1955–2026 model years
HIGHEST COMPLAINT YEAR
2014
8,527 complaints
Total Complaints
121,516
Models Covered
93
Years Covered
1955–2026
High‑Risk Categories
Equipment
Electrical System
Engine
This period was marked by a significant volume of complaints, peaking with over 6,600 in 2010. The dominant issues were related to STEERING, particularly power steering failures in models like the Cobalt and Malibu, and widespread ELECTRICAL SYSTEM problems, including faulty instrument clusters in Silverado and Tahoe models. TSBs were issued, but the high complaint volume suggests the fixes were not comprehensive or timely enough.
Complaint volumes remained high, peaking at over 8,500 in 2014. The focus of complaints shifted towards modern vehicle systems. ENGINE issues, particularly excessive oil consumption in the Equinox, became prominent. POWER TRAIN problems, such as transmission failures in the Traverse and Cruze, and persistent ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and EQUIPMENT glitches across the lineup, including infotainment and sensor failures, defined this era.
The most complained-about model with 27,361 complaints. Primary issues revolve around BRAKES, with widespread reports of rusted and failed brake lines across multiple model years (2000-2008), leading to sudden loss of braking power. Another significant cluster concerns the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, particularly faulty instrument clusters in early 2000s models. The sheer volume of corrosion-related brake line failures suggests a systemic issue not adequately covered by service bulletins.
With 13,915 complaints, the Impala's issues focus on ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING failures. A dominant problem for model years 2000-2005 was the passlock anti-theft system, causing the vehicle to fail to start. Later models (2006-2014) are plagued by power steering failures and traction control warnings. There is a noticeable lack of specific bulletins directly addressing the widespread passlock and power steering failures reported by consumers.
The Equinox accounts for 12,760 complaints, with ENGINE problems being the most significant issue, particularly excessive oil consumption in 2010-2013 models. Consumers frequently report needing to add oil between changes and eventual engine damage due to low oil levels. Another major area is the HVAC system, specifically a failed blend door actuator resulting in no heat. The high volume of persistent complaints suggests provided solutions were often ineffective.