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2017 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2017 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox has 337 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.3/ 10

Based on 337 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

161 47.8%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

35 10.4%

POWER TRAIN

30 8.9%

AIR BAGS

18 5.3%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

18 5.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 47.8% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 31 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox has 337 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 48% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox are ENGINE (161), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (35), POWER TRAIN (30).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 233 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Equinox complaints2016 Equinox complaints2019 Equinox complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 28 of 28 systems

ENGINE

111 Reports44% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

KEEP GETTING REDUCE ENGINE POWER CODE 2138 WHICH IS THROTTLE PEDAL SENSOR THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE BAD EVEN WHEN THE CAR HAS68000 MILES ON IT.

2/27/2019

WE NOTICED A BAD FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AND HAD OIL LEAKING FROM IT TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE REAR MAIN SEAL WAS BLOWN. THEY DID THE REPAIR AND A WEEK LATER HAD THE SAME THING HAPPEN AGAIN. IT'S BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THE SAME ISSUE.

3/11/2019

109 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

27 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER STARTING THE CAR THIS MORNING THERE IS NO INTERIOR NOISES. NO BLINKER, NO RADIO, DISPLAY ON RADIO IS BLANK. RADIO AND EVERYTHING WORKED THE EVENING BEFORE WITH NO ISSUES AT ALL. CHECKED ALL FUSES AND STILL NOTHING. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD CHEVY ISSUE. TO SPECIFY THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST IN PARK AND RUNNING WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. IT CONTINUED TO BE A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING (CITY AND HIGHWAY) AND CONTINUED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED MULTIPLE TIMES.

10/23/2017

I RENTED A 2017 CHEVY EQUINOX. I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND WENT INSIDE FOR IT TO HEAT UP. SOME HOW THE KEY FOB AND KEY TRANSMITTER GOT LEFT BEHIND. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION, TURN OFF CAR. WHEN I RETURNED THE CAR SAID NO FOB ON DASH AND I COULD NOT START IT. I DONT THINK I NEED TO EXPLAIN ALL THE REASONS THAT THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. LET ALONE I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A CAR THAT DID NOT WARN YOU THAT THE FOB WAS NOT THERE.

11/27/2018

25 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

23 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS USED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE, THE VEHICLE KEPT ROLLING IN REVERSE AS THE GEAR FAILED TO REMAIN IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DEALERS (GILROY CHEVROLET, 6720 AUTOMALL CT, GILROY, CA 95020, 408-842-9301 AND CAPITOL CHEVROLET, 905 CAPITOL EXPRESSWAY AUTO MALL, SAN JOSE, CA 95136, 408-600-1145). THE DEALERS WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE FURTHER TESTING TO ASSIST THE DEALER AND CLOSED THE CASE WITH NO REMEDY PROVIDED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER STATED EQUINOX AT CAPITOL CHEVROLET, WITH THE HOPE THAT SOMETHING WILL BE CORRECTED. EQUINOX WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE UNLESS I TURNED IT ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AND SHIFTED GEARS MULTIPLE TIMES. IT HAPPENED AGAIN TO ME IN FEBRUARY. SUV BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND SEEM LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS AT IDLE. UPDATED 10/12/18*JB

6/13/2018

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, MY CAR MAKE A LOUD BANG, IT SAID TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING IDLE ENGINE, ENGINE OVERHEATING, IDLE ENGINE, SERVICE STABILITRACK, SERVICE ANTI LOCK BREAKING SYSTEM, SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM, MY ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING, I WENT TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY TO THE OFF RAMP AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE MADE THE LOUDEST BANG I HAVE EVER HEARD. I HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE ONE OTHER TIME! THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED MY TRANSMISSION HAD A LEAK BUT NO LEAK MARKS IN MY BRAND NEW DRIVEWAY, THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT FOR 200 MILES SO THEY CAN FIGURE OUT WHERE THE LEAK IS, THIS WAS ALL SAID THE DAY I HAD MY OIL CHANGED, THEN WHEN I CAN BACK AFTER DRIVING 200 MILES THEY THEN CLAIMED MY OIL PAN WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THANK GOD MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY WAS STILL IN EFFECT. THEY LOOKED SHOCKED WHEN I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT AND I WOULD NOT BE PAYING FOR IT.

