Chevrolet Equinox Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Equinox options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Equinox has 2,045 owner complaints and 33 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2024 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Equinox
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,045
- Safety recall campaigns
- 33
- Crash-related complaints
- 126
- Fire-related complaints
- 27
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2018 (408 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2024 (79 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Chevrolet Equinox: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 2,045 NHTSA complaints and 33 recalls on record. 126 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,045 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 33 federal recall campaigns
- 126 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
33 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR
TIRES
TIRES
SEATS
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
SEAT BELTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SEATS
SEATS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,045 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,045 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
**NHTSA Complaint Summary: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Warranty & Safety Failure** * **First Stall & Initial Negligence:** After a factory engine replacement, the vehicle suffered a fuel system failure. Castle Rock Chevrolet falsely claimed it was repaired, leading to a catastrophic stall on a high-speed highway with raw gasoline and burning plastic odors. * **Second Stall & False Diagnosis:** Following a tow, the dealership cleared the car, claiming "no errors". Within 24 hours, it stalled again in live traffic. Castle Rock then refused emergency warranty service and hung up on you. * **Critical Safety Hazard:** The vehicle experiences a severe electrical voltage drop (triggering **"Engine Power Is Reduced"** and **"Battery Saver Active"** warnings). This causes a sudden, dangerous **loss of Electric Power Steering (steering locks up)** and **fuel injection failure** while driving in traffic, creating an extreme crash risk. This recurring hazard stems from improperly reassembled or melted wiring harnesses following dealership repairs.
The ongoing issues with my 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, VIN [XXX], which I have brought to your dealership multiple times for the same unresolved problem. I was told three separate times that the engine light was fixed. I checked the vehicle today, and the engine light is still on. I was misled three times. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have not been able to drive it. Instead, I have spent the last four weeks repeatedly picking up and dropping off the car at your dealership. The vehicle has spent more time in your service department than with me. This has caused significant loss of time, money, and peace of mind. You have wasted my time, energy, and resources, and your team has already put 95 miles on my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The vehicle is experiencing repeated, sudden engine stalling while driving at speed, creating an immediate risk of a severe traffic collision. In March 2025, the fuel pump failed and was replaced by an independent mechanic, who later had to clear a system clog in August 2025 after a second stall. In August 2026, the dealership replaced the fuel pump under an official NHTSA safety recall. Within days of receiving the vehicle back, the new recall remedy failed, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic again and nearly cause a major accident. The vehicle has suffered four separate fuel-system-related failures/stalls under 87,000 miles. The manufacturer's official recall remedy has failed to resolve the safety hazard, and the vehicle remains entirely unsafe to drive.
From the very first day of purchase, the vehicle displayed a check‑engine light, which I immediately pointed out to your salesperson. My concerns were dismissed, and I was assured that it was “not a big deal,” despite the fact that the issue was clearly present at the time of sale. Since then, I have spent substantial time and money attempting to resolve the vehicle’s defects. A mechanic spent six hours diagnosing and attempting repairs, yet the vehicle continues to display serious fault codes, including: EVAP System Switching Valve “B” Performance / Stuck Open DC/DC Converter Voltage Sensor “A” Range/Performance
I own a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox that is experiencing unexpected loss of power while driving, hard starting, warning lights, and fuel-system-related diagnostic trouble codes. There is an open GM recall/customer satisfaction program related to the fuel system. I contacted General Motors and was given Customer Assistance Case #1069141090. GM advised me that the applicable recall repair needs to be performed. I brought the vehicle to Bomnin Chevrolet West Kendall and explained that the vehicle was losing power unexpectedly while being driven. The dealership acknowledged that it could see the recall but told me that Bomnin reserved the right not to perform the recall repair and directed me to drive the vehicle to another dealership in Miami Lakes. I am concerned about being instructed to continue driving a vehicle that can unexpectedly lose power while in traffic. I am reporting this because I believe the condition presents a potential safety risk and the recall-related issue has not been resolved.
Our 2023 Equinox needs the high pressure fuel pump replaced after we broke down on the side of the road. Thankfully, we were able to get to a safe location while we waited for a tow truck since our vehicle would no longer accelerate. There is currently a recall (N242450160) for Equinoxes made between 2023-2024 for the exact issue/part replacement ours needs. However, we were not notified of this recall because our VIN number is not currently included in the recall.
Read 14 more owner reports
Purchased vehicle at 53k miles in March 27 of this year it broke down April 27 a month later took it to Chevy dealership. They said it had recall to reprogram fuel pump later discovered the high pressure fuel pump went out and one fuel injector went bad at the same time. I wasn’t informed on recalls when purchasing vehicle. Bill was $1300+ I had to come out of pocket $520 for the repairs.July 12 the ac compressor went out but i cancelled my warranties cause they didn’t cover all repairs so I had to replace compressor my self.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on several occasions, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and a diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0191. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: N242450160. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
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 occasion will be a hard take off requiring a firm foot on the brake. At time it will also shift hard into 1st gear. My car has been in the dealership three times for this issue and the last time the tech said there was a recall for the issue and performed some reset and gave me the car back. Other than that they said there is nothing they can do about it. This issue presents a major safety issue especially when it losses power during a lane change or passing someone. I can't anticipate when the power will come back and by that time the traffic has now caught up to me. This problem started probably 6-8 months after I purchased the car new from the dealership.
This malfunction occurred twice while driving in town and on interstate. Car went into low power mode due to fuel pump and fuel injectors failing. Stopped running and would not restart.
