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2019 Chevrolet Equinox VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 273 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 18 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (45), Service Brakes (45), Electrical System (34).

Equinox reliability snapshot

71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$537
Avg annual repair cost vs $521 category avg
#23/26
Ranking in compact SUVs · better than 12% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Chevrolet Equinox before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 Chevrolet Equinox issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Engine45
  • Service Brakes45
  • Electrical System34
  • Power Train33
  • Unknown Or Other27
  • Fuel Propulsion System18

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect brake vacuum pump for failure signs
  • Check for Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hose disconnection
  • Test for fuel odors inside the cabin
  • Verify fuel gauge accuracy
  • Check for proper turbocharger function
  • Ensure ECM and electrical systems are functioning correctly
  • Look for any visible fuel leaks under the vehicle
  • Test the vehicle's response to acceleration from a stop

What owners reported

2019 Chevrolet Equinox owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 18 crashes, 7 fires and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints56

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, particularly related to vacuum pump failures. Common symptoms include a hard or unresponsive brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and the "Service Brake Assist" warning light activating. These problems often occur around 50,000 to 75,000 miles, according to multiple reports. Safety implications are significant, with some complaints involving crashes and one mentioning a fire, highlighting potential risks of loss of control. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety risks when considering this model.

Severity signals: 6 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints45

ENGINE

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to engine power reduction, often triggered by the disconnection of the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) hose or turbo-related failures. Common symptoms include the vehicle entering "limp mode," reduced power, and illuminated check engine lights, with some owners noting repeated instances of the P0299 code. These issues typically manifest around 6,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple complaints describe sudden power loss in traffic, posing risks of accidents, and two reports mention fires. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially if considering a vehicle within this mileage range.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints34

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the infotainment system, which may randomly turn off or restart, affecting features like GPS and radio. Complaints also describe problems with the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes without warning, which poses a safety risk. Several reports indicate issues with the electronic control module (ECM), leading to unintended braking and power loss, with some incidents occurring around 50,000 miles. Additionally, there are mentions of electrical component failures such as the tire pressure monitoring system and door lock actuators. Safety implications include potential crashes due to sudden loss of vehicle control, and one report involves a fire. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential costs associated with repairs.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints33

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report power train issues, with common symptoms including engine stalling, failure to respond to the gas pedal, and transmission malfunctions. Complaints often describe incidents where the vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate, sometimes leading to near rear-end collisions, and instances where the vehicle enters "limp mode" with reduced engine power. Transmission-related problems, such as faulty transmission control modules and defective transmission coolers, are noted, often occurring around 60,000 to 76,000 miles. Safety implications include vehicles becoming inoperative in traffic, posing risks to drivers and others. Additionally, some owners mention a "shift to park" issue, where the vehicle does not recognize being in park, preventing shutdown and causing battery drain, which is reportedly common across several GM models from the same period.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints27

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, notably involving transmission and braking systems. Complaints frequently mention transmission slipping, delayed starts, and stalling, with some owners needing costly transmission replacements around 150,000 miles. Brake-related issues include failure to depress the brake pedal and the service brake assist light activating, linked to a failed brake vacuum pump. Additionally, multiple owners describe a strong chemical odor from the HVAC system that affects their ability to drive safely. Safety implications include one reported crash and instances of vehicles unexpectedly losing power or shutting down, often at higher mileages. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding mechanical reliability and safety.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints18

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to fuel system leaks and fuel pump failures. Complaints commonly describe fuel leaks from the tank, especially noticeable when parked or in cold weather, and a persistent fuel odor inside the cabin. Several owners mention problems with the high-pressure fuel pump, including failure to accelerate and unexpected engine shutdowns, typically occurring under 100,000 miles. Some reports also highlight issues with the fuel gauge not accurately displaying fuel levels, leading to potential risks of running out of fuel unexpectedly. These problems pose safety risks such as potential fire hazards and sudden loss of power while driving.

Owner complaints9

STEERING

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the steering system, with symptoms including steering wheel stickiness at highway speeds and unexpected swerving or jerking. These issues are noted at various mileages, with one owner specifically mentioning persistence from 21,600 miles to 73,000 miles. Some complaints describe the steering wheel resisting turns after driving straight for extended periods, while others mention violent swerving that requires corrective effort to maintain lane position. Safety implications are evident, with one reported crash occurring due to unintended acceleration, and multiple near-misses due to steering difficulties. Potential buyers should be aware of these steering issues, which may pose a risk under certain driving conditions.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints9

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden deceleration and loss of acceleration. Common symptoms include the vehicle unexpectedly slowing down to around 40 MPH from highway speeds, often accompanied by a power reduction message and check engine light activation. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some incidents occurring as early as 4,785 miles. One complaint involves unintended acceleration resulting in a crash while parking. The safety implications are significant, as multiple reports describe near-misses with other vehicles due to sudden speed changes, and one incident resulted in a collision. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported issues when considering this model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints8

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during crashes. Complaints often describe scenarios where airbags fail to deploy after significant impacts, including front-end collisions and rollovers, with some reports mentioning injuries as a result. Notably, one complaint involves a fire after side airbag deployment. These incidents typically occur at mileages ranging from 75,000 to 99,500 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes, injuries, and one fire incident, making it important for potential buyers to consider these factors when evaluating this vehicle.

Severity signals: 7 crash, 1 fire, 5 injury reports

Owner complaints5

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to the fuel system, with symptoms including stalling while driving, fuel odors, and visible fuel leaks. Some complaints describe a failure to start, often accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. Notably, one owner reports a fire originating from the fuel tank while driving at highway speeds, which was extinguished by emergency services. The reported issues typically occur at mileages ranging from approximately 46,000 to 229,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning the risk of fire and vehicle stalling.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

2019 Equinox recalls (4)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Equinox. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. POWER TRAINNHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

  2. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 19V667000Sep 19, 2019

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

  3. SEATSNHTSA 19V184000Mar 7, 2019

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

  4. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

Used-market value

2019 Chevrolet Equinox resale snapshot

59.1%estimated value retained after 5 years
709listings in the model-level benchmark
$16,536median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox on the road

346,049 2019 Chevrolet Equinox units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

With a 75/100 score matching the segment average, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox lands in the middle of its class for reliability. The data points to a generally typical ownership profile rather than a clear advantage or deficit versus peers.

Complaints are not confined to a single system. They cluster most in service brakes and the engine, with additional volume in the electrical system and power train, suggesting multiple areas contribute to reported problems. The presence of an “unknown or other” bucket also indicates a meaningful share of issues that don’t fall neatly into major categories. Recalls are elevated rather than limited, adding to the overall attention required.

Overall, the Equinox presents a moderate buyer risk level consistent with the segment average.

What you get in a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2019 Chevrolet Equinox — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

With a 75/100 score matching the segment average, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox lands in the middle of its class for reliability. The data points to a generally typical ownership profile rather than a clear advantage or deficit versus peers.

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox have?

4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

The most-reported 2019 Chevrolet Equinox problem areas are: Engine (45), Service Brakes (45), Electrical System (34).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.