Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2017 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation · GM Theta (GMT172)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20264,905 complaints, 3,346 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
- 201080kmedian
- 201180kmedian
- 201281kmedian
- 201380kmedian
- 201479kmedian
- 201574k†median
- 201665k†median
- 201768k†median
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 784
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2010
- Engine271 reports · median 87,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline182 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Visibility/wiper132 reports · median 100,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Seats — front assembly · Visibility — defroster/defogger/hvac system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 782
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2011
- Engine386 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline145 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Electrical system74 reports · median 60,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Seats — front assembly · Seat belts — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 81,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 685
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2012
- Engine355 reports · median 89,000 mi
- Visibility/wiper121 reports · median 94,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline84 reports · median 75,000 mi
Recall areas Electrical system — ignition · Seats — front assembly · Tires — pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 751
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2013
- Engine412 reports · median 92,000 mi
- Visibility/wiper144 reports · median 58,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline80 reports · median 84,000 mi
Recall areas Visibility — windshield wiper/washer · Electrical system — ignition
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 79,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 548
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2014
- Engine218 reports · median 95,000 mi
- Visibility/wiper167 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Electrical system46 reports · median 64,000 mi
Recall areas Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 74,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 680
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2015
- Visibility/wiper250 reports · median 76,000 mi
- Engine227 reports · median 90,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline63 reports · median 81,000 mi
Recall areas Visibility — windshield wiper/washer · Air bags — side/window
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 399
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine203 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Visibility/wiper114 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise32 reports
Recall areas Equipment — other
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 276
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine180 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise37 reports
- Transmission and driveline32 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2012; earliest: the 2016, and the 2012 is 4 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 79,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 134,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 3,346
- Recalls
- 9
Most reported
- Engine45.9% of complaints · median 89,000 mi
- Visibility/wiper20.6% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline13.3% of complaints · median 79,000 mi
Owners filed 4,905 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox; the engine leads with 45.9% of them, and half of the 3,346 that record an odometer reading came by 79,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 50,000 to 107,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox last?
On the 2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox, half of the 3,346 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 79,000 miles and 90% by 134,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
187 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 14 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Equinox reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2017 · 3,346 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 200 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 14 complaints (0.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 14,000
- 25%
- 50,000
- Median
- 79,000
- 75%
- 107,000
- 90%
- 134,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 200 | 6.0% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 85 | 2.5% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 54 | 1.6% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 44 | 1.3% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 53 | 1.6% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 65 | 1.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 66 | 2.0% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 70 | 2.1% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 88 | 2.6% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 103 | 3.1% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 135 | 4.0% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 128 | 3.8% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 153 | 4.6% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 147 | 4.4% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 159 | 4.8% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 151 | 4.5% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 161 | 4.8% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 157 | 4.7% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 148 | 4.4% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 132 | 3.9% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 152 | 4.5% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 118 | 3.5% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 125 | 3.7% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 102 | 3.0% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 101 | 3.0% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 74 | 2.2% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 50 | 1.5% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 49 | 1.5% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 50 | 1.5% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 39 | 1.2% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 49 | 1.5% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 29 | 0.9% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 18 | 0.5% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 17 | 0.5% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 16 | 0.5% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 9 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 14 | 0.4% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 12 | 0.4% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 7 | 0.2% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 2 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 14 | 0.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Equinox problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2017
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Electrical system428 reportsmedian 53,000middle half 15,000–92,000
- Airbag system251 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 27,000–103,000
- Problems owners could not categorise390 reportsmedian 72,000middle half 42,000–107,000
- Fuel and propulsion system295 reportsmedian 76,000middle half 44,000–110,000
- Transmission and driveline653 reportsmedian 79,000middle half 50,000–105,000
- Visibility/wiper1,008 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 60,000–107,000
- Engine2,252 reportsmedian 89,000middle half 64,000–114,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2,252 | 45.9% | 89,000 | 64,000–114,000 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1,008 | 20.6% | 80,000 | 60,000–107,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 653 | 13.3% | 79,000 | 50,000–105,000 |
| Electrical system | 428 | 8.7% | 53,000 | 15,000–92,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 390 | 8.0% | 72,000 | 42,000–107,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 295 | 6.0% | 76,000 | 44,000–110,000 |
| Airbag system | 251 | 5.1% | 55,000 | 27,000–103,000 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 189 | 3.9% | 78,000 | 49,000–107,000 |
| Steering | 182 | 3.7% | 43,000 | 13,000–89,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 159 | 3.2% | 63,000 | 19,000–99,000 |
Known problems with the 2010–2017 Equinox
Engine 2010–2017
2.4L Ecotec excessive oil consumption: the piston and piston ring assembly does not maintain adequate ring tension, so oil passes into the combustion chamber. The resulting chronic low oil level causes timing chain wear and connecting rod bearing failure. GM issued Special Coverage adjustments per model year and a class action settlement (final approval November 2019) covered MY2010-2013 Equinox and GMC Terrain; subsequent suits allege MY2014-2017 units have the same defect without the same coverage.
