Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Chevrolet Equinox VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 32 NHTSA recall campaigns for 2005–2026 cover that year.
VIN prefix2GN2CN3GN1GN
Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.
Chevrolet Equinox
About the Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet has sold the Equinox in the US since the 2005 model year, and there have been four generations. Gen 1 first (2005–2009), then Gen 2 (2010–2017). The Gen 3 arrived for 2018–2024, and the Gen 4 took over for 2025–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 32 vehicle recall campaigns and 9,146 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 2. Its 2010 and 2011 model years alone account for 1,566 of them, with owners bringing up engine and cooling most often and visibility after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 18–20 mpg combined, while the Gen 4 gets 26–27 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.
US model years2005–2026
GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 · Gen 4
NHTSA recall campaigns32
Owner complaints9,146 at NHTSA
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations
Chevrolet Equinox generations
Four generations since the 2005 model year. The Gen 2 (2010–2017) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 3 (2018–2024) the most recall campaigns (17).
NHTSA has 32 campaigns on file for Equinox model years 2005–2026, and the 2022 shows up in more of them than any other year (6), ahead of the 2018 (5). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.
2026
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recallCanada only
Pick a row
What to ask
Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.
Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.
Owner reports · NHTSA complaints
What Chevrolet Equinox owners report
Owner summaries + NHTSA data
Complaints peak with the 2010 (784 of 9,146). Tap any bar or generation.
9,146NHTSA complaints, 2005–2026
366mention a crash
93mention a fire
339injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearGen 4: 299 complaints · most for the 2025 (228)
2005····2010····2015····2020····2025·
Top complaint areas · Gen 4
Mentions in 299 complaints, 2025–2026.
Electrical system88
Forward collision avoidance64
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)50
Brakes41
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)37
Engine and cooling30
Crashes 15Fires 1Injuries 9
2025–2026 (Gen 4)
NHTSA data summary
The 2025 stands out. On its own it has 228 of the ’s 299 complaints (76%), and owners across the generation name electrical system most often (88 mentions), then forward collision avoidance (64).
Top complaint areas · Gen 3
Mentions in 1,466 complaints, 2018–2024.
Brakes360
Engine and cooling357
Fuel system326
Electrical system214
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)186
Forward collision avoidance68
Crashes 94Fires 22Injuries 72
2018–2024 (Gen 3)
NHTSA data summary
By area, nothing stands out. Brakes lead with 360, with engine and cooling (357) and the fuel system (326) close behind. Complaints peak with the 2018, its first model year, at 408 of 1,466.
Top complaint areas · Gen 2
Mentions in 4,899 complaints, 2010–2017.
Engine and cooling2,353
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)1,114
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)652
Electrical system429
Fuel system294
Air bags252
Crashes 160Fires 40Injuries 163
2010–2017 (Gen 2)
NHTSA data summary
Of all Equinox complaints, 54% are for the . Its first model year, the 2010, drew more complaints than any other (784 of 4,899). Owners across the generation name engine and cooling most often (2,353 mentions), then visibility (1,114).
Top complaint areas · Gen 1
Mentions in 2,482 complaints, 2005–2009.
Electrical system505
Engine and cooling400
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors)328
Air bags326
Fuel system305
Steering211
Crashes 97Fires 30Injuries 95
2005–2009 (Gen 1)
NHTSA data summary
Of the five model years, the 2006 (695) and 2007 (685) drew the most complaints. Owners across the generation name electrical system most often (505 mentions), then engine and cooling (400).
What Equinox owners report across recent generations
Owner summary
2018–2024 (3rd generation)
Brakes lead NHTSA complaints for the 2018, with owners describing a pedal that suddenly turns hard and weak stopping, some linked to the vacuum pump or brake booster. Other reports describe a loss of engine power with a check engine light. CarComplaints ranks hard brakes first for 2018, followed by a check engine light and a fuel gauge that stops at three quarters when filling. Recalls cover rear caliper pistons that could reduce braking on 2018–2019 models and a right front intermediate driveshaft that could fracture on some 2018 models. [1][2]
2010–2017 (2nd generation)
Oil consumption on the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is the defining complaint. NHTSA reports for the 2010–2011 describe stalling, loss of power, timing chain trouble and failed engines, and CarComplaints ranks excessive oil consumption first for 2011, followed by a clattering noise at startup and transmission failure. Owners of 2010 models also report windshield wipers that stop working, sometimes while driving in the rain. [3][4][5]
✓
What to check before buying
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the rear brake caliper and driveshaft recalls on 2018–2019 models.
On 2010–2017 models with the 2.4-liter, ask for oil consumption test records and any piston or timing chain work, and check the oil level.
On 2018 and later models, ask about vacuum pump or brake booster repairs.
On the drive, press the brake several times, listen for a rattle at cold start and confirm the wipers work.
EPA lists 102 Equinox versions for model years 2005–2026 (gas, diesel and electric). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 310 g/mi (2024). Electric versions have none at the tailpipe. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.
Gen 12005–2009
18–20 mpg · CO₂ 444–494 g/mi
Gen 22010–2017
18–26 mpg · CO₂ 342–489 g/mi
Gen 32018–2026
24–32 mpg · 96–109 MPGe electric · CO₂ 0–367 g/mi
Gen 42025–2026
26–27 mpg · 96–103 MPGe electric · CO₂ 0–344 g/mi
2025
27combined MPG
332CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$2,500EPA yearly fuel cost
6/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
5/10Greenhouse gas rating
California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard
Cleanest gas version of 2025: FWD · Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo — 27 MPG · 332 g/mi
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
GasDieselElectric
Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
Compare rivals
Equinox vs Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
NHTSA + EPA data
Take 2025–2026. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Equinox, against 6 for the Toyota RAV4 and 5 for the Honda CR-V. Pick a range to compare.
NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.
Chevrolet Equinox VIN number location
Where to find the VIN on an Equinox
Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.
Before finalizing an Equinox purchase, check the VIN plate at the base of the driver's side windshield against the door jamb sticker and the B-pillar label. The Gen 4 generation starts with the 2025 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (S for 2025) shows which side of that line a car falls on.
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ
Common Chevrolet Equinox VIN questions
Which Chevrolet Equinox model years have the most owner complaints?
The 2010 leads with 784, ahead of the 2011 (782) and 2013 (751). Those first two alone make up 17% of the 9,146 Equinox complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Equinox had?
NHTSA’s recall records show 32 vehicle campaigns for model years 2005–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 3 leads with 17. Then come the Gen 2 (9), Gen 1 (5) and Gen 4 (1), and a campaign can span two generations.
Which Chevrolet Equinox recalls are high risk?
NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 12V-459, 18V-358, 20V-668 and 19V-667. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.
Which Equinox generation am I looking at?
By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2005–2009 and the Gen 2 2010–2017. Gen 3 spans 2018–2024, Gen 4 2025–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (S is 2025).
What fuel economy does the Chevrolet Equinox get?
It varies. EPA rates the 2025–2026 Gen 4 at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 18–20 mpg for the 2005–2009 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).
How does the Chevrolet Equinox compare with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V on recalls?
For 2025–2026 models the Equinox has 1 NHTSA recall campaign. The Toyota RAV4 has 6, the Honda CR-V 5. Complaints run 299, 138 and 427 in that order, with no sales adjustment.
What crash rating does the Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Equinox 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.
