Head-to-head reliability
Honda CR V vs Chevrolet Equinox
How the Honda CR V and Chevrolet Equinox compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Honda CR V vs Chevrolet Equinox: Over 10 years, the CR V averaged 727.5 complaints per year and had 40 recalls, while the Equinox averaged 204.5 complaints per year and had 33 recalls. Both have reported safety issues, but the CR V has more than three times as many annual complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda CR V or Chevrolet Equinox more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR V is a popular compact SUV that owners often keep for many years. Over a decade, it has averaged about 728 complaints per year, with the most common issues involving steering, engine, forward collision avoidance, electrical system, and fuel/propulsion system. Many complaints describe sudden steering freezes, engine noises and failures, and false automatic braking. These patterns suggest that while the CR V is widely used, some owners face recurring safety-related problems.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that competes with the CR V. It has averaged about 205 complaints per year over ten years, with top issues in engine, service brakes, fuel/propulsion system, electrical system, and unknown areas. Owners report fuel pump failures, brake pedal going to the floor, and sudden engine stalls. These complaints indicate that some Equinox owners experience serious drivability and braking problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda CR V | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,275 | 2,045 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 | 33 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 248 | 126 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 727.5 | 204.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 221 | 96 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 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.
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,394
- 02ENGINE1,344
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,322
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,045
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1,008
Owners report sudden momentary freezing of the steering, sometimes with a warning light, often in rain or on mountain roads. This can make the vehicle hard to control, so a buyer should test steering feel and check for related recalls.
Complaints include engine noise, a loud pop, smoke, and loss of oil pressure shortly after purchase. Such failures can lead to stalling or costly repairs, so a pre-purchase inspection should look for leaks, noises, and oil pressure issues.
Owners describe false-positive automatic braking that triggers abruptly on steep driveways or in common driving. This can surprise the driver and increase crash risk, so a buyer should test the system and check for software updates.
Reports include infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay disconnecting while driving, and security concerns about the front radar module. These glitches can distract the driver and may require dealer visits to fix.
“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.…”
Chevrolet Equinox
- 01ENGINE556
- 02SERVICE BRAKES423
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM322
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM319
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER293
Owners report fuel pump malfunction, check engine light, jerking, and engine shut-off while driving. Some also experience power loss during acceleration or turns. These issues can leave a driver stranded, so a buyer should check for fuel pump recalls and test drive under various conditions.
Complaints include the brake pedal going to the floor with little resistance and messages like 'Brake System Failure' and 'Service ESC'. This is a serious safety concern, so a buyer should have the brake system inspected and check for related recalls.
Owners describe sudden engine stall and loss of motive power without warning, sometimes in intersections or traffic. This can be dangerous, so a buyer should ask about fuel pump repairs and test for hesitation or stalling.
Reports include electronics working in a muted manner, park assist and cruise control disengaging, infotainment rebooting, and camera system failures. These annoyances can affect convenience and safety features, so a buyer should test all electronics.
“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…”
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.
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…
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…
Buyer analysis
Honda CR V or Chevrolet Equinox: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Equinox has far fewer complaints per year (about 205) than the Honda CR V (about 728), but both have serious reported issues. The Equinox's lower volume may mean fewer owners are reporting problems, but the nature of its complaints—brake failure and engine stalls—can be severe. In practice, the CR V's higher complaint rate suggests more frequent owner-reported issues, while the Equinox's lower rate does not guarantee fewer problems.
Key differences
- The Honda CR V has about 728 complaints per year, while the Chevrolet Equinox has about 205 per year, meaning the CR V has more than three times as many complaints annually.
- Honda CR V owners frequently report steering freezes and false automatic braking, while Chevrolet Equinox owners more often report brake pedal failure and engine stalls.
- The CR V has 40 recalls over ten years, compared to 33 for the Equinox, but both have recalls for fuel system and air bag sensor issues.
- The Equinox has 2 deaths reported in complaints versus 1 for the CR V, though these numbers are small and should be interpreted with caution.
- During a test drive, check for any momentary steering freeze or warning lights, especially in wet conditions, as owners report this issue.
- Listen for engine noises, check for smoke, and verify oil pressure; owners report engine failure shortly after purchase.
- Test the brakes at various speeds; if the pedal feels soft or goes to the floor, it could indicate a brake system failure reported by owners.
- Check for fuel pump issues by looking for check engine lights, hesitation, or stalling during acceleration and turns.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been completed, especially for fuel pumps, brakes, and air bags.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on steering, brakes, engine, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, test all safety features including forward collision avoidance, lane keeping, and automatic braking.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any repairs related to fuel pump, brakes, or engine.
- Check for open recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool and ensure they are fixed before purchase.
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 | Honda CR V | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 146 | 82 |
| 2025 | 253 | 228 |
| 2024 | 393 | 79 |
| 2023 | 515 | 95 |
| 2022 | 262 | 173 |
| 2021 | 331 | 96 |
| 2020 | 353 | 309 |
| 2019 | 1101 | 302 |
| 2018 | 2150 | 408 |
| 2017 | 1771 | 273 |
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 Honda CR V or Chevrolet Equinox in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda CR V vs Chevrolet Equinox
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,275
- Chevrolet Equinox total complaints
- 2,045
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Chevrolet Equinox total recalls
- 33
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 727.5
- Chevrolet Equinox avg complaints/year
- 204.5
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Equinox top complaint area
- ENGINE