Chevrolet Equinox years to avoid and best years
Newer Chevrolet Equinox years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2018 has the most complaints per year, at 49 (408 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 10 (from 273 complaints), 2021 at 12 (from 94 complaints), and 2016 at 15 (from 396 complaints). The Chevrolet Equinox 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 63 of 408 complaints name Service brakes.
Data as of .
2017
2021
2016
2025–26
Chevrolet Equinox reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Chevrolet Equinox. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 72 |
| 2025 → Too early | 114 | 227 | 0 | Electrical system | 72.2 |
| 2024 → | 26 | 79 | 1 | Fuel and propulsion system | 64.5 |
| 2023 → | 23 | 95 | 3 | Fuel and propulsion system | 27 |
| 2022 → | 30 | 170 | 5 | Fuel and propulsion system | 27.5 |
| 2021 → Fewest | 12 | 94 | 4 | Electrical system | 27.5 |
| 2020 → | 30 | 308 | 4 | Service brakes | 26 |
| 2019 → | 37 | 301 | 4 | Engine | 28 |
| 2018 → Most | 49 | 408 | 5 | Service brakes | 27.8 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 10 | 273 | 0 | Engine | 22.3 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 15 | 396 | 1 | Engine | 22.7 |
| 2015 → | 17 | 679 | 2 | Visibility and wipers | 22.7 |
| 2014 → | 18 | 548 | 1 | Visibility and wipers | 21.9 |
| 2013 → | 23 | 751 | 2 | Engine | 22 |
| 2012 → | 22 | 685 | 3 | Engine | 22 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 5W-30 (4-cylinder); 5W-30 (V6 where equipped) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/65R17 to 235/55R19 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Owner complaints for mid-generation years (especially 2013) concentrate on the engine and visibility/wipers. Recall 16V-582 covers certain 2013 Equinox and Terrain vehicles: ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear until one or both wipers stop working; dealers repair the AIP hole and inspect and replace the front wiper module as needed. Recall 14V-447 covers certain 2010-2012 Equinox vehicles with power height-adjustable front seats: the bolt securing the seat height adjuster may fall out, so the seat may move unexpectedly and increase injury risk in a crash. Recall 11V-511 covers certain 2012 Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles that do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 138 for tire pressure monitoring.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (1.5L turbo and 2.0L turbo); 5W-30 (diesel where equipped) · 5.3 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/65R17 to 235/50R19 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Owner complaints for the 2018 launch year include service brakes among the leading components. Recall 18V-576 covers certain 2018-2019 Equinox vehicles among other GM models: rear brake-caliper pistons may have insufficient coating so gas pockets form and reduce rear brake performance; dealers bleed the brake system. Recall 20V-668 covers certain 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles among other GM crossovers: the start/stop transmission accumulator end cap may have missing bolts, which can lead to a transmission fluid leak, possible loss of propulsion, and a fire risk if fluid contacts hot exhaust. Dealers inspect the accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing. Recall 23V-869 covers certain 2024 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles among other GM crossovers: door strikers may fracture so a door can open while driving; dealers replace all four door strikers and attaching bolts.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (1.5L turbo where equipped) · 5.3 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/60R18 to 235/65R17 (trim-dependent)
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2017 at 10 (from 273 complaints), 2021 at 12 (from 94 complaints), and 2016 at 15 (from 396 complaints).
Which Chevrolet Equinox year has the most owner complaints?
2018 has the most complaints per year, at 49 (408 complaints). On the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 63 of 408 complaints name Service brakes.
How do Chevrolet Equinox owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Chevrolet Equinox years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years are too early to compare?
The Chevrolet Equinox 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What generation is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
3rd generation (2018-2024).
What engine oil does a Chevrolet Equinox use?
5W-30 (4-cylinder); 5W-30 (V6 where equipped)
What does NHTSA recall 16V-582 cover on the Chevrolet Equinox?
Recall 16V-582 covers certain 2013 Equinox and Terrain vehicles: ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear until one or both wipers stop working; dealers repair the AIP hole and inspect and replace the front wiper module as needed.