WORST Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

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David Lawrence

When you’re thinking about buying a Chevy Equinox, it’s important to know which years to avoid so you don’t end up with a lot of problems and costly repairs.

The 2010 Equinox is known for using too much oil and having ongoing engine and transmission issues.

Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid

The 2013 and 2014 models also have engine problems, while the 2015 and 2016 versions often experience major transmission failures.

You should also be cautious with the 2018 Equinox, which has various electrical issues.

Want to know more about these problems and how they might affect your decision?

Key Takeaways

  • Stay away from the 2010 Equinox because of high oil consumption, engine breakdowns, and major transmission issues.
  • The 2013 and 2014 Equinox models have reliability problems with their 2.4-liter engines.
  • The 2014 Equinox also has big transmission problems that hurt its performance and reliability.
  • The 2015 and 2016 Equinox models are known for serious transmission failures and expensive repairs.
  • The 2018 Equinox often has problems with engine stalling and unreliable electrical systems.

Key Problematic Years

When thinking about buying a Chevy Equinox, it’s important to know which years have had major problems. The 2010 model is known for burning too much oil and having engine failures.

The 2013 and 2014 models are also bad choices because they’ve a lot of engine and transmission problems. These transmission issues continued in the 2015 and 2016 models, leading to expensive repairs and safety concerns.

The 2018 Equinox has a mixed reputation, with complaints about the engine stalling, electrical problems, and unreliable tech features. Avoiding these years can help you pick a more reliable car and avoid headaches.

2010 Equinox Issues

The Chevy Equinox has had some years with regular problems that keep popping up. Engine issues are a big deal for many Equinox models. The 2013 and 2014 models, especially with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, often had problems with burning too much oil and even engine failures.

The 2018 Equinox also had issues with the engine stalling and electrical problems. The 2014 model had troubles with the transmission, adding to its engine woes. So, if you’re thinking about buying a used Chevy Equinox, it’s smart to be careful because of these recurring engine problems.

Engine Troubles in 2010

The 2010 Chevy Equinox has some well-known engine problems, especially with using too much oil and engines failing often. Owners often find they need to add oil between regular oil changes, which can cause serious engine damage if not dealt with quickly.

This model has a design issue that makes the engine burn oil faster than normal, leading to higher maintenance costs and possible performance problems. If you’re thinking about buying a 2010 Equinox, make sure to check for signs of high oil use.

Many drivers have had to pay for expensive repairs because of this, making it a less reliable choice. To avoid these issues, you might want to look at other model years or do a detailed mechanical check before buying.

Transmission Woes in 2010

When looking at the 2010 Chevy Equinox, you should know it has well-known transmission problems.

Many owners have experienced transmission failures, which can be expensive to fix.

These issues greatly affect how the vehicle runs and its safety, making it a risky option for buyers.

Transmission Failure Reports

Transmission problems were a big issue for the 2010 Chevy Equinox, hurting its reliability. If you owned one, you probably dealt with major transmission troubles that made this car less attractive.

These repeated issues created safety risks and led to expensive repairs. Because of this, the 2010 Equinox got a bad reputation, causing potential buyers to hesitate.

If you’re looking at used cars, you should be careful with the 2010 model. The frequent and serious transmission failures make it hard to feel confident about choosing this particular year of the Chevy Equinox.

Costly Repair Concerns

If you owned a 2010 Chevy Equinox, you probably dealt with expensive repairs because of its well-known transmission problems. Many owners talked about their transmissions failing often, which led to big repair bills. These weren’t just minor issues; they often required complete overhauls or replacements.

Fixing these problems could cost you thousands of dollars, making the 2010 model a financial headache. The high repair costs, plus the hassle of having a car that doesn’t work right, made this year particularly tough. Even regular maintenance couldn’t prevent the frequent and pricey transmission issues.

If you’re thinking about buying a used Equinox, avoiding the 2010 model could save you a lot of money and trouble.

Electrical Problems in 2010

The 2010 Chevy Equinox is well-known for having serious electrical problems. Common issues include power windows not working and dashboard displays acting up.

