Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2026 Chevrolet EquinoxRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 79 owner complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (21) and service brakes (18). The EPA rates it 26–108 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
26–108mpg
EPA · 5 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
79
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: owners

Free remedy

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

EquipmentReported Feb 26, 2026NHTSA 26V114000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

79 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2025 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance21
  2. Service brakes18
  3. Power train17
  4. Electrical system14
  5. Lane departure8
  6. Engine7
  7. Fuel/propulsion system5
  8. Visibility4
  9. Visibility/wiper4

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
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
5
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

Forward collision avoidance

21 reports2 crashes
“When I drive my 2026 Chevy Equinox when you accelerate there is a wobble and shake. Sometimes my side mirrors give off warning and nothing is beside me and flashes on and off.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 17, 2026Unknown or other, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11771855

Service brakes

18 reports3 crashes1 fire
“My 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT has experienced repeated failures involving the braking system and electronic safety systems. While driving, multiple warning lights illuminated, including ABS, BRAKE, check engine, traction control, parking brake, and “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” Most concerning, my brakes became extremely hard to press, and the vehicle failed to slow down or stop as expected. This malfunction placed my life and the safety of other motorists and pedestrians at serious risk. The unexpected loss of normal braking ability could have resulted in a major collision, especially while approaching an intersection or traveling at higher speeds. Apple Chevrolet has inspected my vehicle multiple times for these recurring issues. Previous diagnostic testing identified communication-related trouble codes involving the braking and electronic control systems. General Motors Technical Assistance was involved. Despite previous repairs and being told my vehicle was safe to drive, the problems returned. My vehicle is currently at Apple Chevrolet for its third service visit involving related concerns. GM is involved and dealership technicians are…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11771504

Power train

17 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle misfired and hesitated. The vehicle momentarily lost power, during which it would not accelerate or brake. Power then returned, and all vehicle functions resumed. The contact stated that during the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the dealer reprogrammed the vehicle; however, the reprogramming did not resolve the failures. The failure mileage was 32,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Power trainODI 11772371
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

5 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
Electric motor · 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (A1) · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity · Regular Gasoline
EV range
319 mi (EPA)

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 EV FWD
Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive
117100108$700—
Equinox EV AWD (11 kW Charger)
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
11295103$750—
Equinox EV AWD (19 kW Charger)
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
1038896$800—
Equinox FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
262927$2,400329
Equinox AWD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
252926$2,450342
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
5/ 5
5 of 5
CHEVROLET EQUINOX SUV N/A 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
5 / 5
CHEVROLET EQUINOX SUV N/A FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
18.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 21823Vehicle 21822
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

2026 Equinox questions

How many recalls does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2026 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Owners filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (21), service brakes (18), power train (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox get?

The EPA rates the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox at 26–108 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).

How safe is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026