Last updated: 2026-03-04

Chevrolet Equinox

0 Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Equinox average of 72/100

All Chevrolet Equinox years score consistently around the model average of 72/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2024 76/100 and the weakest is 2018 69/100.

Verdict

All Chevrolet Equinox years score consistently around the model average of 72/100 (69–76 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2024 76/100 and the weakest is 2018 69/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Chevrolet Equinox Problems?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Equinox model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

SERVICE BRAKES

250 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

198 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

168 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

163 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

143 complaints

Most reported in 2024, 2025

ENGINE

132 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Chevrolet Equinox Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 75 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (13), Power Train (11), Unknown Or Other (10).

Score: 74/100 (Good)4 recalls75 complaints
View full 2021 reliability report →

All Chevrolet Equinox Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?
All Chevrolet Equinox years in our database score consistently around the model average of 72/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Equinox?
The best year for the Chevrolet Equinox is 2024, with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 143 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Equinox have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Equinox has a total of 32 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Equinox worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 76/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 72/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Equinox problems?
The most common Chevrolet Equinox problems are service brakes (250 complaints), electrical system (198 complaints), power train (168 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Equinox has an average reliability score of 72/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Chevrolet Equinox generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Chevrolet Equinox generation is the Third generation (2018) with an average score of 72/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Equinox?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Chevrolet Equinox is $537 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 2 recalls and 143 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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