Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid | 18 Best & Worst Years [2023]

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Source: Autoblog

The Equinox has been a popular crossover SUV since its 2005 launch. Sales for this SUV have been fairly stable over the years. The Equinox was the first Chevy SUV to have the body and frame manufactured separately in body-on-frame construction.

The reliability of this car is supposedly 3.5 stars out of 5. When compared to the other 26 compact SUVs, this ranks 23rd. Now you may be wondering, is it that reliable, and if so, what are the best and worst years?

The best years for Chevy Equinox are 2009, 2016, 2017, 2020-2023. The Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid include 2005-2007, 2010-2015, 2018, and 2019. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmund, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book reviews.

What Are The Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid?

You should avoid the model years mentioned below because fixing their numerous issues will drain your bank account. Owners of these models have said they don’t feel safe using them. Chevrolet Equinox year models that you should avoid:

#11 Worst Year: 2019 Equinox (3.79 Rating)

Source:caranddriver

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox comes one year after the third-generation vehicle was introduced. A broken turbo charge cooler tube, a frozen ECU, and chipped paint are all common complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Repair costs for an Equinox will be more than average once the manufacturer’s warranty expires because these issues are slightly more severe than those of competing small SUVs.

The fuel system of an SUV is what gets the gas into the engine and the wheels spinning. When something goes wrong, drivers may have trouble getting the vehicle to respond normally or be unable to move the vehicle. This model year had many problems with the fuel system.

Common problems:

  • Charge cooler tube failure
  • Malfunction computer
  • Erratic radio behavior

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#10 Worst Year: 2014 Equinox (3.74 Rating)

Source:blog.unhaggle

The biggest problems that customers have seen with the 2014 Chevy Equinox model include high oil consumption, smashing on the starter, a broken rear main seal, and engine issues. The oil consumption problem reportedly begins at 103,000 miles and can cost around $3,300 to repair.

At 42,000 miles, the rattling begins, and the estimated cost to fix it is $8,100. Finally, the NHTSA reports that 138 people have complained about an issue with the engine.

Common problems:

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Rattling on start-up
  • Timing chain failure

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#9 Worst Year: 2006 Equinox (3.62 Rating)

Source: Jbcarpages

For 2006, Equinox models were given the dreaded “Beware of the Clunker” label by CarComplaints.com. Many people who bought this model year reported problems with the heater. The heater’s inability to melt ice and fog caused visibility problems during the winter.

Numerous reports of engine issues were also received, most often attributed to a blown head gasket.

Common problems:

  • The heater blows out cold air
  • The engine shut down while driving
  • Blend door broken

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#8 Worst Year: 2018 Equinox (3.49 Rating)

Source:thecarconnection

The typical 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems include check engine lights, sluggish gearshifts, and a harsh brake pedal. Most 2018 Chevy Equinox owners report problems with the check engine light coming on after about 35,000 miles. Owners also complained that the gear shifts were slow for the first 10,000 miles.

Some Equinox models also suffered from annoying stiff brake pedals after about 60,000 miles. The 2018 Equinox has a known issue with the brake vacuum pump, which ultimately needs replacement, while replacing it could set you back around $1,200.

Common problems:

  • Hard Brakes
  • Check the engine light on
  • Faulty gas gauge

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#7 Worst Year: 2005 Equinox (3.48 Rating)

Source: carsdirect.com

Many people’s bad experiences with the Chevrolet Equinox began with the first generation car released in 2005. The primary problems with this car include the transmission breaking down, the air conditioner not working, the front control arm bushing breaking, the gas cap breaking, and the EVAP vent valve solenoid breaking. These issues should not be treated lightly.

The transmission is expensive to repair or replace since it is one of the most important parts of your car. The primary issue is that if one of these starts acting up, it might cause damage to other components in your car.

Common problems:

  • Blown head gasket

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#6 Worst Year: 2015 Equinox (3.46 Rating)

Source: cars.usnews

Due to several faults that might cause dangerous scenarios, the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is among the most problematic years. The vehicle’s primary issue is its high oil consumption, which is brought on by faulty piston rings that allow oil to leak out.

Carbon buildup causes oil to burn, which is a major problem in itself. The engine head and valves are also at risk of being damaged in this way. In addition, the gas mileage of the 2015 model year has been known to suffer from oil leaking problems.

Finally, reports of transmission issues with this model were not uncommon. Quite frequently, it will jolt, slide, or even shiver.

