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Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Grade

BOverall

Above-average reliability

EngineC+
TransmissionB+

Grade a specific Chevrolet Equinox

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Chevrolet Equinox earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (C+) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 4,040 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Chevrolet Equinox reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2005D2006C2007C2008B-2009B+2010D2011C-2012C2013C2014C+2015B-2016B+2017B+2018B-2019B+2020B2021B+2022B2023B2024B

Years to avoid: 2005 (blown head gasket) and 2010 (stalling / loss of power)

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Chevrolet Equinox last?

160,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Chevrolet Equinox problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Chevrolet Equinox, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Equinox problems

Chevrolet Equinox vs. other compact SUVs

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota RAV4 A- A A-
Nissan Rogue B+ B- B+
Mazda CX-5 B+ B+ B+
Toyota Venza A- A- B+
Honda CR-V B- B+ B
Chevrolet Equinox C+ B+ B
Kia Sportage C- B+ B
Subaru Forester B+ B B
Volkswagen Tiguan B- B+ B
GMC Terrain C B- C+
Hyundai Tucson D C+ C
Ford Escape F F F
Jeep Cherokee C- F F

Most reliable compact SUVs →

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Chevrolet Equinox reliability FAQ

Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

Above-average reliability. The Chevrolet Equinox earns a B overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C+ for its engine and a B+ for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The engine (C+) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 4,040 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Chevrolet Equinox last?

We estimate a well-maintained Chevrolet Equinox lasts around 160,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Chevrolet Equinox?

No Chevrolet Equinox model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2009, 2016 and 2017.

What Chevrolet Equinox years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox years to be most careful with are 2005 and 2010. The 2005 grades a D overall (engine D, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is blown head gasket. The 2010 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Equinox transmission a B+ (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Equinox engine a C+ (average reliability).