NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 83 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. That score, backed by a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and all three crash-avoidance technologies standard, makes this a strong safety choice, tempered only by three active recall campaigns that buyers must verify as resolved.
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox ranks 38 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 83 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 38 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2023 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Equinox in MotorCaliber's safety scoring. The Safety Index climbed five points to 90/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band it held in 2022 at 85/100 into the Exceptional band. That gain is grounded in concrete data: crash protection contributed 66 of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology earned a perfect 10/10 reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all fitted as standard equipment, and the defect record component contributed 14.25 of 20. The five-star frontal and side results are the headline crash numbers for this specific year. The three recall campaigns, however, are a meaningful offset. The occupant-classification sensor recall is particularly relevant because a miscalibrated sensor can suppress or alter air-bag deployment in a real crash, which sits squarely in safety territory. Buyers should treat all three campaigns as unresolved until a VIN check confirms otherwise. The 83 unverified owner complaints, with the Fuel/Propulsion System category drawing 35 of them, are worth monitoring but do not by themselves alter the Index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox perform in crash tests?
Rollover risk for the 2023 Equinox AWD SUV stands at 16 percent, resulting in a four-star rating in this category. However, the model achieved a full five stars for both frontal and side protection, contributing to an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. The dynamic tip-test recorded "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18225
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets rear child-seat LATCH anchors across 2020-2023 Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The second addresses the front-passenger occupant-classification sensor in units equipped with ventilated front seats, a concern that directly affects air-bag deployment. The third involves a potentially stripped driver's-seat component shared with 2022-2023 Equinox models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data, but the air-bag sensor recall warrants prompt attention.
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
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER22V929000
Risk: In the event of a crash, a front passenger air bag that deploys with a child or infant in the front passenger seat can increase their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger presence system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 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 recall is N222388911.
Reported 2022-12-15
SEATS22V724000
Risk: A seat with a missing or loose bolt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's seat and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 4, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222377890.
Reported 2022-09-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners have filed 83 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 4 crashes and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Fuel/Propulsion System (35 reports), Service Brakes (16), Unknown or Other (16), Engine (11), Electrical System (10), and Forward Collision Avoidance (6). All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
83 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox carries three open recalls, a notable point for prospective buyers. One in particular concerns the air bag occupant-classification sensor, a critical component for occupant protection. Given this, it is prudent to verify that all recall campaigns have been addressed by an authorized Chevrolet dealership. Owners of record are entitled to free remedy at any authorized Chevrolet dealership, irrespective of ownership history.
- The Safety Index rose five points year-over-year, from 85/100 in 2022 to 90/100 in 2023, reflecting improved scoring across crash protection and a perfect avoidance-technology score for this specific model year.
- The 2023-specific air-bag occupant-classification sensor recall affects units with ventilated front passenger seats and is directly relevant to crash safety because it concerns whether the passenger air bag deploys correctly.
- The LATCH anchor recall spans the 2020-2023 Equinox generation, but the 2023 model year is included and any used example should be VIN-checked to confirm the child-seat anchor remedy has been performed.
- Forward Collision Avoidance drew 6 unverified owner complaints, a detail worth noting given that the system is one reason the avoidance-technology subscore reached 10/10, and any perceived malfunction should be reported to NHTSA and inspected by a dealer.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox places
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Chevrolet Equinox safety questions
Was the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 83 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Equinox years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18225), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Equinox 2023.
- 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 38 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.