6/19/2019

21 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH ON A HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLES IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME WERE STOPPED FOR AN OBSTRUCTION. A VEHICLE FROM THAT LANE TRAVELED INTO MY LANE RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE - I ESTIMATE THE COLLISION TO HAVE OCCURRED AT 30-40MPH. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.

1/1/2017

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE IT BROADSIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A HARD CRASH. THE ENTIRE FRONT END AND RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. FRAME RAILS WERE BENT AND THE MOTOR MOVED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. INSURANCE TOTALED THE VEHICLE.

12/5/2017

12 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE OIL WARNING GAUGE DECREASED TO ONE PERCENT, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER (HUFFINES CHEVROLET PLANO, 1001 COIT ROAD, PLANO, TX), BUT NO LEAKS WERE FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,968.

4/26/2018

PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, VERY DANGEROUS! I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK DRIVING ON THE NORTHEAST EXTENSION OF THE PA TURNPIKE HEADING SOUTH, AND I WAS BETWEEN EXIT 95 & EXIT 87 ON FRIDAY 8/2/19 AT APPROX. 3:30 PM. I WAS DRIVING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH AND WAS NOT USING CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE CAR ABRUPTLY SHIFTED INTO LOW GEAR, FLASHED A 'REDUCED POWER MODE' WARNING, AND WENT INTO A 'LIMP' MODE WHERE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN TO EVENTUALLY STOP ITSELF, BUT I WAS AT 40 OR 35 WHEN I PULLED OVER. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND THANK GOD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME, I WASN'T IN CONSTRUCTION AND I HAD A SPOT I COULD SAFELY PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER. I HAVE A 2017 CHEVY EQUINOX WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES ON IT. I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND SAT FOR 5 MINUTES OR SO. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON, THE REDUCED POWER WARNING WAS GONE, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME AND CALLED THE DEALER, CHEVY WIND GAP, TO SEE IF I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED THERE OR IF I COULD DRIVE IT IN MYSELF. THEY TOLD ME THEY THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A SENSOR MALFUNCTION, THAT IT SHOULD RESET ITSELF, AND THAT I COULD DRIVE IT THERE FOR THEM TO LOOK AT WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF AFTER A FEW DAYS, AND CHEVY WIND GAP WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY CURRENT CODE HISTORY OF THE REDUCED POWER MODE SO NOW I'M JUST DRIVING IN FEAR EVERY TIME I GET INTO THE THING THAT IT'S GOING TO DO THIS AGAIN AT ANY TIME. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE PASSENGERS FOR FEAR OF PUTTING THEM IN DANGER. IF THIS HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER ON MY BUMPER, IT COULD MAKE FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE CHEVY EQUINOX, THIS IS THE 3RD ONE WE'VE BOUGHT, PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS OUT THERE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO BECAUSE THAT NUMBER IS GROWING EACH DAY. PLEASE GIVE US PIECE OF MIND TO FEEL SAFE AGAIN IN OUR NEW CHEVY EQUINOX.

8/18/2019

9 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT, A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT PRESENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND THEN RETRIEVED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SWEENEY CHEVROLET/GMC IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO DUE TO A BUZZING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE, EVEN WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER REBOOTING. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800.

