Equinox (3rd)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The 3rd-generation Equinox file spans more than one vehicle. The LYX 1.5L turbo and LTG 2.0L turbo carried the gas Equinox from 2018 through the 2024 model year. Then Chevrolet redesigned the model for 2025 with a new powertrain code in the data (X0B+EC3, 311 complaints across 2024-2025), and the Equinox EV launched in parallel on the Ultium platform with its own ADAS-and-charging recall stack. The file totals 1,689 NHTSA complaints, 23 recalls, 97 crashes, 20 fires, 71 injuries, and 1 death across this combined fleet.
The LYX 1.5L turbo (primary engine through the 2024 production line) carries 1,175 of 1,689 complaints, or 69.6%, at 187.6 complaints per year. The rating algorithm grades it "avoid" at 1.6. Engine, brakes, and fuel-system complaints dominate at 289, 281, and 251 respectively, with 154 transmission entries that align with the GM 9-speed automatic the engine paired with. The LYX accounts for 15 of the 20 fires across the file, a complaint-density-to-fire ratio that exceeds compact-SUV peers running 2.5L naturally-aspirated engines.
The LTG 2.0L turbo (2018-2020 only, 146 complaints, 4 fires) rates lower at "avoid" 1.5 on a much smaller sample. GM offered the 2.0T as the upper-trim engine before discontinuing it after 2020, leaving the 1.5T as the only gas option in the late 3rd-gen run. Buyers comparing 2018-2020 cars should treat both gas engines as carrying significant fire and complaint exposure, not just the volume-leading 1.5T.
The recall record clusters on multiple manufacturing-quality items spread across many GM nameplates. Fuel system recalls dominate the early years: 18V358 (2015-2018 multi-brand fuel pump), 17V516 (2018 driveshaft fracture, Equinox plus Terrain plus Acadia), 19V667 (2019-2020 AWD fuel tank seam), 20V668 (2018-2020 multi-brand powertrain), 23V013 (2021-2022 Equinox plus Terrain fuel pump module). Brake recalls cover 18V576 (2018-2019 multi-brand), 19V704 (2020 rear caliper lubricant), and 25V012 (2025 EV adaptive cruise control). Multiple seat-related campaigns affect 2018-2023 cars including 19V184 (rear seat head restraint welds), 22V359 (driver seat cushion frame, multi-brand), and 22V724 (driver seat frame height bolt). The door-striker recall pair (23V869 covering 2024 cars and 24V737 covering 2025 cars) is a re-recall pattern similar to Compass IPC and Atlas PODS, with the second campaign noting heat-treatment defects on the redesigned 2025 strikers.
The Equinox EV recall stack (2024-2026 cars) reads as a separate vehicle in early production: three pedestrian-alert-sound recalls (24V925, 25V639, 25V878), the 25V012 ACC brake-engagement issue, plus tires (25V704) and a 26V114 multi-brand equipment campaign. Shoppers should treat the gas Equinox and Equinox EV as different decisions. Gas Equinox cross-shops are the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-50 for shorter recall stacks and cleaner complaint records. Equinox EV cross-shops include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, all with longer field data than the Equinox EV's late-2024 launch.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Chevrolet Equinox Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
X0B+EC3
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LH7- CRI, VGT, ALUM
1.6L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LYX - Direct Injection, VVT, FGT, TURBO, ALUM, GEN1
1.5L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LTG - Spark Ignited Direct Injection, ALUM DOHC, Variable Valve Timing, DCVCP TURBO, E0-E100, ALUM
2.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox
That's near the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.5 per year). Within the normal range for the category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 17 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Sample complaint excerpts
High-Voltage Battery
- [2025] The vehicle’s high-voltage battery system and propulsion system appear to have failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection, The vehicle completely shut down while I was driving on Florida’s Turnpike, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a high-speed highway. There was no warning prior to the shutdown, and I am currently
- [2025] On November 30, 2025, while driving my 2025 Chevy Equinox EV LS, the vehicle displayed a “Service High Voltage System” warning message on the center screen indicating an issue with the vehicle’s high‑voltage electrical system and that some driving and/or charging functionality may not be available. The high‑voltage battery and related components are still in the vehicle and available for inspectio
- [2024] Was fast charging. After 8 minutes car stop charging. Service vehicle light come on. And vehicle will not charge now. No regeneration either. Burning smell from vehicle. Dealer found code p1c34 Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Current Sensor - Temperature Sensor Circuit Low. Battery was replaced.
