9.0
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- $2,100
- Average Mileage:
- 128,850 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 2 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (2 reports)
This is the first of THREE brake vacuum pump failures I have had on this Equinox. I pulled off the freeway and the brakes worked fine, pull up to the next stop and it felt like I needed two feet to stop! I had the car towed to the dealership. The next day the service writer told me the vacuum pump is mechanical and is powered by a gear link to the camshaft(?). I have never heard of such a system. With the 12 to 15 cars I've owned over my life the power steering, alternator, air conditioning AND power brake pumps were fun off the fan belt. Who is the "genius" who thought of this cluster f+++?!
Bottom line I was without a car for two days and (about $1000).
- Paul W., San Diego, CA, US
Third Time - Power brake vacuum assist pump failure
Same as before - no warning - put my foot on the brake pedal and have to push really hard to get the car to stop. Drove the car to the dealership.
Good news!: On 25 June my service writer arranged a free loaner car so I can continue driving for LYFT, this is saving me over $100 per day on car rental. Now for the bad news:
The service manager called in a Chevrolet company tech to look at my engine and determined I needed the brake pump AND a new camshaft. Also, GM is not going to pay for it because the car is high mileage. Basically it's my problem.
I discussed this with my service writing and he said he has seen too many Equinox with this issue and strongly encouraged me to DUMP the car. This power brake system is (in his words) 'a crap design that can only be resolved with a complete re-engineering of the brake system'. I agree, In my 55 years of driving I have never (and I mean NEVER) had brake issues especially as extensive as this.
- Paul W., San Diego, CA, US