NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 284 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox enters the Strong band of our Safety Index, with a score of 86 out of 100. Its crash-avoidance suite offers a notable advantage: all three technologies are standard. This strong performance is primarily affected by its defect record, which shows four recalls on file.
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox ranks 42 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 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 | 284 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 42 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox represents a measurable step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing four points to 86/100 from the 2019 model's 82/100, while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is driven by crash-protection performance: the AWD variant scored a maximum 66 out of 70 in that sub-category, and all three tracked crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, come as standard equipment, earning a full 10 out of 10 in that category. The ceiling on the overall index is the defect record sub-score of 10 out of 20, a direct reflection of the four active recall campaigns. Two of those campaigns were issued before the vehicle even reached showrooms, covering the brake calipers and the AWD fuel tank, meaning some 2020 units left the factory with already-identified defects. The child-seat LATCH anchor recall, issued years later in 2023, extends the defect footprint further. The 284 reported complaints include alleged brake and engine concerns that overlap with recall-covered components, reinforcing why the defect record score pulls the index down despite otherwise strong crash-test numbers. For this specific model year, the gap between excellent crash protection and a below-midpoint defect record is the defining safety story.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Equinox AWD earns NHTSA's highest overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal and side crash tests both returned perfect 5-star scores. Rollover assessment, however, presents a slight reduction with 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 19 percent, while the dynamic tip-test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14177
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include the rear child-seat LATCH anchors, the automatic transmission, the rear hydraulic disc brake calipers, and the fuel tank assembly on AWD units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available campaign data, but buyers should verify remedy status for all four campaigns by VIN before purchase.
CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR23V339000
Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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
Reported 2023-05-11
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER19V704000
Risk: Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.
Reported 2019-10-03
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has received 284 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Equinox. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 100 reported complaints, followed by the Engine at 77 and the Fuel/Propulsion System at 49. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
284 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
Four distinct federal safety recalls were issued for the 2020 Equinox, a notable point for potential owners. These recalls addressed the LATCH anchors, the transmission, brake calipers, and the fuel tank on all-wheel drive models. Any prospective buyer of a used 2020 Equinox should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all applicable recall remedies have been performed, as open recalls transfer with vehicle ownership.
- The 2020 Equinox Safety Index of 86/100 is four points higher than the 2019 model's 82/100, a year-over-year gain that reflects strong crash-protection sub-scores rather than an improvement in the defect record.
- Two of the four recall campaigns, covering rear brake calipers and the AWD fuel tank assembly, were issued in late 2019 before the model year was fully in market, meaning affected vehicles may have carried these defects from initial sale.
- Service Brakes is the single most complained-about component with 100 unverified allegations, and a brake caliper recall exists for this same model year, making brake-system remedy verification a priority on any used example.
- All three NHTSA-tracked crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, contributing to a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox places
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Chevrolet Equinox safety questions
Was the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 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 2020 Chevrolet Equinox crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 284 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14177), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Equinox 2020.
- 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 42 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.