This page covers 4 recalls, 273 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox.
24–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.8 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake complaints dominate the 2020 Equinox owner reports, with the most common description being a brake pedal that goes suddenly stiff and hard to press, often accompanied by a loss of power-assisted braking. Many owners point to the vacuum pump as the likely source, and the stiff-pedal issue appears across a wide range of driving speeds and conditions. Fuel and propulsion complaints are the second major cluster, with owners frequently describing sudden power loss, unexpected stalling, and the "Engine Power is Reduced" warning appearing without prior notice. Engine complaints overlap with this pattern, owners report the engine choking, cutting out, or failing to respond during acceleration from a stop. A smaller number of reports describe complete loss of both steering and braking assist during these power-loss events. An isolated report mentions an underhood fire with no warning lights beforehand.
273
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel tank seam that can leak fuel near an ignition source on all-wheel drive models, raising the risk of fire.
A separate drivetrain concern affects the automatic transmission's start-stop accumulator, where missing bolts on the endcap can cause transmission fluid to leak and eventually lead to a loss of drive power. On the braking side, the rear brake calipers on certain vehicles may have been assembled with the wrong lubricant, causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag continuously, which overheats the brake pads and reduces stopping ability. There is also a child seat concern: the four rear lower LATCH anchor bars may have excess coating on them that prevents a child seat from latching in properly, leaving the seat unsecured in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The four rear LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating that prevents child seats from being properly installed using the anchorage bars.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the anchorage bars and remove or replace the finish coating as needed at no cost.
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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 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.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake calipers may have been made with incorrect lubricant, causing rubber seals to swell and brakes to drag.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace rear brake calipers, brake hose gasket, brake fluid, and wheel hub lubricant at no cost.
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.
