2016 Chevrolet Equinox visibility & wipers problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
94 owners have reported visibility & wipers problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, 30% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 86,000 mi.
- Visibility & Wipers complaints
- 94
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 86,000 mi
Specific components reported
Visibility & Wipers covers: Windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors and windows.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 90 |
| Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor | 2 |
| Visibility:windshield wiper/washer | 1 |
| Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages | 1 |
Visibility & Wipers complaints across Chevrolet Equinox years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 23, 2026NCVisibility & Wipers
Wipers just stopped working on the highway in a very bad rain storm, when I was taking my daughter to school. We could not see and had to put our hazards on and somehow carefully pull off to the side of the road. We could have easily been rear ended or worse “Killed”. There was no warning given. This was very scary for me and my child. Why isn’t there a recall for the 2016 Equinox??
NHTSA complaint #11766510 · source - Filed Jan 15, 2026MNEngineVisibility & Wipers
I am writing to formally document a series of catastrophic mechanical failures regarding the aforementioned vehicle. Despite rigorous maintenance and significant financial investment, the car remains non-drivable, posing a severe safety risk. Chronology of Failures: October 2024: Four months post-purchase, the timing chain failed on I-94. Atwater Chevrolet replaced the component; however, this did not resolve the underlying engine instability. December 3, 2025: Following a…
NHTSA complaint #11711299 · source - Filed Dec 25, 2025ILVisibility & Wipers
While driving with windshield wipers on, they suddenly stopped working. The wipers were stuck in position in the center of my windshield. Upon inspection, it appeared that one of the arms had become disconnected from the piece it was connected to. Snapped right off during unsafe driving conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11706997 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2025MIVisibility & Wipers
When I was driving home from the grocery store a very heavy thunderstorm started I turned my wipers off because of the sudden rain just to realize that they were not working. I had to pull over because I couldn’t see. Causing me to almost get rear ended with my 6 month old, 18 month old and 6 year old I was finally able to start driving 45 minutes later when the rain stopped. This was a very dangerous incident that happened that could have ended in a car catch INFORMATION…
NHTSA complaint #11690357 · source - Filed Aug 2, 2025GAVisibility & Wipers
Front wipers stop working in the middle of a rain storm while driving down the highway we were unable to see anything(road/cars)out of the window. We had to put on flashers and stick head out of a rolled down window to (which with rain slapping you in the face is not safe either) try and get to a shoulder on the highway safely. My hubby and I were terrified and thought we were going to die or cause harm to others on the highway. After rain slowed down we got home very slowly…
NHTSA complaint #11678031 · source - Filed Jul 15, 2025OHVisibility & Wipers
While driving on the highway, it was barely raining so I turned my wipers on low and about 5 minutes into my drive the rain picked up, and I tried to turn my wipers up at which point the stopped working altogether. I had to pull off on the shoulder and wait for the rain to end, which was about 20 minutes later. Afterwards I proceeded to the nearest gas station and purchased a squeegee to use while I was driving since cars were kicking up rain from the wet ground. Having…
NHTSA complaint #11673768 · source - Filed Jul 1, 2025NCVisibility & Wipers
component- windshield wipers available for inspection-yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving in light rain at first, turned on the windshield wipers on low. Slowed for a service vehicle and the rain became heavy so I moved the selector to high on the second or third pass across the windshield they quit, I could not see anything. I had to roll down my window and stick my head out to see so I could get off the road. I had to wait for the…
NHTSA complaint #11670635 · source - Filed Apr 16, 2025TNVisibility & Wipers
The wipers quit working while I was driving in a thunderstorm. Safety was definitely a risk as I was on a major highway. I pulled over and waited for rain to stop and made it to an auto parts store to replace fuse. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the issue. The recall does not include 2016 equinox. I don’t understand why it’s not included.
NHTSA complaint #11655094 · source - Filed Feb 15, 2025MIVisibility & Wipers
The wipers stopped working during a rain snow mix. My brother looked up der the shroud and the motor and assembly are all working fine. But the bushing or housing that keeps the arm in place has corroded and there are barely no threads left to them. This was said to be a problem with the 2015 Equinox as well. He tried to put a new nut in to fix the problem. But that only worked for a little while. Now it is no longer holding and it's going to be an awfully snowy few days…
NHTSA complaint #11642947 · source - Filed Dec 8, 2024MIVisibility & Wipers
During a snow storm the windshield wipers quit working. After troubleshooting, the short wiper linkage arm was disconnected. This was due to the plastic bushing popped off the ball stud. This part does not have a clip for retention. The replacement plastic bushing is extremely difficult to install without a press. 2 bushings were broken trying to preform a quality repair. A safe repair requires a replacement linkage assembly [$100 +] to complete the repair with confidence…
NHTSA complaint #11629534 · source - Filed Sep 28, 2024MOVisibility & Wipers
Front windshield wipers bushing failed. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was put at risk, as wipers stopped working while driving in heavy rain, causing severe lack of visibility. Problem is in ongoing, as wipers suddenly stopped and no longer work, as bushing came apart. Vehicle has not been inspected. No warning lamps before or during issue, just sudden loss of wipers.
NHTSA complaint #11616972 · source - Filed Jun 27, 2024WIVisibility & Wipers
Front Windshield wiper motor stopped working / Broke while driving on an interstate in a severe rain storm. I almost and could have been killed in a crash. Why isn't this a RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #11597196 · source
Other 2016 Chevrolet Equinox problem areas
- Engine (191)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (21)
- Other / Unknown (19)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (19)
- Electrical System (12)
- Steering (5)
- Airbags (4)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (4)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (4)
- Wheels & Tires (4)
- Body & Structure (3)
- Brakes (3)
- Suspension (1)
- Lighting (1)
- Seats & Seat Belts (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology