VehicleVerdict

2015 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 845 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Equinox year — the 2015 model ranks #8 of 22 Equinox years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 32 injuries in total across these filings.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 280 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

845

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

37

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

32

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Equinox years?

Equinox NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted1,139 complaints2005: 950 complaints2006: 950 complaints2007: 950 complaints2008: 535 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 1,118 complaints2011: 1,139 complaints2012: 943 complaints2013: 988 complaints2014: 699 complaints2015: 845 complaints2016: 493 complaints2017: 370 complaints2018: 586 complaints2019: 418 complaints2020: 488 complaints2021: 128 complaints2022: 221 complaints2023: 140 complaints2024: 126 complaints2025: 346 complaints2026: 112 complaints
Equinox NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equinox years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers28033%
Engine23127%
Transmission637%
Electrical System607%
Other557%
Airbags374%
Fuel System354%
Brakes162%
Steering142%
Speed Control142%
Body & Structure101%
Tires & Wheels91%
Suspension71%
Seat Belts40%
Seats40%
Lighting30%
Driver Assistance30%

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V165000Visibility & WipersMarch 17, 2022 · 681,509 units

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.

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212352530.

15V666000AirbagsOctober 16, 2015 · 395 units

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 deployment.

Consequence

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 fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

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, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Without warning, windshield wipers suddenly stopped working during a significant rain storm that resulted in loosing all visual of interstate. Traffic had slowed to 45 MPH due to rain prior to the complete failure of windshield wiper transmission. As we were lowering driver and passenger windows to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 27, 2021 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR WRECK ON A CITY STREET. MY CAR WAS TOTALED AND NOT EVEN ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IT WAS A FRONT END COLLISION. I WAS TRAVELING EAST ABOUT 20-25 MILES PER HOUR AND S VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN GOING EXCESSIVELY FAST. I HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2018 · crash

“THE IGNITION KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION (VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE POSITION). IN WHICH CAUSED A ROLLAWAY INCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND BELIVED TO BE IN PARK.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 18, 2018 · crash

“THE IGNITION KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION (VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE POSITION). IN WHICH CAUSED A ROLLAWAY INCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND BELIVED TO BE IN PARK.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 18, 2018 · crash

“When I was driving down the street, I noticed smoke coming from the hood then flames . I parked off to the side of the road and open the door and took off running away from the vehicle. Loosing everything clothes, phones , jewelry important documents. I paid off the vehicle. Was happy that for once…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 22, 2025 · fire

2015 Chevrolet Equinox — common questions

Is the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 845 complaints put the 2015 model at #8 of 22 Equinox years. It is one of the Equinox years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Equinox problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (280 complaints), engine (231 complaints), transmission (63 complaints).

Does the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equinox years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2013, 2007, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2015. The cleanest record among Equinox years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.