2016 Chevrolet Equinox
Common Problems
Ranked from 195 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
12 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Windshield Wiper Motor Failure
100complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe windshield wiper motor stops functioning, causing poor visibility during rain or storms.
- 2
Severe Engine Oil Consumption
54complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive oil, leading to low oil levels and potential engine failure.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Stall Due to Low Oil Pressure
28complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls due to low oil pressure, often accompanied by a check engine light.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Windshield wipers suddenly stop working
17complaintsLow severityOtherThe windshield wipers abruptly stop functioning while driving, often in wet conditions.
Related recall: 16V449000
- 5
Engine Failure Due to Rear Main Seal Leak
14complaintsHigh severityEngineThe rear main seal leaks, causing oil loss and engine failure, requiring immediate attention.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Timing Chain Failure
12complaintsHigh severityEngineThe timing chain breaks or fails, leading to engine failure and potential loss of power steering and stability control.
$900–$2,500est. timing chain/phaser service · 5–12 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Windshield Wiper Ball Joint Bushing Corrosion
10complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe ball joint bushings corrode, causing the wipers to stop working during rain or storms.
$300–$900est. control arm / ball joint replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Steering and Suspension Issues
8complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering and suspension systems experience issues, leading to reduced handling and safety.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Engine stalling during operation
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine unexpectedly stalls while driving, often without any warning lights or indicators.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Engine Misfire and Cylinder Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine experiences misfires and cylinder failures, leading to reduced performance and potential engine damage.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Passenger air bag malfunction
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe passenger air bag malfunctions, either not deploying when needed or turning off unexpectedly.
- 12
Unintended acceleration
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalVehicle accelerated uncontrollably while driving.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.