Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet: Reliability Compared

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

  1. 1Dodge Hornet has 19 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Chevrolet Equinox has 18.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Chevrolet Equinox scores 14 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Chevrolet Equinox
—
1Dodge Hornet
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChevrolet EquinoxDodge Hornet
Reliability Score73/10059/100
Years Tracked93
Total Recalls3213
Complaints per 10k Sold3.721.7
Year Wins30

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Equinox and Dodge Hornet?

Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet common problem areas comparison
ComponentChevrolet EquinoxDodge Hornet
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.4Very Low6.8Average
SERVICE BRAKES0.6Very Low2.5Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER0.3Very Low1.8Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION—None2Low
STEERING0.1Very Low1.8Low
ENGINE0.3Very Low1.3Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very Low1.5Low
POWER TRAIN0.4Very Low0.5Very Low
STRUCTURE—None0.5Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.3Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.3Very Low—None
FUEL SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None—None
WHEELS—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
VISIBILITY—None—None
SEAT BELTS—None—None
TIRES—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?

Chevrolet Equinox vs Dodge Hornet year-by-year reliability scores
YearChevrolet EquinoxDodge HornetEdge
202572/1005R / 288C64/1002R / 1CChevrolet Equinox
202476/1002R / 143C54/1007R / 60CChevrolet Equinox
202376/1003R / 70C59/1004R / 25CChevrolet Equinox

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox scored 76/100 and the 2023 Dodge Hornet scored 59/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.

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.

Decided between Chevrolet Equinox and Dodge Hornet? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the Chevrolet Equinox and Dodge Hornet

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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