# Chevrolet Equinox check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 462 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (62) - **Related recalls:** 5 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 462 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Chevrolet Equinox (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (62). There are **5 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Chevrolet Equinox check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 62 | 680 | 9% | | 2016 | 49 | 399 | 12% | | 2017 | 38 | 276 | 14% | | 2018 | 55 | 410 | 13% | | 2019 | 62 | 310 | 20% | | 2020 | 51 | 318 | 16% | | 2021 | 19 | 100 | 19% | | 2022 | 48 | 183 | 26% | | 2023 | 29 | 99 | 29% | | 2024 | 18 | 84 | 21% | | 2025 | 23 | 241 | 10% | | 2026 | 8 | 79 | 10% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Chevrolet Equinox recalls related to the check engine light **[23V013000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V013000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2023-01-19): An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2023. **[20V668000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V668000)** (2018-2020 models, reported 2020-10-29): 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. **[19V667000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V667000)** (2019-2020 models, reported 2019-09-19): 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. **[18V358000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V358000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-31): A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. **[17V516000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V516000)** (2018 models, reported 2017-08-22): If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chevrolet Equinox owners report - "The contact stated that during the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the dealer reprogrammed the vehicle; however, the reprogramming did not resolve the failures. The failure mileage was 32,000." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2026 - "check engine light keeps coming on for emissions system. When I take it to Bergstrom Dealership they tell me they are not sure how to fix the problem." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2025 - "The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated temporarily however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the alarm sounded. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure had occurred due to loss of..." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Equinox check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 5 related recalls (23V013000, 20V668000, 19V667000, 18V358000, 17V516000) covering 2018-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chevrolet Equinox years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2018 and 2019 Equinox model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 62 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Equinox with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Equinox has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Equinox warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-equinox): 15 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-equinox): 28 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-equinox): 21 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/chevrolet-equinox): 50 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-equinox): 48 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/chevrolet-equinox): 20 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-equinox): 58 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Chevrolet Equinox - [Chevrolet Equinox specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-equinox) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-equinox Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.