Last updated: 2026-03-04

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Chevrolet Equinox

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 273 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is year 2 of the Third generation (2018).

Recalls

4

Complaints

273

Complaint Rate

7.9

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$537

About avg

Major Repair Risk

18%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
66/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
71/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
84/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

SERVICE BRAKES (56)ENGINE (45)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)

4 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2019 is year 2 of the Third generation (2018).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • A refresh arrives in 2022.
  • 3rd generation Equinox (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.

Third generation (2018)

2018redesign
2019selected
2020
2021
2022refresh
2023
2024

Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox scores 71/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 2 of the Third generation (2018).

With 273 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (45). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • SERVICE BRAKES: Vacuum pump failures (56 complaints)
  • ENGINE issues reported (45 complaints)

Compare 2019 Chevrolet Equinox With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • SERVICE BRAKES (56)
  • ENGINE (45)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)
  • POWER TRAIN (33)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (18)
  • STEERING (9)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9)
  • AIR BAGS (8)
  • SEATS (6)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (5)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
  • SEAT BELTS (3)
  • TIRES (2)
  • WHEELS (2)
  • SUSPENSION (1)
  • STRUCTURE (1)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
  • EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY (1)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

4

recalls on record

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

7.9

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 20.3

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

18

Fires

7

Injuries

5

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V6680002020-10-29

POWER TRAIN

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

19V6670002019-09-19

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.

19V1840002019-03-07

SEATS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet Equinox Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$537

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

18%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Equinox
$537
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect brake vacuum pump for failure signs
  • Check for Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hose disconnection
  • Test for fuel odors inside the cabin
  • Verify fuel gauge accuracy
  • Check for proper turbocharger function
  • Ensure ECM and electrical systems are functioning correctly
  • Look for any visible fuel leaks under the vehicle
  • Test the vehicle's response to acceleration from a stop

Check Any 2019 Chevrolet Equinox's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Equinox in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Equinox with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems by Component

273 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

56
45
34
33
42
SERVICE BRAKES (56)ENGINE (45)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)POWER TRAIN (33)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (18)STEERING (9)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9)Other (42)

SERVICE BRAKES

56 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, particularly related to vacuum pump failures. Common symptoms include a hard or unresponsive brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and the "Service Brake Assist" warning light activating. These problems often occur around 50,000 to 75,000 miles, according to multiple reports. Safety implications are significant, with some complaints involving crashes and one mentioning a fire, highlighting potential risks of loss of control. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety risks when considering this model.

56 complaints total6 crashes1 fire

ENGINE

45 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to engine power reduction, often triggered by the disconnection of the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hose or turbo-related failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle entering "limp mode," reduced power, and illuminated check engine lights, with some owners noting repeated instances of the P0299 code. These issues typically manifest around 6,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple complaints describe sudden power loss in traffic, posing risks of accidents, and two reports mention fires. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially if considering a vehicle within this mileage range.

45 complaints total2 fires

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

34 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system, which may randomly turn off or restart, affecting features like GPS and radio. Complaints also describe problems with the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes without warning, which poses a safety risk. Several reports indicate issues with the electronic control module (ECM), leading to unintended braking and power loss, with some incidents occurring around 50,000 miles. Additionally, there are mentions of electrical component failures such as the tire pressure monitoring system and door lock actuators. Safety implications include potential crashes due to sudden loss of vehicle control, and one report involves a fire. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential costs associated with repairs.

34 complaints total1 crash1 fire
POWER TRAIN (33 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

33 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report power train issues, with common symptoms including engine stalling, failure to respond to the gas pedal, and transmission malfunctions. Complaints often describe incidents where the vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate, sometimes leading to near rear-end collisions, and instances where the vehicle enters "limp mode" with reduced engine power. Transmission-related problems, such as faulty transmission control modules and defective transmission coolers, are noted, often occurring around 60,000 to 76,000 miles. Safety implications include vehicles becoming inoperative in traffic, posing risks to drivers and others. Additionally, some owners mention a "shift to park" issue, where the vehicle does not recognize being in park, preventing shutdown and causing battery drain, which is reportedly common across several GM models from the same period.

