2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The most settled second-gen year with the fewest complaints, though the 2.4L oil-consumption defect still applies. The gen-2 year to prefer if buying one. 6 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox ranged from $23,100 to $30,040 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The most settled second-gen year with the fewest complaints, though the 2.4L oil-consumption defect still applies. The gen-2 year to prefer if buying one.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=equ…
- gmauthority.comhttps://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/08/2010-to-2013-chevy-equinox-prone-to-burn…
- carcomplaints.comhttps://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/chevy-equinox-oil-consumption-lawsuit…
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/blog/new-class-action-claims-more-chevy-equinox-g…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/equinox.html
Known issues
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Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled.
widespread · 180 NHTSA complaints · typically 70k–130k miles · engine
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Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem.
commonly reported · 95 NHTSA complaints · typically 75k–137k miles · engine
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Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · typically 105k–150k miles · engine
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Windshield wiper motor and linkage failure causing wipers to stop working.
commonly reported · 45 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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ABS / StabiliTrak electronic stability control faults that are expensive to repair.
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–130k miles · brake
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Catalytic converter clogging or premature failure, often a downstream effect of excessive oil consumption.
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · typically 100k–137k miles · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=equ…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=equ…
- gmauthority.comhttps://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/08/2010-to-2013-chevy-equinox-prone-to-burn…
- carcomplaints.comhttps://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/chevy-equinox-oil-consumption-lawsuit…
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/blog/new-class-action-claims-more-chevy-equinox-g…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Composed, comfortable highway ride.
- Available V6 offers strong towing and passing power.
- Spacious, comfortable interior with generous rear legroom for the class.
- Affordable used pricing.
Cons
- Costly StabiliTrak/ABS and engine repairs as the car ages.
- Mediocre real-world fuel economy from the four-cylinder relative to rivals.
- Cheap interior plastics and dated infotainment.
- The 2.4L four-cylinder oil-consumption defect is serious and widely reported, and can damage the engine.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | $23,100 | $29,000 | 2.4L 4-cyl (182 hp) | 25 |
| LS | $25,510 | $29,000 | 2.4L 4-cyl (182 hp) | 25 |
| LT | $26,750 | $29,000 | 2.4L 4-cyl (182 hp) | 25 |
| Premier | $30,040 | $33,900 | 2.4L 4-cyl (182 hp) | 25 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2017-chevrolet-equinox-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/37499
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Equinox
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($23,100). Higher trims started higher (up to $30,040), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/equinox/depreciation
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,900–2,000/yr |
| Fuel (12k mi/yr, 25 MPG) | ≈ $1,536/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/equinox
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/chevrolet-equinox-insurance/
- rivertonchevy.comhttps://www.rivertonchevy.com/how-many-miles-does-a-chevy-equinox-last/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox have?
Documented issue patterns include: Excessive oil consumption on the 2.4L Ecotec from defective piston rings; the engine can burn about a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles and starve itself, risking major damage. GM issued special coverage and a class action settled; Engine stalling or shutting down while driving, frequently linked to low oil from the 2.4L consumption problem; Timing-chain wear and stretch on the 2.4L, often secondary to oil starvation, leading to costly engine repair; Windshield wiper motor and linkage failure causing wipers to stop working. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The most settled second-gen year with the fewest complaints, though the 2.4L oil-consumption defect still applies. The gen-2 year to prefer if buying one.
How much did the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox cost new?
Between $23,100 and $30,040 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.