Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
Every Equinox model year ranked by owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with recalls and the top problem for each year.
Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Which Equinox years should you avoid?
The 2010, 2011 and 2013 Equinox have the most NHTSA complaints. Adjusted for how long each year has been on the road, the 2009, 2021 and 2008 models have the fewest problems.
Complaints by model year
Total complaints. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing.
Every year at a glance
| Year | Complaints | Per year | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 72 | 72 | 1 | Emergency Braking |
| 2025 | 233 | 117 | 0 | Electrical |
| 2024 | 79 | 26 | 1 | Fuel System |
| 2023 | 98 | 25 | 3 | Fuel System |
| 2022 | 183 | 37 | 6 | Fuel System |
| 2021 | 99 | 17 | 4 | Fuel System |
| 2020 | 314 | 45 | 4 | Brakes |
| 2019 | 305 | 38 | 4 | Engine |
| 2018 | 409 | 45 | 5 | Brakes |
| 2017 | 276 | 28 | 0 | Engine |
| 2016 | 398 | 36 | 1 | Engine |
| 2015 | 680 | 57 | 2 | Wipers and Visibility |
| 2014 | 548 | 42 | 1 | Engine |
| 2013 | 751 | 54 | 2 | Engine |
| 2012 | 685 | 46 | 3 | Engine |
| 2011 | 782 | 49 | 3 | Engine |
| 2010 | 784 | 46 | 3 | Engine |
| 2009 | 94 | 5 | 0 | Airbags |
| 2008 | 370 | 19 | 0 | Airbags |
"Per year" divides complaints by the years since that model year went on sale, so new and old years compare fairly. Highlighted rows have the most complaints.
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Common questions
What is the worst year for the Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2010 Equinox, with 784 complaints. Its most reported problem area is the engine.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Equinox?
Among years with at least three years of owner reports, the 2009 Equinox has the fewest complaints per year on the road.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years should I avoid?
Be most careful with the 2010, 2011 and 2013 models. Check service records and recall work before buying.