Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 73/100

No year falls well below the model's own average, so none is a clear one to avoid. What changes is the problem mix. Brake, engine and power train complaints weigh on 2018 to 2020, while newer years draw more windshield glare and fuel complaints. The year to buy is 2024.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2024 76/100
Model average
73/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Chevrolet Equinox Problems?

SERVICE BRAKES

248 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: The brake pedal suddenly goes rock hard or sinks to the floor, sometimes with a "Service Brake Assist" or "brake system fault" message and sometimes with no warning.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

198 complaints

Most reported in 2025, 2018, 2019

2025: The battery goes dead or the car loses power when the OnStar telematics module fails.

POWER TRAIN

168 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: The car rolls away after being shifted into park, causing crashes and an injury.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

143 complaints

Most reported in 2025, 2024

2025: The dashboard reflects onto the windshield in sunlight, and this glare dominates the complaints.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

133 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2020, 2023

2022: The engine shuts off while driving, often at 45 to 65 mph, and will not restart.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

131 complaints

Most reported in 2025, 2018, 2019

2025: Telematics module failure leads this mixed category.

Best Chevrolet Equinox Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Chevrolet Equinox

Only 2 recalls sit on the 2024 record, against 5 for 2018 and 2022. Its top complaint is dashboard glare on the windshield, not the brake and power train faults that mark the weakest years. Some owners do report freezing screens and brakes that stop responding, so test both.

Score: 76/100 (Good)2 recalls143 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox has 2 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Equinox Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chevrolet Equinox years should I avoid?
None is clearly bad. Every year sits close to the model's own average. The 2018 and 2020 model years rate lowest, so inspect those more carefully, especially the brakes, before you buy.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have the most brake complaints?
The 2018 model year leads with 82 brake complaints, and 2020 follows with 54. Service brakes were also a top category for 2019. Check that the pedal feels firm and that no brake warning messages appear during a test drive.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox a good buy?
It is too early to say. The 2026 shows no complaints and no recalls, but that mostly reflects how little time it has been on the road. Problems for any model year surface slowly, so a clean record this early does not make it the safer choice.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox a safe used pick?
Approach it with care. The 2025 is the first year of the fourth generation, with 5 recalls and a high complaint count. Windshield glare from the dashboard is the top complaint, followed by electrical faults. The 2024 has the stronger record.
Are the 2018 and 2020 Chevrolet Equinox worth buying?
They can be, at the right price and with a careful inspection. These two years rate lowest on the site, with brake complaints leading both and power train complaints also high. If you want fewer surprises, the 2024 is the better buy.

How we score every Chevrolet Equinox model year

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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