2016 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
What owners have reported about the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 398 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, wipers and visibility and transmission.
398 complaints 1 recall, 1 crash risk 8th worst of 19 Equinox years
Top 2016 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Engine problems
211 complaints (53%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and crankcase (PCV).
Wiper and visibility problems
120 complaints (30%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the motor and windshield.
Transmission problems
26 complaints (7%) name the transmission, most often the control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) and automatic transmission.
Electrical problems
24 complaints (6%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and sensors.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (168 of 398). The amber line is the middle value, about 67,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox recalls
Incorrect tire and pressure information on label
Crash riskThe certification label on the car may list the wrong tire size, rim size, or cold tire pressure. An owner relying on it could fit the wrong tires or inflate them incorrectly, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will inspect and replace the certification label for free.
Recall 16V449000 · Jun 2016Get an email when your 2016 Chevrolet Equinox gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Equinox years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 398 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, wipers and visibility and transmission.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, wipers and visibility, transmission and electrical system. 211 complaints (53%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and crankcase (PCV).
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 64,000–114,000 miles, with a middle value near 86,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have?
1. Incorrect tire and pressure information on label (16V449000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.