CarModelProblems.com

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 4.1× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
391Complaints
1Recalls
14Crashes
3Fires
22Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (50.9% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Engine complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine199 · 50.9%not available
Visibility/wiper111 · 28.4%not available
Power Train24 · 6.1%not available
Electrical System22 · 5.6%not available
Fuel/propulsion System19 · 4.9%not available
Air Bags12 · 3.1%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE199 · 50.9%
VISIBILITY/WIPER111 · 28.4%
Unspecified / other31 · 7.9%
POWER TRAIN24 · 6.1%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM19 · 4.9%
AIR BAGS12 · 3.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8 · 2%
STEERING7 · 1.8%
STRUCTURE:BODY6 · 1.5%

Percentages are the share of the 391 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 1 campaign

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 16V449000 · 2016 · reported 06/21/2016

If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“MY 2016 CHEVY EQUINOX RANDOMLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING, AT ANY RANDOM TIME. NO LIGHTS OR WARNINGS GO OFF TO LET ME KNOW THAT THIS IS…”NHTSA complaint 11329675 — filed 06/18/2020 · ENGINE
“TRUCK WAS SPUTTERING WHILE DRIVING AND COULD SMELL OIL & HAD SMOKE COMING FROM BACK. TOOK TO CHEVY DEALER IN JANUARY. DEALER REPLACED MASS AIR…”NHTSA complaint 11323228 — filed 05/04/2020 · ENGINE
“LIFTGATE WILL NOT OPEN CODE P0010 AND P0011 ON VEHICLE. PARTS CHANGED AND CODE P0011 STILL SHOWING. CAUSES VEHICLE TO STALL VERY DANGEROUS.THIS CAR IS…”NHTSA complaint 11317860 — filed 03/13/2020 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

12015202016162017232018492019632020342021632022872023602024562025162026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 199 of 391 NHTSA complaints (50.9%), followed by visibility/wiper (111), unspecified/other issues (31), power train (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have?

391 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 14 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 22 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?

Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 16V449000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.