Why doesnt by 2010 Equinox Wiper motor move the wipers?

40

Asked by jakemcg Aug 23, 2014 at 07:31 PM about the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Driving home in rain on Turnpike, my wipers moved past the windshield on drivers side and
stopped working.  I checked fuses, they look fine, took off wipers and cleaned groves but
motor sounds like it is on but doesnt move the blades.

57 Answers

There may be a piece of linkage, a rod, that connects the two wipers come off or broken, and/or the same that goes from motor to the driven side that in turn moves the other wiper

28 people found this helpful.
230

My wipers on my 2010 Chev Equinox just stopped working and plopped into posiiton where they are when not in user

23 people found this helpful.
200

My 2013 not even two years old vehicle is having the same problem jakemcg. They were working then all of a sudden stuck all the way to the left drivers side hanging almost off windshield in the pouring down rain. I had to literally hang out my window in the rain to push them back over. My question is how a brand new two year vehicle is having so much trouble. My Equinox has been in the shop at least 4 times four some kinda factory defects. Engine light has been on and car stalls etc. Of course under warranty but this is the pits. This has been the worst vehicle I have ever brought out of my car purchasing history. That's why I usually buy foreign. My 2006 GMC Envoy right before this one did not disappoint however. But this one sucks. Is there such thing as purchasing a new "lemon". I've never traded in any of my cars I've purchased but I'm ready for a trade in on this one for sure. I Will contact GM to see about recalls on this issue but I'm sure the response like so many others won't be productive and solve my issue.

20 people found this helpful.
210

Dee, I purchased a 2013 Equinox this past February and just had the same thing happen. Not fun driving in the pouring rain on a busy Atlanta highway and all of a sudden the wipers just stopped in the up position. I had to do some quick thinking, got into the emergency lane and Crept until I reached an overpass. Got out, pushed the wipers down but they didn't work at all. My cell phone had died and the charger I normally keep in my car was not there. It took me 2 and a half hours to finally get to an exit and sticking my head out the window to make my way to a grocery store where I got help. Problem just got fixed. The motor was fine but there was a piece that broke which caused the wipers to not work. Chevy needs to be responsible and somehow settle as they put us both in a very dangerous situation. Not sure where to start to let them know. As well, see if this is an ongoing problem that will put others at risk.

21 people found this helpful.
50

I have a 2013 Chevy Equinox. My windshield wipers aren't working. I'm leasing but I'm over my $36,000 mileage so they won't even cover it. I'm pissed and considering leasing elsewhere after.

5 people found this helpful.
70

My 2013 wipers just quit when I was driving. Got to shop told part broke off but have to replace whole wiper transmission . cost$300 very upset this was my first Chevy purchase. Car has less than 50,000 miles. But need working wipers.

7 people found this helpful.
80

My 2013 Chevy Equinox has the same problem. The wipers just stopped working in the rain one day last week. Ridiculous that Chevy would not do a recall and fix this since it seems to happen quite frequently.

8 people found this helpful.
60

My 2013 Equinox RH wiper quit, of course while it was raining. 50,103 miles on it. The shop says the wiper transmission has bit the big one. Not thrilled at all to see all the complaints online. You'd think that there would be the making of a recall, but alas, I have to pony up the cash now.

6 people found this helpful.
80

Similar to everyone else, my wipers just stopped in the vertical position in a heavy rainstorm. Thankfully, I was still in my subdivision and not on the highway. I had to drive with my head out of the window to see to get home. Chevy needs to address this problem! It is dangerous!!

8 people found this helpful.
50

My 2010 Equinox had the same problem. Wipers stopped in the vertical position while in a heavy rainstorm, driving down the expressway. Cost of wiper transmission----$250.00. Not very happy.

5 people found this helpful.
30

my 2011 GMC terrain wipers stopped working, pitch black 5:30 A.M on the way to work. I will check the fuse, I hope its that but most likely a broken linkage.

3 people found this helpful.
70

Just happened to me driving home in a heavy rain storm. Wipes just stopped and having rain for next 2 days. Have to get into shop but goggled this issues and found out it has happened to many. This is a hazard issue, that Chevy should be replacing. Any ideas how to get this to their attention.

7 people found this helpful.
60

Help! This same thing just happened to me on Friday in a very heavy rainstorm on the highway! The wipers on my 2010 chevy equinox just stopped, I had my 3 kids in the car, it was so scary! Luckily I was able to pull over to safety and wait out the storm, but obviously need to address the issue... I've had this car for just under a year and it has been in the shop 4 times, I've had 4 different rental cars, it's horrible! Does anyone think Chevy/GM will do anything for me?