7/14/2017

AFTER STARTING THE CAR THIS MORNING THERE IS NO INTERIOR NOISES. NO BLINKER, NO RADIO, DISPLAY ON RADIO IS BLANK. RADIO AND EVERYTHING WORKED THE EVENING BEFORE WITH NO ISSUES AT ALL. CHECKED ALL FUSES AND STILL NOTHING. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDESPREAD CHEVY ISSUE. TO SPECIFY THE VEHICLE WAS FIRST IN PARK AND RUNNING WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED. IT CONTINUED TO BE A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING (CITY AND HIGHWAY) AND CONTINUED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED MULTIPLE TIMES.

10/23/2017

7 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BACK GLASS SHATTERED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY APPROXIMATELY 19 HOURS WHEN THE BACK GLASS SHATTERED. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE, I COULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT OR CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.

8/20/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A LOT, THE CONTACT RETURNED TO FIND THAT THE REAR WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL CRISPIN CHEVROLET (72712 E MICHIGAN AVE, SALINE, MI 48176) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

6/24/2019

7 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KRISTAL AUTO MALL (5200 KINGS HWY, BROOKLYN, NY 11234), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. *TT CONTACT STATES DEALERSHIP (KRYSTAL AUTOMOTIVE) SOLD THEM A CAR THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MEANT FOR A WHEEL CHAIR BOUND PERSON. VEHICLE HAS EXTREME WIRING AND PLUGS EXPOSED, DOES NOT DRIVE SAFELY OVER 40MPH, SIDE MIRRORS ARE ABNORMAL, AND THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO LOW. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS OVERLOADED AND REQUIRES TOO MUCH MAINTENANCE. CONTACT CANNOT SIT COMFORTABLY AND SAFELY. *TT

4/12/2018

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON FREEWAY. I TRIED SLOWING THE CAR BY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO STOP THE SLOW THE CAR HENCE CAME THE SITUATION WHERE I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER TO ABLE TO STOP THE CAR TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO BREAK AT ALL AND IT ENDED UP COLLIDING WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT WAS SURPRISING TO ME THAT NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG WAS POPPED OPEN, GIVEN THE MAGNITUDE OF AN ACCIDENT AND THE DAMAGE IT CAUSED (ESTIMATED DAMAGE OVER $10,000). I HAD MY SON AND TWO OF HIS FRIENDS IN THE CAR. IT IS VERY SHOCKING THAT THE AIRBAGS OR BREAK DID NOT WORK IN BRAND NEW SUV.

12/13/2018

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED, UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT A FAILURE CODE COULD NOT BE LOCATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

4/10/2017

PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, VERY DANGEROUS! I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK DRIVING ON THE NORTHEAST EXTENSION OF THE PA TURNPIKE HEADING SOUTH, AND I WAS BETWEEN EXIT 95 & EXIT 87 ON FRIDAY 8/2/19 AT APPROX. 3:30 PM. I WAS DRIVING THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH AND WAS NOT USING CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE CAR ABRUPTLY SHIFTED INTO LOW GEAR, FLASHED A 'REDUCED POWER MODE' WARNING, AND WENT INTO A 'LIMP' MODE WHERE IT WAS SLOWING DOWN TO EVENTUALLY STOP ITSELF, BUT I WAS AT 40 OR 35 WHEN I PULLED OVER. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND THANK GOD NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME, I WASN'T IN CONSTRUCTION AND I HAD A SPOT I COULD SAFELY PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER. I HAVE A 2017 CHEVY EQUINOX WITH ONLY 40,000 MILES ON IT. I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND SAT FOR 5 MINUTES OR SO. WHEN I TURNED IT BACK ON, THE REDUCED POWER WARNING WAS GONE, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME AND CALLED THE DEALER, CHEVY WIND GAP, TO SEE IF I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED THERE OR IF I COULD DRIVE IT IN MYSELF. THEY TOLD ME THEY THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A SENSOR MALFUNCTION, THAT IT SHOULD RESET ITSELF, AND THAT I COULD DRIVE IT THERE FOR THEM TO LOOK AT WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF AFTER A FEW DAYS, AND CHEVY WIND GAP WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY CURRENT CODE HISTORY OF THE REDUCED POWER MODE SO NOW I'M JUST DRIVING IN FEAR EVERY TIME I GET INTO THE THING THAT IT'S GOING TO DO THIS AGAIN AT ANY TIME. I DON'T WANT TO TAKE PASSENGERS FOR FEAR OF PUTTING THEM IN DANGER. IF THIS HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER ON MY BUMPER, IT COULD MAKE FOR A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE CHEVY EQUINOX, THIS IS THE 3RD ONE WE'VE BOUGHT, PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS OUT THERE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO BECAUSE THAT NUMBER IS GROWING EACH DAY. PLEASE GIVE US PIECE OF MIND TO FEEL SAFE AGAIN IN OUR NEW CHEVY EQUINOX.

