2017 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine19057.4%
- Powertrain (other)319.4%
- Fuel system206.0%
- Airbags195.7%
- Electrical185.4%
- Visibility123.6%
- Driver assistance113.3%
- Brakes92.7%
- Body & structure51.5%
- Seat belts51.5%
- Other / unspecified41.2%
- Exterior lighting30.9%
- Steering10.3%
- Suspension10.3%
- Tires & wheels10.3%
- Transmission10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced oil consumption failures. While examine the vehicle he contact discover very little oil was present although oil was recently added to the engine. The oil light warning light did not display and no oil leaks were present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determined the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. . The failure mileage was 130,000.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier certified pre-owned vehicle experienced multiple safety-related defects. 1. REPEATED STARTING FAILURES (electrical/battery/starter system): - March 17, 2026: Complete battery failure, vehicle would not start. AAA/GM Roadside Assistance called. Dealer inspected but could not diagnose root cause or explain battery drain. Preceded by unusually loud windshield wiper motor and engine noise (March 15). - April 13, 2026 (4:01pm): Engine failed to turn over twice in parking lot before starting on third attempt. SAFETY RISK: Sudden starting failures create stranding hazard and risk of being rear-ended in traffic. 2. WATER INTRUSION THROUGH HEADLINER (sunroof/headliner/mic assembly): - April 15, 2026 (10:40-10:45am): Approximately 1 ounce of water poured from headliner/radio microphone assembly directly into driver's eyes while driving on expressway. Continued dripping intermittently for hours. SAFETY RISK: Complete vision obstruction while driving at highway speeds. 3. INTERMITTENT SAFETY CHIMES (electrical/infotainment): - Ongoing for weeks: Five rapid electronic dings with NO dashboard warning lights or indicators. Occurs sporadically while driving (10 occurrences in one recent day). Dealer previously informed by phone but no resolution. SAFETY RISK: Distracting chimes with no identifiable warning create driver confusion. 4. ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL: Remote start now works intermittently. All components available for NHTSA/manufacturer inspection. Dealer confirmed March 17 battery inspection but found no cause. No manufacturer inspection. No warning lamps preceded any failures except unexplained chimes. Problems began immediately after certified pre-owned purchase despite CarBravo certification. Safety defects render vehicle unreliable and hazardous.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
1.Since I bought the car it has needed oil on a weekly basis. I took it in for repair it had something to do with the oil consumption device $2270.00 to fix. 2. timing chain went out had to fix that too $$$$ 3. While driving along the car at rush hour the car suddenly died without any warning. Had to go off the road clipped a tree and all the cars behind me looked like billiard balls going in all directions so as not to rear end my car. EXTREMELY UNSAFE CAR 😡 I CANT BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE RECALLED EVERY OTHER YEAR FOR THIS ENGINE ISSUE AND NOT THE 2017!!!!!!!!
Bearing on front intermediate shaft broken or missing.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier certified pre-owned vehicle experienced multiple safety-related defects. 1. REPEATED STARTING FAILURES (electrical/battery/starter system): - March 17, 2026: Complete battery failure, vehicle would not start. AAA/GM Roadside Assistance called. Dealer inspected but could not diagnose root cause or explain battery drain. Preceded by unusually loud windshield wiper motor and engine noise (March 15). - April 13, 2026 (4:01pm): Engine failed to turn over twice in parking lot before starting on third attempt. SAFETY RISK: Sudden starting failures create stranding hazard and risk of being rear-ended in traffic. 2. WATER INTRUSION THROUGH HEADLINER (sunroof/headliner/mic assembly): - April 15, 2026 (10:40-10:45am): Approximately 1 ounce of water poured from headliner/radio microphone assembly directly into driver's eyes while driving on expressway. Continued dripping intermittently for hours. SAFETY RISK: Complete vision obstruction while driving at highway speeds. 3. INTERMITTENT SAFETY CHIMES (electrical/infotainment): - Ongoing for weeks: Five rapid electronic dings with NO dashboard warning lights or indicators. Occurs sporadically while driving (10 occurrences in one recent day). Dealer previously informed by phone but no resolution. SAFETY RISK: Distracting chimes with no identifiable warning create driver confusion. 4. ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL: Remote start now works intermittently. All components available for NHTSA/manufacturer inspection. Dealer confirmed March 17 battery inspection but found no cause. No manufacturer inspection. No warning lamps preceded any failures except unexplained chimes. Problems began immediately after certified pre-owned purchase despite CarBravo certification. Safety defects render vehicle unreliable and hazardous.
1.Since I bought the car it has needed oil on a weekly basis. I took it in for repair it had something to do with the oil consumption device $2270.00 to fix. 2. timing chain went out had to fix that too $$$$ 3. While driving along the car at rush hour the car suddenly died without any warning. Had to go off the road clipped a tree and all the cars behind me looked like billiard balls going in all directions so as not to rear end my car. EXTREMELY UNSAFE CAR 😡 I CANT BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE RECALLED EVERY OTHER YEAR FOR THIS ENGINE ISSUE AND NOT THE 2017!!!!!!!!
