NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 289 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. Four active recall campaigns and a modest avoidance-tech score temper an otherwise excellent crash-protection result, making recall-status verification the most important step for any buyer.
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox AWD received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox ranks 45 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 289 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 45 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2019 model earns a Strong Safety Index score of 82 out of 100. This year establishes a new baseline, as no prior Safety Index data is on file for comparison. Its crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 represents a notable strength, supported by a near-perfect sweep of NHTSA star ratings: 5 stars overall, 5 for frontal impact, and 5 for side impact. The rollover rating is 4 stars, with a 19-percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 reduces its overall standing. This lower score is directly due to forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems being optional equipment, rather than standard. Buyers who chose not to include these packages have a demonstrably less robust first line of defense than the crash-test results alone might suggest. The defect record sub-score is 10 out of 20, reflecting four recall campaigns. One of these recalls, addressing a fuel tank issue specific to all-wheel-drive models, directly impacts the tested configuration. With 289 owner complaints reported, primarily citing engine and brake concerns, verifying that all recall remedies have been completed is a critical step for any prospective buyer.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox AWD achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, a strong performance that included perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side impact crash tests. The outlier in its evaluation was the rollover test, where it earned 4 out of 5 stars. This was accompanied by a 19-percent rollover risk estimate, though the vehicle did not tip in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13101
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
Yes. Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The components involved are the automatic transmission, the fuel tank assembly on AWD units specifically, the rear-right seat welds, and the disc brake calipers. The fuel tank recall is AWD-specific and directly relevant to this tested configuration. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data, but all four campaigns should be verified by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
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.
Remedy: 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 reca
Reported 2020-10-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY19V667000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.
Reported 2019-09-19
SEATS19V184000
Risk: In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.
Reported 2019-03-07
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V576000
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Reported 2018-08-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners have filed 289 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the engine, service brakes, and electrical system. Reported allegations include 21 crash events, 7 fire incidents, and 8 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
289 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. All four recall campaigns, particularly the AWD fuel tank and brake caliper campaigns, may still have open remedies on specific units. Confirm in writing that each campaign has been completed.
- The 2019 Equinox AWD carries a fuel tank assembly recall specific to AWD models, meaning this exact tested configuration is directly affected and VIN verification is essential.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, pulling the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and meaning many in-service units lack these systems entirely.
- Four separate recall campaigns were issued for this model year covering the transmission, fuel tank, rear seat welds, and brake calipers, producing a defect-record sub-score of 10 out of 20.
- Owners have submitted 289 unverified complaints to NHTSA, with alleged engine issues accounting for 94 reports and service brake concerns accounting for 77, the two largest complaint categories for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox places
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Chevrolet Equinox safety questions
Was the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 289 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Equinox years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13101), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Equinox 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 45 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.