA.
Notable recall and regulatory activity also informs these claims. For official recall information and status updates, owners should consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and General Motors’ safety pages.
NHTSA recall search for Chevrolet Equinox
The legal landscape is evolving, and outcomes vary by jurisdiction and case specifics. Plaintiffs may pursue class actions, individual lawsuits, or settlement discussions, and some cases may be dismissed or resolved without a trial.
How to determine if your Equinox is involved
If you own or used to own a Chevrolet Equinox, you can take steps to determine whether your vehicle might be impacted by lawsuits or recalls. The following process helps owners verify recall status and potential eligibility for remedies.
Before diving into the steps, keep in mind that recall status and active litigation are separate pathways. Recalls are regulatory actions that GM is obligated to remedy, while lawsuits may seek redress for damages or other claims arising from alleged defects.
- Check your vehicle’s recall status using your VIN on official sites, such as NHTSA’s recall database or GM’s recall portal.
- Search for settlement notices or consumer complaint information in your jurisdiction’s court records or on consumer law resources.
- Consult your Chevrolet dealer or GM customer service for guidance on recalls and any extended warranties or coverage related to specific model years.
- Consider speaking with a lawyer who has experience with automotive defect litigation to understand your rights and potential remedies.
Recalls and lawsuits operate on different timelines, so taking prompt, documented steps can help owners understand options and protections that may apply to their situation.
What to do if you think you are affected
If you believe your Equinox is experiencing a defect that may be tied to a lawsuit or recall, here are practical actions to consider. This list aims to help owners protect themselves and seek appropriate remedies where available.
- Document all issues, dates, repairs, and maintenance related to the suspected defect, including service invoices and diagnostic reports.
- Check for active recalls and specialized coverage related to your model year and mileage, using the VIN and official recall resources.
- Contact your local Chevrolet dealer or GM customer service to obtain a formal assessment and to learn about any applicable warranty extensions or recall remedies.
- Consult a qualified attorney who specializes in automotive defect cases to review your scenario and discuss potential legal options, including class actions or individual claims.
Owners should be cautious about timing, documentation, and eligibility criteria, as remedies and protections can differ depending on age of the vehicle, the nature of the defect, and where the owner resides.
Summary
The Chevy Equinox lawsuit landscape is complex and year-specific. There isn’t one blanket case; instead, several lawsuits and recall actions address different model years and defect categories, especially oil consumption and transmission reliability, with safety-related recalls playing a role in some filings. Owners should verify recall status, preserve records, and seek legal advice if they suspect a defect that may be covered by settlement, warranty extensions, or regulatory remedies. Staying informed through official recall databases and GM communications is the best way to understand current rights and options.
How much will I get from the GM class action lawsuit?
Impacted customers will receive between $700 and $30,000. GM has settled two class-action lawsuits involving older versions of its 5.3-liter V-8 engine. The two law firms that handled the cases will get over $66 million, while the affected customers will get between $700 and $30,000.
How much is the Equinox lawsuit going to payout?
This settlement requires Equinox Group to pay $600,000 in penalties and provide refunds of up to $250 to eligible New York subscribers who filed complaints with the Equinox Group, Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, or the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York between February 9, 2021 ...
Is there a class action lawsuit against Chevy Equinox?
There are several recent class action lawsuits against Equinox involving employee and consumer issues, including a major wage and hour lawsuit for California employees that settled for $36 million. Another lawsuit was filed in New Jersey regarding membership cancellation policies, and a separate class action seeks refunds for California members who paid dues during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The New York Attorney General also secured a $600,000 settlement from Equinox for improper practices related to membership cancellations.
Employee class actions
- California wage and hour lawsuit: A class action for California employees, including personal trainers and group fitness instructors, alleged underpayment for all hours worked and denial of breaks. The lawsuit was settled for $36 million in 2023.
- New York employment law: A lawsuit alleged that Equinox's flat pay rate for personal trainers violated federal and state overtime laws, and that trainers were owed unpaid wages.
Consumer class actions
- California gym membership refunds: A certified class action lawsuit for California members is seeking refunds for dues paid during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns.
- New Jersey membership cancellation: A 2014 lawsuit alleged that Equinox violated New Jersey law by automatically renewing memberships and not making it easy to cancel.
- New York membership cancellation: In May 2025, the New York Attorney General secured a $600,000 settlement from Equinox related to difficulties in canceling memberships. This settlement provides refunds of up to $250 to eligible New York subscribers.
Other potential lawsuits
- A recent investigation is underway regarding a data breach at Equinox, which could lead to a separate class action lawsuit for affected individuals.
What is the main issue with Chevy Equinox?
Stalling Issues: The 2024 Equinox has been reported to stall unexpectedly, a severe safety concern. This stalling is often related to problems with the fuel system, air intake system, or ignition system, with fuel system issues being the most common culprit.