Owners often reported problems with lights flickering, sensors failing, and the battery draining quickly. These electrical issues sometimes made it hard to start the car, causing a lot of frustration.

The 2010 model also had frequent problems with the climate control system, leading to uneven heating or cooling inside the car. Because of these electrical glitches, the 2010 Equinox was more likely to break down unexpectedly and require expensive repairs.

If you’re thinking about buying a used Equinox, it’s a good idea to avoid the 2010 model due to its well-known electrical problems.

2013 Equinox Concerns

If you’re thinking about getting a Chevy Equinox, there are three main issues to watch out for.

First, engine problems are common, especially in the 2010, 2013, and 2014 models. People have reported issues like using too much oil, engines stalling, and even complete engine failure.

Second, the 2014, 2015, and 2016 models often have transmission problems that can be expensive to fix and may cause safety concerns.

Lastly, the 2018 Equinox has had mixed reviews because of frequent issues like engine stalling, electrical problems, and unreliable tech features.

Knowing about these problems can help you make a smarter choice if you’re considering a Chevy Equinox.

2014 Equinox Reliability

You can judge how reliable a Chevy Equinox is by looking at what other owners have reported and the records from the manufacturer for different years. Knowing which years have common problems can help you avoid unexpected repairs and safety issues. Here’s a quick summary:

Model YearCommon Problems
2010Uses too much oil, engine failures
2013-2014Problems with the 2.4L engine
2015-2016Transmission failures
2018Engine stalling, electrical issues

Each year has its own problems, which can affect how reliable the vehicle is. By knowing about these issues, you can make a better choice when looking at a used Chevy Equinox. Always check for these known problems before buying.

Engine Problems in 2013-2014

If you’re thinking about buying a 2013 or 2014 Chevy Equinox, you should know that these models often have engine problems.

Many owners have reported that their vehicles use too much oil and sometimes the engine stalls. Because of these issues, these years aren’t the best choice if you’re looking for a reliable car.

Excessive Oil Consumption

The 2013 and 2014 Chevy Equinox models are known for using too much oil, especially with their 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. Owners often report that these engines burn oil quickly, which can lead to expensive repairs and safety issues. This isn’t just a hassle; it can make the engine less reliable and hurt the car’s overall performance.

If you’re thinking about buying a used Equinox, be cautious with these years. Using too much oil can cause serious damage over time, shorten the car’s life, and raise maintenance costs. Because of these oil issues, the 2013-2014 Equinox models are less attractive choices for smart buyers.

Engine Stalling Issues

The 2013 and 2014 Chevy Equinox models have a problem with the engine stalling, which makes them less reliable.

Many owners have reported that the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine stalls without warning, which can be dangerous while driving.

This issue, along with other engine problems, makes these model years less attractive for used car buyers.

If you’re thinking about buying a used Equinox, be aware of these issues, as they can lead to expensive repairs and a less dependable vehicle.

Reliability Concerns

When looking at a 2013 or 2014 Chevy Equinox, you’ll find that engine troubles really hurt its reliability. Owners often reported problems with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Common issues included using too much oil and the engine stalling. The 2014 model also had extra transmission problems, adding to the reliability issues.

ProblemEffect
Using Too Much OilHigher maintenance costs
Engine StallingSafety risk
Transmission ProblemsHarder to drive
Overall ReliabilityMuch lower

These ongoing engine problems make the 2013 and 2014 Equinox models less reliable. If you’re shopping for a used Chevy Equinox, it’s smart to be careful and consider other years to avoid these common issues.

Transmission Issues in 2014

The 2014 Chevy Equinox has some serious transmission problems that can be expensive to fix and could affect your safety. Many owners have reported that the transmission fails often, which makes the car less reliable and can lead to unexpected costs. These problems take away from the car’s good features and make the 2014 Equinox a less attractive choice for people looking to buy a used car.

Along with existing engine issues, the transmission problems give this model a bad reputation. If you’re thinking about buying a used Chevy Equinox, it’s best to steer clear of the 2014 model to avoid these issues. Choosing a different year might save you from future headaches and expenses.