Common problems:

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Wiper transmission broke
  • Low oil ruined motor

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#5 Worst Year: 2013 Equinox (3.43 Rating)

Source: Forbes

The 2013 Chevy Equinox has a history of complaints, and the worst part is that many of these problems manifest themselves at quite low mileage. The failure of the engine is the primary issue with this type.

The engine dies or stalls. Some have even claimed that it has a high oil consumption rate. Repair costs will be greater due to these problems, typically starting at around $800.

More shocking, perhaps, is the fact that repairs average around $3,000, and 111 complaints have been filed over oil consumption. There were over 15 complaints regarding the broken engine, and the minimum price to fix it was around $3500. Due to the complexity involved, this model should be avoided if possible.

Common problems:

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Timing chain malfunction
  • Rusting doors

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#4 Worst Year: 2012 Equinox (3.34 Rating)

Source:cars.blogspot

Problems with the 2012 Equinox’s engine oil consumption were widespread, and this had an adverse effect on the vehicle’s timing chain, valves, and pistons. In addition, drivers reportedly experienced a lot of stopping, jerking, and shutting down. Some owners insist their vehicles were not included in the recall, despite having the aforementioned issues.

Common problems:

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • The rear main seal blew out
  • Check engine light is on

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#3 Worst Year: 2010 Equinox (3.17 Rating)

Source:money.cnn

The 2010 Equinox is another model year best forgotten due to persistent engine troubles brought on by high oil use. There were many reports of transmission problems, inoperative windshield wipers, and loud engine noise with this particular model. With so many complaints, the 2010 Chevy Equinox ranks third as the worst model year.

Common problems:

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Defective engine
  • Transmission failure

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#2 Worst Year: 2007 Equinox (3.05 Rating)

Source:caranddriver

There were a number of problems with the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox that left customers dissatisfied. The failure of the fuel pump and the ignition system are the most significant problems with the 2007 model year. The cost of fixing this might quickly add up. Passenger airbag sensor failure was another frequently mentioned problem.

Because of these problems, this car has been recalled four times. The Gas Cap on this model frequently breaks, the key gets caught in the ignition, and the torque converter never locks.

Common problems:

  • Engine overheating
  • Leaking antifreeze
  • Fuel odor

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#1 Worst Year: 2011 Equinox 3.02 Rating)

Source:autoblog

Statistically, 2011 Equinoxs are the most problematic of all the years covered here. The excessive oil consumption that was the source of many of the complaints had disastrous effects on vital engine parts.

Several owners also complained that their transmissions broke down at roughly 90,000 miles, at which point repairs cost an average of $3,500.

Common problems:

  • Excessive oil consumption
  • Clattering noise when starting the vehicle
  • Transmission failure

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

Related: 10 Best & Worst Years Of Chevy Tahoe

What Are The Best Years Of Chevy Equinox?

You should know why these years rank so highly. The exceptional performance, dependability, and standout features enjoyed by their owners earn these models a reputation as the best years.

#7 Best Year: 2016 Equinox (3.90 Rating)

Source:thenewswheel

The 2016 Equinox is the second-to-last model year of the second generation, and it was one of the most reliable of the bunch. New projector-beam headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL), and taillights were added to the model’s revamped front dashboard, while the rear dashboard was redesigned.

A new 7-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera are now standard on the L and LS base models. There is a blind-spot monitor that includes a rear cross-traffic alert on the LT and LTZ models.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#6 Best Year: 2017 Equinox (4.10 Rating)

Source:gmauthority

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is widely hailed as the industry’s premier large-family vehicle. This model was specifically created with a roomy inside and a large cargo area to ensure the safety and comfort of your family on long trips.

In terms of general safety, this model has received a score of 9.3 out of 10 points. This is just another way in which this car stands out from the crowd. The product’s many useful features will also win you over.

Features-wise, this 2017 model year has a lot going for it, including automated climate control, a strong and secure sunroof, and exceptional V6 powerful engines.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#5 Best Year: 2009 Equinox (4.29 Rating)

Source:motordesktop

One of the greatest and most dependable vehicles on the market, the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox stands out among its contemporaries. Perhaps you’re wondering what the big deal is. Many satisfied customers have praised this vehicle’s impressive V6 engines and other features.

If you and your family value comfort while on the road, you’ll be pleased to know that this model has a roomy cabin and a roomier trunk. Following that, this 2009 Chevrolet Equinox has an overall rating of 8.9 out of 10 from cars.usnews.com.