Reduced power displayed and engine light came on. This happened on very early morning commute. Dangerous early morning timeframe before 6 am in very dense rural area to where speed totally reduced and then pulled over to losing engine power. Was basically stranded, no one around. Would not start. Had towed. Without vehicle for 5 days and Chevy dealership service could not recreate the issue. Codes read P0089 and P00C6. I am finding out by researching this is a recall issue in previous vehicles. Why not the 2023? This will likely happen again and my commute round trip is 2.5 hrs every day. I am afraid to drive this vehicle. My safety and others are at risk not if but when it happens again. This vehicle very well maintained and now I can't trust it.
See attached document for complaint.
The vehicle experienced multiple instances of sudden engine stall and loss of motive power. These failures occurred without warning, leaving the vehicle immobilized in high-traffic areas, including a turn in a multi-lane roadway. This defect creates an unreasonable risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in hazardous traffic conditions. Incident Chronology: Initial Failure: In April 2026, the vehicle stalled in an intersection. After a manual reset of the Check Engine Light (CEL), the vehicle stalled again during a turn. Diagnostic codes P228C (Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Exceeded Control Limits) and P0089 (Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Performance) were present. First Attempted Repair: The dealership performed a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)/recall procedure to calibrate the fuel pump and pressure sensors. Recurrence: Immediately upon retrieval, the vehicle stalled again. The vehicle would not restart or maintain idle, necessitating a second tow. Final Repair: The dealership recalibrate the module. Additional Safety Concerns: the vehicle experienced multiple "Reduced Engine Power" events and "Check Engine" flashes while traveling at highway speeds (approx. 70 mph). Manufacturer Response: Despite the "Engine" designation of the diagnostic codes, GM initially claimed the fuel pump was not covered under the powertrain warranty. While partial assistance was provided for repairs, the recurring nature of these stalls suggests a significant reliability issue with the high-pressure fuel system components and engine. After purchasing 4+ Equinox's within the last few years without any issue this is the worst experience I have had thus far.
Fuel pump has been repaired twice since I bought the vehicle brand new and now it’s faulty again it’s going to the dealership for a third time again
I was driving on freeway and went to pass a semi. The suv hesitated and had terrible turbo lag. It almost caused an accident if it hadn’t been for the truck behind me taking action to avoid a collision.
The vehicle experienced multiple instances of sudden engine stall and loss of motive power while navigating active downtown intersections and airport terminal lanes in Atlanta, GA. These failures occurred without warning, leaving the vehicle immobilized in high-traffic areas, including a turn in a multi-lane roadway. This defect creates an unreasonable risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in hazardous traffic conditions. Incident Chronology: Initial Failure: In February 2026, the vehicle stalled in an intersection. After a manual reset of the Check Engine Light (CEL), the vehicle stalled again during a turn. Diagnostic codes P228C (Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Exceeded Control Limits) and P0089 (Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Performance) were present. First Attempted Repair: The dealership performed a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)/recall procedure to calibrate the fuel pump and pressure sensors. Recurrence: Immediately upon retrieval, the vehicle stalled again in a "no parking" zone at a major airport after 45 minutes of operation. The vehicle would not restart or maintain idle, necessitating a second tow. Final Repair: The dealership replaced the fuel pump assembly. Additional Safety Concerns: Approximately 4,000 miles prior to the fuel pump failure, the vehicle experienced multiple "Reduced Engine Power" events and "Service ESC" flashes while traveling at highway speeds (approx. 70 mph) in rainy conditions. The dealership replaced all fuel injectors and spark plugs at that time. Manufacturer Response: Despite the "Engine" designation of the diagnostic codes, GM initially claimed the fuel pump was not covered under the powertrain warranty. While partial assistance was provided for repairs, the recurring nature of these stalls suggests a significant reliability issue with the high-pressure fuel system components and engine.
The back window shattered in my driveway after Getting in car to go to work. Happened when shut the door.
It keeps stalling and trying to die out. I seen this has been an issue in previous years and in some cases this year. There has not been a recall issued yet for the 2023.
On January 21, 2026 i was involved in a car accident with a tractor in which the tractor collided with my passenger front side of my car causing me to slide into corn field causing the total destruction of my vehicle. None of my airbags deployed. There were no warning lamps or indicators from the vehicle showing a fault prior to the accident. The vehicle has been inspected by the insurance adjustor. It is unknown if other vehicles have had the same issue to my knowledge.
I have confirmed with a reputable repair shop that my alternator is defective and is dangerous to drive. No dealership in my area will entertain that this is a possibility. I have consistently had problems with braking, accelerating and steering. My vehicle throws codes constantly for suspension, communications, safety restraints, air bags, rear differential, ABS and more. This vehicle is a significant danger to myself and others. This has been happening since the day I purchased it. There is also an active safety bulletin regarding my fuel pump that the manufacturer will not address. Again, This vehicle will hurt someone.
Showing 20 of 2,045 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Equinox
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Equinox, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Equinox has 2,045 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Equinox has 33 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 126 of the Chevrolet Equinox's 2,045 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Equinox vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Equinox vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Equinox has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Chevrolet Equinox by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Equinox.
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Keep researching before you buy
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Chevrolet Equinox reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Poor. The Chevrolet Equinox has 2,045 NHTSA owner complaints and 33 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (408 complaints), 2020 (309 complaints), 2019 (302 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Equinox problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (556 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (423 complaints); FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (322 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?
Yes — 33 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Equinox. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.