Does my Equinox have a recall?
To know for sure if your Chevrolet Equinox has an active recall, you must check your vehicle’s VIN on official recall databases. Recalls are specific to the VIN, model year, and campaign, and if one exists you’re entitled to a free dealer repair.
Recalls are safety campaigns issued by government authorities and vehicle manufacturers to fix defects that could affect driver or passenger safety. The Equinox has been subject to recalls across several model years, but not every vehicle is affected. The only reliable way to confirm status is via a VIN-based lookup on official sites and by consulting your local Chevrolet dealership for any required service.
Understanding recalls for the Equinox
Recalls differ from ordinary maintenance notices. A recall is a mandatory fix for a safety-related defect, driven by government safety regulators and manufacturer actions. A service bulletin, by contrast, is an internal notice from the manufacturer describing a fix or improvement; not all bulletins require action or are mandated by a recall. For important safety issues, a recall will appear on official databases and your dealer will perform the repair at no charge.
Recall versus service bulletin
Recall campaigns are VIN-specific and legally required to be repaired at no cost to the owner. Service bulletins may address similar concerns but do not always involve a mandated fix or a passenger-safety defect; they may not involve dealer repairs or costs. If you’re unsure which applies to a particular notice, rely on official recall listings and your dealer’s guidance.
How to check your Equinox’s recall status
Use the steps below to verify if your specific vehicle is involved in any open or completed recall campaigns. This process relies on authoritative sources and your unique VIN.
- Locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver’s side dashboard, the driver’s door jamb, or on your vehicle registration/title.
- Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup and enter your VIN. If there are active recalls, they will appear with campaign numbers, description, and the affected model years.
- Check Chevrolet’s official recall information page and perform a VIN search there as well. Manufacturer pages often display additional details about the campaigns and estimated repair times.
- Review the recall details. Note the campaign number, issue description, and any required parts or time estimates. Confirm the model year range and whether your exact VIN is listed.
- If a recall is listed for your VIN, contact your nearest Chevrolet or GM dealer to schedule the repair. Recall fixes are performed at no cost to you, and the dealer will provide guidance on required documentation and potential wait times for parts.
- If no recalls appear, consider signing up for recall alerts or periodically re-checking. Manufacturers can issue new recalls over time, and status can change.
The steps above help you verify recall status quickly. Keeping your VIN handy and checking official sources regularly ensures you’re aware of any newly announced campaigns.
What to do if a recall is found
If your Equinox is listed in a recall, contact your local Chevrolet or GM dealer to arrange the repair appointment. Recall work is performed free of charge and, depending on the campaign, may include parts replacement, software updates, or other corrective actions. Bring any recall notification letters you’ve received and be prepared to discuss your VIN and damage history. If the repair involves a lengthy wait, discuss possible loaner or rental car options with the dealer, though availability varies by location and campaign.
Staying informed and prepared
To stay current, set up recall notifications through official channels and periodically re-check your VIN on SaferCar.gov (NHTSA) and Chevrolet's recall page. Keeping your contact information up to date with GM can help ensure you receive recall notices promptly. If you recently purchased a used Equinox, emphasize a VIN check as part of the purchase process, since a prior owner may have already addressed a recall.
Additional considerations for Equinox owners
Recall campaigns can span multiple model years and may be issued long after a vehicle’s purchase date. If you own a used Equinox, you should perform a VIN-based recall check regardless of the model year. Always rely on official sources for the most accurate, up-to-date information and contact your dealer for any required service.
Summary
The only definitive way to know if your Equinox has an active recall is to check your VIN on official databases such as NHTSA's SaferCar.gov and Chevrolet/GM recall pages. If a recall exists, you’ll be directed to schedule a free repair at an authorized dealership. If no recalls are shown, remain vigilant for new campaigns and re-check periodically, as recalls can be issued after your initial check. By staying informed and using your VIN, you can ensure your vehicle remains safe and compliant with current safety standards.
Have there been any recalls on Chevy Equinox?
Recent Chevy Equinox recalls include a 2024 EV recall for an inadequate pedestrian alert sound volume, a 2025 Equinox EV recall where the automatic emergency braking system may not function with cruise control active, and recalls for various model years related to issues like fuel pump defects, driver's seat bolts, and door striker fractures. To check if your specific vehicle is affected, use the VIN on the NHTSA website.
This video explains one of the recalls for the 2023 and 2024 Equinox: 38sGeorge Moore ChevroletYouTube · Jan 31, 2024
Recent recalls
- 2025 Equinox EV: The automatic emergency braking system may not engage when cruise control is active due to a software issue.
- 2024 Equinox EV: The pedestrian alert sound system may not be loud enough at low speeds.
