This page covers 4 recalls, 288 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox.
24–32 mpg combined
7.4–9.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, brake system complaints make up the clearest pattern owners describe. The most frequently reported issue centers on vacuum pump failure, where the pump cracks, shatters, or fails entirely, leaving the brake pedal extremely hard to press and dramatically reducing stopping ability. Owners commonly report this happening while driving at highway or city speeds, often accompanied by a "Brake Assist Failure" warning, a check engine light, or a "Reduced Power" message, though some owners say no warning lights appeared at all. In several reports, the pump failure also sent debris into the engine, causing additional damage to components like the camshaft. Engine complaints rank highest by volume but lack a single dominant symptom; the brake-related vacuum pump failures frequently cross-reference both the brake and engine categories, since the pump failure tends to cause cascading damage across both systems.
288
Total Complaints
21
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 recalls, the most serious being a transmission oil leak from a start-stop accumulator with missing bolts that can progress to a complete loss of propulsion, and a fuel tank seam that can leak near the fuel inlet and create a fire risk.
On the brake side, the rear brake calipers may have an insufficient coating on their pistons, which allows gas pockets to form inside and reduces braking force at the rear wheels, meaning the vehicle takes longer to stop than expected. Separately, the rear-right seat has a head-restraint bracket that may have insufficient welds holding it in place; in a crash, that bracket can give way and fail to properly support the occupant's head and neck. Note that the fuel tank recall only affects all-wheel drive models.
At a glance
What can fail
The endcap on the start-stop transmission accumulator may be missing bolts, which could affect transmission operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the accumulator endcap and replace it if bolts are missing, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel tank may have an improperly sealed seam that could allow fuel to leak near the fuel inlet.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear-right seat's head-restraint bracket may have weak welds that could fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake caliper pistons may have inadequate coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reducing rear brake performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to remove gas pockets and restore brake performance at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
