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2016 Chevrolet EquinoxProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 400 owner complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 16V-449 the manufacturer reports only 82% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Yahya S. from Livonia, United States, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has problems
400 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
203Engine7 crash/fire/injury
114Visibility/wiper
27Power train
25Electrical system
19Fuel/propulsion system
12Air bags
9Vehicle speed control
9Engine and engine cooling
7Steering
4214 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 203 | 7 |
| Visibility/wiper | 114 | 0 |
| Power train | 27 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 1 |
| Air bags | 12 | 6 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 1 |
| 14 other systems | 42 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2016 Chevrolet Equinox recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
85kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 71 engine complaints. 68% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 43% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
7under 30k miles48under 100k miles23100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
16 owners mentioned a cost$3,578median
Middle half: $2,975 – $6,500
Visibility/wiper
11 owners mentioned a cost$500median
Middle half: $170 – $525
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Equinox year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Equinox median. How we score
'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Chevrolet Equinox safety ratings
2016 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, and the recalls they led to.
- Front Wiper Transmission InoperativeLed to recall 22V-165
- Windshield Wiper Transmission FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Equinox owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I am filing this complaint regarding a safety-related engine problem with my 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. My vehicle is currently experiencing excessive crankcase pressure associated with the PCV system. The vehicle requires PCV service, and I have been advised that the excessive crankcase pressure has…
Timing chain guide broke and caused catastropic engine failure while driving 70 miles an hour on the highway causing steering, brakes etc to lock up putting me and my family at risk of accident and great bodily harm. Vehicle is available for inspection. No prior knowledge of mechanic problems due…
In February of 2025, while driving my 2016 Chevy Equinox home from work, I heard a loud pop and loss of engine power a block from home. The weather conditions at the time were below freezing and light snow. After getting my vehicle home, my neighbor, who works for GM looked under my Equinox and…
Own a 2016 Equinox?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.