Years to avoid
Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
The 2018, 2020, 2019, 2022 model years stand out as the weakest in this Chevrolet Equinox dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2018
- Model average
- 73/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 382
- Recalls, weakest year
- 5
69/100 reliability
13-point range
22 crash · 5 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox ranks last
The 2018 scores 69/100, rated good, versus a model average of 73/100. NHTSA data contains 382 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (82), Power Train (62), Electrical System (42), Unknown Or Other (31). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2018 Chevrolet Equinox record →Evidence by year
The weakest Chevrolet Equinox model years compared
2018 Chevrolet Equinox
- Complaints
- 382
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 22
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Service Brakes (82), Power Train (62), Electrical System (42)
View 2018 details →2020 Chevrolet Equinox
- Complaints
- 255
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 20
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Service Brakes (54), Engine (29), Power Train (28)
View 2020 details →2019 Chevrolet Equinox
- Complaints
- 273
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 18
- Fire reports
- 7
Top issues: Engine (45), Service Brakes (45), Electrical System (34)
View 2019 details →2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Complaints
- 137
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 13
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Fuel Propulsion System (45), Fuel System, Gasoline (24), Electrical System (13)
View 2022 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Chevrolet Equinox years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Chevrolet Equinox data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Chevrolet Equinox research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Chevrolet Equinox research FAQ
Which Chevrolet Equinox years should I avoid?
2018, 2020, 2019, 2022 score materially below the strongest Chevrolet Equinox years in this dataset. The 2018 is the weakest at 69/100, with 382 owner complaints and 5 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Chevrolet Equinox year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Chevrolet Equinox year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2023 (76/100), 2024 (76/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Chevrolet Equinox you are considering.