Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2017 Chevrolet EquinoxRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 276 owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. Most complaints involve engine (180) and power train (32). The EPA rates it 18–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
18–25mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
276
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

276 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine180
  2. Power train32
  3. Fuel/propulsion system21
  4. Electrical system19
  5. Air bags19
  6. Engine and engine cooling16
  7. Visibility/wiper11
  8. Vehicle speed control7
  9. Service brakes7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Equinox model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2005638
2006695
2007685
2008370
200994
2010784
2011783
2012685
2013751
2014549
2015680
2016399
2017276
2018410
2019310
2020318
2021100
2022182
202399
2024192
2025407
202679
20271
Crashes reported
18
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
16
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

180 reports1 crash3 fires
“I own a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and approximately 50,000 miles. The vehicle suddenly stopped starting without any prior warning signs, unusual noises, or dashboard warnings indicating a serious mechanical problem. After the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, I was told that the timing chain had failed, causing the engine to lose proper timing and resulting in internal engine damage, including damage to the pistons and other engine components. I am concerned that such a serious failure occurred at approximately 50,000 miles and without any advance warning. The vehicle has had normal, limited use, mainly for taking my children to school and driving to work, which is located very close to my home. I am reporting this issue because I believe NHTSA should be aware of this failure and determine whether similar problems have occurred in other 2017 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles with the same engine, and whether this may represent a potential safety defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026EngineODI 11769745

Power train

32 reports
“1.Since I bought the car it has needed oil on a weekly basis. I took it in for repair it had something to do with the oil consumption device $2270.00 to fix. 2. timing chain went out had to fix that too $$$$ 3. While driving along the car at rush hour the car suddenly died without any warning. Had to go off the road clipped a tree and all the cars behind me looked like billiard balls going in all directions so as not to rear end my car. EXTREMELY UNSAFE CAR I CANT BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE RECALLED EVERY OTHER YEAR FOR THIS ENGINE ISSUE AND NOT THE 2017!!!!!!!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11710650

Fuel/propulsion system

21 reports1 crash2 fires
“I have replaced the fuel pump on this vehicle three times. The last time was done the first week of August. It’s the first week of October and it’s going out again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11768687
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$2,550355
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV · Front-Wheel Drive
213125$2,550355
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800381
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV · All-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800381
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive
172420$3,200444
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive
162318$3,550489
  • Equinox FWD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI
    21 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Equinox FWD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV
    21 city · 31 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Equinox AWD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Equinox AWD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Equinox FWD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Equinox AWD
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Overall
4 / 5
Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 11021Vehicle 11020
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Equinox questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.

What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Owners filed 276 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (180), power train (32), fuel/propulsion system (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox at 18–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026