2016 Chevrolet Equinox recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and 399 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (203), visibility/wiper (114), unknown or other (32). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Equinox model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (362). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.5 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The drivers' side front seatbelt will not retract back into the b pillar when taken off. It will get caught in the door when closing it and prevent the driver's door from closing. The transmission slips out of gear when decelerating and accelerating in traffic. This causes the transmission to slam back into gear.
I am filing this complaint regarding a safety-related engine problem with my 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. My vehicle is currently experiencing excessive crankcase pressure associated with the PCV system. The vehicle requires PCV service, and I have been advised that the excessive crankcase pressure has contributed to multiple engine oil leaks, including a timing cover leak and front…
Timing chain guide broke and caused catastropic engine failure while driving 70 miles an hour on the highway causing steering, brakes etc to lock up putting me and my family at risk of accident and great bodily harm. Vehicle is available for inspection. No prior knowledge of mechanic problems due to only having purchased the vehicle from Mac's Chevrolet 4 months prior. Have sin…
Safety ratings
2016 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD
2016 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox.
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI
Regular
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI
Regular
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, most recently for equipment · other · labels (06/21/2016). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
Based on 399 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (203), visibility/wiper (114), unknown or other (32).
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox safe?
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Equinox model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (362). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 2.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox range from 23 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: EQUINOX, Equinox.