Used Chevy Equinox Buyer's Guide (2018–2024)
Check the 1.5L turbo for charge air cooler faults, the fuel pump recall on 2021 to 2022, and the transmission recall on 2018 to 2020.
Photo: SsmIntrigue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A representative example, not a car we inspected.
The third generation Equinox is one of the most common small SUVs on used lots. It is roomy for its size, easy to park, and usually priced below its Japanese rivals. That makes it a popular pick for families and first time SUV buyers.
Most of these SUVs have the 1.5L turbo four with a 6-speed automatic. From 2018 to 2020 you could also get a 2.0L turbo with a 9-speed automatic, and for 2018 and 2019 a small number came with a 1.6L diesel. Chevy dropped the 2.0L turbo for 2021, so 2021 to 2024 models all have the 1.5L turbo.
The recalls on this generation are mostly small batches, but a few matter. There is a transmission recall on 2018 to 2020 models, a fuel pump recall on some 2021 and 2022 models, and GM service bulletins about moisture in the turbo's charge air cooler. Checking the VIN and the service records tells you a lot before you buy.
- 1.5L turbo 4-cyl (LYX)
- 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (LTG), 2018 to 2020
- 1.6L turbodiesel 4-cyl, 2018 to 2019
Used Chevy Equinox buyer's guide · Watch on YouTube. The narration is computer generated.
Third generation, sold as model years 2018–2024.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L turbo 4-cyl | 2018–2024 | 6-speed automatic | The engine in most Equinoxes you will see for sale. |
| 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2018–2020 | 9-speed automatic | The stronger option, dropped after 2020 because few buyers chose it. |
| 1.6L turbodiesel 4-cyl | 2018–2019 | 6-speed automatic | Rare. Diesel parts and service can be harder to find. |
- L The bare bones base model of the early years, not common on used lots.
- LS Entry trim most buyers will find, with cloth seats and basic features.
- LT The volume trim, with more comfort and tech options.
- RS Added for 2022 with a sportier look, black trim and larger wheels.
- Premier Top trim with leather and the most driver aids and options.
- 2023 None of the big recalls above list this year. NHTSA shows only small campaigns, such as a passenger air bag sensor recall that covers 9 vehicles.
- 2024 Last year of the generation. The only notable recall is a small door striker campaign.
- 2018 First year. More recalls than any other year here, including the transmission accumulator, rear brake caliper and front driveshaft recalls.
- 2021 Fuel pump module stall recall 23V-013 and the Hankook tire recall 21V-612 cover some 2021 models. Check both on the VIN.
- 2022 Fuel pump module stall recall 23V-013 and the Hankook tire recall also cover some 2022 models.
Picked from the recalls, bulletins and NHTSA complaint records below, not from a reliability rating. Any single car can be better or worse than its year.
NHTSA recall 20V-668 covers certain 2018 to 2020 Equinox models. Bolts may be missing from the start/stop accumulator end cap on the transmission. GM says this can cause a transmission oil leak, a loss of drive power, and a fire risk if fluid meets an ignition source. Dealers inspect and replace the accumulator if bolts are missing, free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, look under the vehicle for transmission fluid leaks, and road test for slipping or loss of drive.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-668
NHTSA recall 23V-013 covers certain 2021 and 2022 Equinox models. The fuel pump module may not supply enough fuel, and the engine can stall. Dealers replace the fuel pump module for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, scan for fuel system codes, and road test for hesitation or stalling.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-013
GM bulletin 18-NA-020 says moisture can build up in the turbo's charge air cooler on the 1.5L and 2.0L engines from 2018. Long drives in rain or fog can cause a misfire code under hard throttle, and in cold weather the moisture can freeze and cause an underboost code. A separate GM emission recall, N192271200, covers some 2019 Equinox 1.5L models where the charge air cooler duct can come off the throttle body, causing reduced power and a possible stall at low speed.
WE CHECK We scan for stored misfire and underboost codes, look at the charge air cooler ducts and clamps, and road test under boost.
SOURCE GM service bulletin 18-NA-020 (on NHTSA) · GM emission recall N192271200 (on NHTSA)
GM issued an engineering information notice for some 2020 Equinox 1.5L models built from December 2019. Owners may notice loss of power, hesitation or stalls, with fuel trim, underboost or airflow codes. GM says this is not a recall and applies only when the owner has the complaint.
WE CHECK We scan for stored and pending codes and road test from a stop and at highway speed. Ask for records showing any dealer fix.
SOURCE GM engineering information, 2020 Equinox 1.5L loss of power (on NHTSA)
NHTSA recall 18V-576 covers certain 2018 and 2019 Equinox models. The rear brake caliper pistons may have a poor coating that lets gas pockets form and reduces rear brake performance. Dealers bleed the brake system for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, check pedal feel, and test the brakes on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 18V-576
NHTSA recall 17V-516 covers a small group of early 2018 Equinox models. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture, which causes a loss of drive power, or roll away if parked on a hill without the parking brake. Dealers replace the part for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and listen for clunks or vibration on the road test.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 17V-516
NHTSA recall 21V-612 covers certain 2021 and 2022 Equinox models that came with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been built with too little curing agent, which could cause the tread to separate. Dealers check the tire DOT numbers and replace affected tires for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and read the tire DOT codes and tread condition.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 21V-612
NHTSA recall 23V-869 covers a small number of 2024 Equinox models. The door strikers may crack, and a door could open while driving. Dealers replace all four strikers and bolts for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall and open and close every door to check latching.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-869
NHTSA recall 19V-667 covers a small number of 2019 and 2020 Equinox AWD models. The fuel tank seam may not be sealed, which can leak fuel near the filler. Dealers replace the tank for free.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for an open recall, look for fuel smell or wet spots near the tank, and check the fuel filler area.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 19V-667
- Check the VIN for open recalls, especially 20V-668 and 23V-013.
- Scan the engine and transmission computers for stored and pending codes.
- Look at the turbo charge air cooler ducts and clamps for leaks or loose fittings.
- Look under the SUV for transmission fluid or fuel leaks.
- Road test from a stop, under boost and at highway speed for hesitation, stalling or harsh shifts.
- Test the brakes and check pedal feel.
- Read the tire DOT codes on 2021 and 2022 models.
- Open and close every door and check that each latches firmly.
- Proof that recall 20V-668 (2018 to 2020) and 23V-013 (2021 and 2022) were done, if the VIN was included.
- Any dealer visits for a check engine light, misfire, underboost or loss of power, and what was replaced.
- Regular oil changes with the right oil for a turbo engine.
- Transmission fluid service or any transmission leak repairs.
- Brake work on 2018 and 2019 models, including the recall brake bleed.
Each year has its own guide. The engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a Chevy Equinox you like? A pre purchase inspection checks every trouble spot above on the car you are buying.
Is the Chevy Equinox 1.5 turbo reliable?
What is the Equinox transmission recall?
Why does my Equinox stall?
Which Equinox years have the 2.0 turbo?
Is the Equinox diesel worth buying?
How do I check for open recalls on an Equinox?
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