Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid

Why 2010 and 2011 made the avoid list

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

AvoidTop issue: engine · 34% of complaints · median 42,000 miles

Owners describe heavy oil consumption, engine knocking and stalling, plus sudden loss of drive or hard, delayed shifts blamed on transmission wave plates, with many saying timing chains, transmissions or whole engines were replaced and trouble returned. Others report the air bag warning light cycling on and off, traced to seat wiring or connectors.

Full 2010 report ›

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

AvoidTop issue: engine · 44% of complaints · median 31,000 miles

Owners describe engines stalling or losing power while driving, often after knocking noises, rough idling or warning lights, and brakes that intermittently lose power with the pedal sinking to the floor. Many also report recurring 'service air bag' lights, with some saying repairs didn't stick.

Full 2011 report ›

Questions owners ask

Which Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?

Counting complaints owners filed with NHTSA in each year's first five years on the road, per vehicle sold, the 2010 and 2011 Equinox drew the most: each more than twice the rate of a typical Equinox year, spread across more than one problem area. The 2013 also ran above average; use caution with it.

What is the best year for a used Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2009 Equinox drew the fewest complaints for its time on the road and the number sold (0.3× the rate of a typical Equinox year), followed by the 2017 and 2021. Years from 2022 on haven't had five years on the road, so they aren't rated yet.

What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Equinox?

Across every year, the problem area owners report most is the engine (23% of complaints), followed by visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) (16%) and the electrical system (15%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 27 recall campaigns covering Equinox model years 2008 to 2026, the most recent in February 2026. Enter a vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether its repairs were done.