2019 Chevrolet Equinox problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 242 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, most often about brakes. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
242
Recalls
4
Crashes
21
Fires
5
Injuries
9
Median mileage
35,500 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 80 of 242 complaints (33%).
  • Engine (69) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (41) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 35,500 mi.
  • Owners reported 21 crashes, 5 fires and 9 injuries.
  • The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 5th of 22 Chevrolet Equinox model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 21% fewer complaints than the 2018 model year (308).

2019 Chevrolet Equinox problems by category

  • Brakes · 8 crashes
    80 complaints
  • Engine · 3 crashes
    69 complaints
  • 41 complaints
  • 37 complaints
  • 33 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    31 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    11 complaints
  • Airbags · 8 crashes
    10 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    8 complaints
  • Lighting
    4 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires · 1 crash
    4 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes67
Engine64
Electrical system37
Fuel/propulsion system36
Power train31
Unknown or other29
Service brakes, hydraulic12
Air bags10

When problems happen (mileage)

10Under 10k2010k–30k1530k–60k1860k–100k6100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2019 Chevrolet Equinox complaints that list mileage.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox recalls (4)

  • Recall 20V668000Oct 29, 2020194,105 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

    Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

  • Recall 19V667000Sep 19, 2019301 vehicles
    FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.

    Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.

  • Recall 19V184000Mar 7, 2019120 vehicles
    SEATS

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.

    Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.

  • Recall 18V576000Aug 30, 2018210,628 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

    Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2019 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
2019 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2019 Chevrolet Equinox complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 6, 2026OHBrakesElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    SAFETY VEHICLE COMPLAINT / DEFECT REPORT Vehicle: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Complaint Type: Brake Failure / Loss of Braking Ability / Vehicle Malfunction Incident Date: XXX Location: [XXX] Request: Safety defect investigation Description of Incident On XXX, while my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox was being operated in the [XXX] area after exiting the highway, the vehicle experienced a serious and potentially life-threatening malfunction. As the vehicle approached a situation requiring…
    NHTSA complaint #11769359 · source
  2. Filed Oct 3, 2026WIBrakes
    While driving my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard to press while the vehicle was being driven. The problem occurred unexpectedly while the driver was slowing down. Significantly more force than normal was required to press the brake pedal, which made it difficult to slow and stop the vehicle safely. The suspected component/system is the brake assist system, potentially the brake booster or vacuum system, but the exact cause is UNKNOWN at…
    NHTSA complaint #11768774 · source
  3. Filed Sep 24, 202689,000 miMEEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, but the vehicle hesitated to accelerate before lurching forward. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving 60-70 MPH and decelerated to 10 MPH. The engine revved while stopped at a red light, and the RPM was at HIGH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11766711 · source
  4. Filed Aug 29, 2026MIOther / Unknown
    The power liftgate on my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox experienced a sudden mechanical failure without warning. I pushed the automatic liftgate button and the liftgate raised normally. Once raised, the upper mounting bolt securing the power liftgate actuator severed. The actuator broke loose, struck the rear taillight assembly and pushed it outward approximately one inch, and the liftgate came crashing down without warning. My [XXX] grandson was approaching the rear of the vehicle…
    NHTSA complaint #11760553 · source
  5. Filed Aug 28, 2026TXCrash1 injuredTowedSeats & Seat Belts
    While driving and turning on a flashing yellow arrow, I was hit by a truck and upon impact, my seatbelt came unbuckled and my body was thrusted into the dash, my Left knee took the impact from next to the steering wheel and my thigh was slammed into the steering wheel.
    NHTSA complaint #11760489 · source
  6. Filed Aug 22, 2026OHEngine
    Unusual engine noise inspection at 86011 miles determined engine failure do to metal shavings and particles found in engine oils and oil filter by GM Dealership wher serviced only by them at mileage intervals on record and purchased new in 2019.
    NHTSA complaint #11758764 · source
  7. Filed Aug 17, 2026VABrakes
    Hard brake pedal and Service Assist message. This issue was recalled for trucks and larger SUVs but not the Equinox. This is a known safety issue to Chevrolet, making my vehicle undrivable until I can come up with the $1,500 to have it towed and repaired.
    NHTSA complaint #11757499 · source
  8. Filed Aug 17, 202681,000 miWATowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact stated the failure reoccurred. The transmission failed to shift out of first gear, and the RPM was elevated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed…
    NHTSA complaint #11757448 · source

Compare the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox with another vehicle →

Other 2019 Chevrolet models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. 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