Reliability
Chevrolet

Equinox (2026)

2026 · Compact SUV · 2 engines
83 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
Data covers 4 NHTSA model names
EQUINOXEQUINOX EVEQUINOX EV BEVEQUINOX ICE
View all 4 generations of the Chevrolet Equinox → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

Not rated

A comparison with similar vehicles needs three years on the road. NHTSA has 83 owner complaints on file for it, listed below.

Complaints by Engine Code

Show

LSD

1.5L 4-cyl Turbo
61 complaints 61.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
22
brakes
14
transmission
14
electrical
10
engine
7

X0B+EC3

22 complaints 16.0 per year Electric
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
16
brakes
8
electrical
3
transmission
3
other
2

Same engine used in

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Equinox, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 38 owner complaints
Brakes: 22 owner complaints
Transmission: 17 owner complaints
Electrical System: 13 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

On a used 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (38), the brakes (22) and the transmission and drivetrain (17). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox about the brakes.
  3. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox about the transmission and drivetrain.
  4. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox about the electrical system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

Recalls (3)

26V114000Feb 26, 2026serious
Equipment

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.”

25V878000Dec 18, 2025serious
Back Over Prevention

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."

25V704000Oct 16, 2025serious
Tires

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.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
5/5 (9.7% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox complaints?

Owners have filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the brakes and the transmission.

Is the 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox have?

NHTSA has 83 owner complaints on file for the 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2026-2026 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Equinox?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the brakes and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Equinox?

The 2026 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. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 83 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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