VehicleVerdict

2020 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox sits mid-pack among Equinox years: 463 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 509, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 19 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (102), engine (87), and fuel system (54), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

463

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

35

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

19

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Equinox years?

See all Equinox years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes10222%
Engine8719%
Fuel System5412%
Electrical System4510%
Other439%
Transmission388%
Driver Assistance255%
Speed Control123%
Steering123%
Suspension102%
Tires & Wheels82%
Lighting72%
Airbags72%
Body & Structure51%
Seat Belts31%
Latches & Locks20%
Visibility & Wipers20%
Seats10%

Does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

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

23V339000Child SeatMay 11, 2023 · 668,187 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Consequence

The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.

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.

19V704000BrakesOctober 3, 2019 · 166 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.

Consequence

Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

While driving on the freeway at 75 mph my vacuum pump seized and shattered, causing me to loose all breaking power, damaging my engine beyond repair and endangering my life and numerous other drivers on the road. There is a current recall on the particular year, make and model for this issue but my…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 29, 2025 · crash

While driving on the freeway at 75 mph my vacuum pump seized and shattered, causing me to loose all breaking power, damaging my engine beyond repair and endangering my life and numerous other drivers on the road. There is a current recall on the particular year, make and model for this issue but my…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 29, 2025 · crash

PULLING OUT OF CARWASH.TURNING LEFT IN CARWASH LOT. CAR ENGINE REVED UP, CAR LUNGED FORWARD AT HIGH SPEED. SLAMMED ON BRAKE BUT BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. CAR THEN SIDE SWIPED CARWASH VACUUM SYSTEM ON PASSENGER SIDE SCRAPING AND DENTING BOTH PASSENGER SIDE DOORS. THREW CAR INTO PARK AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 4, 2020 · crash

Engine power reduced keeps appearing Check engine light still on after oil change Oil is always empty after an oil change Leaking oil gasket

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 17, 2022 · crash

TURNING RIGHT AFTER A YIELD AND TOOK A LOOP (HIGHWAY) MY VEHICLE CRASHED ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND, BUT MY VEHICLE SUPPOSED TO HAVE AN AUTO WARNING OR ALERT SIGN THAT I SHOULD HAVE NOTICED, A BEEP THAT SUPPOSED TO ALERT ME THAT THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SO CLOSE EVEN THE SWITCH WAS AT THE ON MODE

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 2, 2020 · crash

2020 Chevrolet Equinox — common questions

Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

It is close to typical for the Equinox: 463 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 Equinox problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (102 complaints), engine (87 complaints), fuel system (54 complaints).

Does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.