The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2020 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- 2018 2017
The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
- 2005 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' AN IGNITION KEY PARK LOCK CABLE END FITTING WAS NOT FULLY SEATED ON THE AUTOMATIC T…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
When I was driving on a city street headed to the highway lost gears with no warning my car would not go into any gears.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox owner · NHTSA complaint
The vehicle would not go into gear, then it would go into forward and not reverse took it to chevy and was told we need a new transmission
2010 Chevrolet Equinox owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Chevrolet Equinox years are 2010, 2011, 2005.
What are common Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems?
Owners most often describe hard or jerky shifting, lost power while driving, delay or hesitation.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Chevrolet Equinox years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2023, 2024, 2022.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Chevrolet Equinox reliability by year. How we count