If you’re shopping for a used Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years, along with 2018 and 2020. These years have the highest number of owner complaints and the most expensive repair bills.

The 2010–2013 models suffer from severe oil consumption that can destroy the engine’s timing chain. The 2018 model had 403 complaints filed with NHTSA — more than any other year — mostly tied to transmission and brake problems. The 2020 model needed a recall for a fuel pump that could cause the car to stall.

If you want a safer bet, look at 2009, 2017, 2021, 2023, or 2024 instead. These years scored well in reliability testing and had far fewer complaints.

Why Some Equinox Years Are Problematic

Every Equinox model year shares a body style with a few generations of design, but the parts under the hood changed a lot over time. Some of those parts turned out to be weak spots.

The 2.4L Ecotec engine used from 2010 to 2017 is the biggest culprit. It burns oil faster than it should — sometimes up to a quart every 1,000 miles. When oil runs low, the timing chain doesn’t get proper lubrication, stretches, and can snap. That single failure can total the engine.

Later years brought new problems. The 2018 redesign introduced a 1.5L turbo engine and a new transmission, both of which had early bugs. The transmission caused shuddering during acceleration, and a brake vacuum pump issue made pedals feel unusually hard to press. In 2020, a faulty fuel pump could cause the engine to stall without warning.

Generation Overview: 2005–2026 Timeline

The Equinox has gone through four generations. Knowing which generation a used car belongs to tells you a lot about what to expect.

Generation	Years	Main Engine	Notes
1st Gen	2005–2009	3.4L V6	Decent, but had head gasket and ignition coil issues
2nd Gen	2010–2017	2.4L I4 (also 3.6L V6)	Oil consumption and timing chain problems
3rd Gen	2018–2024	1.5L Turbo	Transmission and brake vacuum pump issues, especially early years
4th Gen	2025–present	New 1.5L Turbo	Too new for long-term data

Generally, the last year or two of any generation tends to be the most reliable, since automakers fix bugs over time. The first year of a redesign — like 2018 or 2025 — usually has the most complaints.

Worst Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid

2010–2013: Severe Oil Consumption and Engine Failure

These four years are consistently named as the worst in the Equinox’s history. The 2.4L engine burns oil at an alarming rate, and many owners don’t notice until it’s too late.

Complaint numbers back this up: 2010 had 784 NHTSA complaints, 2011 had 782, and 2013 had 751. Timing chain failure often hits between 80,000 and 140,000 miles. Once it fails, you’re often looking at a full engine replacement costing $3,010 to $9,670.

2018: Transmission and Brake Vacuum Pump Issues

The 2018 Equinox holds the record for the most complaints of any single year — 403 in total. This was the first year of the third generation, and it shows.

Owners reported transmission shudder and hesitation, especially between 35 and 45 mph. A separate problem with the brake vacuum pump made pedals unusually stiff, which even led to a class action lawsuit. If you’re set on a 2018, budget for extra repairs or look elsewhere.

2020: Fuel Pump Recall and Drivetrain Problems

The 2020 model had 303 complaints and a serious safety recall (20V-668) for a fuel pump module that could fail and cause stalling. If you’re considering a 2020 Equinox, confirm the recall was completed before buying — check the VIN at NHTSA.gov.

Best Chevy Equinox Years to Buy

2009: Most Reliable First Generation

The 2009 Equinox had only 94 complaints, making it the standout year of the first generation. It came before the troubled 2.4L engine, so it avoids the oil-burning issues of later years.

2017: Refined Second Generation

By 2017, GM had worked out most of the second generation’s kinks. This was the final year before the 2018 redesign, and it’s widely seen as the safest of the 2010–2017 lineup.

2021–2024: Dependable Third Generation

These years score well across the board. The 2024 model, the last of the third generation, scored 76 out of 100 for reliability with just 74 complaints — one of the best years overall. The 2021, 2022, and 2023 models also perform solidly, each carrying a 5-star NHTSA safety rating.

Common Problems by Model Year

Component	Most Affected Years	Typical Repair Cost
Engine (oil consumption, timing chain)	2010–2013, 2018	$3,000–$9,700
Brakes (vacuum pump)	2018–2022	$150–$780
Fuel system	2020–2023	Free (recall)
Transmission	2018–2020	$2,670–$6,900
Electrical/infotainment	2018–2020, 2025–2026	Varies

Engine and transmission problems cost the most, which is exactly why the years listed above earned their “years to avoid” reputation.

