2020 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Report

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, scoring 5 stars overall, for frontal, and side impacts, with a 4-star rollover rating, its real-world complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 264 total complaints, including 20 crashes, 5 fires, 12 injuries, and 1 death, there are significant issues beyond crashworthiness. The most frequently reported problems revolve around the SERVICE BRAKES (38 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (24 complaints), and ENGINE (23 complaints). These areas are also reflected in the recall history, indicating known manufacturing defects. Specific complaint patterns include sudden loss of engine power, often accompanied by 'Engine Power Reduced' messages, and brake system failures, where the brake pedal becomes stiff or loses effectiveness, sometimes leading to near-miss accidents. Several complaints detail brake booster vacuum pump failures, which directly impact braking ability. Fuel leaks, particularly from the fuel tank, are also a recurring theme, aligning with a recall for improperly sealed fuel tank seams. These issues, especially those affecting propulsion and braking, pose direct safety risks despite the vehicle's strong crash test performance. The vehicle has been subject to 4 recalls, addressing critical safety components. These include a recall for child seat LATCH anchorage bars with excessive powder coating, potentially preventing proper child seat installation; a recall for missing bolts on the transmission's start-stop accumulator endcap, which could lead to a loss of propulsion; a recall for incorrect lubricant in rear brake calipers causing brake drag and overheating; and a recall for improperly sealed fuel tank seams, increasing fire risk. The presence of these recalls, particularly those related to propulsion and braking, directly correlates with the high number of consumer complaints in these categories, suggesting that even with recalls, some issues persist or were widespread.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant number of complaints and recalls concerning the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox's engine, brake, and fuel systems; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.