VehicleVerdict

2019 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox sits mid-pack among Equinox years: 408 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 510, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (98), brakes (77), and electrical system (47), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

408

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

31

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Equinox years?

Equinox NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,137 complaints2005: 950 complaints2006: 950 complaints2007: 950 complaints2008: 535 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 1,118 complaints2011: 1,137 complaints2012: 943 complaints2013: 984 complaints2014: 696 complaints2015: 844 complaints2016: 487 complaints2017: 367 complaints2018: 570 complaints2019: 408 complaints2020: 463 complaints2021: 117 complaints2022: 210 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 111 complaints2025: 331 complaints2026: 92 complaints
Equinox NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equinox years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine9824%
Brakes7719%
Electrical System4712%
Fuel System4511%
Other379%
Transmission348%
Speed Control123%
Driver Assistance113%
Airbags113%
Steering92%
Seats61%
Lighting61%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Tires & Wheels41%
Seat Belts31%
Body & Structure20%
Suspension10%

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

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

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

19V667000Fuel SystemSeptember 19, 2019 · 301 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.

19V184000SeatsMarch 7, 2019 · 120 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.

18V576000BrakesAugust 30, 2018 · 210,628 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FOR UNKNOWN REASONS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A MOTEL GRAVEL PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT 10 HOURS AFTER HAVING BEEN DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 7 HOURS. ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS COMPLETELY CONSUMED BY THE FIRE BEFORE BEING PUT OUT BY FIRE DEPARTMENT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 2, 2019 · fire

“BRAKES FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO FENCE WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE & WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE - THRU FRONT DOOR & OUT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH CENTRAL CLAIMS CASE (XXX) INFORMATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 27, 2019 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT 9:30 PM ON A STATE HIGHWAY, MY 17 YEAR OLD SON HIT A DEER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND HE SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER AND SMELLED SMOKE. HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW FLAMES. HE IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 AND HIS MOTHER. THE CAR WAS ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 9, 2020 · crash · fire

“BRAKES FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO FENCE WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE & WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE - THRU FRONT DOOR & OUT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH CENTRAL CLAIMS CASE (XXX) INFORMATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 27, 2019 · crash

“Check engine lite want go off low acceleration and. reduce Engine power light came on today .Just got the car in March . Low engine power light came on was on eway and had to pull over . And someone almost hit my kids and I ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 23, 2022 · crash

2019 Chevrolet Equinox — common questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

It is close to typical for the Equinox: 408 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Equinox problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (98 complaints), brakes (77 complaints), electrical system (47 complaints).

Does the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?

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

How safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.