2015 Equinox Challenges

The Chevy Equinox has faced several issues over the years that buyers should know about. The 2010 model is known for using too much oil and having engine problems.

The 2013 and 2014 models also have engine issues, especially with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes them less reliable.

Transmission problems aren’t just a 2014 issue; they also affect the 2015 and 2016 models and can lead to expensive repairs.

Even the 2018 Equinox has had mixed reviews, with common complaints about the engine stalling and unreliable tech features. Because of these problems, it’s important to think carefully before buying a used Equinox.

2016 Equinox Problems

Knowing the common issues with the Chevy Equinox can help you decide if it’s the right car for you. Over the years, some problems have come up that you should be aware of to avoid expensive repairs.

Here are a few of the most common issues:

  • Engine Problems: The 2010 model often uses too much oil and has engine failures.
  • Reliability Concerns: The 2013 and 2014 models have had problems with their 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines.
  • Electrical Glitches: The 2018 Equinox has had problems with engine stalling and various electrical issues.
  • Transmission Failures: The 2015 and 2016 models have faced major transmission problems, which we’ll talk about more later.

Looking into these issues will help you make a smart choice if you’re thinking about buying a used Chevy Equinox.

Transmission Failures in 2015-2016

The 2015 and 2016 Chevy Equinox models have had a lot of problems with their transmissions, which can lead to expensive repairs and safety concerns for owners. Even though these models have some attractive features, the transmission issues are a major drawback. If you’re thinking about buying a used Equinox from these years, you should know that you might face unexpected costs and safety risks.

YearTransmission ProblemsHigh Repair Costs
2015YesYes
2016YesYes

Because of these transmission problems, the 2015 and 2016 Equinox models are not the best choices for used car buyers. If you’re considering one, make sure to do thorough research to avoid these issues. It’s important to consider these risks before deciding to buy.

2018 Equinox Overview

When thinking about the 2018 Equinox, it’s good to know about the engine and transmission problems that have affected certain model years. If you’re looking at a used one, be especially cautious with those that have the four-cylinder engine.

  • 2010 Equinox: Known for using too much oil and having engine failures.
  • 2013-2014 Equinox: Had big problems with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, including engine issues and transmission troubles in 2014.
  • 2015-2016 Equinox: Struggled with major transmission problems, leading to costly repairs and safety concerns.
  • 2018 Equinox: Received mixed reviews, with common problems like engine stalling that affected its reliability.

Knowing about these issues can help you make a better choice when buying a used Chevy Equinox.

Electrical Glitches in 2018

Did you know that the 2018 Chevy Equinox is known for having electrical problems that have frustrated many owners? These issues often involve the tech features, like the infotainment system, dashboard displays, and electronic controls. These frequent glitches not only make the car less reliable but also can lead to expensive repairs.

Here’s a quick overview:

IssueSymptomPotential Cost
Infotainment SystemFreezing or rebooting$100 – $600
Dashboard DisplayFlickering or blank$200 – $800
Electronic ControlsUnresponsive buttons$150 – $500

Knowing about these problems is important if you’re thinking about getting a 2018 Equinox.

Research Before Purchase

Doing your homework before buying a used Chevy Equinox can save you from expensive repairs and unexpected hassles. By looking into the details ahead of time, you can figure out which years to avoid and make a smarter choice.

Here are some important things to know:

  • 2010 model: This year had major engine issues, like using too much oil and engine breakdowns.
  • 2013 and 2014 models: These had problems with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, causing worries about reliability and engine stalling.
  • 2015 and 2016 models: These years faced transmission failures, leading to pricey fixes.
  • 2018 model: Mixed reviews, with common problems like engine stalling and electrical issues.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Chevy Cruze, Chevy Cobalt, Chevy Malibu and Chevy Silverado. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about getting a Chevy Equinox, it’s best to avoid the 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 models. These years are known for a lot of problems, like using too much oil and major transmission failures, which can be very expensive to fix.

Even the 2018 model has some electrical issues. Make sure to do your homework before buying so you end up with a reliable car.

About the author
David Lawrence
David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.

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