Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Traverse
How the Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Traverse 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 Traverse: The Equinox averages 193.3 complaints per year, with top issues in engine and brakes, while the Traverse averages 201.5, with powertrain and electrical problems. Both have had recalls, but the Equinox has more brake-related failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Chevrolet Traverse 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, over the past decade, has generated a high volume of owner complaints, averaging nearly 200 per year. The most frequent issues center on the engine, brakes, and electrical system, with many reports describing sudden power loss, brake failure, and electronic glitches. Living with an Equinox may involve unexpected breakdowns and visits to the dealer, especially for newer models.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse, a larger SUV, also shows a significant complaint rate, with powertrain and electrical problems leading the list. Owners frequently report transmission jerking, steering assist failures, and random brake activations, which can be alarming and potentially dangerous. The Traverse's issues often involve complex systems that may require multiple repairs.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,933 Better | 2,015 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 23 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 116 | 64 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 193.3 Better | 201.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 86 | 62 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 1 |
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
- 01ENGINE540
- 02SERVICE BRAKES402
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM301
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM297
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER277
Owners report fuel pump failures causing stalling and loss of power, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds. Some describe the engine shutting off without warning, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Brake pedal going to the floor with little resistance, accompanied by warning messages like 'Brake System Failure' and 'Service ESC'. This indicates potential brake system failures that compromise stopping ability.
Electrical gremlins include infotainment screen reboots, camera system failures, and water leaks into the fuse panel and power outlets. These can lead to intermittent loss of features and potential short circuits.
Sudden engine stalls and loss of motive power in high-traffic areas, leaving the vehicle immobilized. This is a critical safety issue as it can cause accidents.
“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 Traverse
- 01POWER TRAIN523
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM385
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER347
- 04ENGINE325
- 05AIR BAGS292
Transmission issues cause hard jerking during acceleration and shifting, with the check engine light illuminating. Some owners report the vehicle becoming unsafe to drive due to abnormal transmission behavior.
Steering assist reduces while driving, displaying 'Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care.' Also, random brake assist warnings and hard brake pedal feel, indicating potential electrical control issues.
Engine/cooling system failures, fuel-injector misfires, and stalling. Some owners report the vehicle slamming on brakes and putting itself in park at random times, which is extremely hazardous.
While specific airbag complaints are not detailed in the sample, the high number of airbag-related complaints suggests potential issues with deployment or warning lights, which could affect safety in a crash.
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently a…”
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began jerking very hard during acceleration and shifting. The Check Engine Light illuminated, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive because the transmission was not operating normally. I wa…”
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 Traverse — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
The risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Equinox or Chevrolet Traverse: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Equinox has slightly fewer complaints per year (193.3) compared to the Traverse (201.5), but both are high. The Equinox's issues are more concentrated in engine and brakes, while the Traverse has more powertrain and electrical problems. In practice, both vehicles may require frequent repairs, but the Equinox's brake failures are particularly concerning for safety.
Key differences
- Equinox has more brake complaints (402) than Traverse (not in top 5), indicating a specific brake system weakness.
- Traverse has more powertrain complaints (523) than Equinox (engine 540, but powertrain not top), suggesting transmission issues are more prominent.
- Equinox has more fuel/propulsion complaints (297) than Traverse (not in top 5), pointing to fuel system problems.
- Traverse has more airbag complaints (292) than Equinox (not in top 5), which could be a safety concern.
- Check for any history of brake system warnings or repairs, as brake failure is a common complaint.
- Inspect the fuel pump and engine for stalling issues, especially if the vehicle has high mileage.
- Look for transmission jerking or slipping during a test drive, and check for any warning lights related to the powertrain.
- Verify the steering assist system works properly and there are no 'Steering Assist Reduced' messages.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for recalls and previous complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on brakes, engine, and transmission.
- Test drive at various speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to feel for any hesitation or jerking.
- Check for water leaks in the rear passenger area and fuse panel, especially in the Equinox.
- Verify all electrical features (infotainment, cameras, park assist) work consistently.
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 Traverse |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 58 | 20 |
| 2025 | 210 | 171 |
| 2024 | 69 | 128 |
| 2023 | 90 | 85 |
| 2022 | 158 | 94 |
| 2021 | 88 | 86 |
| 2020 | 299 | 217 |
| 2019 | 294 | 400 |
| 2018 | 396 | 454 |
| 2017 | 271 | 360 |
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 Traverse in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Equinox total complaints
- 1,933
- Chevrolet Traverse total complaints
- 2,015
- Chevrolet Equinox total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Equinox avg complaints/year
- 193.3
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 201.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Equinox top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN