CarBrief

Owners filed 548 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Equinox, and the engine is the most named part[1][2]. The car has one recall, for windshield wipers that can stop working[3].

548owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
19–26MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 548 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 23 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 11 injuries, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part. The group counts below do not add up to 548[1].

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 229 96,000
Visibility/wiper[7] 167 79,831
Electrical system[8] 46 63,556
Unknown or other[9] 42 60,000
Power train[10] 40 75,000
Fuel/propulsion system[11] 34 79,272
Air bags[12] 29 40,000
Visibility[13] 19 72,500

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 5 describe the engine stalling or losing power, at idle or while driving[2]. Engine is the largest group, but the sample is small, so treat this as a pointer and not a ranking of causes.

Wipers. In a sample of 12 visibility and wiper complaints, 11 describe the windshield wipers stopping, often in heavy rain[7]. Recall 22V165, below, is about the wiper module.

Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 8 describe a sudden loss of power, a reduced power warning or stalling[10]. This group has 40 complaints, and none of them mention a crash, fire or injury[10].

Electrical. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, at least 4 say the ignition key or switch gets very hot[8]. The group has 46 complaints and 2 mention a fire[8].

Air bags. There are 29 air bag complaints[12]. Among them, 15 crashes and 8 injuries are recorded, and the median mileage is 40,000[12]. We did not read a sample of these, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for the 2014 Equinox[4].

Fuel economy

The EPA rates a 2.4L four-cylinder[5] and a 3.6L six-cylinder[14]. Both use a 6-speed automatic[14][5]. Ratings are city / highway / combined MPG.

Engine and drive MPG Annual fuel cost
2.4L, front-wheel drive[5] 22 / 31 / 26 $2,600
2.4L, all-wheel drive[15] 20 / 28 / 23 $2,900
3.6L, front-wheel drive[14] 17 / 24 / 19 $3,550
3.6L, all-wheel drive[16] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550

The 3.6L front-wheel drive on Gasoline or E85 is rated 17 / 24 / 20 with a $3,350 annual cost[17]. The EPA bases fuel cost on its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new. The 2.4L front-wheel drive costs $950 a year less than the 3.6L on regular gas, by the EPA's numbers[5][14].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive version 4 stars overall, 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover[6]. Its rollover risk is 17.4%[6]. The front-wheel-drive version has the same star ratings, with a rollover risk of 19.1%[18].

Engine and size

EPA test listings rate the 2.4L four-cylinder at 182 hp[19]. The 3.0L six-cylinder is rated 264 hp[20]. The 3.6L six-cylinder is rated 267 to 308 hp, depending on version[21].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Every version listed is 189 in long, 72 in wide, 67 in tall, with a 113 in wheelbase[22][23][24][25].

Version Curb weight
2.4L FWD[23] 3,761 lb
2.4L AWD[22] 3,929 lb
3.6L FWD[25] 3,920 lb
3.6L AWD[24] 4,147 lb

How 2014 compares with other years

2005: 638 complaints, 1 recalls20052006: 695 complaints, 0 recalls2007: 685 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 370 complaints, 0 recalls2009: 94 complaints, 0 recalls20092010: 784 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 782 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 685 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 751 complaints, 2 recalls20132014: 548 complaints, 1 recalls54820142015: 680 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 399 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 276 complaints, 0 recalls20172018: 410 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 306 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 318 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 100 complaints, 4 recalls20212022: 185 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 99 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 190 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 400 complaints, 6 recalls20252026: 85 complaints, 3 recalls2027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Equinox model year. The 2014 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20056381
20066950
20076854
20083700
2009940
20107843
20117823
20126853
20137512
20145481
20156802
20163991
20172760
20184105
20193064
20203184
20211004
20221856
2023993
20241902
20254006
2026853
202710

The 2014 model year has 548 complaints and 1 recall[4]. Eight listed years have more complaints, so 2014 sits ninth highest among the 23 years in the data[4]. The neighbors are worse on both counts. The 2013 model year has 751 complaints and 2 recalls, and 2015 has 680 complaints and 2 recalls[4]. Every year from 2016 on has fewer complaints than 2014[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.

Should you buy a used 2014 Equinox?

The record is mixed. The complaint count is lower than the model years right before and after it, and there is one recall[4]. The sample of complaints we read points to stalling and power loss as things owners describe[2][10]. Ask the seller or a dealer whether the wiper recall 22V165 was done, since the remedy is free[3]. If fuel cost matters, the 2.4L is rated 26 MPG combined in front-wheel drive against 19 for the 3.6L[5][14].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox?
The engine is the most named part, with 229 of 548 complaints, and visibility/wiper has 167[1][2][7]. In samples we read, owners describe stalling or power loss and wipers that stop[2][7].
Has the 2014 Equinox been recalled?
Yes. Recall 22V165 covers wiper module ball joints that can corrode and make the wipers fail. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the module free[3].
What MPG does the 2014 Equinox get?
The 2.4L is rated 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined in front-wheel drive[5]. The 3.6L is rated 17 / 24 / 19[14].
Is the 2014 Equinox safe?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side crashes[6][18].
Is 2014 a good year for the Equinox?
It has fewer complaints than 2013 and 2015, at 548 against 751 and 680[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 548 owner complaints on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox (23 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 11 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 229 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 22V165, filed March 17, 2022: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Equinox model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 167 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,831). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 46 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,556). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 42 complaints name the unknown or other component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 40 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 34 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,272). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 29 complaints name the air bags component group (15 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 19 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Chevrolet Equinox with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 182 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Chevrolet Equinox with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 264 hp. www.epa.gov
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2014 Chevrolet Equinox with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 267 to 308 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 2.4L AWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,929 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 2.4L FWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,761 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 3.6L AWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,147 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 3.6L FWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,920 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.