33 complaints total1 fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

27 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, notably involving transmission and braking systems. Complaints frequently mention transmission slipping, delayed starts, and stalling, with some owners needing costly transmission replacements around 150,000 miles. Brake-related issues include failure to depress the brake pedal and the service brake assist light activating, linked to a failed brake vacuum pump. Additionally, multiple owners describe a strong chemical odor from the HVAC system that affects their ability to drive safely. Safety implications include one reported crash and instances of vehicles unexpectedly losing power or shutting down, often at higher mileages. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding mechanical reliability and safety.

27 complaints total1 crash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (18 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

18 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to fuel system leaks and fuel pump failures. Complaints commonly describe fuel leaks from the tank, especially noticeable when parked or in cold weather, and a persistent fuel odor inside the cabin. Several owners mention problems with the high-pressure fuel pump, including failure to accelerate and unexpected engine shutdowns, typically occurring under 100,000 miles. Some reports also highlight issues with the fuel gauge not accurately displaying fuel levels, leading to potential risks of running out of fuel unexpectedly. These problems pose safety risks such as potential fire hazards and sudden loss of power while driving.

18 complaints total
STEERING (9 complaints)

STEERING

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the steering system, with symptoms including steering wheel stickiness at highway speeds and unexpected swerving or jerking. These issues are noted at various mileages, with one owner specifically mentioning persistence from 21,600 miles to 73,000 miles. Some complaints describe the steering wheel resisting turns after driving straight for extended periods, while others mention violent swerving that requires corrective effort to maintain lane position. Safety implications are evident, with one reported crash occurring due to unintended acceleration, and multiple near-misses due to steering difficulties. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering issues, which may pose a risk under certain driving conditions.

9 complaints total1 crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden deceleration and loss of acceleration. Common symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly slowing down to around 40 MPH from highway speeds, often accompanied by a power reduction message and check engine light activation. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 4,785 miles. One complaint involves unintended acceleration resulting in a crash while parking. The safety implications are significant, as multiple reports describe near-misses with other vehicles due to sudden speed changes, and one incident resulted in a collision. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues when considering this model.

9 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (8 complaints)

AIR BAGS

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during crashes. Complaints often describe scenarios where airbags fail to deploy after significant impacts, including front-end collisions and rollovers, with some reports mentioning injuries as a result. Notably, one complaint involves a fire after side airbag deployment. These incidents typically occur at mileages ranging from 75,000 to 99,500 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes, injuries, and one fire incident, making it important for potential buyers to consider these factors when evaluating this vehicle.

8 complaints total7 crashes1 fire5 injuries
FUEL SYSTEM (5 complaints)

FUEL SYSTEM

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with symptoms including stalling while driving, fuel odors, and visible fuel leaks. Some complaints describe a failure to start, often accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. Notably, one owner reports a fire originating from the fuel tank while driving at highway speeds, which was extinguished by emergency services. The reported issues typically occur at mileages ranging from approximately 46,000 to 229,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning the risk of fire and vehicle stalling.

5 complaints total1 fire

When Do 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–75,000 milesService brake failures
6,000–80,000 milesEngine power reduction
46,000–100,000 milesFuel system leaks

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.

avg 72
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Equinox reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201869/100Good
201971/100Good
202070/100Good
202174/100Good
202271/100Good
202376/100Good
202476/100Good
202572/100Good

Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202675/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202572/100-4Good5288
202476/1000Good2143
202376/100+5Good370
202271/100-3Good5137
202174/100+4Good475
202070/100-1Good4255
2019(selected)71/100+2Good4273
201869/100Good5382

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 71/100. It is reasonably reliable with 4 recalls and 273 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox include: SERVICE BRAKES (56 complaints), ENGINE (45 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34 complaints), POWER TRAIN (33 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox have?
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has estimated annual repair costs of $537/year, which is $16 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 71/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue