NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV that has been one of GM's best-selling entries in the fiercely competitive family-hauler segment for years. Aimed squarely at budget-conscious buyers who want a practical, everyday vehicle with genuine utility, the Equinox competes against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years, and the safety picture across that range is worth a close, honest look.
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Chevrolet Equinox as a sensible, unpretentious compact SUV that delivers solid everyday practicality and a comfortable ride for its price point. Most consider it a competitive but unremarkable entry in the segment, praising its approachable packaging while noting it rarely leads the class in any single category.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
284 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.