Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Equinox vs Honda CR V
How the Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR V 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 Honda CR V: The Equinox averages about 205 complaints per year and has 33 recalls, while the CR-V averages about 728 complaints per year and has 40 recalls. The CR-V also has more crash-related reports (248 vs. 126). Both have serious reported issues, so inspect carefully. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Honda CR V 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 averages about 205 NHTSA complaints per year over the past decade, with 33 recalls. Owner reports frequently describe engine stalls, fuel pump failures, and brake problems that can leave the vehicle immobilized or with reduced braking. While many Equinox owners may not experience these issues, the pattern suggests that a thorough pre-purchase inspection and attention to recall history are important.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that averages about 728 NHTSA complaints per year over the past decade, with 40 recalls. Owner complaints often involve steering glitches, engine noises or failures, and false automatic braking, sometimes occurring at very low mileage. The higher complaint volume means that, on average, a CR-V owner is more likely to encounter a reported problem, though not every vehicle will be affected.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Equinox | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,045 Better | 7,275 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 Better | 40 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 126 Better | 248 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 204.5 Better | 727.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 96 Better | 221 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 malfunctions that cause the check engine light to come on and the engine to shut off while driving, as well as power loss during acceleration or turns. These failures can leave you stranded in traffic and may require costly repairs.
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor with little resistance and dashboard warnings like 'Brake System Failure.' This means reduced braking ability when you need it most, which is a serious safety concern.
Owners report sudden engine stalls and loss of motive power without warning, often in intersections or high-traffic areas. Such stalls can be dangerous and may indicate a fuel delivery problem that needs immediate attention.
Electrical gremlins include features working intermittently, such as heated seats, cruise control disengaging, and infotainment reboots. These issues are annoying and can distract you while driving, though they are less likely to cause a crash.
“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…”
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,394
- 02ENGINE1,344
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,322
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,045
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1,008
Owners report momentary freezing of the steering and multiple warning lights, especially in rain. A sudden loss of steering control can be terrifying and dangerous, so any steering warning should be taken seriously.
Complaints include engine noise, a loud pop, smoke, and loss of oil pressure even on new vehicles with very low mileage. Such failures can lead to complete engine shutdown and expensive repairs.
The low-speed braking system sometimes triggers abrupt false-positive braking in common situations like driveways or parking lots. This unexpected braking can startle you and potentially cause a rear-end collision.
Infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay can suddenly disconnect and fail to reconnect while driving. This is more of a convenience and distraction issue than a direct safety hazard, but it can take your attention off the road.
“I am requesting immediate assistance with an ongoing safety issue involving my 2026 Honda CR-V EX AWD, VIN [XXX], which I purchased in July 2025. Each time it rains, multiple warning lights come on in my vehicle. The warning message shown includes: “Electric…”
“While driving on a mountain road/ 2 lane highway, I experienced a sudden momentary freezing of my steering. I saw a warning flash on my dashboard and thought I saw the word "steering". I pulled over, turned my car off and then back on to "reset" the computer.…”
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…
Honda CR V — 40 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with th…
The risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
The risk: A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Hon…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Equinox or Honda CR V: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Equinox has far fewer complaints per year (about 205) than the Honda CR-V (about 728), and fewer crash-related reports (126 vs. 248). In practice, this means you are statistically less likely to encounter a reported problem with an Equinox, but both vehicles have serious issues that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Equinox averages about 205 complaints per year, while the CR-V averages about 728, meaning the CR-V has more than three times as many complaints annually.
- Equinox owners frequently report engine stalls and brake failures, whereas CR-V owners more often report steering freezes and false automatic braking.
- The CR-V has more crash-related complaints (248 vs. 126) and injuries (221 vs. 96) reported to NHTSA over the same period.
- Both vehicles have recalls for fuel pump and airbag sensor issues, but the Equinox also has recalls for seats and seat belts, while the CR-V has recalls for fuel tank assembly and frame members.
- Check for any history of fuel pump replacement or engine stalling; test drive at highway speeds and during acceleration to feel for power loss.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and look for dashboard warnings like 'Brake System Failure' or 'Service ESC'; have a mechanic check the brake system thoroughly.
- Test the steering for any momentary freezing or unusual resistance, especially in wet conditions, and check for steering warning lights.
- Verify that the forward collision avoidance system does not trigger false braking; test in a safe area and check for any related recalls or software updates.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls using the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, brakes, and steering systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in steering and braking feel.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for fuel pump, brake, and electrical repairs.
- For the CR-V, specifically test the infotainment and driver-assist features to ensure they 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 | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82 | 146 |
| 2025 | 228 | 253 |
| 2024 | 79 | 393 |
| 2023 | 95 | 515 |
| 2022 | 173 | 262 |
| 2021 | 96 | 331 |
| 2020 | 309 | 353 |
| 2019 | 302 | 1101 |
| 2018 | 408 | 2150 |
| 2017 | 273 | 1771 |
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 Honda CR V in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Equinox vs Honda CR V
- Chevrolet Equinox total complaints
- 2,045
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,275
- Chevrolet Equinox total recalls
- 33
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Chevrolet Equinox avg complaints/year
- 204.5
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 727.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Equinox top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING