Holden Problems

If you missed the recommended service interval by 15,000 km – that’s like missing a whole service – then I don’t think you have any grounds on which to make a claim. The only thing you can do is to repair the engine.

The Chevrolet (and Holden) Equinox should be a reliable car when driven sympathetically and serviced regularly. For the money there are probably better vehicles for the money in the SUV category in terms of fit and finish, and on-road performance.

Ultimately any purchasing choice will come down to personal preference and budget as to what is a better car for you.

The Chevrolet Equinox, also known as the Holden Equinox in Australasia, is built on General Motors' D2XX compact front-wheel-drive and crossover SUV platform. This means the Equinox is primarily a front-wheel-drive model though a part-time all-wheel-drive model is available. There are no 4WD Equinox models with low-range or lockable hubs.

The Chevrolet (and Holden) Equinox should be a reliable car when driven sympathetically and serviced regularly. For the money there are probably better vehicles for the money in the SUV category in terms of fit and finish, and on-road performance. Ultimately any purchasing choice will come down to personal preference and budget as to what is a better car for you.

The Chevrolet Equinox - also known as the Holden Equinox in Australasia - is built on General Motors' D2XX compact front-wheel-drive and crossover SUV platform. This means the Equinox is primarily a front-wheel-drive model though a part-time all-wheel-drive model is available.

There are no 4WD Equinox models with low-range or lockable hubs.

The car is still under warranty, so you should expect that the repairs would be covered. It’s no unreasonable that they want the car for a full day; you have to give them every chance to find the cause. As they claim they couldn’t find the problem when driving the car, it would be a good idea if you were to test-drive it with them to demonstrate the problem you are concerned about. That way there is no doubt in your mind or theirs about what it is you feel needs to be fixed. The fact that the transmission oil is very black suggests there is something wrong internally. Have the diagnostic check done, and then work out who pays for what and what needs to be done to get your car running again properly.

The third-generation Equinox is 4652mm (183.1in).

The third-generation Equinox is 4652mm (183.1in).

As it is an intermittent problem it’s hard to be definitive, but I would suggest you look at the fuel system, and check for a faulty electrical connection that could affect the operation of the fuel pump or injectors.