Last updated: 2026-03-04
Chevrolet Equinox Reliability by Year
The Chevrolet Equinox averages 72/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Overview
The Chevrolet Equinox, covering model years 2018 to 2026, maintains an average reliability score of 72/100, categorized as "Good" according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the service brakes, electrical systems, and visibility, with repair costs estimated at $537 annually, slightly above the compact SUV average. With a 5/5 NHTSA safety rating across these years, the Equinox is noted for its safety, though potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues in specific model years, particularly related to brake and electrical systems.
Current generation: 4th gen (2025–present).
Best & Worst Chevrolet Equinox Years
Best Chevrolet Equinox Years to Buy
The best Chevrolet Equinox year is 2024 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (76/100) and 2021 (74/100).
Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
No Chevrolet Equinox years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Chevrolet Equinox years-to-avoid analysis →Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Equinox reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
5 recalls · 288 complaints
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 288 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (88), Electrical System (49), Unknown Or Other (42).
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
2 recalls · 143 complaints
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 143 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (53), Unknown Or Other (15), Electrical System (14).
2023 Chevrolet Equinox
3 recalls · 70 complaints
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 70 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel Propulsion System (21), Service Brakes (8), Electrical System (8).
2022 Chevrolet Equinox
5 recalls · 137 complaints
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 137 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel Propulsion System (45), Fuel System, Gasoline (24), Electrical System (13).
2021 Chevrolet Equinox
4 recalls · 75 complaints
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 75 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (13), Power Train (11), Unknown Or Other (10).
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
4 recalls · 255 complaints
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 255 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 20 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (54), Engine (29), Power Train (28).
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
4 recalls · 273 complaints
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 273 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 18 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (45), Service Brakes (45), Electrical System (34).
2018 Chevrolet Equinox
5 recalls · 382 complaints
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 382 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (82), Power Train (62), Electrical System (42).
Chevrolet Equinox Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$537
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
18%
$16 above the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #23 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Chevrolet Models
Compare all Chevrolet models by reliability
Compare Chevrolet Equinox With Similar SUVs
The Chevrolet Equinox competes with other compact suvs such as GMC Terrain, Mazda CX-50, and Kia Sportage.
GMC Terrain reliability
9 years tracked · 675 complaints
Mazda CX-50 reliability
4 years tracked · 96 complaints
Kia Sportage reliability
9 years tracked · 810 complaints
Hyundai Tucson reliability
9 years tracked · 1838 complaints
Volkswagen Tiguan reliability
9 years tracked · 968 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
- The Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability with an average score of 72/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Chevrolet Equinox?
- The best year for the Chevrolet Equinox is 2024 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. It has 2 recalls and 143 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Chevrolet Equinox analysis →
- What are the Chevrolet Equinox years to avoid?
- No Chevrolet Equinox years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Equinox?
- The Chevrolet Equinox has an estimated annual repair cost of $537, which is $16 above the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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