Engine
2.4L timing chain stretch, frequently secondary to the oil consumption defect above.
Before you buy a 2010–2017 Equinox: the 3-minute check
Generated from 3,346 mileage-tagged complaints, 9 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2010–2017 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Equinox problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi33% below | At 90k mi60% below | At 120k mi84% below | At 150k mi94% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 64,000–114,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility/wiper | 60,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 50,000–105,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 15,000–92,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 42,000–107,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 44,000–110,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 27,000–103,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2017 · 3,346 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 33% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 60% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 84% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 94% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox recalls (9)
NHTSA records 9 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around visibility equipment (3), the electrical system (1), equipment (1) (why one area can repeat).
Mar 2022 · 2014–2015 · VisibilityInoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.
What can happen. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 21, 2022.…
Aug 2016 · 2013 · VisibilityInoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the…
What can happen. Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, dealers will repair the AIP-hole, inspect and, if necessary, replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet…
Jul 2016 · 2010–2013 · Electrical SystemIf the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011…
What can happen. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer…
Jun 2016 · 2016 · EquipmentIf the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail…
What can happen. If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…
Oct 2015 · 2015 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its…
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300…
Jul 2014 · 2010–2012 · SeatsIf the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers'…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger…
What can happen. If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on…
Oct 2011 · 2012 · TiresUnderinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and…
The defect. General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC terrain vehicles, manufactured from july 18, 2011, through september 6, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 138…
What can happen. Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash. The resulting crash could cause serious injury. Underinflated tires can also…
The free fix. Gm dealers will update the body control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 9, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at…
Dec 2010 · 2011 · Seat BeltsThe safety belt system may not restrain the occupant(s) as designed and could increase the risk of injury.
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac srx, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC terrain vehicles. The driver and /or front passenger safety belt buckle anchor may fracture and separate near the seat attachment in a vehicle crash.
What can happen. The safety belt system may not restrain the occupant(s) as designed and could increase the risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will modify the passenger and/or the driver safety belt buckles as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 18…
Dec 2009 · 2010 · VisibilityDriving without a functioning defrost system can decrease your visibility under certain driving conditions…
The defect. General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "Windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with federal motor…
What can happen. Driving without a functioning defrost system can decrease your visibility under certain driving conditions and could result in a crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 4,905 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 160 (3.3%)
- Fires
- 40
- Injury reports
- 114
- Fatality reports
- 1
Equinox problems by model year
The 2010 drew the most complaints of this generation, 784, most of them about the engine, and the 2017 the fewest, 276. A typical year drew about 682.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 784 | 646 | 80,000 | Engine (271) | 3 |
| 2011 | 782 | 628 | 80,000 | Engine (386) | 3 |
| 2012 | 685 | 499 | 81,000 | Engine (355) | 3 |
| 2013 | 751 | 513 | 80,000 | Engine (412) | 2 |
| 2014 | 548 | 372 | 79,000 | Engine (218) | 1 |
| 2015 | 680 | 424 | 74,000† | Visibility/wiper (250) | 2 |
| 2016 | 399 | 172 | 65,000† | Engine (203) | 1 |
| 2017 | 276 | 92 | 68,000† | Engine (180) | 0 |
What Equinox owners reported
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from an independent dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times and the check engine warning light was reset; however, the check engine…
2014 · 192,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. While the contact's daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine shut off. The contact's daughter attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights…
2012 · 156,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The warranty company was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic…
2013 · 168,000 miles · Body structure
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle was a private sale from Facebook Marketplace. The mileage was 98,776 miles on 1/5/26. The contact had decided that a larger vehicle was needed and brought the vehicle to the dealer to trade it. The contact received a Carfax report from the…
2017 · 128,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 3,346 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Equinox generations
- Equinox 2005–2009 2,035 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Equinox 2018–2024 492 reports with mileage, most about the engine