Last updated: 2026-03-04

2023 Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 70 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2023 is 1 year after the 2022 refresh refresh.
Recalls
3
Complaints
70
Complaint Rate
3.3
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$537
About avgMajor Repair Risk
18%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
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.
Third generation (2018)
Should You Buy the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox scores 76/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2023 is 1 year after the 2022 refresh refresh.
With 70 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 fuel propulsion system (21). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
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 issues reported (21 complaints)
- SERVICE BRAKES: Brake pedal depressing to the floor with little to no braking power (9 complaints)
Compare 2023 Chevrolet Equinox With
2023 GMC Terrain
Score: 75/100
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 73/100
2023 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 75/100
2023 Kia Sportage
Score: 67/100
2023 Mazda CX-50
Score: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (21)
- SERVICE BRAKES (9)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
- ENGINE (6)
- STEERING (6)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- SEATS (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox has 3 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
3.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
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.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 18.5%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet Equinox Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect fuel pump for signs of failure or replacement
- Test brakes thoroughly for proper function and responsiveness
- Check infotainment system for freezing or noise issues
- Verify trunk does not unlock unexpectedly when parked
- Ensure no water leaks in rear passenger compartment or spare tire well
- Test vehicle starting and battery charging functions
Check Any 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2023 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.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems by Component
70 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
21 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the high-pressure fuel pump in the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, often leading to sudden loss of power and stalling. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the check engine light illuminating, reduced engine performance, and the vehicle entering a "limp mode" where it cannot exceed low speeds. These issues typically arise before the vehicle reaches 60,000 miles, with some incidents occurring as early as 28,000 miles. The sudden power loss poses a safety risk, particularly when driving at highway speeds, as it can lead to abrupt deceleration without warning. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a used model with mileage in the affected range.
SERVICE BRAKES
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the brake system of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, primarily involving the brake pedal depressing to the floor with little to no braking power. This problem is often accompanied by warning lights such as Check Engine, ABS, and stability control, and occurs at varying mileages, with some incidents noted as early as 170 miles. Multiple complaints mention the unavailability of necessary parts, leading to extended repair times. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash due to brake failure and other instances requiring emergency maneuvers to stop the vehicle. Additionally, some owners experience issues when towing, where brakes unexpectedly engage, causing tire damage or loss of control, highlighting potential risks for those using the vehicle in towing scenarios.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, with common problems involving the infotainment screen malfunctioning, including the screen freezing and emitting noise, and the backup camera activating while driving. Additionally, multiple owners describe difficulties with the vehicle starting, shutting down unexpectedly, or not charging the battery, with some incidents occurring as early as 5,000 miles. Another frequently mentioned issue is the unintended unlocking of the trunk when the vehicle is placed in park. Some reports highlight potential safety concerns, such as the vehicle failing to accelerate above 60 MPH and shutting down while driving, which could pose risks in certain driving conditions. These complaints provide potential buyers with insights into recurring electrical issues that may affect vehicle performance and safety.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox report several issues primarily related to electronic and safety features. A common complaint involves the vehicle's inability to respond to text messages verbally through the radio, with multiple unresolved cases despite being under warranty. Another significant issue includes the vehicle's auto stop feature causing a forward "jump" when re-engaging, which has been associated with a crash. Additionally, there are reports of the lift gate reversing unexpectedly when resistance is applied, resulting in an injury. Safety concerns are further highlighted by reports of tires locking up during flat towing, risking skidding and potential accidents. These issues are reported across varying mileages, indicating no specific mileage threshold for occurrence.
ENGINE (6 complaints)
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's engine, primarily involving loss of power and engine shutdowns. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle going into limp mode or shutting off unexpectedly, often accompanied by the check engine light and warnings like "Engine Power Reduced." These incidents occur both at high speeds and while idling, posing potential safety risks such as near-collisions. Multiple owners describe problems with the fuel pump and related components, with some repairs failing to resolve the issue. The reported failures often occur around 44,000 miles or within the first few years of use, suggesting a pattern that prospective buyers should consider.
STEERING (6 complaints)
STEERING
6 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the steering of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The first involves difficulties when towing the vehicle behind a motorhome, with multiple complaints describing tire screeching, burning rubber smells, and a sensation of the vehicle pulling or braking during tight turns, particularly on cloverleaf ramps. The steering wheel is observed to vibrate or shake violently during these incidents. The second issue, though less frequent, involves tight and difficult power steering when driving, with some owners noting the vehicle pulls to different sides after gear shifts. These issues are noted from the point of purchase and are associated with significant safety concerns, especially regarding the towing problem, which could affect both the motorhome and other road users.
FUEL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to the fuel system, specifically involving fuel pump failures. Common symptoms include the illumination of the check engine warning light, loss of engine power, stalling, and difficulty restarting the vehicle. These problems are often observed at mileage ranges between 7,000 and 39,000 miles. In several cases, the vehicle fails to accelerate as intended, and parts for repair are sometimes on backorder. Safety implications are noted as some incidents occur on busy highways and involve the vehicle losing motive power, which could pose a risk in traffic.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners report persistent vibration issues in the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, particularly noticeable at speeds ranging from 2 to 60 mph. The vibration is often accompanied by a low growling noise, and multiple owners indicate that these symptoms have been present since shortly after purchase. Dealerships have acknowledged the vibration but have not provided definitive solutions, often attributing the issue to potential slippage in the torque converter and advising owners to wait for the problem to worsen. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control have been reported, but some owners express concern about the potential for additional problems due to the vibration. This pattern of unresolved power train issues may be relevant for prospective buyers considering a used model.
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
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).
2024
2 recalls · 143 complaints
2023(this page)
3 recalls · 70 complaints
2021
4 recalls · 75 complaints
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. 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 |
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?
How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox have?
Is the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox expensive to maintain?
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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