Another piece of good news is that this vehicle is a 2009 finalist for the award for Most Affordable Compact SUV. The design and functionality of this vehicle are nearly flawless, and it is also extremely dependable.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#4 Best Year: 2020 Equinox (4.32 Rating)

Source:chevrolet

The 2020 Equinox stands out from the crowd by offering a powerful 2.0-liter engine mated to a 9-speed automated transmission, allowing it to tow up to 3,500 pounds. It was deemed by Car and Driver to be among the “Best-Crossovers” available.

The standard touchscreen size for the 2020 Equinox is 7 inches, with an 8-inch version available as an option. There are a number of ways to connect your electronic devices, including USB ports, auxiliary input jacks, 4G LTE internet, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

At last, it’s not enough to look fashionable if you can’t feel comfortable, right? The 2020 Equinox’s cabin is roomier and has more headroom than the Honda CR-V. With 40.9 inches of legroom and 57.2 inches of shoulder room, there is plenty of space to relax.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#3 Best Year: 2022 Equinox (4.34 Rating)

Source: Autoblog

The 2022 variant of the Equinox is again one of the best model years since it has the most up-to-date safety features, technologies, and designs. A new grille style, unique headlamps, and a sleeker front and back bumper are just some of the changes made to the 2022 model.

The RS model, with its aggressive looks and features like dark 19-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out exterior trim, joined the 2022 selection as well.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#2 Best Year: 2021 Equinox (4.36 Rating)

Source: Edmunds

There’s no denying that the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a must-have car. This 2021 model’s reliability rating from J.D. Power is 85 out of 100, which is sure to come as a shock. This is the best possible score for a small sport utility vehicle.

This particular model is widely regarded as being of the highest quality, so you can rely on it no matter what. Owners have recorded a few problems; therefore, it’s safe to assume they had a positive experience with this car.

This model’s fantastic features include a fuel tank that won’t empty too fast, a powerful and economical 1.5 L turbo engine, six cutting-edge safety features, and a starting price that’s less than $23,000.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#1 Best Year: 2023 Equinox (4.42 Rating)

Source: autoevolution

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is a strong contender in the compact SUV class for several reasons, including its competitive pricing, strong fuel economy, comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced safety features, which may make it the best car for some people in its class.

The 2023 Chevy Equinox is among the best contenders for compact SUVs, as it was awarded as the #19 best compact SUV of 2023. It has a starting price that is competitive with other compact SUVs in its class.

Moreover, Equinox’s two available engines are both fuel-efficient, with the base 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

Related: 22 Best & Worst Chevy Silverado 1500 Years

FAQ

1. What Are The Common Problems Of Chevy Equinox?

Chevrolet Equinoxes are prone to a variety of faults, the most common of which are engine-related problems like excessive oil use, numerous electrical problems that are difficult to detect, and premature gearbox failure.

2. GMC Terrain Vs. Chevy Equinox: Which is Better?

Both the Terrain and the Equinox have powerful engines, but the Terrain also has a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Equinox only has a six-speed automatic.

The GMC Terrain is the superior choice due to its superior transmission, larger cabin storage capacity, and more attractive exterior design. Despite sharing engines, these two SUVs are very different from one another.

3. How Long Does Chevrolet Equinox Last?

The Chevrolet Equinox is said to have a far longer lifespan than its rivals. The average life expectancy of a well-maintained Chevrolet Equinox is 200,000 kilometers. That’s more than 20 years on the road for many drivers.

The Equinox has a predicted maximum lifetime of about 150,000 miles or almost 10 years of use under average conditions.

4. Is Chevy Equinox a Reliable Car?

The Chevrolet Equinox is, indeed, a reliable vehicle. On RepairPal, Chevrolet’s reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 places it 20th out of 32 vehicle brands, somewhat in the middle. This assessment is based on the mean of 345 individual models.

Aside from that, J.D. Power rates the dependability of one Chevrolet Equinox model at 91 out of 100. For a compact sport utility vehicle, this is the best possible score.

5. What Can Be The Closest Equinox Competitors?

It’s not just the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V that compete with the Chevy Equinox; there are many more such as:

Conclusion

The best and worst years of the Chevy Equinox have been laid out for you, so you can make a wise choice. The latest Chevrolet Equinox are an excellent choice; they have few problems and come highly recommended. However, if you don’t want to be stuck driving a lemon or fixing a heap of problems, steer clear of the worst-year models.

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