2017 Chevrolet Equinox

Above average

Owners filed 272 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

92 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine164
120
Air Bags19
1408
Unknown or Other15
005
Power Train15
000
Electrical System12
020
Visibility/Wiper7
000
Engine and Engine Cooling6
000
Wheels3
000
Structure › Body3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Sep 4, 2026128,016 milesLA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 2026WV

My car was in Clarksburg Crown, Mitsubishi, and a lot that had no monitoring, and it was a sticker saying the car was not ready to be sold, and I still went with it trusting the crown Mitsubishi Car associate however there are fuses added to my car weather from them or from car auto tunes in Morgantown I’m not sure but my car has the ability to run without my foot on the gas or things happening to my to my acceleration

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 11, 2026130,000 milesGA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 21, 2026WI

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier certified pre-owned vehicle experienced multiple safety-related defects. 1. REPEATED STARTING FAILURES (electrical/battery/starter system): - March 17, 2026: Complete battery failure, vehicle would not start. AAA/GM Roadside Assistance called. Dealer inspected but could not diagnose root cause or explain battery drain. Preceded by unusually loud windshield wiper motor and engine noise (March 15). - April 13, 2026 (4:01pm): Engine failed to turn over twice in parking lot before starting on third attempt. SAFETY RISK: Sudden starting failures create stranding hazard and risk of being rear-ended in traffic. 2. WATER INTRUSION THROUGH HEADLINER (sunroof/headliner/mic assembly): - April 15, 2026 (10:40-10:45am): Approximately 1 ounce of water poured from headliner/radio microphone assembly directly into driver's eyes while driving on expressway. Continued dripping intermittently for hours. SAFETY RISK: Complete vision obstruction while driving at highway speeds. 3. INTERMITTENT SAFETY CHIMES (electrical/infotainment): - Ongoing for weeks: Five rapid electronic dings with NO dashboard warning lights or indicators. Occurs sporadically while driving (10 occurrences in one recent day). Dealer previously informed by phone but no resolution. SAFETY RISK: Distracting chimes with no identifiable warning create driver confusion. 4. ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL: Remote start now works intermittently. All components available for NHTSA/manufacturer inspection. Dealer

Engine
Filed Apr 7, 2026AL

MY CAR STARTED TO USE A LOT OF OIL, AND UPON MY REGULAR OIL CHANGES IT WOULD ALWAYS BE VERY LOW, BUT OIL WAS NOT LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT I HAD TO PUT OIL IN OFTEN TO OPERATE THE CAR. IT GOT TO THE POINT THAT IT WOULD CUT OFF ON ME IN SCHOOL LINES. AFTER DEALING WITH THIS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME IT SOUNDED SO BAD THAT THE EXPRESS OIL CHANGE FACILITIES REFUSED TO CHANGE MY OIL BECAUSE THEY SAID IT WAS AN ENGINE PROBLEM. SO I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE 2 MONTHS AFTER TOWING IT HOME. I HAVE 2 VEHICLE PAYMENTS, MY 2017 EQUINOX BEEN DOWN OVER A YEAR NOW. PLEASE ADD MY VIN # TO THE RECALL. IM EXPERIENCES THE SAME SYMPTOMS

Engine
Filed Mar 13, 2026NY

While driving to work in negative degree weather I got a message saying reduce engine power and before I could pull over it had lost all power. Having it towed and now needing a new engine I see im not the first one with this problem. I also still have a loan im paying for on a dead car. Idk why theres not a recall on this .

Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2026MI

I have had this car for a little under a year. In January of this year 2026, I was driving on the freeway when I received a. reduce engine power alert. Which caused me to immediately get off of the freeway put the car power down before I can make it another half a mile. After having it looked at several times what was thought to be a rear seal oil leak turned out to be a leak in the transmission. Repairs as of now our thoughts to be needing an entire new transmission. . Repairs as of now our thoughts to be needing a entire new transmission. I don’t understand why there is no recall for this specific situation. Upon my research, I have seen many complaints many concerns of the exact same thing of the exact same making model of these cars. I have not been able to drive the car since January and have been paying for a rental. With cost estimated to be between 1500 and $4000. Surely there’s something that Chevrolet can do for all of the people who are having the same problems with the equinox

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Mar 3, 2026156,300 milesTX

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000. The contact found paperwork inside the glove compartment that indicated that the mileage on the Title was 156,300. The contact purchased the Carfax Report and confirmed the mileage. The contact filed a report with the local Police Department.

Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2026OH

The rear main seal has gone out in two 2017 chevy equinox right around 100,000 for both vehicles costing over 1000$ plus to fix.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 2026MD

While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle repeatedly displays diagnostic trouble code P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation). The vehicle suddenly enters “Reduced Engine Power” mode without warning and loses acceleration while driving. This occurs daily and multiple times per day, both on highways and local roads. When the issue happens, the vehicle will not properly accelerate and loses power unexpectedly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially in highway traffic, as I am unable to maintain speed or accelerate to avoid other vehicles. I have had to maneuver carefully or move toward the shoulder to avoid potential collisions. The throttle body has already been replaced; however, the problem continues to occur. The defect has not been corrected and remains ongoing and reproducible. I am currently [XXX] pregnant and drive this vehicle daily for work and to transport my [XXX] child to school. The unexpected loss of power places both myself and my child at risk while operating the vehicle in active traffic. This defect presents a significant safety concern due to repeated and sudden loss of engine power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Feb 7, 2026IL

On 1/27/26, while driving at highway speeds, I received a "Reduced Engine Power" alert. I was forced to pull over immediately; the vehicle stalled before I could reach a complete stop. This left me stranded in dangerously cold temperatures for an extended period while awaiting a tow. Upon inspection, I was informed that the engine has failed and requires a complete replacement. This is highly distressing for several reasons: * Low Mileage: The vehicle has only 54,000 miles and is well under the expected lifespan of a modern engine. * Meticulous Maintenance: As a loyal customer, I have had every scheduled oil change and service performed at my local Chevrolet dealership. My service history will confirm that this vehicle has been maintained to the highest standards. * Brand Loyalty: I have been a dedicated Chevrolet owner for years, having purchased five brand-new vehicles from your dealerships. I chose Chevrolet based on a reputation for reliability that, in this instance, has not been met. "I am specifically concerned because my vehicle's symptoms align with Special Coverage Adjustment #14882 (PCV Icing). Given that the failure occurred during extreme cold and resulted in immediate engine failure, it appears to be the exact scenario outlined in your technical service bulletins regarding the 2.4L engine. I am requesting that this repair be handled under that special coverage or a similar goodwill extension." My research indicates that this specific engine model has a documente

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 5, 2026880,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. The contact stated that the message "Vehicle Entering Power Saver Mode" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the message “Engine Oil Level Low – Shut-off Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear main seal had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2026130,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. While the contact’s son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly started shaking, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear engine seal had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2026MI

Due to cold temperatures, the main rear seal blew causing engine, coolant and intake systems to fail. Full replacements are now needed.

Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2026IN

2017 chevrolet Equinox LT with a 2.4L ecotec engine. The PCV system froze due to the cold weather conditions caused the rear main seal to blow futher causing cylinder scoring to the engine. I got it checked out by a local mechanic that actually works with the extended warranty company called Silverrock that's provided from the dealership Drivetime from who I financed the truck from. The mechanic shop name is hoekstra muffler and alignment located at 722 W 151st St, East Chicago, IN 46312. They were the ones to diagnose the problem and provided me with a diagnostic sheet for this issue. The vehicle has not been checked by a chevrolet technician yet. I took the truck in for a regular maintenance oil change on January 8th at Walmart in portage, indiana. My truck was driving fine and suddenly on January 20th my truck seized on the highway on my way to work at 7am. A warning light marking low oil pressure turn off engine was marking on my dashboard. After i was in a safe spot on the side of the expressway, I have Life360 and proceeded to call for a tow truck. When the tow truck driver arrived in order to put the car in neutral he has to jump start my equinox. My truck will only start if it's jumped and keep the cables connected, otherwise it shuts off.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 21, 2026104,000 milesMI

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
Filed Jan 20, 2026IN

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that oil had seeped out of the vehicle, a seal was fractured, and the engine had seized. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2026TN

There is water my oil and I have a blown head gasket. I get all maintenance done and have oil changes on time

Engine
Filed Jan 13, 2026IL

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!!!!!!!!

Engine
Filed Jan 12, 2026PA

Received a report from local auto repair and they found that the oil main seal is leaking. Issue happened in the highway and car automatically turned off the engine. I was not in an accident as there was no one else on the road and I was able to push it to the side. When the car turned on the wheel was stiff and hardly moved to the right or left. The warning received before the shut off was the service stabilitrack issues and when checked all oil completely depleted from the vehicle.

20 of 272 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202670110Routine
2025224000Above average
202478110Routine
202395300Routine
2022170630Routine
202194400Routine
2020306471Fatalities reported
2019301470Above average
2018407541Fatalities reported
2017 — this page272040Above average
2016395130Above average
2015679260Above average
2014546140Above average
2013751250Above average
2012683360Above average
2011782332Fatalities reported
2010784390Above average
200994010Routine
2008370010Above average
2007685460Above average
2006695091Fatalities reported
20056381130High concern

Compare every Equinox year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.