Chevrolet Equinox: best & worst years

2024 Chevrolet Equinox Recommended

The most trouble-free Equinox by complaint volume, with the redesigned e-Boost brakes and a refined, fuel-efficient 1.5T turbo. A strong used compact-SUV choice.

2023 Chevrolet Equinox Recommended

GM replaced the troublesome vacuum-pump brakes with an e-Boost system for 2023, removing the generation’s biggest defect; low complaint volume and a comfortable, efficient package.

2022 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

The last year before GM’s 2023 brake redesign, so it still uses the vacuum-pump system tied to hard-pedal and engine-damage reports; otherwise a comfortable, efficient used pick.

• Cam-driven brake vacuum pump at the rear of the cylinder head seizes, causing a hard brake pedal; with no shear pin, metal debris enters the engine and can require engine replacement. Subject of a class action; GM switched to an e-Boost system for 2023.
• Fuel injector leaks and fuel-system faults producing a fuel odor and, in rare cases, fire risk.
• Sudden "Reduced Engine Power" / limp mode that drops speed unexpectedly while driving.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

Among the lower-complaint third-gen years, but the pre-2023 brake vacuum-pump design remains a real risk to inspect before buying.

• Cam-driven brake vacuum pump at the rear of the cylinder head seizes, causing a hard brake pedal; with no shear pin, metal debris enters the engine and can require engine replacement. Subject of a class action; GM switched to an e-Boost system for 2023.
• Fuel injector leaks and fuel-system faults producing a fuel odor and, in rare cases, fire risk.
• Sudden "Reduced Engine Power" / limp mode that drops speed unexpectedly while driving.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

Pleasant to drive and well-equipped, yet still carries the pre-2023 brake vacuum-pump defect plus occasional reduced-power and transmission complaints.

• Cam-driven brake vacuum pump at the rear of the cylinder head seizes, causing a hard brake pedal; with no shear pin, metal debris enters the engine and can require engine replacement. Subject of a class action; GM switched to an e-Boost system for 2023.
• Fuel injector leaks and fuel-system faults producing a fuel odor and, in rare cases, fire risk.
• Sudden "Reduced Engine Power" / limp mode that drops speed unexpectedly while driving.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

A comfortable, fuel-efficient 1.5T crossover, but it shares the 2018-22 brake vacuum-pump failure risk and below-average predicted reliability versus class leaders.

• Cam-driven brake vacuum pump at the rear of the cylinder head seizes, causing a hard brake pedal; with no shear pin, metal debris enters the engine and can require engine replacement. Subject of a class action; GM switched to an e-Boost system for 2023.
• Fuel injector leaks and fuel-system faults producing a fuel odor and, in rare cases, fire risk.
• Sudden "Reduced Engine Power" / limp mode that drops speed unexpectedly while driving.

2018 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

Redesigned and more refined, but 2018-22 Equinox carry the brake vacuum-pump defect (hard pedal, possible engine damage) now in class-action litigation; 2018 drew the most complaints of the generation.

• Cam-driven brake vacuum pump at the rear of the cylinder head seizes, causing a hard brake pedal; with no shear pin, metal debris enters the engine and can require engine replacement. Subject of a class action; GM switched to an e-Boost system for 2023.
• Fuel injector leaks and fuel-system faults producing a fuel odor and, in rare cases, fire risk.
• Sudden "Reduced Engine Power" / limp mode that drops speed unexpectedly while driving.

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

The most settled second-gen year with the fewest complaints, though the 2.4L oil-consumption defect still applies. The gen-2 year to prefer if buying one.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

Complaints taper versus early gen-2 and GM’s 2016 coverage adjustment addressed many oil-consumption claims, but the 2.4L risk remains; a documented engine is essential.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2015 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

Still within the 2010-2017 oil-consumption lawsuit window and with elevated complaint volume; the 2.4L’s oil burn is the key risk to verify.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

Oil consumption on the 2.4L is less severe than 2010-13 but still reported and covered by the class action; verify oil-burn history before buying.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2013 Chevrolet Equinox Avoid

Avoid: the last of the Consumer Reports-flagged 2010-2013 oil-burning years; the 2.4L can consume oil fast enough to damage the engine, and complaint volume is high.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2012 Chevrolet Equinox Avoid

Avoid: 2012 sits in the 2.4L oil-consumption window Consumer Reports flagged (2010-2013); engine stalling and costly repairs are common. Choose the V6 or another year.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox Avoid

Avoid: like 2010, the 2.4L four-cylinder burns oil heavily enough to risk engine damage; GM’s special coverage acknowledges the defect, and complaint volume is very high.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Avoid

Avoid: the 2.4L Ecotec’s excessive oil consumption is a widespread, engine-damaging defect, and 2010 drew the most complaints of any Equinox year. Only the V6 sidesteps the worst of it.

• Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
• Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
• Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.

2009 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

The most reliable first-generation Equinox by complaint volume; the 3.4L V6 gasket risk persists but far fewer owner issues make 2009 the gen-1 year to target.

• Front passenger airbag/seat-sensor (passenger presence module) faults trigger a "Service Air Bag" warning and can deactivate the passenger airbag.
• Fuel-system leaks from cracked plastic fuel lines and fuel-pump assembly, producing a strong fuel odor and leak.
• Transmission control module faults and delayed or harsh shifting.

2008 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

One of the steadier first-gen years; complaint volume drops sharply versus 2005-07, though the 3.4L V6 gasket and overheating risks remain. A decent cheap used SUV with records.

• Front passenger airbag/seat-sensor (passenger presence module) faults trigger a "Service Air Bag" warning and can deactivate the passenger airbag.
• Fuel-system leaks from cracked plastic fuel lines and fuel-pump assembly, producing a strong fuel odor and leak.
• Transmission control module faults and delayed or harsh shifting.

2007 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

Practical and comfortable, but 2007 adds fuel-pump failures to the gen-1 3.4L V6’s intake-gasket and ignition issues, keeping its repair record below average.

• Front passenger airbag/seat-sensor (passenger presence module) faults trigger a "Service Air Bag" warning and can deactivate the passenger airbag.
• Fuel-system leaks from cracked plastic fuel lines and fuel-pump assembly, producing a strong fuel odor and leak.
• Transmission control module faults and delayed or harsh shifting.

2006 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

A roomy compact-plus crossover, but the 3.4L V6’s intake-gasket and fuel-system problems give the 2006 a worse-than-average repair record. Buy only well-maintained and cheap.

• Front passenger airbag/seat-sensor (passenger presence module) faults trigger a "Service Air Bag" warning and can deactivate the passenger airbag.
• Fuel-system leaks from cracked plastic fuel lines and fuel-pump assembly, producing a strong fuel odor and leak.
• Transmission control module faults and delayed or harsh shifting.

2005 Chevrolet Equinox Caution

First-year first-gen Equinox; roomy and comfortable but the 3.4L V6 is prone to DexCool intake-gasket failures and 2005-07 carry a worse-than-average repair record. A budget pick only with records.

• Front passenger airbag/seat-sensor (passenger presence module) faults trigger a "Service Air Bag" warning and can deactivate the passenger airbag.
• Fuel-system leaks from cracked plastic fuel lines and fuel-pump assembly, producing a strong fuel odor and leak.
• Transmission control module faults and delayed or harsh shifting.