Last updated: 2026-08-24
Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet: Reliability Compared
Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Hornet
Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox and the Dodge Hornet? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chevrolet Equinox currently leads with an average score of 73/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Chevrolet Equinox is more reliable than the Dodge Hornet, scoring 73/100 vs 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Hornet has 19 fewer total recalls
- 2Chevrolet Equinox has 18.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Chevrolet Equinox scores 14 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Chevrolet Equinox | Dodge Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 73/100 | 59/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 3 |
| Total Recalls | 32 | 13 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 3.7 | 21.7 |
| Year Wins | 3 | 0 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Equinox and Dodge Hornet?
| Component | Chevrolet Equinox | Dodge Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.6Very Low | —None |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | —None |
| WHEELS | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Chevrolet Equinox | Dodge Hornet | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 72/1005R / 288C | 64/1002R / 1C | Chevrolet Equinox |
| 2024 | 76/1002R / 143C | 54/1007R / 60C | Chevrolet Equinox |
| 2023 | 76/1003R / 70C | 59/1004R / 25C | Chevrolet Equinox |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox scored 76/100 and the 2025 Dodge Hornet scored 64/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet: Common Questions
- Is the Chevrolet Equinox more reliable than the Dodge Hornet?
- Based on our data, the Chevrolet Equinox is more reliable with an average score of 73/100 compared to 59/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Dodge Hornet?
- The Chevrolet Equinox has more recalls (32) compared to the Dodge Hornet (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Dodge Hornet?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Chevrolet Equinox has a lower complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.7 for the Dodge Hornet. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Chevrolet Equinox comparisons
Decided between Chevrolet Equinox and Dodge Hornet? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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 via vehicles.dev. 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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