Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
We analyzed 4759 owner complaints and 34 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Chevrolet Equinox model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2013 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in engine & cooling.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Engine & Cooling
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Chevrolet Equinox Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Chevrolet Equinox Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Equinox | 685 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Chevrolet Equinox | 751 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Chevrolet Equinox | 549 | 1 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Chevrolet Equinox | 680 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Chevrolet Equinox | 399 | 1 | 96/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Chevrolet Equinox | 276 | 0 | 89/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Chevrolet Equinox | 410 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Chevrolet Equinox | 310 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Chevrolet Equinox | 318 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Chevrolet Equinox | 100 | 4 | 48/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Chevrolet Equinox | 182 | 5 | 92/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Chevrolet Equinox | 99 | 3 | 39/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
Buying a Used Chevrolet Equinox: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Chevrolet Equinox years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Chevrolet Equinox model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring engine & cooling issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Chevrolet Equinox?
The most reliable used model year for the Chevrolet Equinox is 2023 (as well as 2023), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet Equinox?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Chevrolet Equinox are Engine & Cooling, Visibility & Wipers, Powertrain & Transmission. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Chevrolet Equinox?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 34 safety recall campaigns and recorded 4759 official owner complaints for the Chevrolet Equinox.