2016 Chevrolet Equinox Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 200 2 crash 3 fire 6 injury

“CAR STARTED SMELLING HORRIBLE ANYTIME IT WAS RUNNING, WOULD MAKE ME AND MY KIDS PHYSICALLY SICK BREATHING THE AIR COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE.MY DAUGHTER HAD PNEUMONIA 4 MONTHS AGO, AND MY HUSBAND HAD A SEVERE CASE OF PNEUMONIA 2 WEEKS AGO. NOT TO MENTION ALL THE RESPIRATORY RELATED PROBLEMS IN THE LAST YEAR THE ENTIRE FAMILY HAS BEEN HAVING. CHEVY WOULD NOT LOOK AT MY CAR, I CALLED MULTIPLKE TIMES TELLING THEM MY CAR IS SO FOUL SMELLING I CANT DRIVE IT ANYMORE AND ITS NOT A DEAD ANMIAL BECAUSE WE SEARCHED EVERY COMPARTMENT THERE IS....AND THEY SAID ITS A DEAD MOUSE OR ANIMAL AND THAT WARRANTY D…”
NHTSA complaint #10886153, 2016 · 2 injury(ies)

“PLEASE REFERENCE NHSTA COMPLAINT NUMBER 10862571,10865740 SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT THAT WAS SENT TO G.M. THIS VEHICLE MADE MY FAMILY SICK. I HAD TO PICKET DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT CAR, BECAUSE G.M HEAD QUARTERS CLOSED THE CASE AND LEFT ME WITH THIS TOXIC VEHICLE. A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN MY QUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPLACED. A GM DEALERSHIP WHERE I DID NOT BUY CAR FROM, BOUGHT ME OUT OF MY LEASE AND GOT ME INTO A NEW VEHICLE. I PHYSICALLY PICKETED DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT CAR FROM AND OTHERS TO GET MY POINT ACROSS. I STILL HAVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING AND THE DEALERSHIP IS STUCK WITH THIS VEHICL…”
NHTSA complaint #10870530, 2016 · 2 injury(ies)

“THIS VEHICLE MADE MY FAMILY SICK. I HAD TO PICKET DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT CAR, BECAUSE G.M HEAD QUARTERS CLOSED THE CASE AND LEFT ME WITH THIS TOXIC VEHICLE. A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN MY QUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPLACED. A GM DEALERSHIP WHERE I DID NOT BUY CAR FROM BOUGHT ME OUT OF MY LEASE AND GOT ME INTO A NEW VEHICLE. I PHYSICALLY PICKETED DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT CAR FROM AND OTHER GM DEALERSHIPS TO GET MY POINT ACROSS. I STILL HAVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING AND THE DEALERSHIP IS STUCK WITH THIS VEHICLE NOW, AND I STILL HAVE HEALTH CONCERNS ABOUT MY FAMILY. I HAVE CALLED THE EPA, AND OTHER AGEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10865740, 2016 · 2 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 111

“I am writing to formally document a series of catastrophic mechanical failures regarding the aforementioned vehicle. Despite rigorous maintenance and significant financial investment, the car remains non-drivable, posing a severe safety risk. Chronology of Failures: October 2024: Four months post-purchase, the timing chain failed on I-94. Atwater Chevrolet replaced the component; however, this did not resolve the underlying engine instability. December 3, 2025: Following a dashboard warning light, a Northland Chevrolet dealer replaced the solenoids. At this time, the windshield wiper motor…”
NHTSA complaint #11711299, 2025

“The wiper blade motor is gone out. The tire pressure sensor is off : the oil seems to disappear faster than the sensor”
NHTSA complaint #11708723, 2025

“While driving with windshield wipers on, they suddenly stopped working. The wipers were stuck in position in the center of my windshield. Upon inspection, it appeared that one of the arms had become disconnected from the piece it was connected to. Snapped right off during unsafe driving conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #11706997, 2025

Unknown Or Other 32 1 crash 5 injury

“PLEASE REFERENCE NHSTA COMPLAINT NUMBER 10862571,10865740 SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT THAT WAS SENT TO G.M. THIS VEHICLE MADE MY FAMILY SICK. I HAD TO PICKET DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT CAR, BECAUSE G.M HEAD QUARTERS CLOSED THE CASE AND LEFT ME WITH THIS TOXIC VEHICLE. A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN MY QUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPLACED. A GM DEALERSHIP WHERE I DID NOT BUY CAR FROM, BOUGHT ME OUT OF MY LEASE AND GOT ME INTO A NEW VEHICLE. I PHYSICALLY PICKETED DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT CAR FROM AND OTHERS TO GET MY POINT ACROSS. I STILL HAVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING AND THE DEALERSHIP IS STUCK WITH THIS VEHICL…”
NHTSA complaint #10870530, 2016 · 2 injury(ies)

“THIS VEHICLE MADE MY FAMILY SICK. I HAD TO PICKET DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT CAR, BECAUSE G.M HEAD QUARTERS CLOSED THE CASE AND LEFT ME WITH THIS TOXIC VEHICLE. A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN MY QUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPLACED. A GM DEALERSHIP WHERE I DID NOT BUY CAR FROM BOUGHT ME OUT OF MY LEASE AND GOT ME INTO A NEW VEHICLE. I PHYSICALLY PICKETED DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT CAR FROM AND OTHER GM DEALERSHIPS TO GET MY POINT ACROSS. I STILL HAVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING AND THE DEALERSHIP IS STUCK WITH THIS VEHICLE NOW, AND I STILL HAVE HEALTH CONCERNS ABOUT MY FAMILY. I HAVE CALLED THE EPA, AND OTHER AGEN…”
NHTSA complaint #10865740, 2016 · 2 injury(ies)

“THE CHROME PLATING ON THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES ARE LIFTING FROM THE PLASTIC. THE CHROME PLATING IS SHARP LIKE A SHEET METAL MATERIAL AND SLICED OPEN MY HUSBAND'S MIDDLE FINGER WHEN HE WAS OPENING THE DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. IT SLICED SO DEEP HE REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CHROME PLATING IS ALSO LIFTING FROM OTHER AREAS ON THE DASH AND INNER DOORS.”
NHTSA complaint #11326718, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 26 1 crash 1 fire 7 injury

“ON OCTOBER 1, MY MOTHER (PASSENGER) AND I WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLL BACK ACCIDENT AT MY APARTMENT COMPLEX. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. I REMAINED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE FOR 1-2 MINUTES. I RETURNED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE, OPENED THE DOOR, AND PROCEEDED TO ENTER THE CABIN. UPON OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACK, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS IN PARK. I WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE VEHICLE DOOR, WITH HALF OF MY BODY/EXTREMITIES (THE RIGHT SIDE) IN THE CABIN, AND MY LEFT EXTREMITIES OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS DRAGGED 10-15 FEET. MY MOTHER WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER…”
NHTSA complaint #10918091, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while the vehicle gear was in park; he switched from the driver's seat to the passenger seat with his wife. His wife was taking over to become the driver. While attempting to change drivers, the vehicle inadvertently reversed. The wife was trying to stop the vehicle while being partially in and partially out of the vehicle. The vehicle dragged the wife into an area of bushes. The contact stated while the passenger door was still open, when it accidentally hit him and knocked him over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The a…”
NHTSA complaint #11476178, 2022 · 2 injury(ies)

“CAR STARTED SMELLING HORRIBLE ANYTIME IT WAS RUNNING, WOULD MAKE ME AND MY KIDS PHYSICALLY SICK BREATHING THE AIR COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE.MY DAUGHTER HAD PNEUMONIA 4 MONTHS AGO, AND MY HUSBAND HAD A SEVERE CASE OF PNEUMONIA 2 WEEKS AGO. NOT TO MENTION ALL THE RESPIRATORY RELATED PROBLEMS IN THE LAST YEAR THE ENTIRE FAMILY HAS BEEN HAVING. CHEVY WOULD NOT LOOK AT MY CAR, I CALLED MULTIPLKE TIMES TELLING THEM MY CAR IS SO FOUL SMELLING I CANT DRIVE IT ANYMORE AND ITS NOT A DEAD ANMIAL BECAUSE WE SEARCHED EVERY COMPARTMENT THERE IS....AND THEY SAID ITS A DEAD MOUSE OR ANIMAL AND THAT WARRANTY D…”
NHTSA complaint #10886153, 2016 · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 24 1 crash 1 fire

“My 2016 Chevrolet Equinox caught on fire about 10 minutes after my accident. I rear ended a pickup truck going about 5-10 miles an hour. Although nobody was hurt, I don't think SUVs should catch on fire. I'm unaware if this problem is frequent in 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, but there wasn't any warning of the sudden fire that appeared from the engine, i.e. sirens, sounds from within the car. I'm unaware if Chevrolet, law enforcement or the insurance company has inspected the vehicle after the accident?”
NHTSA complaint #11423472, 2021 · crash · fire

“In Feb 2025, I was driving, a day after a snow storm, on the highway when without warning my car stopped accelerating, and just shut down. The mechanic said my oil was all over the ground. He also stated that there's a defect in the 2.4l ecotec motors and the pistons broke on my vehicle. Now I have to pay $3500 to rebuild my motor. He stated that the vehicle has a higher oil consumption rate/ leaks and you will never know”
NHTSA complaint #11658343, 2025

“Snowy conditions. All of the traction control, stabilitrak, and abs systems are working normally. Sometimes when i accelerate and the wheels start to spin the whole infotainment console turns off. Its almost like the battery is dead for a few seconds then everything turns back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11641421, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 19 1 crash 1 fire

“My 2016 Chevrolet Equinox caught on fire about 10 minutes after my accident. I rear ended a pickup truck going about 5-10 miles an hour. Although nobody was hurt, I don't think SUVs should catch on fire. I'm unaware if this problem is frequent in 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, but there wasn't any warning of the sudden fire that appeared from the engine, i.e. sirens, sounds from within the car. I'm unaware if Chevrolet, law enforcement or the insurance company has inspected the vehicle after the accident?”
NHTSA complaint #11423472, 2021 · crash · fire

“In Feb 2025, I was driving, a day after a snow storm, on the highway when without warning my car stopped accelerating, and just shut down. The mechanic said my oil was all over the ground. He also stated that there's a defect in the 2.4l ecotec motors and the pistons broke on my vehicle. Now I have to pay $3500 to rebuild my motor. He stated that the vehicle has a higher oil consumption rate/ leaks and you will never know”
NHTSA complaint #11658343, 2025

“When temperatures were around 0 degrees, I was driving to work and I started hearing a noise and the car was shaking. I oil all over the ground and checked the oil once parked, the dip stick had no oil and there was white foam under the oil cap. This issue could've cause me to lose control of my vehicle while driving, putting myself and anyone around me at risk. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership where they found out that the rear main seal failed. They replaced the rear main seal along with the front main seal and sent me on my way. I had no issues for the next month, but the weather we…”
NHTSA complaint #11643659, 2025

Air Bags 12 6 crash 7 injury

“I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE THE OTHER DRIVER RAN A STOP SIGN AND I RAN INTO THE SIDE OF HIS CAR HEAD ON, I WAS GOING BETWEEN 35-40MILES PER HOUR. I WAS DRIVING IN A NEIGHBORHOOD, MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, THE CAR CENTER CONSOLE STATED THAT THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN LITTLETON COLORADO.”
NHTSA complaint #11144924, 2017 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that his vehicle had been involved in two accidents and that the airbags failed to deploy as needed in both accidents. In the first accident, the contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, a tree had fallen right in front of his vehicle. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle in time which caused him to run over the tree. The contact stated that the airbags did not deploy. The contact did not suffer any injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where they repaire…”
NHTSA complaint #11434042, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“TAKATA RECALL, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY OR INFLATE IN FRONT COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11208955, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine And Engine Cooling 9

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle on a cold, snowy day, there was oil on the driveway. There was a fuel odor inside the vehicle, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was related to the PCV system. The mechanic stated that the PCV valve was clogged, causing the gasket to fail. The vehicle was partially repaired. The mechanic later informed the contact that other repairs were necessary. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were…”
NHTSA complaint #11715924, 2026

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that two weeks after the vehicle was purchased, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the engine was very low on oil. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle. Two weeks later, the contact took the vehicle back to be checked and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. However, no cause for the failure was found. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had to check the oil le…”
NHTSA complaint #11703026, 2025

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that one and a half quarts of oil needed to be added every two days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the failure was caused by the timing belt sagging, and the piston being burned. The dealer stated that the gasket kit, timing chain, tensioner, sensor, guards, actuator, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contact…”
NHTSA complaint #11675983, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 9

“It doesn't make sense how much oil this thing burns. We just had the oil changed last month and prior to that we've replaced the solenoids. Why in heavens did this vehicle stall out yesterday when my husband was driving on the highway saying engine power reduced. This vehicle is costing a fortune. There is truly something wrong with these engines! This could have cause a major crash. Thank goodness no one got hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #11527166, 2023

“My vehicle went into "limp mode" in a dangerous intersection due to the garbage design of the PCV. The "valve" is simply a hole that gets clogged by cold climates, and it allows the oil pressure to build up in the crankcase and then without warning, oh boy, my engine had a catastrophic failure and needs to be replaced. Blown rear main seal. There are multiple lawsuits against GM for this. They can't continue to get away with knowing about this flaw and not fix it. I only put 37,000 miles on this car (108K total). Changed the oil myself religiously. I came in, and they told me there was no oil…”
NHTSA complaint #11500328, 2022

“DRIVER REPORTS CAR STALLS WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL, CAR HAS SMELL OF GAS. THIS STALLING HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS.”
NHTSA complaint #11353092, 2020

Steering 7 1 crash 1 injury

“My son was driving when the steering "locked" into one position which caused him to leave the interstate, cross the median, across oncoming traffic and roll the vehicle three times. He suffered a lower back injury and his passenger only encountered minor cuts. We were not aware of any issues at the time. We did not have the vehicle inspected after the crash. No warnings or prior warnings were displayed by the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11665365, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The failure persisted and became a complete failure. The contact stated that the “Service Power Steering” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Firestone Certified mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for assistance. The certified mechanic had diagnosed the vehicle with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of t…”
NHTSA complaint #11664648, 2025

“My vehicle went into "limp mode" in a dangerous intersection due to the garbage design of the PCV. The "valve" is simply a hole that gets clogged by cold climates, and it allows the oil pressure to build up in the crankcase and then without warning, oh boy, my engine had a catastrophic failure and needs to be replaced. Blown rear main seal. There are multiple lawsuits against GM for this. They can't continue to get away with knowing about this flaw and not fix it. I only put 37,000 miles on this car (108K total). Changed the oil myself religiously. I came in, and they told me there was no oil…”
NHTSA complaint #11500328, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST MOTIVE POWER, BRAKING AND THE STEERING FUNCTIONALITY FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STILL IDLED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11312044, 2020

“WHILE DRIVING, AT 55MPH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITHOUT WARNING AND THE DASH SHOWED "SERVICE STABILITRAK" AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY REDUCED SPEED TO AROUND 30MPH BEFORE I COULD APPLY THE GAS. I IMMEDIATELY TOO THE VEHICLE TO MONRO MUFFLER AND BRAKE FOR SERVICE. WHEN I ARRIVED, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO OIL. I PERFORMED REGULAR OIL CHANGES ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION ABOUT LOW OIL PRESSURE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT OVERHEAT. THE ENGINE NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.”
NHTSA complaint #11311003, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESPOND. THE SERVICE STABILI TRAC WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BERGEY'S BUICK GMC (446 HARLEYSVILLE PIKE, SOUDERTON, PA 18964) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL WIRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FLEMI…”
NHTSA complaint #11311951, 2019

Service Brakes 6 3 crash 3 injury

“ON OCTOBER 1, MY MOTHER (PASSENGER) AND I WERE INVOLVED IN A ROLL BACK ACCIDENT AT MY APARTMENT COMPLEX. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. I REMAINED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE FOR 1-2 MINUTES. I RETURNED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE, OPENED THE DOOR, AND PROCEEDED TO ENTER THE CABIN. UPON OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACK, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS IN PARK. I WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE VEHICLE DOOR, WITH HALF OF MY BODY/EXTREMITIES (THE RIGHT SIDE) IN THE CABIN, AND MY LEFT EXTREMITIES OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS DRAGGED 10-15 FEET. MY MOTHER WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER…”
NHTSA complaint #10918091, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I'M WRITING TO INFORM YOU OF A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE WITH A 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX RENTED FROM ENTERPRISE IN HUNTINGTON STATION, NEW YORK. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 12,022 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE LONG ISLAND EXPRESSWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. AS TRAFFIC SLOWED DOWN AHEAD OF ME I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I WAS IMMEDIATELY SHOCKED WITH DISBELIEF THAT MY VEHICLE SLIGHTLY IMPACTED WITH THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME INSTEAD OF STOPPING 5 OR 10 FEET BEFORE THAT VEHICLE. THE BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO RESPOND OR FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY C…”
NHTSA complaint #10898775, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“BACKING DOWN A STEEP DRIVEWAY WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WORKING FINE THE FIRST SEVERAL SECONDS THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND CAR ROLLED ACROSS A BUSY STREET JUMPING THE CURB AND HITTING A TELEPHONE POLE AND FENCE. NO PERSON OR VEHICLE NOR MY VEHICLE WAS HIT FORTUNATELY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE RENTAL COMPANY BROUGHT ME A NEWER EQUINOX AND THE DAY AFTER WHILE BACKING OUT OF PARKING SPACE IN HOTEL GARAGE APPLYING BRAKES THE BRAKE WENT TO FLOOR HITTING WALL AS I PUT GEAR TO NEUTRAL AND THEN INTO PARK BUT IT HAD ALREADY HIT THE WALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11025383, 2017 · crash

Structure 6 1 crash 1 injury

“MY SON WAS IN AN ACCIDENT OCT 26, 2018 @ APPROXIMATELY 7:30 PM.. HE WAS TURNING LEFT ON HIGHWAY RT. 50 IN MT. STORM, WV WITH SIGNAL LIGHT ON TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. A TRUCK DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED FROM BEHIND ATTEMPTED TO PASS HIM ON THE LEFT EVEN THOUGH MY SON WAS ALREADY TURNING LEFT. THE TRUCK HIT DIRECTLY ON HIS FRONT LEFT TIRE BY A VEHICLE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE FRAME WAS DAMAGED AND WE ARE UNSURE OF ADDITIONAL DAMAGES UNTIL THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER INSPECTS IT. THE SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN MY SON HITTING THE SIDE WINDOW AND DIAGNOSED WITH CERVIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11143660, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Severe oil consumption which could lead to damage to engine and vehicle failure when driving, which could cause an accident or worse. The dealer stated that the rear main seal could blow out and cause the vehicle failure. Defective parts that GM is aware of, but not addressing to the owners. There is a service bulletin (14882) that dealers are aware of concerning this issue, for an extended warranty of 120,000 or 10 years, no charge to customers to repair. Part#12591866.crankshaft real oil seal. The dealer refuses to honor it.”
NHTSA complaint #11592287, 2024

“CLEAR COAT ON VEHICLES TOP IS PEELING. MY CHEVY HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF VERY WELL. I BELIEVE THAT, THIS VEHICLE WAS BUILT IN CANADA AND THAT FACTORY CUT CORNERS ON APPLING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF CLEAR COATING TO THE PRIMARY COLOR.”
NHTSA complaint #11359784, 2020

Visibility 6

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the windshield wiper motor. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11529382, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH in inclement weather, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked and waited until the rain showers had slowed down to continue driving to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,125.”
NHTSA complaint #11526528, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated after attempting to activate the windshield wipers, the wipers failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the motor and arms needed to be replaced on the windshield wipers. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,306.”
NHTSA complaint #11466699, 2022

Wheels 5

“Transfer case and front differential failure. No warning lights came on beforehand”
NHTSA complaint #11716209, 2026

“The wiper blade motor is gone out. The tire pressure sensor is off : the oil seems to disappear faster than the sensor”
NHTSA complaint #11708723, 2025

“TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR SYSTEM REPAIRED TWO YEARS AGO. CAR HAS JUST CROSSED OVER 16K MILES, SO IT IS USED VERY LITTLE. TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS KEEP GOING. INTERESTINGLY, MY NEIGHBOR HAS JUST BOUGHT THE SAME YEAR VEHICLE AND SHE HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY”
NHTSA complaint #11658425, 2023

Suspension 3 1 crash 1 injury

“MY SON WAS IN AN ACCIDENT OCT 26, 2018 @ APPROXIMATELY 7:30 PM.. HE WAS TURNING LEFT ON HIGHWAY RT. 50 IN MT. STORM, WV WITH SIGNAL LIGHT ON TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. A TRUCK DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED FROM BEHIND ATTEMPTED TO PASS HIM ON THE LEFT EVEN THOUGH MY SON WAS ALREADY TURNING LEFT. THE TRUCK HIT DIRECTLY ON HIS FRONT LEFT TIRE BY A VEHICLE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE FRAME WAS DAMAGED AND WE ARE UNSURE OF ADDITIONAL DAMAGES UNTIL THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER INSPECTS IT. THE SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN MY SON HITTING THE SIDE WINDOW AND DIAGNOSED WITH CERVIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11143660, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Purchased vehicle certified pre owned May 2019 with 56,000 miles. In June 2019 replaced front tire that were new due to passenger tire wear also New battery and oil change..Jan 2020 had to have front main seal oil ring replaced. Oil changes done every 3 to 7 thousand miles. Have a 2 sets of tires put on .Have had some hesitation problems throughout while.driving. But never did find cause. Took to chevy dealer on Nov 3rd for windshield wiper motor replacement. Picked up on Nov. 5th. Have had issues with starting since picked up had to carry jump start box in car. Car was parked until I could g…”
NHTSA complaint #11483108, 2022

“I HIT A HOLE AND MY PASSENGER FRONT TIRE AND RIM WERE DAMAGED AND I COULD NOT MOVE CAR, HAD CAR TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THE ONLY DAMAGE WAS TO THE WHEEL, RIM AND NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT. TWO DAYS LATER FRONT DRIVERS SIDE MAKING A LOUD NOISE, SHAKING WHEN DRIVING AND NOTICED IT WAS LEAKING A FLUID. RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP, RESUBMITTED TO INSURANCE COMPANY. INSURANCE WOULD NOT PAY STAYED WEAR AND TEAR. THEY FOUND PLAY IN FRONT LINKS. NEED TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT STABILIZER LINKS , LEFT FRONT AXLE SEAL LEAKING, REPLACED AXLE SEAL AND AXLE. MY CAR HAD 29000 MILES AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND T…”
NHTSA complaint #11244380, 2019

Exterior Lighting 2

“The ambient light sensor is very sensitive. There can be full sunlight, but if I go in the shadow of a truck or a tree, the sensor dims the dashboard lighting. If I go under any sort of bridge, no matter how short, the dash goes dark. Sometimes it takes over 10 minutes for it to go back to normal. The ambient light sensor should be facing straight up at the sky. Also, the sensor should be connected to the vehicles GPS and the clock for the time of day. I rely on the info center on the dash for the GPS and other items. If I cannot see the info center, it can lead to a collision. I have brough…”
NHTSA complaint #11457463, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN DUSK OR DAWN, THE HEADLAMP BEAMS WERE TOO DIM TO PROJECT A VISIBLE LIGHT TO SAFELY OPERATE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLAMPS OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 03/29/17LJ *CN”
NHTSA complaint #10954550, 2017

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle on a cold, snowy day, there was oil on the driveway. There was a fuel odor inside the vehicle, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was related to the PCV system. The mechanic stated that the PCV valve was clogged, causing the gasket to fail. The vehicle was partially repaired. The mechanic later informed the contact that other repairs were necessary. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were…”
NHTSA complaint #11715924, 2026

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle with a gasoline odor coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11659501, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FORWARD COLLISION ALERT SYSTEM WARNING DISPLAY FAILURE TO ILLUMINATE/ DETECT WHEN FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE TO FRONT VEHICLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE TAILGATE ALERT ALLOWED HIM TO GET WITHIN LESS THAN TWO CAR LENGTHS BEFORE THE VISUAL WARNING APPEARED. THE DEALER STATED THE SYSTEM WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #10909233, 2016

Lane Departure 1 1 crash

“This car used so much oil that I had to put it in constantly. Eventually the time belt broke, and the car stopped because it literally had no oil in it causing the engine to blow. This is a known problem I found out later on.”
NHTSA complaint #11698268, 2025 · crash

Seat Belts 1 1 crash

“Was in a small accident the air bags never deployed but the seat belts locked saying that I needed to service my air bag system. As I did. The seat belts are no longer locked but the light is still on and the car is telling me to servic we the airbag system”
NHTSA complaint #11554109, 2023 · crash

Seats 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE. WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SURGED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE ELECTRONIC SEAT FUNCTION WAS DEACTIVATED, THE SEATS CONTINUED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN FOUR TIMES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/21/17*LJ UPDATED 10/19/2017*JS”
NHTSA complaint #10979624, 2016

Tires 1

“2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR 17" P225/65R17 100T LEFT REAR TIRE HAD A MAJOR BLOWOUT ON THE EXTERIOR SIDEWALL AFTER BEING DRIVEN LESS THAN 500 MILES -- TOTAL. ALL TIRES WERE BRAND NEW, PROPERLY INFLATED AND MAINTAINED. NO NAIL OR OBVIOUS PUNCTURE POINT WAS FOUND. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN 55 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE IN CLEAR WEATHER. TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 70 DEGREES. BLOWOUT OCCURRED DURING 10-MINUTE DRIVE OVER SMOOTH, PAVED ROAD. IMMEDIATELY BEFORE BLOWOUT, WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON DASH ABOUT LOW TIRE PRESSURE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED FOR FREE.”
NHTSA complaint #10865785, 2016