Consumer Reports drops Chevrolet Equinox over reliability
Chevrolet Equinox loses Consumer Reports recommendation amid reliability woes
Consumer Reports drops Chevrolet Equinox over reliability
Consumer Reports pulls Recommended tag for the Chevrolet Equinox, citing reliability issues—transmission leaks and infotainment failures—despite 2025 refresh.
2025-12-21T18:18:38+03:00
2025-12-21T18:18:38+03:00
2025-12-21T18:18:38+03:00
Consumer Reports has stripped the Chevrolet Equinox of its prized Recommended status, a trust marker that weighs heavily in this segment. The decision stems from new reliability data drawn from the group’s annual survey of more than 380,000 vehicles.After analysis, the Equinox fell below the average benchmark. Owners most often point to transmission and electronic issues, including transmission fluid leaks, control-module malfunctions, and failures of electrical accessories and infotainment systems.In 2024 models, there were reports of premature transmission failures and fuel leaks—characterized by Consumer Reports as potentially dangerous—along with problems affecting rearview cameras and the infotainment screen. Similar electronic glitches, including spontaneous display reboots, were noted in the 2021 version. The contrast is hard to miss given the facelift for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox.General Motors is heavily promoting the updated model, emphasizing sharper handling, a roomy interior, and generous standard equipment. The base spec includes a large 11.3-inch display, a heated steering wheel, and an expanded suite of driver-assistance features. At the same time, reviews point out that the control layout isn’t always intuitive, and the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine leaves little power in reserve.GM says it is working to boost quality and customer satisfaction, but Consumer Reports assesses reliability using data from the last three model years. In practice, even a major update can’t restore confidence overnight. For shoppers, the 2026 Equinox remains a visible contender, yet it now invites a more cautious comparison with the class leaders.For the Equinox, losing Consumer Reports’ recommendation is a reputational setback in a category where trust drives decisions. A successful facelift alone can’t quickly override the negative ownership experiences of previous years. The message for Chevrolet is straightforward: reliability needs to advance in step with design and tech, because in this segment steady dependability often outlasts shiny features.
Consumer Reports pulls Recommended tag for the Chevrolet Equinox, citing reliability issues—transmission leaks and infotainment failures—despite 2025 refresh.
Michael Powers, Editor
Consumer Reports has stripped the Chevrolet Equinox of its prized Recommended status, a trust marker that weighs heavily in this segment. The decision stems from new reliability data drawn from the group’s annual survey of more than 380,000 vehicles.
After analysis, the Equinox fell below the average benchmark. Owners most often point to transmission and electronic issues, including transmission fluid leaks, control-module malfunctions, and failures of electrical accessories and infotainment systems.
In 2024 models, there were reports of premature transmission failures and fuel leaks—characterized by Consumer Reports as potentially dangerous—along with problems affecting rearview cameras and the infotainment screen. Similar electronic glitches, including spontaneous display reboots, were noted in the 2021 version. The contrast is hard to miss given the facelift for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox.
General Motors is heavily promoting the updated model, emphasizing sharper handling, a roomy interior, and generous standard equipment. The base spec includes a large 11.3-inch display, a heated steering wheel, and an expanded suite of driver-assistance features. At the same time, reviews point out that the control layout isn’t always intuitive, and the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine leaves little power in reserve.
GM says it is working to boost quality and customer satisfaction, but Consumer Reports assesses reliability using data from the last three model years. In practice, even a major update can’t restore confidence overnight. For shoppers, the 2026 Equinox remains a visible contender, yet it now invites a more cautious comparison with the class leaders.
For the Equinox, losing Consumer Reports’ recommendation is a reputational setback in a category where trust drives decisions. A successful facelift alone can’t quickly override the negative ownership experiences of previous years. The message for Chevrolet is straightforward: reliability needs to advance in step with design and tech, because in this segment steady dependability often outlasts shiny features.
