Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has significant visibility and engine complaints, with recalls for windshield wipers and airbags. The evidence suggests potential issues but not overwhelmingly apart from these areas. Due diligence is advised during inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 680 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V165000 Windshield Wipers May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V666000 Side Impact Air Bag Modules may Rupture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 250 complaints
- Engine 227 complaints
- Power Train 63 complaints
- Unknown or Other 54 complaints
- Electrical System 45 complaints
- Air Bags 38 complaints
Of the 680 complaints on file, 24 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 680 complaints, owners report 19 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Excessive oil consumption
How to check: Inspect for visible oil leaks and check oil level.
Faulty wiper motor
How to check: Test wipers for smooth and consistent operation.
Airbag inflator rupture
How to check: Check recall completion for airbags.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noise or rough idling.
Red flag: Loud knocking or stalling.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for oil pressure warning.
Red flag: Oil pressure light stays on.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe for smooth acceleration and gear shifting.
Red flag: Jerky transitions or lag.
- 04
Highway speed
What to check: Check for stable ride and unusual vibrations.
Red flag: Excessive vibration or sway.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Test brake response and listen for grinding sounds.
Red flag: Brakes grind or squeal.
- 06
Parking maneuver
What to check: Check visibility when reversing or turning.
Red flag: Obstructed view or blind spots.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any unresolved oil consumption issues?
- Are the wipers currently under recall?
- Any recent engine repairs?
- Service history and maintenance records?
- Current status of electrical components?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion report
- Full service history
- Oil change receipts
- Accident history report
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 Chevrolet Equinox? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.