- 2024 Equinox: Door strikers may fracture, which could cause the door to open unexpectedly.
- 2022-2023 Equinox: A loose or stripped bolt on the driver's seat height-adjust pivot could cause a safety risk.
- 2023 Equinox: The Occupant Classification System may not correctly disable the front passenger airbag for a child or child seat.
- 2020-2023 Equinox: The four rear-seat LATCH anchorage bars may have too much powder coating, which can prevent a child seat from being installed correctly.
Older recalls
- 2014-2015 Equinox: A defect in the windshield wiper module could cause the wipers to fail.
- 2021-2022 Equinox: The high-pressure fuel pump might not provide enough fuel to the engine, leading to a stall.
- 2019-2020 Equinox: All-wheel drive models may have a fuel tank seam that could leak fuel.
How to check for recalls
- To determine if your vehicle is included in any recall, visit the NHTSA website and enter your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- You can also contact a GM or Chevrolet dealership, and they can check for you.
- Recall repairs are free of charge.
How do I check for a recall on my Chevy Equinox?
To check for Chevy Equinox recalls, use your vehicle's 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the official Chevrolet owner website, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, or a third-party site like RepairPal. The VIN can be found on the lower-left corner of your dashboard (visible through the windshield), on your driver's side doorjamb, or on your vehicle's registration documents.
How to check for recalls
- Find your VIN: Locate the 17-character VIN on your vehicle's dashboard near the windshield or on the driver's side doorjamb. You can also find it on your insurance or registration documents.
- Visit a recall website:
- Chevrolet: Go to the official GM recall page and enter your VIN.
- NHTSA: Go to NHTSA's vehicle safety recall page and enter your VIN.
- Third-party sites: Use a site like RepairPal and enter your VIN to check for open recalls.
- Enter your VIN: Input the 17-character VIN into the search tool on the website you choose.
- Review the results: The website will show any open recalls that have not been repaired for your specific vehicle.
What to do if there is an open recall
- If a recall is found, contact a local Chevrolet dealer to schedule the necessary repair.
- The dealer will perform the repair at no cost to you.
- It's recommended to have the repair done as soon as possible, though some recall notices will specify if the vehicle is currently safe to drive.
Which Chevy Equinox to stay away from?
You should avoid Chevy Equinox model years 2010–2013 due to widespread problems with excessive oil consumption, engine issues, and stalling. Other years to be cautious about are the first generation models 2005–2008, which had issues like head gasket failures, and the 2015 model, which had a dangerous airbag defect.
Specific model years to avoid
- 2005–2008: First-generation models, particularly the 2005, experienced significant engine problems like head gasket failures.
- 2010–2013: This range is highly problematic for the second generation, with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine being especially prone to excessive oil consumption, stalling, and other engine damage.
- 2015: A dangerous airbag defect was a major issue, where the front seat-mounted side impact airbag inflator could rupture on deployment.
- 2018: The first year of a redesigned generation had issues with the powertrain, including a potential problem with the right front intermediate drive shaft fracturing.
Common issues across various model years
- Oil Consumption: Primarily affects the 2010–2017 models, requiring frequent oil additions.
- Transmission Problems: Reported in some models from 2011–2012 and 2010-2015 models with the 3.6L V6.
- Electrical and Battery Issues: Occurred in the 2015 model, and 2005 models had ignition switch problems.
- Brake and Fuel System Issues: Specific defects in some models, such as brake caliper issues in 2020 models, and a fuel pump problem in 2021-2024 models.
Which models are safer to buy
- First generation (2008–2009): These are considered better options within the first generation.
- Third generation (2017 onwards): Models from 2017, and especially 2019–2021, are considered more reliable, with 2019 being the first year after the 2018 redesign.
How do I check my Kawasaki recall?
To check for a Kawasaki recall, use the Kawasaki Owners Center recall search or the NHTSA VIN lookup tool and enter your vehicle's 17-character VIN/HIN. You can also contact an authorized Kawasaki dealer to inquire about open recalls for your specific model.
Method 1: Use the Kawasaki Owners Center
- Go to the Kawasaki Owners Center recall page.
- Enter your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or HIN (Hull Identification Number) in the search field.
- The search results will show if your vehicle is subject to any outstanding safety recalls.
Method 2: Use the NHTSA recall lookup tool
- Go to the NHTSA recall website or the specific Kawasaki recall page on the LiveNow from FOX website.
- Enter your vehicle's 17-character VIN.
- Search to see if your specific vehicle is subject to an open safety recall.
Method 3: Contact a dealer
- Find your nearest authorized Kawasaki dealer.
- Contact them with your vehicle's VIN to ask if there are any open recalls on your model and to schedule a free repair if needed.
