
2019 Chevrolet EQUINOX
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2019 Chevrolet EQUINOX has 408 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 487. The most common issue is engine problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: the engine "auto stop" feature can have enough delay to allow the accelerator to be pressed as the engine starts causing it to lurch forward rather than accelerate smoothly. it also can cause a delay when pulling out into heavy traffic. there is currently no way to temporarily or permanently defeat . There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 9 fire reports filed.
408
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
98 complaints- • THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT
- • THE AUTO STOP IS A HAZARD. WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC THE CAR DOESN'T GET TO SPEED QUICK ENOUGH.
- • I AM UNABLE TO GAUGE THE TIME NEEDED FOR THE CAR TO RESTART AFTER "AUTOSTOP" SHUTS THE MOTOR AT A HARD STOP. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR ALL DRIVERS AS EVEN WHEN LIFTING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AS IT SHOULD IN "DRIVE." INSTEAD, PLACING MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL IS REQUIRED. THIS CAUSES
“THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2019 Chevrolet EQUINOX
Based on 171 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 9K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
BRAKES
ELECTRICAL
FUEL SYSTEM
TRANSMISSION
OTHER
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (4)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Chevrolet EQUINOX
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Chevrolet EQUINOX
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet EQUINOX Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2019 EQUINOX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 408 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: THE ENGINE "AUTO STOP" FEATURE CAN HAVE ENOUGH DELAY TO ALLOW THE ACCELERATOR TO BE PRESSED AS THE ENGINE STARTS CAUSING IT TO LURCH FORWARD RATHER THAN ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY. IT ALSO CAN CAUSE A DELAY WHEN PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAY TO TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DEFEAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: BRAKES FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO FENCE WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO DRIVE & WITHOUT PUTTING FOOT ON GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH GARAGE - THRU FRONT DOOR & OUT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE. FILED COMPLAINT WITH CENTRAL CLAIMS CASE (XXX) INFORMATIO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: UNABLE TO DISABLE AUTO STOP ENGINE FUNCTION. WINSHIELD DEFROSTER USES AC COMPRESSOR TO AID DEFROAT OF WINDSHIELD WHICH NEEDS ENGINE RUNNING TO OPERATE. WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT WINDSHIELD STEAMS UP ON THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF EXCESS MOISTURE IN EVAPORATOR.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: I AM UNABLE TO GAUGE THE TIME NEEDED FOR THE CAR TO RESTART AFTER "AUTOSTOP" SHUTS THE MOTOR AT A HARD STOP. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR ALL DRIVERS AS EVEN WHEN LIFTING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE AS IT SHOULD IN "DRIVE." INSTEAD, PLACING MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL IS REQUIRED. THIS CAUSES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet EQUINOX — Year Comparison
How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 408
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 9
- Crash reports
- 27
- Injury reports
- 8
- Segment avg
- 487
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2019 Chevrolet EQUINOX