8/18/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MICE GET IN DASH AREA AND USE THE INSULATION TO BUILD NEST ON TOP OF THE CABIN AIR FILTER. IF THE MOUSE CHEWS THROUGH THE PAPER FILTER AND RUNS UP MY PANTS LEG, THERE WILL BE A SAFETY PROBLEM.

8/15/2018

THE LATCH THAT HOLDS THE DOOR SHUT KEEPS COMING LOOSE. I HAVE TIGHTENED IT NUMEROUS TIMES BUT STILL KEEPS COMING LOOSE. IT HAS TROUBLES KEEPING THE DOOR SHUT AND SECURE. THE BRACKET WILL TURN SO THE DOOR WON'T SHUT AT ALL SOMETIMES.

9/8/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE BRAKES PAD BECAME HARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE CAR ALMOST HIT 5 CARS COMING DOWN A STREET THAT WAS A HILL IN LEWISTON NY RPUST 104 EAST

1/31/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. DURING A CRASH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DETACHED FROM THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO RESTRAIN THE DRIVER DURING THE CRASH. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED BUT THE DRIVER WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. AFTER THE CRASH THE DRIVER DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT HAD DETACHED FROM THE FLOOR. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REINKE FORD (1360 GREELY CHAPEL RD, LYMA OH). THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

2/28/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE TERRIBLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE HALOGEN. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2011 & 2014 EQUINOX AND DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM. IT IS DANGEROUS DRIVING AT NIGHT ON COUNTRY ROADS. I AM FORCED TO CONTINUOUSLY DRIVE WITH THE BRIGHT HEADLIGHTS ON. *TR

1/3/2017

I TOO HAVE NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTING AT NIGHT IS NOT AS GOOD, ACTUALLY TERRIBLE, WITH MY 2017 EQUINOX AS COMPARED TO MY 2008 EQUINOX WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY ROADS AND SURBUBAN NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS WITH LITTLE STREET LIGHTING. I RARELY USED THE BRIGHTS WITH MY 2008 EQUINOX. WITH THE 2017, THE SAME ROADS AND HIGHWAYS THAT I DRIVE TO AND FROM DAILY ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE WITHOUT FLICKING THE BRIGHTS IN AREAS ON THE ROAD WHICH I WAS ABLE TO SEE CLEARLY ON THE ROAD IN MY 2008 EQUINOX. I AVOID TRAVELING AT NIGHT IF I CAN POSTPONE FOR DAYLIGHT DUE TO LIGHTING ISSUE. MY EYES VISION HAS NOT CHANGED IN THREE YEARS AND DID IMPROVE IN VISION FROM THE PAST. I SUSPECT THIS ISSUE OF BAD LIGHTING ALSO AFFECTS THE CHEVY CRUZ 2014 & 2017 WHICH MY SON HAS BOTH NOW AND ALWAYS TRIES TO "GET BACK BEFORE DARK" TO HIS HOME. THAT STATEMENT WAS NEVER MADE DRIVING THE PONTIAC HE DROVE IN THE PAST FOR YEARS. I WILL SPEAK TO MY CHEVY CAR DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I AM CONCERNED AS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY' ISSUE. CHEVROLET NEEDS TO COMPARE AND RESOLVE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ESCALATED! I WILL CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER AS WELL TO PUT THEM ON NOTICE OF THIS VERY DANGEROUS AND DEFECTIVE MANUFACTURER CONDITION.