How to Identify a Problematic Equinox

Before buying any used Equinox, especially a 2010–2020 model, run through these checks:

1. Listen for cold-start noise. A rattling or ticking sound right after starting the engine can mean the timing chain is stretching.
2. Check the oil level and color. Low oil between changes is a red flag for the 2.4L engine.
3. Look up the VIN at NHTSA.gov. Confirm any recalls, especially the fuel pump recall on 2020–2022 models, have been completed.
4. Test drive for at least 20 minutes. Short drives won’t reveal transmission shudder, which often only shows up once the car is fully warmed up.
5. Watch the brake pedal feel. A hard, stiff pedal on a 2018–2022 model may point to a vacuum pump problem.
6. Get a pre-purchase inspection. Spending $100–$200 on an independent mechanic’s check can save you thousands later.

Reliability Ratings and Statistics

Across all years from 2005 to 2026, the Equinox has logged 11,826 NHTSA complaints and 46 recall campaigns. That sounds like a lot, but the numbers are heavily concentrated in a few bad years.

Year	Reliability Score	Complaints	Verdict
2018	69/100	403	Avoid
2019	71/100	300	Better than 2018
2020	70/100	303	Fuel pump recall
2021	74/100	88	Strong pick
2022	71/100	158	Verify recalls
2023	76/100	90	Excellent choice
2024	76/100	74	Best recent year
2025	72/100	219	Redesign bugs
2026	82/100	33–57	Too new, promising

The average unscheduled repair cost is about $537 a year, and scheduled maintenance up to 150,000 miles runs $7,099–$9,952. For safety, every model year from 2023 onward carries a 5-star overall NHTSA rating.

Expert Buying Tips

• Change oil every 5,000 miles instead of 7,500 if you buy a 2010–2017 model with the 2.4L engine.
• Choose the 3.6L V6 over the 2.4L four-cylinder if you’re looking at 2013–2017 models — it’s more reliable.
• Confirm any open recalls have been completed, especially the fuel pump recall on 2020–2022 models.
• Use an OBD2 scanner before buying to check for stored diagnostic codes, even if the check engine light isn’t on.
• Consider an extended warranty if you’re buying an Equinox from 2018–2020.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Equinox’s history makes you nervous, a few competitors are worth a look:

• Honda CR-V — known for stronger long-term reliability.
• Toyota RAV4 — holds its value well and has a solid reputation.
• Mazda CX-5 — more engaging to drive, with fewer major complaints.
• Ford Escape — similar features to the Equinox, but reliability varies by year too.

Conclusion

The Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid can be a solid, affordable compact SUV — as long as you steer clear of the risky years. Avoid 2010–2013, 2018, and 2020. Instead, aim for 2009, 2017, 2021, 2023, or 2024, and always run a VIN check and pre-purchase inspection no matter which year you choose.

FAQs

What years of Chevy Equinox to avoid?
Avoid 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018, and 2020. These years have the highest complaint counts and the most serious mechanical problems.

Which Chevy Equinox year is most reliable?
2009, 2017, 2021, 2023, and 2024 are considered the most reliable, scoring 74–76 out of 100 in reliability ratings.

Why should I avoid 2010–2013 Equinox models?
These years have severe oil consumption in the 2.4L engine, which can lead to timing chain failure and, eventually, complete engine failure.

Is the 2018 Chevy Equinox reliable?
No. The 2018 model had 403 NHTSA complaints, the most of any year, mainly linked to transmission, brake vacuum pump, and turbo issues.

Do all Chevy Equinox models burn oil?
No. The oil consumption problem mainly affects 2010–2017 models with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. The 2018-and-later turbo engines have different issues.

How much does it cost to fix an Equinox timing chain?
Timing chain and tensioner replacement typically costs $1,200–$2,200. If the engine is already damaged, full replacement can run $3,010–$9,670.

Are 2020–2023 Equinox models safe to buy?
Yes, but check that the fuel pump recall (20V-668) has been completed on 2020–2022 models before buying.

Should I buy a used Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid?
Yes, if you pick a good year like 2009, 2017, 2021, 2023, or 2024 and avoid 2010–2013 and 2018.