Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Report
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox rates good for reliability, but fuel pump failures can cut power at highway speed and strand drivers.
Recalls
3
Complaints
70
Complaint Rate
3.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$537
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,300
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Draws fewer complaints than the 2022 and 2024 models and rates good, though fuel pump power loss is still the main owner complaint.
Top Issues to Watch
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (21)
- SERVICE BRAKES (9)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is 1 year after the 2022 refresh refresh.
- Year 6 in the Third generation (2018) (2018–2024).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 3rd generation Equinox (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2018: Third generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is 1 year after the 2022 refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
Good overall. Federal recall records and owner complaints put this year above average among 2023 SUVs, and among the stronger of the nine Equinox years scored. Owners filed 70 complaints, well under the 137 for 2022 and 143 for 2024. It earns 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $537 against $521 for the class, a small premium.
The weak spot is the fuel system. Owners describe sudden power loss at highway speed, an "Engine Power Reduced" message, and limp mode, sometimes with a stall that won't restart. Dealers usually blame the high-pressure fuel pump, with failures between 28,000 and 60,000 miles. Some new pumps failed again, and parts shortages stretched one repair to four months. Fewer owners report the brake pedal sinking to the floor. Federal recall records list three recalls, covering child seat, air bags, and seats.
Ask the seller for fuel pump repair records and whether the car has ever gone into limp mode. Run the VIN for open recalls before you sign.
Compared to the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox, which scored the same. See also the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: Sudden loss of power at highway speed is the dominant complaint (21 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Brake pedal sinks to the floor while driving, and stopping power drops sharply (9 complaints)
Compare 2023 Chevrolet Equinox With
2023 GMC Terrain
Reliability: 75/100
2023 Mazda CX-50
Reliability: 65/100
2023 Kia Sportage
Reliability: 67/100
2023 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 75/100
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (21)
- SERVICE BRAKES (9)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 11.3
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
CHILD SEAT
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence
The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.
AIR BAGS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2023. 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 N222388911.
SEATS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The driver's seat may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height-adjust pivot.
Consequence
A seat with a missing or loose bolt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222377890.
Buying a used 2023 Chevrolet Equinox? Check its history first
Fuel/propulsion system problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 Chevrolet Equinox NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 18.5%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet EquinoxRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Chevrolet Equinox Resale Value
The Chevrolet Equinox is estimated to retain about 59.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Chevrolet Equinox model overall and is not specific to the 2023 model year.
- Value Retained
- 59.1%
- Depreciation
- 40.9%
- Listings Analyzed
- 709
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Chevrolet Equinox depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,700–$2,850/yr
Fuel + repair
24–26 city / 30–31 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox FWD 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Equinox AWD 1.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox.
Ask for service records showing high-pressure fuel pump, injector, or fuel pipe replacement, and check for repeat visits afterward.
Scan for stored codes P0089, P00C6, P228C, and P0171 before buying.
Accelerate hard up a hill at highway speed and watch for an Engine Power Reduced message or check engine light.
Restart the engine several times and confirm it starts promptly without long cranking or stalling.
Press the brake pedal firmly on the test drive and confirm no brake, ABS, or ESC warnings appear.
Drive at 35 to 40 mph and feel for vibration or listen for loud drivetrain noise.
Lift the rear carpet and spare tire well cover and check for standing water or damp spots.
Run the infotainment screen, backup camera, and blind-spot alerts throughout the test drive and watch for freezes or reboots.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems by Component
70 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
21 complaintsSudden loss of power at highway speed is the dominant complaint. The check engine light comes on with an "Engine Power Reduced" message, and the car drops into limp mode, sometimes unable to top 20 mph. Some stall and won't restart, which leaves drivers stranded in traffic waiting for a tow. Dealers usually blame the high-pressure fuel pump, with failures reported around 28,000 to 60,000 miles. Some replacement pumps fail again within months. Owners note the recall covers 2021 and 2022 models but not 2023. Repairs often stall on part shortages, in one case for four months.
