The Lemon IndexChevrolet Equinox.
The best Chevrolet Equinox years are 2017, 2021, 2014. Years to avoid: 2005. Across 2010-2022, it has a Lemon Index of 46, where 100 is the average car and lower is better.
Reliability by year, 2005 to 2025.
Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
Scores before 2010 are rough: fewer owners filed complaints back then.
Best years to buy
2017.
Compare the Chevrolet Equinox.
vs Toyota RAV4 · vs Honda CR-V · vs Nissan Rogue · vs Ford Escape · vs Jeep Grand Cherokee · vs Ford Explorer · vs Toyota Highlander · vs Jeep Wrangler
Quick answers.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox a good car?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable models we track, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2010-2022: Lemon Index 46; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: the best is 2017 and the worst is 2005.
What are the best Chevrolet Equinox years to buy?
By owner complaints per car sold: 2017, 2021, 2014.
What Chevrolet Equinox years should you stay away from?
The years with the most complaints per car sold: 2005.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Equinox have?
46 safety recalls across the 21 model years we track. Most: 2018 (5), 2022 (5), 2007 (4). Each year's page lists them.
What are the most common Chevrolet Equinox problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name engine, electrical and transmission & drivetrain most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 113 | 1.1× the average car's complaints | 167 | engine (32%) | 1 | — | 19 |
| 2006 | 100 | about average | 102 | visibility (46%) | 0 | — | 18–19 |
| 2007 | 105 | about average | 90 | airbags (23%) | 4 | — | 19–20 |
| 2008 | 62 | 1.6× fewer complaints than average | 43 | airbags (30%) | 0 | — | 19 |
| 2009 | – | too few complaints to score | 11 | speed control (18%) | 0 | — | 19–20 |
| 2010 | 84 | 1.2× fewer complaints than average | 138 | engine (23%) | 3 | — | 20–26 |
| 2011 | 76 | 1.3× fewer complaints than average | 170 | engine (31%) | 3 | ★★★★☆ | 19–26 |
| 2012 | 44 | 2.3× fewer complaints than average | 104 | engine (31%) | 3 | ★★★★☆ | 19–26 |
| 2013 | 54 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 157 | wipers & visibility (41%) | 2 | ★★★★☆ | 19–26 |
| 2014 | 32 | 3.1× fewer complaints than average | 86 | electrical (22%) | 1 | ★★★★☆ | 19–26 |
| 2015 | 45 | 2.2× fewer complaints than average | 121 | wipers & visibility (32%) | 2 | ★★★★☆ | 19–26 |
| 2016 | 33 | 3× fewer complaints than average | 84 | wipers & visibility (29%) | 1 | ★★★★☆ | 18–26 |
| 2017 | 15 | 6.7× fewer complaints than average | 46 | engine (26%) | 0 | ★★★★☆ | 18–25 |
| 2018 | 54 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 183 | brakes (18%) | 5 | ★★★★★ | 24–32 |
| 2019 | 39 | 2.6× fewer complaints than average | 136 | engine (43%) | 4 | ★★★★★ | 24–32 |
| 2020 | 49 | 2× fewer complaints than average | 130 | brakes (28%) | 4 | ★★★★★ | 24–28 |
| 2021 | 26 | 3.8× fewer complaints than average | 50 | electrical (20%) | 4 | ★★★★★ | 27–28 |
| 2022 | 52 | 1.9× fewer complaints than average | 135 | fuel or EV drive system (39%) | 5 | ★★★★★ | 27–28 |
| 2023 | 38 | 2.6× fewer complaints than average | 99 | fuel or EV drive system (46%) | 3 | ★★★★★ | 26–28 |
| 2024 | 44 | 2.3× fewer complaints than average | 80 | fuel or EV drive system (29%) | 1 | ★★★★★ | 26–108 |
| 2025 | 141 | 1.4× the average car's complaints | 234 | electrical (33%) | 0 | ★★★★★ | 26–109 |
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. How it works
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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