Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Chevrolet Equinox model year (2005–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 552 complaints
36 reported injuries
6 reported deaths
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 663
3 recalls · 537 complaints
12 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 570
2 recalls · 511 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 547
Best Chevrolet Equinox Years to Buy
1 recall · 21 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 24
1 recall · 35 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 38
1 recall · 60 complaints
Main area: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Problem score: 65
Found the right year? Verify that specific Equinox with a free VIN report.
Chevrolet Equinox — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 21 | — | — | 24 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 126 | — | — | 126 | Good |
| 2024 | 1 | 35 | — | — | 38 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 1 | 60 | 1 | — | 65 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 3 | 86 | 6 | — | 107 | Good |
| 2021 | 4 | 53 | 6 | — | 77 | Good |
| 2020 | 2 | 218 | 8 | 1 | 245 | Caution |
| 2019 | 2 | 190 | 1 | — | 198 | Good |
| 2018 | 5 | 251 | 27 | — | 320 | Caution |
| 2017 | 0 | 180 | 28 | — | 236 | Caution |
| 2016 | 1 | 236 | 26 | — | 291 | Caution |
| 2015 | 2 | 428 | 8 | — | 450 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 1 | 358 | 11 | — | 383 | Caution |
| 2013 | 2 | 511 | 15 | — | 547 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 3 | 474 | 5 | — | 493 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 3 | 552 | 36 | 6 | 663 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 3 | 537 | 12 | — | 570 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 0 | 73 | 8 | — | 89 | Good |
| 2008 | 0 | 268 | 12 | — | 292 | Caution |
| 2007 | 3 | 504 | 16 | — | 545 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 0 | 471 | 26 | 2 | 533 | Avoid |
| 2005 | 1 | 489 | 22 | — | 536 | Avoid |
All 22 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Chevrolet Equinox Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Equinox models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 24 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Equinox units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Equinox models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Equinox should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox if possible. It has 3 recalls, 552 owner complaints, and 6 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 663 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Equinox to buy?+
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 24. It has only 1 recall and 21 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Equinox has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2024, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Chevrolet Equinox Research
Check a Specific Chevrolet Equinox VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
Run a Free VIN Report →