2017 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Equinox years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
3/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Chevrolet Equinox year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 31 of its 276 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: PCV freeze-up and rear main seal oil loss (128 complaints, median 84,627 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 276filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles, 92 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year are dominated by the 2.4L engine, most often oil loss traced by owners to a clogged or frozen PCV system and a failed rear main seal, sometimes followed by engine damage. Many of these reports come in cold weather, and a related theme is excessive oil consumption with little or no warning to the driver. Remaining reports are spread across warning lights and stalling, braking noises, and air bag non-deployment in crashes.
- Engine
PCV freeze-up and rear main seal oil loss
- 128 complaints (46%)
- median 84,627 mi at 5.3 yrs old (40 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,628 (median of 24 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Complaints describe oil pooling under the vehicle, a strong oil smell, and in several cases the oil warning light coming on while driving. Owners say a mechanic or dealer found the PCV valve clogged or frozen and the rear main or crankshaft seal failed, letting the oil drain out. Some repairs were quoted for a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, and several owners report the engine was ruined when the seal failure went unnoticed. Spread from roughly 50,000 to 110,000 miles, with several reports from very cold winter conditions.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for fresh oil residue under the engine and near the rear of the block. On a cold-start test, ask whether the PCV system has been inspected or serviced and whether the rear main seal has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased october 2019 one day I went to the store and on the return home it started to rattle like it was out of oil upon inspection oil was leaking profusly between the engine and transmission when I searched there is a problem with the rear main oil seal getting blown out when the pvc is plugged but when I looked for vehicle recall there was nothing I could find”
NHTSA complaint #11315914, filed 2020-03, 105,000 miles“I was driving on the highway to an appointment and my engine light came on and the engine started to reduce speed I was able to get to a destination and pull off and then it stated low oil pressure turn off engine. I had it towed to a mechanic and they said all the oil drained out the intake manifold was plugged up and couldn't breathe and blew out the main seal and said I could have blew up my engine by continuing to drive it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396590, filed 2021-02, 27,268 miles - Engine
Excessive oil consumption and low oil with no warning
Mentioned in 10 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe adding oil frequently, in some cases a quart a week or several quarts between short intervals, and finding the dipstick dry despite regular oil changes. Complaints say the oil life monitor or warning light sometimes gave no indication of low oil before the engine began knocking, rattling, or losing power. Dealers are reported to have run oil consumption tests and in some cases confirmed the consumption but did not cover the repair. Mostly between about 60,000 and 150,000 miles, with a few reports at lower mileage.
What to check: Ask for oil change records and check the dipstick level yourself rather than relying on the oil life display. Ask whether an oil consumption test has ever been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Purchased the vehicle april 2019. Have proof of 6 oil changes and proper maintenance while driving for less than 2 years, but due to no warnings of low oil on the vehicle and with a confirmed defect stated by my mechanic. This 2.4 l ecotec engine has massive oil consumption defects. This vehicle needs to be recalled. It stopped in the middle of the street while I was driving. Further research confirms this defect beyond the stated 2010- 2013 recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11402600, filed 2021-03, 95,000 miles“My car has 63000 miles on it. I keep up with all oil changes. I have a 30 min hwy drive to and from work daily. I was driving hone from work on super cold day below zero in illinois. Halfway threw my ride home car said reduced engine power 50 percent. You can tell car was driving rough. Then exited on my exit and slowed down to pull over and car said low oil turn off engine car shook and shut down. My husband checked oil it was empty!!! We filled it and brought to chevy dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11398478, filed 2021-03, 63,000 miles - Engine
Engine power reduced, stalling, and limp mode
- 69 complaints (25%)
- median 79,725 mi at 5.1 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,700 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners report the vehicle shuddering or losing power at highway speed, with "Engine Power Reduced" and StabiliTrak messages showing on the dash, followed by the vehicle dropping speed or shutting off. In several cases the vehicle was towed and diagnosed with engine failure or a need for replacement, while others saw the condition recur after a repair. Some owners describe repeat stalling episodes without any warning light. Mostly between about 50,000 and 90,000 miles, reported across normal driving conditions.
What to check: Have a scan tool check for stored or pending codes even if no light is currently on, and take a test drive that includes a highway on-ramp and a full-throttle acceleration.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving on the expressway my car suddenly started slowing down and on the display it said that engine power reduced, the check engine light came on, and the traction stability light came on. I was going 55mph and it went down to 35mph. I made it home safely which was good that no one hit me on the expressway. I took my car in the next morning and the dealer service department told me that I needed a new accelerator pedal which will cost $720 to replace cause it just went out of warranty by 300 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306327, filed 2020-01, 35 miles“I was on the expressway and was going around a curve and noticed that my power decreased and felt like my car was not moving as fast. I looked and the check engine light on my dash was on and it said engine power reduced, and the 2nd screen said to check stabilitrak. I got off at the next exit and pulled right into a parking lot. When I turned off the vehicle and turned it back on it still had the check engine light on, but the service stabilitrak was off. I had it towed to my parents and the next day it was towed to a repair shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397401, filed 2021-02, 70,000 miles - Air bags
Air bags not deploying in a crash
- 15 complaints (5%)
- median 54,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe front air bags failing to deploy in collisions that left substantial front-end damage, with one owner reporting an "Air Bag Needs Service" message after hitting an animal. Several owners say the vehicle was declared a total loss while the bags stayed in place. One separate report notes a driver's seat belt detaching from the floor during a crash. Reported from about 35,000 to 145,000 miles, under varied crash circumstances.
What to check: Ask whether the vehicle has been in a reported collision and had air bag or seat belt components replaced afterward. Confirm no air bag warning light or message is present at startup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Air bags did not deploy or come out upon extremely high impact: the air bags in my 2017 Equinox did not deploy out or come out when we where hit at a extremely high impact from the hit and run driver and the impact caused us to hit head on into an white SUV that was in front of us on the opposite side of the street going south on laramie. My fianc was driving and I was on the passenger side in we was going west on expressway and we had exited of laramie and harrison. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360174, filed 2020-09, 188,000 miles“On january 16, 2021, I was traveling down main street in round rock, texas where I rear ended another vehicle at approximately 30 MPH. As I slammed on my brakes to stop, I felt my brakes started pulsating, making it difficult for me to come to a complete stop. My car was deemed unrepairable, and was a total loss. The radiator was cracked, and the frame was bent making it difficult to open the door. I had a couple bruises not severe that I needed to go to the hospital. …”
NHTSA complaint #11390806, filed 2021-01, 64,000 miles
Buying note. Look closely at the engine on this model year: check the oil level and for leaks around the rear main seal, ask about oil consumption history, and whether the PCV system has been serviced. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a scan for stored codes and a brake check gives a clearer picture than the service records alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 276 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. 92 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 16 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,080 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Equinox model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 3 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine180 65%
- Other or unknown37 13%
- Fuel system21 7.6%
- Air bags19 6.9%
- Electrical system19 6.9%
- Engine cooling16 5.8%
- Brakes9 3.3%
- Vehicle speed control7 2.5%
Also reported: Seat belts (5), Body and structure (5), Wheels (4), Electronic stability control (3), Exterior lighting (3), Forward collision avoidance (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Driving on highway, my car make a loud bang, it said transmission overheating idle engine, engine overheating, idle engine, service stabilitrack, service anti lock breaking system, service power steering system, my engine light was flashing, I went to exit the highway to the off ramp and all of a sudden my car came to a screeching halt and car would not move made the loudest bang I have ever heard. I have had this issue one other time! …”
NHTSA complaint #11221271, filed 2019-06, 48,661 milesOther or unknown: “I rented a 2017 chevy Equinox. I started the vehicle and went inside for it to heat up. Some how the key fob and key transmitter got left behind. I drove approximately 20 miles. I stopped at a gas station, turn off car. When I returned the car said no fob on dash and I could not start it. I dont think I need to explain all the reasons that this could be a safety issue. Let alone I have never been in a car that did not warn you that the fob was not there.”
NHTSA complaint #11154355, filed 2018-11, 7,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “At 48,500 miles approx. My transmission started slipping and failing. It started with a jolt when coming to a stop then when the light turned green and the automatic transmission went from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd it would jolt hard like it struggled to change gears. It does not show any issues on the mechanics computer. Now 2 weeks later it stalls at 14mph when going up a hill, it wont change gears and loses power going down to 11mph. It is a very dangerous situation. Its the v6, premiere model and is very disappointing since it has less than 50,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360018, filed 2020-09, 48,500 milesFuel system: “Please look into this issue, very dangerous! I was on my way home from work driving on the northeast extension of the pa turnpike heading south, and I was between exit 95 & exit 87 on friday 8/2/19 at approx. 3:30 pm. I was driving the posted speed limit of 70 MPH and was not using cruise control when the car abruptly shifted into low gear, flashed a 'reduced power mode' warning, and went into a 'limp' mode where it was slowing down to eventually stop itself, but I was at 40 or 35 when I pulled over. …”
NHTSA complaint #11244743, filed 2019-08, 40,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
33% of the 92 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 36,000 and 96,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Equinox · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: 4–5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Chevrolet Equinox version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Equinox FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Equinox AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Equinox FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 31 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,080 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Other model years of the Chevrolet Equinox
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78 | 2,839 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 241 | 8,300 | 0 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 82 | 13,494 | 1 | — | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 99 | 22,001 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 47 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 186 | 20,925 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 100 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 318 | 13,990 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 92 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 310 | 9,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 83 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 410 | 22,250 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 94 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 276 | 68,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 3 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 399 | 65,000 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 680 | 74,500 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 549 | 79,250 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 751 | 80,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 685 | 81,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 782 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 784 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 94 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 370 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 685 | 75,738 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 695 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 638 | 69,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Chevrolet Equinox model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
Complaints on this model year are dominated by the 2.4L engine, most often oil loss traced by owners to a clogged or frozen PCV system and a failed rear main seal, sometimes followed by engine damage. The issues reported most often: PCV freeze-up and rear main seal oil loss; Excessive oil consumption and low oil with no warning; Engine power reduced, stalling, and limp mode.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA recorded 276 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 180 complaints (65% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 37.
Has the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox (Equinox FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 21 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox reported?
Among the 92 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,000 miles and the middle half falls between 36,000 and 96,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.