6 people found this helpful.
60

I had the same problem in 2014 with my 2010 Equinox. Same horror story during a heavy rain on the highway. Very dangerous. There is an apparent recall on these at least in Canada. http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel- avis/tc/2016/59144r-eng.php Also here: https://www.auto123.com/en/news/127000-chevy- equinox-gmc-terrain-recalled/62469/

6 people found this helpful.
30

I had this problem on my 2010 equinox last night. Heavy rainstorm,thunder lightening hit guard rails and got hung up. Very heavy traffic. Had to be towed. Could have been killed. When it was about two years old it just stopped on highway. Had to have engine rebuilt. Been in the shop for numerous other things. Horrible car. Hate it.

3 people found this helpful.
60

2014 Chevy Equinox with a broken Wiper Transmission. 2010- 2017 recalled in Canada. USA 2010 - 2014 issue with this and only 2013 have been recalled. what is wrong with this picture?

6 people found this helpful.
30

My daughter's 2012 Equinox has the same issue with the wiper transmission and she doesn't have the money to fix it. Since she has my grand daughter of 16 months age with her, I am going to get it fixed for her (and keep the receipt for reimbursement when GM finally does the right thing to recall all affected years). Of course, it is probably going to take a major lawsuit, most likely due to death or serious injury, before GM will recall the other years other than 2013 here in the USA. Sad!

3 people found this helpful.
20

Just had this happen to me with my 2013 Equinox. Pouring down rain and they flew over to the drivers side, got stuck, then stopped working. Terrified me. Luckily I was close to a gas station so I was able to just pick up some Rain X and make due till I got home. Major problem!!!

2 people found this helpful.

Same issue with my 2010 Equinox on a rainy night ~ just had it fixed at the dealer ~ was told it was the motor ~ asked about a recall, of course was told there was no recall ~ $394.00 fix ~ not happy

Same issue with my 2011 Equinox this morning. It was pouring rain and I was on the interstate. I was able to pull over under an overpass but it was terrifying with vehicles flying by at 75 miles an hour. The wipers flopped over off the windshield on the drivers side. I was able to move them back to the starting position but they will not work. I had to drive 20 miles in a downpour with no wipers on the interstate!!

Happened to me yesterday. 2012 Equinox in pouring rain. Stopped in up position. 375.00 for transmission motor.

40

Contact ur state attorney general office of consumer protection and file a complaint against GM.

4 people found this helpful.
60

2012, same issue. I watched a YouTube video and saw how to fix it. I did it myself, pretty easy. Got the part on Amazon for $75 and replaced it myself. If you have some ability to unscrew things you could do it yourself... still doesn't solve the issue that a car should not have these types of issues on a critical piece like a wiper

6 people found this helpful.

2010, Yep, at about 55 on a two lane between Eufaula and Opelika, AL my wipers took a hard left-- right off the windshield and stayed there. Cars in front of me and behind me, I couldn't see anything or even to get off the road, I slowed to 22 mph until I could find a place to pull off the road, COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. This is no joke..

Had to replace wiper motor. Was raining so hard I could not see. Wipers stopped up and over too left.

10

My dad's 2011 Equinox is in service now for the same problem. Wipers just stopped during rain storm. Had to get off the highway. Found a local Chevy dealer who identified the problem and advised there were recalls. However, when got home and took to dealer where the car was purchased, they said the recall is only for specific VINs. My son in-law had the same problem years ago with another GM vehicle. If GM won't stand behind their products, I guess it's time to look elsewhere for our next vehicle purchases.

1 people found this helpful.
40

Same thing happened to my 2012 GMC Terrain. I am shocked and dismayed that after calling GM they said that is hadn't been sent out for recall. This is clearly (no pun intended) a problem that GM is aware of yet they do nothing. Going to write the transportation safety board in DC and report them to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division in my state. We have tried out best to be loyal to GM as it is an American Company but hey they can take a flying leap if they realize they have a problem and don't fix it. Going to go Chrysler next time. Rented a Chrysler 300 on vacation was impressed with performance and quietness. Gas mileage 31 MPG with A/C on and 80 MPH out West legal speed limit.

I had the same problem with my 2015 Equinox, 50,000 miles, in June 2017. Driving home in the rain and turned on full power and they went past the windshield and stopped. Thank goodness for extended warranty or it would have cost me over $200 to fix.

40

Same problem with my 2011 Equinox. Was driving home in a severe thunderstorm with wipers full blast and all of a sudden came to a complete stop facing upward. Got so scared because I had my 3 week old son and 2 year old. Hopefully they make a recall on this!

4 people found this helpful.

2010 EQ, on the highway in Charleston WV. Stopped working. Heavy rain. Off the drivers side edge of windshield. Pulled off, bought RainX, blah blah blah. It was not pleasant. I am going to try the YouTube route and fix it myself.

25

This is not an answer. it is another report. I was driving my 2012 Equinox on a 60mph highway under a pouring rain, with the wiper on fast speed, suddenly the driver's side wipers arm passed the windshield's edge and got stuck over the driver's door. very dangerous situation due to the fact that basically I lost visibility of the road due to the heavy rain, there was not a road shoulder at close distance and cars were driving a 60mph behind me. put my emergency lights and fortunately for me the drivers behind me were professionals. and accident did not occurs. I had to go back home under "on and off rainy conditions". Normal conditions 45 minutes drive took me 2.5 hours to made back home (on highway) because the broken wiper plus the danger of get involve in an accident. This 2012 is my second equinox, but I have had so many problem with it that I will never will buy a Equinox any more. My first Equinox is a 2007, I had good experience with it and that was the reason why I bought the 2012. This 2012 has been in the dealership shop 2 time already since March 2017 just after the warranty expired $720 and $530, plus now the windshield wiper problem.( I bought it used certified in 2016). REALLY A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THIS EQUINOX. Octavio

2 people found this helpful.

Driving in the rain and the driver side windshield wiper extended beyond the windshield and got stuck. I can hear the motor running, but they are not working. Luckily nobody was hurt.

Add another 2014 Equinox to the list. Last night the wipers just quit during a heavy storm. On the freeway of course. Very dangerous. I figured it would be the fuse, but based on this thread, looks like it is not the fuse.

This happened to me Friday 12/29 during ice/snow in Missouri & on the highway. I was petrified to say the least. After researching, I found the same 2011-2013 recalls but not other years, however the issue sounds the same. How is it possible the ball & sockets wear out & come apart on a vehicle that's 2 years old? It's not covered by warranty so how does GM track the amount of issues to even get them included in a recall? It's being fixed as we speak & costing me $409.07.

100

This is actually the second time this has happend to me. First time gm gave me the run around and I put the money out myself to fix it. This time I called gm and it looks like they are going to pay for it to be repaired because they know it's a faulty piece. I don't understand how it can be recalled in Canada but not here. I'm going to figure out how to contact a government official or lawyer to get this sloved even if they reimburse me because this is a serious safety issue. I think everyone on this forum should contact gm 18002221020 and also your local representative to get this resolved before somebody winds up hurt or even dead.

6 people found this helpful.
100

Please everyone on here contact the national hotline for highway safety because this is a faulty piece that can leave someone dead! GM knows about the issue but is doing nothing to fix it! The only way is if everyone this happens to reports it so it can be investigated. This has happend to my 2014 equinox twice. And I've paid over 500 dollars

4 people found this helpful.

Just had this same issue happen to my 2014 Equinox twice within a 1 week period. First time they replaced the computer console cost us $550. This time under same circumstances they said the wiper motor transmission linkage just broke apart ... hmm. They are picking up the tab on this one.

same here on my 2015 Equinox in Florida Unreal that Canada has a recall but not the USA

Ok this is a serious situation driving in torrential rains an the blades just stop dead center in the windshield no place to pull off road in middle of the state! On two lane highway! Very dangerous situation for a woman driving alone! Had to pay for a tow to the nearest town with my triple A membership cause it was over 25 miles. Only to advise me it will cost $565 to replace the whole piece of crap unit! The car is a 2015 with only 45,000 miles on it. I maintain me vehicles with pride but now that I see the makes of this apparatus which has PLASTIC pieces in which it operates I will never purchase a Chevy again! please everyone contact the stAte attorney office and file a formal written complaint! I for sure am just due to the stress it caused me! They really need to correct this before someone does get killed or even murdered being stranded in the middle of nowhere waiting for a tow

Just happened to me 2 days ago on the highway in the pouring rain on my 2014 only 48,000 miles. I got into a accident beacause of it, very dangerous and scary situation. They really need to recall other years if the same thing is happening to so many people.

I had this happen with my 2014 Equinoxx with 64,000 miles on it. The first time it happened was during a torrential downpour a month ago. My husband took them apart when I could finally drive home in between showers and saw it was the plastic bushings that needed replacement. a $3 part. The motor was still working. He also noticed that only 2013 was recalled. I bought this car in mint condition from a dealer less than 2 years ago. Last night they flopped right over again 1/4 of my way home from work on the drivers side. My husband tried fixing the bushings again when I got home but the parts would not stay together this time. No place is open for a part this time of night. Today we are having heavy rains out here. With no wipers I had to drive my daughter to work 20 min away this morning and then proceed to my work another 20 min. It was raining so hard at one point that I could not see anything so I had to pull over twice . Luckily my dealership had one wiper transmission set left. While I was purchasing it another person was on the line with a 2011 with the same problem. Very dangerous indeed!

Same thing to our 2012 Chevy Equinox, on interstate 95 with horrible down pour and wiper flies off the driver side. Very dangerous situation and everyone knows about it and no one does anything. How many people are going to be killed before someone does something?

20

Same thing here 2015 equinox, first a few weeks ago wiper went all the way over got stuck off side but came back wiper broke and flew off in torrential down pour, we replaced it worked fine until this morning just stopped in middle of windshield and wouldn't move, pulled over and put them down and nothing but you can hear the motor but no movement.

2 people found this helpful.
10

Same thing happened on my 2010 Chevrolet equinox, the driver's side wiper blade flew off while I was driving, then the wiper arm extended beyond the windshield, twitched a few times, and stopped. Later once I replaced the blade it wouldn't work, but I noticed I could hear the motor going and the arm wiggling a bit like it was trying to catch. I was able to fix it by popping the cap off of the base of the arm and just tightening the lock nut, then I put some lock-tite on it to hopefully prevent this from happening again.

1 people found this helpful.

I am sitting on the side of the Ohio turnpike in the pouring rain because my 2015 equinox did exactly what it has done to every other poster on here. Terrifying experience driving home from vacation in 65mph in rain with my two daughters to have this suddenly happen. Thank goodness nothing terrible happened! Been on the side of the road for a couple hours waiting for roadside assistance and decided to look up the problem and found this thread. Something has to be done before people die!

Sitting on the side of the road behind my mother in-law waiting for my husband her son to get here. Her 2015 Chevy Equinox wipers stopped working on the left side while she was driving home from work in the pouring rain. Thank God she is OK. Legal actions will be taken place due to the fact this is a safety issue and she could have been killed in this very busy new bypass here in pollocksville NC. Please everyone do your best and let's take GM down. The people they are putting in danger is our loved one and it needs too stop. Do what you have to do complain, fight, show up to GM dealership demained justice. It's time to sue the pants off of them. GM will do nothing about this problem until enough people die because of it. Put a stop to it now.

This is the second time in 2 weeks that I my wipers broke down on my 2016 Chevy equinox. Driving in the rain. It is so scary to just become disabled while driving. I don’t even want to drive it anymore.

Wipers just stopped on highway in pouring rain in evening. I had my family in the car, 5 people. I was so lucky to be able to pull over without getting into a serious accident. Cars wizzing by and not being able to see. It sounds like the same problem. This is a company vehicle and the same thing happened to me in a 2013 Equinox. Thank goodness no more Chevy for next car. We could have been in s serious accident. Shame on GM for not having a recall on this obvious defect.

Same thing happened to my 2011 Equinox. I was driving home from son's football game, heavy rain and the wipers stopped working. It was hard to see going home driving a hour. I replaced the fuse and they still don't work. This is DANGEROUS and CHEVY needs to initiate a recall so we can get this fixed. It appears to be a recurring problem and I don't feel I should be the one who pays for it.

10

2011 Equinox..almost crashed..Wipers did exact same thing..Heavy rain..no visibility & they stopped dead & hung off drivers side..Barely got off the freeway...Someone will die..very freightening..In dealership tonite..They will fix tmrw..Lools like it will be expensive due to past posts...

1 people found this helpful.
10

Same problem. 2010 Equinox, wipers stopped in the middle.of storm. This will be the 3rd time this has happened and had to be replaced. Do the recall already. SOMEBODY IS GOING TO GET KILLED!!!

1 people found this helpful.

Mine too, just today. 2015 Equinox 50,000 mi. I bought the extended warranty when I bought the car (2018) so I hope to hell it’s covered.

Same thing just happened to me in my 2010 Equinox. Checked the fuses and they're good. Looks like its a common problem.

10

**GM SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT N192266180 DECEMBER, 2019** Found this in a comment, on a youtube video, of someone having the same problem. There is recall on this problem, but only on 2013 models. This "special coverage" applies to all 2010-2012 and 2014-2017 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrains. Its not an official recall yet, but its being investigated. But you have to call your dealer and give them this Special Coverage number, and they should fix it for free. And reimburse you, if you paid to have it repaired. We were never contacted by GM. We should have been!!! The same thing happened to my wife in our 2016 Equinox. On the freeway, in the rain and in the dark. She even videoed it while she was driving. Very dangerous!!

1 people found this helpful.

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