2/11/2017

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TODAY ( 7/7/17 ) GOING APPROX 25MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AT THE SIDE WALL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHOOT TO THE RIGHT AND GRAZE THE CURB. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR LIGHT WENT ON AND RIGHT AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED ON THE BLOW OUT HAPPENED. THE TIRE HAD 3571 MILES OF WHICH WE PUT APPROX 300 MILES ON IT AFTER PURCHASING THE VECHILE AS A DEMO FROM THE DEALER ON 6/29/17. VEHICLE HAS MICHELIN LATITUDE TOURING P225/65/R17

7/7/2017

2017 EQUINOX CAME WITH MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR X TIRES. AFTER LESS THAN 2 YEARS (30,000 MILES), TIRE SIDEWALLS ARE SEVERELY CRACKED. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TIRE DEGRADE AS BADLY AS THESE HAVE. THE FACTORY IN POLAND MUST BE USING SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS TO MAKE THESE TIRES. DOT B53T 031X 4516. ACCORDING TO MICHELIN, I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST 80% OF THE REPLACEMENT COST. I ALWAYS THOUGHT MICHELIN WAS A HIGH QUALITY COMPANY BUT AFTER SEEING HOW THESE TIRES ARE FALLING APART, I NO LONGER THINK THAT.

3/20/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BATTERY WAS DRAINING WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR. REPLACED IT AND HAPPENED AGAIN WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. CONSISTENTLY NEEDED TO CHARGE AND BOOST THE BATTERY. LEFT ME STUCK WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES. LIGHTS ON DASH KEPT GOING ON AND OFF GOING BLACK & BACK ON. DIFFERENT LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON LIKE SERVICE AIRBAG, STABILITY TRACK, ENGINE LIGHT, ETC. GIVING FALSE READINGS, FINALLY WHOLE MIDDLE CONSOLE WENT BLACK, HEATER TURNED ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF, COULD NOT ACCESS TEMP CONTROL, RADIO, BLUETOOTH, ETC. BATTERY AND POWER WAS THE MAIN ISSUE.ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. STARTED IN MAY OF 2018, MY LEASE RECENTLY EXPIRED AND HERE I AM SITTING AT THE DEALER 05/27/2020 FINALLY HAVING THEM TRYING TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THESE PROBLEMS THROUGHOUT MY 3 YEAR LEASE. *TR

5/27/2020

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the stabili-trak, emergency brake, and ABS warning lights illuminated. After tuning off the vehicle, the warning lights disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake control modulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.

12/29/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact's mother owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil on the dipstick. The positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV) was frozen, causing the rear main seal to become fractured. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

12/29/2022

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the rear crankshaft seal was leaking oil onto the ground. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a clogged PCV system causing the rear crankshaft seal to leak oil. The dealer determined that the crankcase seal needed to be replaced and the PCV orifice needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 14882 (Plugged PCV Orifice in Intake Manifold) however, the vehicle was not covered by the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

1/18/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KRISTAL AUTO MALL (5200 KINGS HWY, BROOKLYN, NY 11234), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. *TT CONTACT STATES DEALERSHIP (KRYSTAL AUTOMOTIVE) SOLD THEM A CAR THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MEANT FOR A WHEEL CHAIR BOUND PERSON. VEHICLE HAS EXTREME WIRING AND PLUGS EXPOSED, DOES NOT DRIVE SAFELY OVER 40MPH, SIDE MIRRORS ARE ABNORMAL, AND THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO LOW. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS OVERLOADED AND REQUIRES TOO MUCH MAINTENANCE. CONTACT CANNOT SIT COMFORTABLY AND SAFELY. *TT

