NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 1 recall, and 51 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, positioning it in the Exceptional safety band. This strong overall performance is bolstered by a perfect avoidance-tech score and robust crash-protection results. However, several key crash-test categories remain unrated by NHTSA, leaving gaps in the published protection data.
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox receives a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 and a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ranks 55 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) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 51 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 55 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox holds its Safety Index at 90/100, matching the 2025 model year exactly and sustaining Exceptional-band status for a second consecutive year. The index breakdown reveals where that score is built: crash protection contributes 63.8 out of a possible 70 points, avoidance technology delivers a perfect 10 out of 10, and the defect record component adds 16.5 out of 20. The perfect avoidance-tech score reflects forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment on this trim configuration. What makes 2026 distinctive is the complaint volume: 51 owner filings already on record, with Forward Collision Avoidance alone accounting for 16 of those unverified allegations, a pattern worth tracking given that the same system earns full marks in the index methodology. Service Brakes and Power Train each show 12 alleged reports. The single recall is a documentation-category campaign shared across multiple GM models rather than a structural or propulsion defect. The side-crash result of 5 out of 5 stars is the year's clearest strength in tested categories, while the absence of an overall or frontal NHTSA rating leaves meaningful crash-protection data gaps that the index cannot fully substitute for.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox perform in crash tests?
Side impact protection is a standout feature for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This strong performance is complemented by its 4 out of 5-star rollover rating, which includes a 17 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. However, consumers should note that NHTSA has not provided an overall or frontal crash-test rating for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21823
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox carries one recall campaign. It involves equipment in the owners, service, or other manual category, issued as part of a broader General Motors action covering several 2025-2026 GM models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data. Shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners have filed 51 unverified complaints with NHTSA against the 2026 Equinox. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (16 reports), Service Brakes (12), and Power Train (12). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
An open recall for documentation issues affects the current model year; shoppers should verify the VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm remedy status. Prospective buyers should review owner complaints regarding Forward Collision Avoidance and Service Brakes before purchase.
- The 2026 Equinox Safety Index of 90/100 is unchanged from the 2025 model year, meaning no improvement or decline occurred year over year in MotorCaliber's scoring.
- NHTSA has not issued an overall or frontal crash-test star rating for this specific 2026 configuration; only side (5/5) and rollover (4/5) results are available.
- Fifty-one unverified owner complaints are already on file, with Forward Collision Avoidance (16 reports) the single most-cited component, an unusual concentration given the system's perfect score in the avoidance-tech index component.
- The one recall affecting this model year is a documentation-category campaign shared across multiple 2025-2026 GM vehicles; shoppers should confirm VIN-level remedy status before taking delivery.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox places
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Chevrolet Equinox safety questions
Was the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 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 2026 Chevrolet Equinox crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox earned 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21823), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Equinox 2026.
- 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 55 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.