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle collided with a deer. During the crash, the air bags became inoperable and failed to inflate or expose themselves out of the housing, and an “Air Bag Needs Service” warning message was displayed. The contact also noticed a strong fume-like odor following the impact and stated that the air bag system appeared to engage but did not deploy. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed, and law enforcement advised the contact that the vehicle could be safely driven home. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was later deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance agency. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Desconocido bolsas de aire takata posible retirada .. Alto consumo de combustible
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car was in Clarksburg Crown, Mitsubishi, and a lot that had no monitoring, and it was a sticker saying the car was not ready to be sold, and I still went with it trusting the crown Mitsubishi Car associate however there are fuses added to my car weather from them or from car auto tunes in Morgantown I’m not sure but my car has the ability to run without my foot on the gas or things happening to my to my acceleration
2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier certified pre-owned vehicle experienced multiple safety-related defects. 1. REPEATED STARTING FAILURES (electrical/battery/starter system): - March 17, 2026: Complete battery failure, vehicle would not start. AAA/GM Roadside Assistance called. Dealer inspected but could not diagnose root cause or explain battery drain. Preceded by unusually loud windshield wiper motor and engine noise (March 15). - April 13, 2026 (4:01pm): Engine failed to turn over twice in parking lot before starting on third attempt. SAFETY RISK: Sudden starting failures create stranding hazard and risk of being rear-ended in traffic. 2. WATER INTRUSION THROUGH HEADLINER (sunroof/headliner/mic assembly): - April 15, 2026 (10:40-10:45am): Approximately 1 ounce of water poured from headliner/radio microphone assembly directly into driver's eyes while driving on expressway. Continued dripping intermittently for hours. SAFETY RISK: Complete vision obstruction while driving at highway speeds. 3. INTERMITTENT SAFETY CHIMES (electrical/infotainment): - Ongoing for weeks: Five rapid electronic dings with NO dashboard warning lights or indicators. Occurs sporadically while driving (10 occurrences in one recent day). Dealer previously informed by phone but no resolution. SAFETY RISK: Distracting chimes with no identifiable warning create driver confusion. 4. ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL: Remote start now works intermittently. All components available for NHTSA/manufacturer inspection. Dealer confirmed March 17 battery inspection but found no cause. No manufacturer inspection. No warning lamps preceded any failures except unexplained chimes. Problems began immediately after certified pre-owned purchase despite CarBravo certification. Safety defects render vehicle unreliable and hazardous.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car was in Clarksburg Crown, Mitsubishi, and a lot that had no monitoring, and it was a sticker saying the car was not ready to be sold, and I still went with it trusting the crown Mitsubishi Car associate however there are fuses added to my car weather from them or from car auto tunes in Morgantown I’m not sure but my car has the ability to run without my foot on the gas or things happening to my to my acceleration
parabrisas agrietado , puerta no coinside, air bag..
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car was in Clarksburg Crown, Mitsubishi, and a lot that had no monitoring, and it was a sticker saying the car was not ready to be sold, and I still went with it trusting the crown Mitsubishi Car associate however there are fuses added to my car weather from them or from car auto tunes in Morgantown I’m not sure but my car has the ability to run without my foot on the gas or things happening to my to my acceleration
While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle repeatedly displays diagnostic trouble code P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation). The vehicle suddenly enters “Reduced Engine Power” mode without warning and loses acceleration while driving. This occurs daily and multiple times per day, both on highways and local roads. When the issue happens, the vehicle will not properly accelerate and loses power unexpectedly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially in highway traffic, as I am unable to maintain speed or accelerate to avoid other vehicles. I have had to maneuver carefully or move toward the shoulder to avoid potential collisions. The throttle body has already been replaced; however, the problem continues to occur. The defect has not been corrected and remains ongoing and reproducible. I am currently [XXX] pregnant and drive this vehicle daily for work and to transport my [XXX] child to school. The unexpected loss of power places both myself and my child at risk while operating the vehicle in active traffic. This defect presents a significant safety concern due to repeated and sudden loss of engine power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was in an accident, where my front bumper was hit going about 60 and air bags did not deploy.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAGS DID'T DEPOLY WITH FRONT END CFRASH GOING ABOUT 25TO30HMPH HWY 278 WEST CULLMAN
PAINT FLAKING OFF ON HOOD. DEALER AGREED NOT NORMAL AND NO SIGN OF HITTING ANYTHING. GM HAS TAKEN OVER A MONTH TO REPLY TO CLAIM BY DEALER AND NOW JUST SAY IT IS OUT OF 3 YEAR WARRANTY SO NO ASSISTANCE CAN BE OFFERED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The cable that holds the seat belt to the frame of the car severed in half. We are ordering a new cable and fixing it, but I have never heard of this before. I will attach a photo below. We have had the car for a really long time.
In February 26, 2022, my wife was driving and I was in passenger seat. At approximately 2123 hours, we came over a slight hill and hit a cow at 70 miles an hour on state Highway 95 between Academy, Texas and Temple, Texas. Our airbags did not deploy and my seatbelt malfunctioned as I hit my head on dash.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have to constantly add oil.I have more frequent oil changes.Panel doesn’t display low oil .Mechanic & several others tell me these cars burn oil faster.Combustion of oil leading to excessive oil consumption & premature wear on engine After putting air in tires,the sensors have to be reset & they say I have to go to a dealer
I HAVE 41,000 MILES AND MY CAR STARTED MAKING A WEIRD WOBBLING NOISE ( WORSE WHEN I TURN)AT THE LEFT FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. I WAS ADVISED TO FIX IT RIGHT AWAY AS IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. TOOK IT IN AND I HAD TO HAVE MY LEFT FRONT WHEEL BARING REPLACED FOR $600.00 I HAVE 41,000 MILES AND THESE SHOULD BE GOOD FOR 80,000-150,000 MILES. I KEPT THE PART.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sistema monitor de llantas . P225/65R27
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .