Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Malibu
How the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Malibu compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Malibu: The Equinox averages about 205 complaints per year, while the Malibu averages about 298. Both have engine and electrical issues, but the Equinox has more brake and fuel system complaints, and the Malibu has more power train and electrical problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Chevrolet Malibu more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of reliability. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 205 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving the engine, brakes, and fuel system. Many reports describe sudden loss of power, brake failure, and fuel pump problems, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. While not every Equinox will have these issues, buyers should be aware of these patterns and check for recalls and service history.
Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a midsize sedan that has generated more complaints per year than the Equinox, averaging about 298 annually. The most frequent problem areas are the engine, electrical system, and power train, with owners reporting stalling, reduced power, and transmission jerking. Electrical glitches, such as starting problems and camera failures, are also common. These issues suggest that the Malibu may require more frequent attention and could be costlier to maintain.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,045 Better | 2,982 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 29 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 126 | 94 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 204.5 Better | 298.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 96 | 71 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Chevrolet Equinox
- 01ENGINE556
- 02SERVICE BRAKES423
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM322
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM319
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER293
Owners report fuel pump failures that cause the engine to shut off while driving, and some experience power loss during acceleration or turns. These issues can leave you stranded or create dangerous situations on the road.
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor with little resistance, often accompanied by warning messages like 'Brake System Failure.' This indicates a potential loss of braking ability, which is a serious safety concern.
Multiple reports of sudden engine stall and loss of power, sometimes in high-traffic areas. This can be frightening and may require costly repairs to the fuel system.
Owners mention various electrical gremlins, such as infotainment reboots, driver assist features disengaging, and persistent check engine lights. These can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose.
“The fuel pump on my 2023 Chevrolet Equinox began malfunctioning on [XXX] when the check engine light came on. Less than 24 hours later, the light went out. On [XXX], while leaving a CVS pharmacy, the vehicle jerked, then the engine shut off. After putting the…”
“My 2023 Equinox RS losses power during quick acceleration for lane changes or passing. It will also lose power during some turns at normal speed. It will also accelerate and deaccelerate at a low speed making it feel like the gears are slipping. Auto stop on…”
Chevrolet Malibu
- 01ENGINE1,027
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM812
- 03POWER TRAIN678
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER648
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL445
Common complaints include the car not starting, reduced engine power, and rough shifting. These issues can leave you unable to drive and may indicate underlying problems with the engine or transmission.
Owners report starting problems, rearview camera failures, and various electronic glitches. These can affect daily usability and may be expensive to fix.
Reports of harsh shifting, jerking, and loss of power, especially when cold or pulling into traffic. This can make the car feel unreliable and may lead to transmission repairs.
Complaints related to unintended acceleration or cruise control issues, though specific details are limited in the sample. This is a potential safety concern that warrants attention.
“My vehicle sometimes will not start when I press the Start Button and press the brakes at the same time. The dashboard will light up with a message that says “Service ESC” followed by “Engine Power is Reduced”. When it does start, I can drive the vehicle for…”
“My 2024 Chevy Malibu has lost power and is not shifting properly yet it’s not displaying any codes. It shifts and jerks very hard when on a cold start but also will not get up and go when I pull into traffic. This has caused me to almost get hit numerous time…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Chevrolet Equinox — 33 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The driver's seat may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height-adjust pivot.
The risk: A seat with a missing or loose bolt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC cus…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
The risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's nu…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail…
The risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The door strikers may fracture, resulting in the door opening unexpectedly.
The risk: A door opening while the vehicle is being driven can increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four door strikers and attaching bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462…
Chevrolet Malibu — 29 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N2625…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N2625…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
The risk: A rearview image that does not display correctly reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N2625…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Cadillac XT4 and Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The vehicles may have the wrong owner's manual in the glove box. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorag…
The risk: The wrong owner's manual may contain inaccurate information about vehicle functions and other safety relevant information, which could lead to improper operation of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will provide owners with the correct manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 26, 2024. Owners may contact Cadillac's customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Equinox or Chevrolet Malibu: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Equinox has fewer complaints per year (about 205) compared to the Malibu (about 298), suggesting it may have slightly better overall reliability. However, both vehicles have notable issues with engines and electrical systems. In practice, the Equinox might require fewer trips to the shop, but buyers should still be vigilant about the specific problems reported.
Key differences
- The Equinox has fewer complaints per year (205 vs. 298), but both have engine issues; the Equinox often involves fuel pump failures, while the Malibu frequently reports starting and power loss problems.
- Brake problems are a top concern for the Equinox, with reports of pedal going to the floor, whereas the Malibu's top issues are electrical and power train related.
- The Malibu has more electrical complaints, including rearview camera failures and starting glitches, while the Equinox has more fuel/propulsion system complaints.
- Both have 2 deaths reported, but the Equinox has more crash-related complaints (126 vs. 94) and injuries (96 vs. 71), though these numbers don't necessarily indicate fault.
- Check for any history of fuel pump replacement or engine stalling; test drive at various speeds and during acceleration to feel for power loss.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and look for any warning lights related to the brake system; ask if the brake system failure recall has been addressed.
- Test the starting system multiple times and look for 'Service ESC' or 'Engine Power Reduced' messages; check for transmission jerking during cold starts.
- Verify that the rearview camera works consistently and check for any electrical gremlins like infotainment reboots or starting issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, stalling, or unusual noises, and test all electronic features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump, brake, and electrical repairs.
- Consider a warranty or set aside a repair fund, as both models have known issues that may require attention.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet Malibu |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 228 | 11 |
| 2024 | 79 | 42 |
| 2023 | 95 | 70 |
| 2022 | 173 | 98 |
| 2021 | 96 | 89 |
| 2020 | 309 | 198 |
| 2019 | 302 | 191 |
| 2018 | 408 | 698 |
| 2017 | 273 | 724 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Chevrolet Equinox or Chevrolet Malibu in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Malibu
- Chevrolet Equinox total complaints
- 2,045
- Chevrolet Malibu total complaints
- 2,982
- Chevrolet Equinox total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Malibu total recalls
- 29
- Chevrolet Equinox avg complaints/year
- 204.5
- Chevrolet Malibu avg complaints/year
- 298.2
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Equinox top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Malibu top complaint area
- ENGINE