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 184.9 complaints per year with 33 recalls, while the Traverse averages 195.5 with 23 recalls. Equinox owners report sudden engine shutdowns and brake failures; Traverse owners face transmission and steering assist issues. 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, a compact SUV, shows a high complaint rate averaging 184.9 per year over a decade, with engine and brake issues dominating. Owners report sudden engine shutdowns while driving, brake failures without warning, and electrical gremlins that strand the vehicle. The 33 recalls and 115 crash-related complaints suggest these failures can lead to dangerous situations, making it a vehicle that demands careful pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse, a larger SUV, has a slightly higher complaint rate of 195.5 per year, but fewer recalls (23) and crash-related complaints (63). Powertrain and electrical system problems are most common, with owners experiencing transmission issues, sudden loss of steering assist, and false collision warnings. The three deaths reported underscore the potential severity of its defects, though the overall pattern is less dramatic than the Equinox's.
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 | 1,849 Better | 1,955 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 23 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 115 | 63 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 184.9 Better | 195.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 86 | 57 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 3 |
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
- 01ENGINE518
- 02SERVICE BRAKES379
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM285
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM277
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER272
Owners report the engine shutting off while driving, often at low speeds or stops, and failing to restart. The starter can fail as early as 6,500 miles, leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic.
Brake vibration during acceleration and sudden loss of braking performance due to master cylinder failure are common. This can lead to extended stopping distances or complete brake failure without warning.
The vehicle may not start, with warning messages like 'Service Battery Fault' appearing at low mileage. Electrical failures can also cause the transmission to shift into park while driving at highway speeds.
Fuel pump control module failures cause the vehicle to turn off while driving and not restart immediately, requiring multiple repairs for the same issue.
“The starter on a new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS failed at approximately 6,500 miles. While the vehicle was being driven home during evening rush hour, it shut off at a red light and would not restart. The vehicle was stranded in the left lane of a four-lane hi…”
“On Friday March 20, 2026, we traded in a Chevy Equinox to get a newer model which is the VIN number we listed in this complaint. Driving home from the dealership the vehicle went from drive to park on its own (driving at 65 miles/hr) and my husband had to imm…”
Chevrolet Traverse
- 01POWER TRAIN501
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM369
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER333
- 04ENGINE318
- 05AIR BAGS291
Transmission issues include the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into park or the Auto Start-Stop system engaging with warning lights. Driveshaft and transmission recalls indicate potential driveline failures.
Owners experience 'Service Brake Assist' warnings with hard brake pedals, and 'Steering Assist Reduced' messages that make steering difficult while driving. These can compromise control.
Exhaust leaks in the front pipe are a recurring problem, even after warranty repairs, posing a fire risk and allowing fumes into the cabin.
Side curtain air bag recalls and occupant classification sensor issues suggest potential deployment failures in a crash.
“The contact's husband leases a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 minutes, the contact who was occupying the front passenger's side seat turned off the vehicle while the driver's seat was un…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the engine Auto Start-Stop system engaged, and the ESC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving the following day, the vehicle…”
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 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 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…
Chevrolet Traverse — 23 recalls
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-…
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…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Equinox or Chevrolet Traverse: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Equinox has a slightly lower complaint rate (184.9 vs 195.5 per year) but more recalls (33 vs 23) and more crash-related complaints (115 vs 63). In practice, the Equinox's engine and brake failures are more likely to cause immediate danger, while the Traverse's issues are more about drivability and false warnings. Neither is a clear winner, but the Equinox's higher recall count suggests more systemic problems.
Key differences
- Equinox has more engine and brake failures that can cause sudden loss of power or stopping ability; Traverse has more powertrain and electrical issues that affect drivability.
- Equinox has 115 crash-related complaints vs Traverse's 63, indicating more accidents linked to its defects.
- Traverse has 3 deaths reported vs Equinox's 1, but Equinox has 86 injuries vs Traverse's 57.
- Equinox has 33 recalls covering seats, air bags, and structure; Traverse has 23 recalls focused on powertrain and air bags.
- Check for engine stalling or starting issues, especially at low mileage; test drive to ensure no sudden shutdowns.
- Inspect brake feel for vibration or sponginess, and verify no warning lights for brake system.
- Test the transmission for unexpected shifts or engagement of Auto Start-Stop with warning lights.
- Check for exhaust leaks, especially in the front pipe, and listen for loud noises under acceleration.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls on both models.
- Test drive the Equinox at various speeds to detect engine stalling or brake vibration.
- Test drive the Traverse to ensure steering assist works smoothly and no false collision warnings occur.
- Inspect the Equinox's electrical system by starting the car multiple times to check for no-start issues.
- For the Traverse, listen for exhaust leaks and check transmission behavior during stop-and-go traffic.
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 | 48 | 16 |
| 2025 | 199 | 165 |
| 2024 | 60 | 121 |
| 2023 | 82 | 76 |
| 2022 | 148 | 90 |
| 2021 | 85 | 84 |
| 2020 | 281 | 209 |
| 2019 | 289 | 391 |
| 2018 | 387 | 446 |
| 2017 | 270 | 357 |
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
- 1,849
- Chevrolet Traverse total complaints
- 1,955
- Chevrolet Equinox total recalls
- 33
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Equinox avg complaints/year
- 184.9
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 195.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Equinox top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN