Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Owners filed 276 complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox with NHTSA between Jan 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (180).

Complaints
276
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
18
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
16
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Seat belts5
  11. Structure5
  12. Wheels4
  13. Electronic stability control (esc)3
  14. Exterior lighting3

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20178
20189
201914
202015
202124
202241
202343
202437
202559
202626

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Electrical system

19 reports2 fires
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle was a private sale from Facebook Marketplace. The mileage was 98,776 miles on 1/5/26. The contact had decided that a larger vehicle was needed and brought the vehicle to the dealer to trade it. The contact received a Carfax report from the dealer indicating an odometer discrepancy. The report indicated that the third owner had rolled back the odometer and that the actual mileage was 111,112. The contact stated that the private seller from whom the vehicle was purchased believed there was only one other owner, but after research, found that there were three prior owners before him, making the contact the 5th owner. The current mileage was 128,016.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2026Electrical systemODI 11762161

Air bags

19 reports14 crashes
“The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle collided with a deer. During the crash, the air bags became inoperable and failed to inflate or expose themselves out of the housing, and an “Air Bag Needs Service” warning message was displayed. The contact also noticed a strong fume-like odor following the impact and stated that the air bag system appeared to engage but did not deploy. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed, and law enforcement advised the contact that the vehicle could be safely driven home. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance agency. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 21, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11712450

Engine and engine cooling

16 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced oil consumption failures. While examine the vehicle he contact discover very little oil was present although oil was recently added to the engine. The oil light warning light did not display and no oil leaks were present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determined the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. . The failure mileage was 130,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 11, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11736946
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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