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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine180
- Power train32
- Fuel/propulsion system21
- Electrical system19
- Air bags19
- Engine and engine cooling16
- Visibility/wiper11
- Vehicle speed control7
- Service brakes7
- Seat belts5
- Structure5
- Wheels4
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
8
9
14
15
24
41
43
37
59
26
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 59 |
| 2026 | 26 |
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.
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.”
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!!!!!!!!”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.