Regenerative Braking
- [2025] I was driving my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV on the highway with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged. The vehicle was also set to "One-Pedal Driving" (High regenerative braking). The vehicle in front of me slowed down abruptly. My vehicle's ACC began to slow the car, but it was not decelerating quickly enough to avoid a collision. I immediately intervened by pressing the brake pedal as hard as I
- [2025] While driving on the highway during morning rush hour the automatic braking fully engaged during slow traffic almost causing me to be rear-ended. The braking engaged after a split second collision warning after a car had merged in front of me. I was already slowing down via one pedal driving and about to begin applying my brakes when this occurred and there was plenty of space before any type of c
- [2025] I was pulling into the parking lot of my job. The one pedal driving mode was on, and my vehicle was not slowing down like it generally does. So, I immediately stepped on the brake, and it still didn't slow down, it felt like a brick, I stepped on it harder. It still did not stop! I ran into the barn/building I work in. I was terrified!! What if there was a person there, or another car, or kids pl
Electric Propulsion
- [2025] The vehicle’s high-voltage battery system and propulsion system appear to have failed, causing a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the dealership for inspection, The vehicle completely shut down while I was driving on Florida’s Turnpike, creating an extremely dangerous situation on a high-speed highway. There was no warning prior to the shutdown, and I am currently
- [2025] The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The contact stated that after charging the electric motor, the vehicle immediately lost charge within twenty minutes of driving. The contact stated that the vehicle would not properly remain charged. The contact was concerned that the vehicle might lose automotive power and stall. The vehicle also failed to blow warm air, making it difficult to defrost
Thermal Events
- [2024] - Vehicle showed error message for high voltage battery on 1/3/2025 at less than 5,000 miles. Vehicle was able to drive unrestricted (full speed and acceleration). Vehicle was able to fast charge even though the vehicle was coding for high voltage battery issue. Was informed via Chevy EV that it could be a "glitch" and to continue to drive it, charge it, and see if it would just go away. I did no
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2025] Service High Voltage System Error. Lithium-Ion Battery and 12V Battery require your attention. Brand New vehicle, should not be getting errors.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: GM Ultium NCMA (Small/Mid Pack, ~85-102 kWh)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Chevrolet Equinox regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
Used-Equinox shopping breaks into two periods. The 2018-2024 gas Equinox with the LYX 1.5L turbo is the volume engine, rated "avoid" at 1.6 with 15 fires across 8 model years and 187.6 complaints per year, well above the Compact SUV segment average of 31.24. The 2018-2020 LTG 2.0L turbo rates "avoid" 1.5 with 4 fires on a much smaller sample, and was the upper-trim alternative before being dropped. For 2025-newer cars, the redesigned 4th-gen Equinox launched with a different engine code (X0B+EC3, 311 complaints in 2024-2025 data); the sample is too small to draw firm reliability conclusions but the door-striker re-recall (23V869 followed by 24V737) and the early X0B+EC3 complaint density suggest manufacturing-quality issues continuing into the redesign.
Inspection priorities before buying any 2018-2024 gas Equinox: verify the 18V358 fuel pump recall has been performed on 2018 cars (multi-brand campaign covering GM Canyon, Acadia, Malibu siblings); check the 17V516 right front intermediate driveshaft on 2018 cars (multi-brand); confirm the 19V667 fuel tank seam recall on 2019-2020 AWD vehicles; verify the 19V704 rear brake caliper lubricant correction on 2020 cars; check the 22V359 and 22V724 driver seat frame on 2021-2023 cars; and confirm the 18V252 window glass tempering on 2018 cars. Many of these are multi-brand campaigns where dealer recall checks against the VIN are essential.
For the Equinox EV (2024-2026), the active recalls are mostly software and electrical: three pedestrian-alert-sound corrections (24V925, 25V639, 25V878), the 25V012 adaptive cruise control brake-engagement fix on AWD models, and 25V704 tire defect on 21-inch Continental tires. Verify all open EV-specific campaigns at NHTSA before buying, including the 26V114 multi-brand equipment recall covering 2025-2026 cars.
Recalls (23)
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles. The pedestrian alert sound system may not produce a sufficient change in volume between the vehicle being stopped and moving at low speeds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Equinox EV vehicles. The pedestrian alert sound system may not produce a sufficient change in volume between the vehicle being stopped and moving at low speeds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Cadillac Optic and 2025-2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles equipped with 21-inch Continental all-season tires. One or more of these tires may experience partial or full tread detachment.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV all-wheel drive electric vehicles. The adaptive cruise control may fail to engage the brakes as expected, due to incorrect brake module software.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles. The pedestrian alert sound system may have incorrect software and not produce sound at a sufficient volume. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, and Equinox vehicles. The door strikers were not properly heat-treated, which can cause them to break.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The door strikers may fracture, resulting in the door opening unexpectedly.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The driver's seat may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height-adjust pivot.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with ventilated front passenger seats. The Occupant Classification System may not properly disable the front passenger air bag when there is a small child or child restraint detected in the seat.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The driver and front passenger door window glass may not be properly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox has accumulated 1,689 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Engine, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Chevrolet Equinox engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the ?L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox a good used car?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,689 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox have?
The 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox has 1,689 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
There are 23 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2025 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Equinox?
Before buying a used Chevrolet Equinox, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Engine, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Equinox?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (9.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard & Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,689 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.