4/12/2018

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING HIGH SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KRISTAL AUTO MALL (5200 KINGS HWY, BROOKLYN, NY 11234), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED OR DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000. *TT CONTACT STATES DEALERSHIP (KRYSTAL AUTOMOTIVE) SOLD THEM A CAR THAT APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN MEANT FOR A WHEEL CHAIR BOUND PERSON. VEHICLE HAS EXTREME WIRING AND PLUGS EXPOSED, DOES NOT DRIVE SAFELY OVER 40MPH, SIDE MIRRORS ARE ABNORMAL, AND THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO LOW. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS OVERLOADED AND REQUIRES TOO MUCH MAINTENANCE. CONTACT CANNOT SIT COMFORTABLY AND SAFELY. *TT

4/12/2018

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AIRBAGS DID'T DEPOLY WITH FRONT END CFRASH GOING ABOUT 25TO30HMPH HWY 278 WEST CULLMAN

1/27/2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud grinding sound coming from the passenger’s side front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted and the vehicle was brought back to the same dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rotors needed to be cut. The mechanic cut the rotors however after several months the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

7/29/2021

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and slowing down, the vehicle started to lose power. The contact mentioned there was a strong odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that she then saw smoke, and drove her vehicle to the nearest independent mechanic. The contact was advised that her PCV valve had fractured due to it being frozen, causing the rear main oil seal to explode. The contact was also advised that the smoke was due to the oil leakage underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to the dealer who advised that they had several vehicles that were the same year, make, and model as her vehicle, already being repaired for the same failure and that she had to take her vehicle to another dealer. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to another dealer where it remains currently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000

2/8/2022

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on several occasions the rear hatch window shattered while parked. The contact stated that the failure occurred during extreme heat or extremely cold weather. The contact stated that the window was replaced several times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

6/16/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the camshaft was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was then taken to a second dealer Kelley Chevrolet (5220 Value Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46808) where it was diagnosed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that oil was not properly travelling to the top of the engine, which caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

9/28/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds and was jerking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the engine was leaking oil onto the ground. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated to stop immediately while the brake pedal was depressed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the catalytic converter had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the dealer sold her the vehicle with a missing O2 sensor and a faulty catalytic converter, which the dealer later replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000. The VIN was unavailable.

4/28/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the air condition activated, there was an abnormal exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the exhaust manifold was faulty and needed to be replaced. The exhaust manifold was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

6/14/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the stabili-trak, emergency brake, and ABS warning lights illuminated. After tuning off the vehicle, the warning lights disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake control modulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.

12/29/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, there was white smoke coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was a trail, and a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle. The contact who is an independent mechanic and stated that there was a rear main seal leak, and the engine might need to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

1/22/2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PRESSURE/TEMPERATURE SENSOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

See attached document for complaint

3/13/2024

STEERING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I am writing to address a critical issue involving my 2017 Chevrolet vehicle, which poses a significant safety hazard. I purchased this car from Faulkner Subaru in Bethlehem in 2022. The specific component failure relates to the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system, particularly the lack of a traditional PCV valve and the presence of a fixed orifice vacuum port in the intake manifold. This component is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself, my passengers, and other road users was compromised due to the sudden and significant oil leakage caused by the malfunctioning PCV system. This not only endangered our safety but also posed a serious risk to others on the road. While the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, it is a well-documented issue with ongoing litigation against Chevrolet. However, there are currently no active recalls addressing the problem. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The incident occurred suddenly while driving, with the strong smell of burning oil and subsequent oil leakage being the first indications of a problem. Your immediate attention to this matter and intervention on behalf of affected consumers is crucial. I urge Chevrolet to address this safety concern through a formal safety recall and to take responsibility for rectifying this manufacturing defect.

4/4/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?

The most reported complaint category for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is ENGINE, with 161 owner reports. That is about 48% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN.

Are complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 233 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox severe?

233 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Chevrolet Equinox: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
337
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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