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⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2017 Chevrolet Equinox? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 269 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.

269
Complaints
18
Crashes
4
Fires
14
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
β€”
Recalls

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2017 Chevrolet Equinox trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

20
MPG City
16–21 range
28
MPG Hwy
23–31 range
23
MPG Combined
18–25 range
381
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $2,750 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2017 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

4/5

17.4% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

17.4% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox has 269 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2017 Chevrolet Equinox β€” key reliability facts
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Equinox
Model year
2017
NHTSA owner complaints
269
Crash-related complaints
18
Safety recall campaigns
0
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 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
193
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:3
Injuries:5
#2
35
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Injuries:6
#3
32
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Equinox

Inspection Focus

  • Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and fuel system before purchase.
  • Check for any outstanding warranty or extended coverage on reported components.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and fuel system before purchase.
  • Check for any outstanding warranty or extended coverage on reported components.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Equinox are heavily concentrated in the Engine Problems component, which accounts for the majority of reports. Other notable areas include Uncategorized Issues and Transmission/Drivetrain problems. The data suggests potential concerns with engine performance and reliability, though the confidence level is low due to the limited sample size.

Key Findings
  • Engine Problems dominate complaints for the 2017 model year.
  • Transmission/Drivetrain and Fuel/Propulsion System issues are also frequently reported.
  • There are 18 crash-related complaints, indicating possible safety implications.
Top Concerns
  • Engine Problems
  • Transmission/Drivetrain
  • Fuel/Propulsion System
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. The confidence level is Low, meaning the data may not be representative of all vehicles. Only one model year (2017) was analyzed, limiting the ability to identify broader trends.

All 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems19313β€”
Uncategorized Issues351β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain32β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System2012β€”
Airbag Malfunctions1914β€”β€”
Electrical Faults17β€”2β€”
Visibility/Wiper10β€”β€”β€”
Brake System95β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration62β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues52β€”β€”
Structural Problems52β€”β€”
Wheel Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects1β€”β€”β€”
Air1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB11β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”

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 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 269 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsApr 21, 2026

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier certified pre-owned vehicle experienced multiple safety-related defects. 1. REPEATED STARTING FAILURES (electrical/battery/starter system): - March 17, 2026: Complete battery failure, vehicle would not start. AAA/GM Roadside Assistance called. Deal…

Electrical FaultsApr 7, 2026

MY CAR STARTED TO USE A LOT OF OIL, AND UPON MY REGULAR OIL CHANGES IT WOULD ALWAYS BE VERY LOW, BUT OIL WAS NOT LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT I HAD TO PUT OIL IN OFTEN TO OPERATE THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT IT WOULD CUT OFF ON ME IN SCHOOL LINES. AFTER D…

Engine ProblemsMar 13, 2026

While driving to work in negative degree weather I got a message saying reduce engine power and before I could pull over it had lost all power. Having it towed and now needing a new engine I see im not the first one with this problem. I also still have a loan im paying for on a …

Engine ProblemsMar 5, 2026

I have had this car for a little under a year. In January of this year 2026, I was driving on the freeway when I received a. reduce engine power alert. Which caused me to immediately get off of the freeway put the car power down before I can make it another half a mile. After hav…

Electrical FaultsMar 3, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000. The contact found paperwork inside the glove compartment that …

Engine ProblemsFeb 23, 2026

The rear main seal has gone out in two 2017 chevy equinox right around 100,000 for both vehicles costing over 1000$ plus to fix.

Electrical FaultsFeb 22, 2026

While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle repeatedly displays diagnostic trouble code P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation). The vehicle suddenly enters β€œReduced Engine Power” mode without warning and loses acceleration while driving. This occurs …

Engine ProblemsFeb 7, 2026

On 1/27/26, while driving at highway speeds, I received a "Reduced Engine Power" alert. I was forced to pull over immediately; the vehicle stalled before I could reach a complete stop. This left me stranded in dangerously cold temperatures for an extended period while awaiting a …

Engine ProblemsFeb 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. The contact stated that the message "Vehicle Entering Power Saver Mode" was displayed. The vehicle was pull…

Engine ProblemsFeb 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determine…

Engine ProblemsJan 29, 2026

Due to cold temperatures, the main rear seal blew causing engine, coolant and intake systems to fail. Full replacements are now needed.

Engine ProblemsJan 29, 2026

2017 chevrolet Equinox LT with a 2.4L ecotec engine. The PCV system froze due to the cold weather conditions caused the rear main seal to blow futher causing cylinder scoring to the engine. I got it checked out by a local mechanic that actually works with the extended warranty co…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashJan 21, 2026

The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle collided with a deer. During the crash, the air bags became inoperable and failed to inflate or expose themselves out of the housing, and an β€œAir Bag Needs Servi…

Engine ProblemsJan 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the v…

Engine ProblemsJan 18, 2026

There is water my oil and I have a blown head gasket. I get all maintenance done and have oil changes on time

Transmission / DrivetrainJan 13, 2026

1.Since I bought the car it has needed oil on a weekly basis. I took it in for repair it had something to do with the oil consumption device $2270.00 to fix. 2. timing chain went out had to fix that too $$$$ 3. While driving along the car at rush hour the car suddenly died withou…

Electrical FaultsJan 12, 2026

Received a report from local auto repair and they found that the oil main seal is leaking. Issue happened in the highway and car automatically turned off the engine. I was not in an accident as there was no one else on the road and I was able to push it to the side. When the car…

Engine ProblemsJan 6, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox that experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power while the vehicle was in motion. While traveling approximately 50 mph in active traffic, the engine abruptly shut off a…

Engine ProblemsJan 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was adding one quart of oil weekly. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at 25 MPH, but was able to restart. While at a stopli…

Engine ProblemsDec 24, 2025

The 2.4L engine is experiencing significant issues, including power loss and rapid oil consumption. The power loss has been observed while driving on both expressways and city streets. The oil burning commenced less than a month after an oil change, resulting in an oil level of z…

Page 1 of 14

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox.

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.

Compare Chevrolet Equinox Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2017 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 269 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (193 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (35 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (32 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, NHTSA complaints include 18 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 269 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?β–Ύ

The 2017 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 2017 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.