Second generation
2016 Chevrolet Equinox
The most reported problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox is wiper failure, with 105 complaints, usually around 80,000 miles.
- 396owner complaints
- 1recalls
- 14involved a crash
- 67,805median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Equinox doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has 396 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.6 times the median of 248 for 2016 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Equinox model years since 2014, it has the 4th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 36 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs above the 2017 (27). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Wiper failure leads with 105 of the 396 complaints (27%), ahead of engine failure at 78. A quarter of the 38 owners who gave a mileage for wiper failure saw it by about 62,000 miles, and half by about 80,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 22 of the 396 complaints (6%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 14 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 22 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 6 of 14, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as wiper failure, engine failure and stalling. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2023 at 74 and have dropped every year since, to 43 in 2025. So far in 2026, 15 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: windshield wipers stop working, 105 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
396 complaints is 1.6 times the median 2016 model on this site and 1.6 times the median 2016 SUV. Among the 13 Equinox model years here it ranks 4th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet filed 1,245 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. 48 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 6 bulletins · 72 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may stumble and/or stall at startup. The dealer is to evaluate for a faulty aftermarket or incorrect upstream oxygen sensor.
4 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicatesIn ambient temperatures 100F (37.7 C)degrees or higher, DTCs P2635 and/or P018B may set.The vehicle may also exhibit a hesitation or stalling condition.Excessively Hot and sustained ambient temperatures over 100F (37.7 ...
Intermittent Multiple IPC Warning Lamps Illuminated, Loss of Power Steering Assist
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to perform a wire to wire repair on the engine harness to correct Intermittent Multiple IPC Warning Lamps Illuminated, Loss of Power Steering Assist, Service Power Steering Message on DIC, Malfunction Indicator ...
This preliminary informational bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of loss of power steering assist, hard to steer, and/or "Service Power Steering" message on in DIC.
Windshield cracks or distorts 9 bulletins · 68 complaints
Special Coverage. On certain 2010-2012 model year and 2016-2017 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, the ball joints in the front windshield wiper modules of these vehicles may experience high corrosion and wear that could result in the ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have may a helicopter type noise when a rear window is lowered.
7 more on this problem
This Bulletin provides procedures to correct a condition of Power Foldaway Mirror Glass Shake, Flutter at Normal Driving Speeds
This engineering information bulletin ends the need for information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Front Windshield Wipers Inoperative.
Engineering Information Front Windshield Wipers Inoperative
This informational bulletin provides warranty coverage information for dealership personnel regarding a customer concern of the liftgate glass shattering, or blowing out when driving vehicle or closing a side door.
This engineering information bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Front Windshield Wipers Inoperative.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the wiper transmission and wiper motor to correct a customer concern that the windshield wipers are inoperative caused by to the wiper transmission linkage separating as a result of corrosion at the ball ...
THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A NORMAL CONDITION ON TEMPERED GLASS OF SPOTS SHOWING ON THE REAR AND SIDE WINDOWS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SUNLIGHT.
Burns oil or oil level rises 1 bulletin · 64 complaints
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE LOW OIL PRESSURE MESSAGE. TECHNICIAN MAY ALSO FIND A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0521 IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE.
Check engine light or misfire 15 bulletins · 44 complaints
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0008 or P0009 may be set. Technician will need to inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners.
13 more on this problem
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Engineering Information ? Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) On DTCs P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1 and/or P0174 Fuel Trim System Lean ...
This Preliminary Information communication informs dealer technicians of a potential whining noise that can occur after servicing the water pump, water pump chain or cylinder head without use of the water pump sprocket holding tool.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the keyless entry is inoperative. Technician should inspect the ignition key cylinder door sticks in the up position.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Light On, Reduced Power Mode, DTC Set, Poor Performance/Shifts In rare cases, some customers may comment that the malfunction indicator lamp is on, poor performance and reduced power mode on.
Engineering Information Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) On, DTCs P0171 Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 1 and/or P0174 Fuel Trim System Lean Bank 2
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to Complete the Circuit/System Verification steps to correct a condition of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) - Check Engine Light On, DTC P182E.
44180 02 Customer Satisfaction. Certain vehicles may have key codes which were inappropriately handled by a third party which could increase the risk of vehicle theft. Dealers are to replace all applicable keys and lock cylinders with new key configurations.
THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO CHECK THE CYLINDERS FOR DAMAGED PISTONS AND DETERMINE IF THE USE OF AFTERMARKET CALIBRATIONS OR PERFORMANCE PARTS MAY BE THE CAUSE.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN WHAT TO INSPECT IF CODES P0016 AND/OR P0017 ARE SETTING ON A PROPERLY TIMED ENGINE OR A CONDITION OF THE VEHICLE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN REGARDING VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ENGINE REGULAR PRODUCTION OPTION CODE LEA, LCV, AND LKW MAY HAVE A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P015A SET.
Plus 3 older ones not listed here.
Engine rattles or ticks 4 bulletins · 20 complaints
This technical bulletin provides a Service Procedure to correct a Condition of Ticking, Tap or Rattle Noise from Engine.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a loud tick or rattle noise under the hood at all operating conditions.
2 more on this problem
LOW AUDIBLE WHINE NOISE FROM ENGINE
This informational bulletin provides information on Clicking/Ticking Sound/Noise Heard During Cold Start and that this should be considered a normal characteristic.
Engine leaks oil 3 bulletins · 20 complaints
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Coolant and/or Oil Leak, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminatedâ.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to seal the bedplate bolt #621 if found the cause of the oil leak.
1 more on this problem
This Bulletin Provides Information for Repairing Engine Front Cover Oil Leak, Sealing Surface Preparation and Applying RTV Sealant.
Engine knocking or ticking 8 bulletins · 13 complaints
This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking, rattle, squeak and/or squeal type noises from engine.
This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking, rattle, squeak and/or squeal type noises from engine.
6 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking, rattle, squeak and/or squeal type noises from engine.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information on a rattle, tick, or knock type noise. Any drivability concerns they should be addressed prior to the following diagnostic progression.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a knock noise, seized engine, lower end squeak or squeal from the engine. Technician will inspect the oil control solenoids for metal debris.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR A POSSIBLE RATTLE, TICK, OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some vehicles may have rattle, tick, or knock type noise. If there are any drivability concerns they should be addressed prior to the following diagnostic progression.
If a vehicle comes into the dealership with a knock noise, seized engine, lower end squeak or squeal or any condition that you suspect a rod or main bearing failure.
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 12 complaints
THIS INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON LOCATING AND RECONNECTING AIRBAG CONNECTORS THAT ARE NOT FULLY SEATED TO CORRECT A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED, OR ONE, OR MORE, AIRBAG DTC(S) SET.
This informational bulletin provides information on Passenger Presence System (PPS) May Command Seat Belt Reminder Chime and Passenger Airbag Indicator On or Set DTC B101D When Electronic Devices or Conductive Objects are Placed on Front Passenger Seat
Complaints filed by year
74 complaints came in 2023. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Front wiper transmission inoperative. Closed nov 28, 2022, led to recall 22V-165.
NHTSA summary
Windshield wiper transmission failure. Closed dec 19, 2019.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
The recall on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
Wiper failure, with 105 of the 396 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 80,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Equinox problems start?
Of the 207 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 35,000 miles and half by about 68,000.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 36 a year against 27.
How many 2016 Chevrolet Equinox complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
22 of them (6%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for wiper failure on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
No recall on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox is on the same system as wiper failure. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.