Last updated: 2026-03-04

2025 Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 288 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2025 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (2025).
Recalls
5
Complaints
288
Complaint Rate
9.6
per 10k sold
Above 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
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2025 is the first model year of the Fourth generation (2025).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2025 model year.
- 4th generation Equinox (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Fourth generation (2025)
Should You Buy the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox scores 72/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Its complaint rate (9.6 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 4.1. The most common reports involve visibility wiper (88).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to visibility wiper (88). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. See also the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (88 complaints)
Compare 2025 Chevrolet Equinox With
2025 GMC Terrain
Score: 78/100
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 73/100
2025 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 75/100
2025 Kia Sportage
Score: 82/100
2025 Mazda CX-50
Score: 66/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (88)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (49)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (42)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (21)
- SERVICE BRAKES (19)
- POWER TRAIN (19)
- STEERING (9)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (7)
- ENGINE (7)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
- STRUCTURE (4)
- VISIBILITY (3)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)
- LANE DEPARTURE (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- COMMUNICATION (2)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has 5 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
9.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
9
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Equinox EV vehicles. The pedestrian alert sound system may not produce a sufficient change in volume between the vehicle being stopped and moving at low speeds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Consequence
A vehicle that does not emit sufficient sound may fail to alert pedestrians of a moving vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252530690. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 18, 2025.
TIRES
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Cadillac Optic and 2025-2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles equipped with 21-inch Continental all-season tires. One or more of these tires may experience partial or full tread detachment.
Consequence
Tire tread detachment increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect all four tires and replace those manufactured during DOT week 4024, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252525030. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 16, 2025.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV all-wheel drive electric vehicles. The adaptive cruise control may fail to engage the brakes as expected, due to incorrect brake module software.
Consequence
A vehicle that does not automatically brake as expected increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the software calibration in the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242481530.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.7%
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 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test automatic emergency braking for unexpected activation
- Check for dashboard glare affecting visibility in sunlight
- Verify telematics module functionality (OnStar, GPS)
- Inspect for transmission shudder or unexpected shifting
- Ensure all exterior lights function properly in snowy conditions
- Test infotainment system for freezing or blank screens
Check Any 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2025 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.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems by Component
288 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
88 complaintsOwners report significant issues with glare from the dashboard reflecting onto the windshield in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, particularly during bright sunlight or when oncoming headlights are present at night. Complaints frequently mention that this glare severely obstructs visibility, making it difficult to see pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles, and in some cases, nearly causing collisions. The dashboard's design, including grooves and patterns, is cited as a factor contributing to the intensity of the glare. These issues are noted irrespective of mileage, suggesting they are related to design rather than wear. Safety implications are evident, as multiple owners describe near misses and the potential for accidents due to impaired visibility.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
49 complaintsOwners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, notably involving the telematics module. Complaints frequently mention failures in connectivity features such as OnStar, GPS, and infotainment systems, often linked to a backordered telematics module, leaving vehicles without emergency services. Symptoms also include intermittent or complete failure of displays and instrument clusters, with some owners experiencing screen freezes and reboots while driving, and occasional loss of vehicle power. These issues typically arise within the first few thousand miles, with some reports of complete electrical failures preventing vehicle start-up. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of unexpected braking, loss of emergency connectivity, and instances where vehicle control is compromised, although no crashes or injuries are widely reported.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
42 complaintsOwners report several common issues with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, including problems with dashboard glare and telematics module failures. Complaints frequently mention excessive glare from the dashboard reflecting onto the windshield, significantly impairing visibility during sunny conditions. Additionally, multiple owners describe failures of the OnStar and telematics modules, which affect GPS functionality and safety features, with parts reportedly on backorder and no estimated time for resolution. Some owners also experience turn signal malfunctions, where the signal activates incorrectly after a turn. These issues are noted at various mileage ranges, with safety implications such as impaired visibility and malfunctioning safety systems being a concern for potential buyers.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (21 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
21 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, primarily involving unexpected automatic emergency braking, often referred to as "phantom braking." This occurs both at high speeds and in city driving, with several instances where the system engages without any apparent obstacles, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Complaints also highlight problems with adaptive cruise control not properly adjusting speed or stopping, particularly at lower speeds, requiring driver intervention to avoid collisions. Two incidents involving crashes are noted, one resulting in an injury, underscoring the potential safety implications. These issues appear to occur across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing faults soon after purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES (19 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the braking system of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, with problems often involving unexpected activation of automatic braking and emergency parking brakes without clear obstacles. Complaints highlight sudden braking at both high speeds and low speeds, sometimes leading to crashes and injuries. Some owners describe complete brake failure, particularly on downhill or gravel roads, where pressing the brake pedal results in no deceleration. Patterns suggest these issues can occur at varying mileages, with some incidents reported after 13,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with four crashes and two injuries noted, making potential buyers cautious about braking reliability in this model.
