2016 Chevrolet Equinox
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 638 |
| 2006 | 695 |
| 2007 | 685 |
| 2008 | 370 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 784 |
| 2011 | 781 |
| 2012 | 682 |
| 2013 | 749 |
| 2014 | 546 |
| 2015 | 679 |
| 2016 | 395 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 401 |
| 2019 | 300 |
| 2020 | 303 |
| 2021 | 91 |
| 2022 | 164 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2024 | 73 |
| 2025 | 217 |
| 2026 | 63 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
51% of complaints: engine — 201 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PLEASE REFERENCE NHSTA COMPLAINT NUMBER 10862571,10865740 SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT THAT WAS SENT TO G.M. THIS VEHICLE MADE MY FAMILY SICK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160524
THIS VEHICLE MADE MY FAMILY SICK. I HAD TO PICKET DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT CAR, BECAUSE G.M HEAD QUARTERS CLOSED THE CASE AND LEFT ME WITH THIS TOXIC VEHICLE. A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN MY QUEST TO HAVE THE CAR REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160519
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In February of 2025, while driving my 2016 Chevy Equinox home from work, I heard a loud pop and loss of engine power a block from home. The weather conditions at the time were below freezing and light snow.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260822
29% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 113 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Wipers stopped working while driving in the rain
NHTSA ODI report, 20260821
Wipers stopped working in the pouring down rain. Couldnât see anything
NHTSA ODI report, 20260814
7% of complaints: power train — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) and automatic transmission.
CRASH FIRE INJURY6% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensors and instrument cluster/panel.
CRASH FIRE5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
Campaign 16V449000 — check if this car was fixed
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (201 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (113 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16V449000 (equipment, tires) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.