2019 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Report

2019 Chevrolet Equinox: Strong Crash Ratings, But Significant Engine, Brake, and Fuel System Complaints with Multiple Recalls

277Complaints
4Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
19Crash Reports
7Fire Reports
8Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (42)Service Brakes (35)Unknown Or Other (19)Fuel/Propulsion System (17)Power Train (16)Electrical System (13)Air Bags (6)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (6)Service Brakes,Engine (6)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (6)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 277 total complaints, including 19 crashes, 7 fires, and 8 injuries, there are clear areas of concern. The most frequently reported issues revolve around the ENGINE (42 complaints) and SERVICE BRAKES (35 complaints), which are critical safety components. These complaints often describe sudden loss of power, reduced engine performance, and braking failures, directly impacting vehicle control and crash avoidance. Recall history further highlights these issues, with four recalls issued for the vehicle. Notably, one recall addresses a POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION issue where missing bolts could lead to a loss of propulsion, directly correlating with engine/power train complaints. Another significant recall pertains to FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY, where an improperly sealed seam could cause fuel leaks and increase fire risk, aligning with the 7 reported fires. A recall for SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER points to potential braking performance reduction, reinforcing the high number of brake-related complaints. Specific complaints detail instances of false forward collision activation leading to sudden braking, complete instrument cluster failure, loss of motive power at highway speeds due to turbocharger issues or fuel pump failures, and vacuum pump explosions affecting braking. These real-world incidents underscore the severity of the reported component failures. Despite strong crash test ratings, the high volume and nature of complaints, coupled with multiple safety recalls, suggest potential reliability and component integrity issues that could compromise safety in everyday driving scenarios.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Power Loss/Reduced Performance
Numerous complaints (42 under ENGINE) describe sudden loss of motive power, reduced engine power warnings, stalling, and inability to accelerate, often linked to turbocharger issues, fuel pump failures, or charge pipe disconnections.		 High Common variable miles
Braking System Failures/Malfunctions
Many complaints (35 under SERVICE BRAKES) detail instances of hard brake pedals, reduced braking performance, complete brake failure, and false activation of forward collision braking, sometimes linked to vacuum pump issues or caliper problems (addressed by recall).		 High Common variable miles
Fuel Leaks And Fire Risk
Several complaints describe smelling gas or observing fuel leaks, particularly from the fuel tank area when full and in cold weather. This aligns with a recall for improperly sealed fuel tank seams, increasing fire risk (7 fires reported).		 High Occasional variable miles
Transmission Issues/Loss Of Propulsion
Complaints mention transmission slipping, delayed starts, stalling, and complete transmission failure, sometimes linked to accumulator issues. A recall addresses missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap leading to potential oil leaks and loss of propulsion.		 High Occasional variable miles
Instrument Cluster/Electrical Failures
Reports of the instrument cluster and driver information center going completely blank, with non-functional steering wheel controls, despite the vehicle running normally.		 Medium Occasional variable miles
Seat Recline Mechanism Failure
Complaints about the power driver's seat reclining on its own and being unable to return to an upright position, or other seat programming issues.		 Low Occasional variable miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox:

Engine 15% of complaints

Frequent reports of reduced engine power, stalling, loss of acceleration, and check engine lights, often related to turbochargers, fuel pumps, or air intake components.

Service Brakes 12% of complaints

Numerous complaints about braking performance issues, including hard pedals, extended stopping distances, false collision braking, and vacuum pump failures.

Fuel/Propulsion System 6% of complaints

Reports of fuel leaks, fuel pump failures, and fuel-related odors, with a recall specifically for improperly sealed fuel tanks.

Power Train 5% of complaints

Issues such as transmission slipping, delayed engagement, and complete loss of propulsion, supported by a recall for transmission accumulator bolts.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

Complaints including blank instrument clusters, non-functional steering wheel controls, and other electrical malfunctions.

Air Bags 2% of complaints

A smaller number of complaints related to airbag system issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side; 4-star rollover). However, it has accumulated 277 complaints, including 19 crashes, 7 fires, and 8 injuries. There are significant concerns regarding engine power loss, braking system failures, and fuel leaks, which are also addressed by 4 safety recalls. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability and component integrity issues are evident from the complaint data.

What are common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox are related to the ENGINE (42 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (35 complaints), and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (17 complaints). Common problems include sudden loss of engine power, reduced engine performance, hard brake pedals, reduced braking effectiveness, fuel leaks, and transmission malfunctions leading to loss of propulsion.

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?

Yes, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 recalls. These include issues with the POWER TRAIN (missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap leading to potential loss of propulsion), FUEL SYSTEM (improperly sealed fuel tanks increasing fire risk), SEATS (insufficient welds on the rear-right head-restraint bracket), and SERVICE BRAKES (potential reduction of braking performance due to caliper issues).

How does the 2019 Equinox perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox received high marks in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star Overall Safety Rating, 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 5 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.

Should I be concerned about fires in the 2019 Equinox?

There have been 7 reported fires for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. A specific recall addresses a FUEL SYSTEM issue where improperly sealed fuel tanks could lead to fuel leaks, increasing the risk of fire. This is a serious concern that potential owners should be aware of.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but numerous critical component complaints and multiple safety recalls, thoroughly investigate the service history for all recalls and be prepared for potential engine, brake, or fuel system issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The data includes 277 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 19 reported crashes, 7 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.