POWER TRAIN (19 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several power train issues with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, primarily involving transmission problems and unexpected braking. Complaints frequently mention transmission slipping, difficulty shifting gears, and instances where the vehicle shifts into park or neutral unexpectedly, often accompanied by abnormal noises or vibrations. These issues are noted across various mileages, with some as early as 870 miles. One complaint includes a crash when the vehicle lurched forward while braking. Additionally, multiple reports describe "phantom braking," where the vehicle suddenly brakes without warning, posing potential safety risks due to loss of control and the possibility of rear-end collisions. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, especially regarding transmission and braking systems.
STEERING (9 complaints)
STEERING
9 complaintsOwners report several steering-related issues with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. A common problem involves the turn signal stalk, where users describe it self-canceling too forcefully, inadvertently activating the opposite signal, leading to potential confusion for other drivers. Another issue involves the steering wheel seizing at highway speeds after prolonged driving, causing difficulty in maintaining lane position. Additionally, some owners note power steering failures linked to front camera malfunctions, occurring around 8,300 miles. These issues, particularly those affecting steering control, have significant safety implications, as they may lead to erratic vehicle behavior and increased risk of collisions.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (7 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, particularly in snowy conditions. A common problem involves the recessed LED headlights becoming obstructed by snow and slush, which the lights' lack of heat fails to melt, leading to significantly reduced visibility. Additionally, several owners describe a malfunction with the turn signal lever, where it inadvertently activates the left signal after completing a right turn, often due to the lever snapping back too forcefully. These issues have been noted at relatively low mileages, with one report mentioning approximately 100 miles. The described problems can potentially lead to unsafe driving conditions, particularly in poor weather or when signaling intentions to other drivers.
ENGINE (7 complaints)
ENGINE
7 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the check engine light activating, often accompanied by the vehicle slowing down unexpectedly. Some complaints describe the vehicle's engine shutting down entirely, particularly at highway speeds, and in one instance, the vehicle engaged the parking brake automatically on the road. Several owners mention the check engine light appearing shortly after purchase, with recurring appearances over several months, leading to multiple dealership visits without a permanent resolution. Additionally, one report notes unexplained engine revving while braking, and another describes a persistent bearing noise linked to the Active Noise Cancelling system. These issues typically arise within the first 15,000 miles, with some reports indicating potential safety concerns due to loss of vehicle control.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox related to vehicle speed control. Common symptoms include the adaptive cruise control disengaging unexpectedly and the forward collision avoidance system initiating braking without cause. Some owners describe the gas pedal becoming unresponsive, necessitating a vehicle restart to regain functionality, with one instance leading to a collision when the brakes failed. Complaints also mention the vehicle stalling at highway speeds without warning and issues with the one pedal mode not functioning as expected when reversing. These problems are reported at varied mileages, with one instance occurring at approximately 6,500 miles, and pose potential safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and increased accident risk.
When Do 2025 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).
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 2025 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
How many recalls does the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox have?
Is the 2025 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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