2017 Chevrolet Equinox problems
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox has 270 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox has 270 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 147 complaints, typically surfacing around 90,836 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Equinox | 543 | 0 |
| 2015 Equinox | 678 | 1 |
| 2016 Equinox | 392 | 1 |
| 2017 Equinox (this page) | 270 | 0 |
| 2018 Equinox | 391 | 2 |
| 2019 Equinox | 292 | 1 |
| 2020 Equinox | 296 | 3 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2017 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Equinox? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 147 owner reports · tends to show around 90,836 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 30 owner reports · tends to show around 76,032 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- airbags — 18 owner reports · tends to show around 75,386 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- electrical — 16 owner reports · tends to show around 69,988 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 75,386 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Oil leak caused by insufficient ventilation and excessive oil burning caused rear main seal and timing chain belts to fail. Oil warning systems were too late in warning about problem until engine stalled out and all oil was consumed, causing engine failure. No low oil warnings…
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…
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…
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power four times within 15 miles. The vehicle failed to restart after the fourth time and was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 147 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,836 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 270 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 90,836 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 147 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 90,836 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 90,836 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Equinox has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 270 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.