2016 Chevrolet Equinox: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Chevrolet Equinox? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 388 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2016 Chevrolet Equinox trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has 388 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Equinox
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 388
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Check for any open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, wiper, and transmission repairs.
- Test all visibility features (wipers, defroster, lights) during a test drive.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Check for any open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, wiper, and transmission repairs.
- Test all visibility features (wipers, defroster, lights) during a test drive.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox are heavily concentrated in engine problems, followed by visibility/wiper issues. The data suggests these two areas may be recurring concerns for this model year, though the low confidence level means patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (206 out of 388).
- Visibility/wiper issues are the second most reported component (111 complaints).
- There is 1 recall and 14 crash-related complaints for the 2016 model year.
- Engine Problems
- Visibility/Wiper
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2016 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 206 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 111 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 31 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 26 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 24 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 6 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Excessive oil consumption with no warning light, loss of power, and stalling. Also caused the master seal to leak and plugged the PCV valve. I have records for the repairs. It continues to excessively use oil and is not a reliable vehicle. When it stalls, power steering is lost a…
engine constantly eats oil, no oil leak
Engine failure. There is a class action that has been filed for this exact make, model, and engine size. There were no lights indicating an issue and the car had recently been serviced with an oil change and oil filter change and was being regularly maintained on oil changes. Whe…
Transfer case and front differential failure. No warning lights came on beforehand
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle on a cold, snowy day, there was oil on the driveway. There was a fuel odor inside the vehicle, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mech…
I am writing to formally document a series of catastrophic mechanical failures regarding the aforementioned vehicle. Despite rigorous maintenance and significant financial investment, the car remains non-drivable, posing a severe safety risk. Chronology of Failures: October 202…
The wiper blade motor is gone out. The tire pressure sensor is off : the oil seems to disappear faster than the sensor
Clogged PCV caused engine pressure resulting in failure of rear main seal
While driving with windshield wipers on, they suddenly stopped working. The wipers were stuck in position in the center of my windshield. Upon inspection, it appeared that one of the arms had become disconnected from the piece it was connected to. Snapped right off during unsafe …
I just got this used car in seemingly great shape, was told it was garage kept and well cared for. Dealer had oil changed before I drove it off the lot. I only had it about one month, had driven about 1,000 miles so far, I check the oil, and dipstick was nearly dry. I threw oil i…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that two weeks after the vehicle was purchased, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the engine was very low on oil. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact…
This car used so much oil that I had to put it in constantly. Eventually the time belt broke, and the car stopped because it literally had no oil in it causing the engine to blow. This is a known problem I found out later on.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The warning light remained illuminated constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the weight…
When I was driving home from the grocery store a very heavy thunderstorm started I turned my wipers off because of the sudden rain just to realize that they were not working. I had to pull over because I couldn’t see. Causing me to almost get rear ended with my 6 month old, 18 mo…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and idled abnormally. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle jumped unintendedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued…
The high pressure fuel pump leaking into crankcase and leaking gasket the fuel in the oil was so much it lit on fire.
oil consumption is bad. according to mechanic it has now caused problems with timing chain and tensioner. I have to get that replaced ASAP before engine ties up. There is a class action lawsuit in Missouri for same reason with cars like mine. My car has not even hit 114,000.
Front wipers stop working in the middle of a rain storm while driving down the highway we were unable to see anything(road/cars)out of the window. We had to put on flashers and stick head out of a rolled down window to (which with rain slapping you in the face is not safe either)…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that one and a half quarts of oil needed to be added every two days. The vehicle was taken …
The concern is the oil consumption. The car looses a quart of oil a month. I average only 620 miles per month. There is no leak. A mechanic has been keeping track of it every month since April 2025. No warning lights alerted me of the problem. This has been an ongoing problem wit…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 388 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
#1: Engine Problems (206 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (111 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 388 total complaints. 22 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Equinox reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.