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsSafety-relatedThe brake pedal sinks to the floor while driving, and stopping power drops sharply. Check engine, brake, ABS, and ESC warnings light up, sometimes with a "Brake System Failure" message. One report links this to a crash at very low mileage. A dealer traced one case to a defective ABS valve kit, and owners report weeks of waiting on backordered parts. Separately, owners who flat tow the car behind a motorhome describe the brakes locking, tires smoking, and the car sliding in turns, even with the manual's setup steps followed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsInfotainment faults are the most common complaint here. The screen freezes or reboots, the audio emits loud noise, the backup camera image appears while driving, and blind-spot sensors stop working. One dealer cited a service bulletin, but no repair was offered. Other reports describe the car not starting, or shutting down while driving and restarting a minute or two later, with loss-of-communication codes dealers can't resolve. There are also isolated reports of a battery that won't hold a charge, water leaking into the rear floor and fuse panel, and a trunk that unlocks in park.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsSafety-relatedThese reports are scattered rather than one repeating defect. The auto stop-start system makes the car jump forward when the engine restarts, and one such report involves a crash. A power liftgate reversed and closed on a driver's arm, causing the one injury listed. Flat towing behind a motorhome again shows tires locking and smoking on cloverleaf ramps, with no fix from GM. Other complaints cover voice text replies that stopped working, an engine that shuts off after 15 minutes of idling, and a claimed breach of OnStar remote access.
ENGINE (6 complaints)
ENGINE
6 complaintsStalling and limp mode repeat the fuel system pattern. The car jerks, loses power at highway speed, or shuts off at idle and at stoplights, and some cars resist restarting. Several drivers describe near rear-end collisions. Dealer codes point to low fuel rail pressure, fuel pressure regulator faults, and a lean fuel trim. Fixes include a new fuel pump, injector, and fuel pipe, plus ECM updates. In some cases the failure returns within days of the repair, and some owners report breakdowns four times.
STEERING (6 complaints)
STEERING
6 complaintsNearly every complaint here comes from owners who flat tow the car behind a motorhome. In tight or banked turns like cloverleaf ramps, the tires screech, smoke, and smell of burnt rubber, and the RV feels tugged. In-car video shows the steering wheel shaking hard. Handling returns to normal once the turn ends. Owners say they follow GM's towing instructions and bought the car for this purpose. GM cases have been opened, but no fix is reported. One complaint lists broad electronic, climate, and shifting faults.
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsThe car loses power at speeds of 45 to 65 mph, often while merging or on busy highways. The check engine light comes on, and the car may stall and take several attempts or a long wait to restart. Dealers and independent shops diagnose a failed high-pressure fuel pump, sometimes with the feed pipe. Failures cluster around 37,000 to 39,000 miles. One repaired pump failed again about five months later. Some cars sit unrepaired because the parts are unavailable.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsVibration and loud noise at 35 to 40 mph show up soon after delivery. Dealers can feel the vibration but often can't find a cause, and some owners report repeated visits with no answer. One dealer eventually reported torque converter slippage. Another owner is still waiting on GM. One complaint in this category is unrelated and describes an air recirculation button that never worked.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintForward collision warning goes on even when no vehicles are infront of me.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintWe bought the car in July 2023. We had it for a month then it started to smell like mildew and mold. It permeated into our clothes. We took it to the dealership and they had the car for about two months. When we got it back it smelled like strong soap, but after a week or two it started to smell again. We took it back again. This time they used Ionize. That lasted two days and it smells again.
When Do 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Equinox Years
Best Chevrolet Equinox Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2023
(Current Model)
2021
Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
No Chevrolet Equinox years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 69 and 82 across 9 scored model years.
Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
| 2026 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
Does the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox have fuel pump problems?
Has the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox better than the 2022 or 2024?
Don’t buy a 2023 Chevrolet Equinox without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox does best on how many systems draw complaints (88/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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