Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has four recall campaigns and a moderate number of complaints. Notable issues include problems with the brakes, engine, and transmission. However, other areas lack significant complaint data, suggesting general reliability. Buyers should pay attention to the known issues during inspection and ask sellers for detailed maintenance records.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 318 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V339000 Child Seat Anchors May Not Function/FMVSS 225 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V668000 Missing Bolts on Start/Stop Accumulator NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V704000 Brake Calipers May Drag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V667000 Improperly Sealed Seam on Fuel Tank NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 102 complaints
- Engine 93 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 51 complaints
- Unknown or Other 44 complaints
- Electrical System 43 complaints
- Power Train 40 complaints
Of the 318 complaints on file, 21 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 318 complaints, owners report 12 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Rear brake calipers drag
How to check: Inspect rear brake calipers for wear or swelling.
Engine performance concerns
How to check: Check for unusual sounds or lack of power.
Transmission endcap bolts missing
How to check: Ensure the transmission shifts smoothly without delays.
Child seat LATCH issue
How to check: Verify LATCH bars allow secure child seat fit.
Electrical system faults
How to check: Test all electronics for consistent operation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or loud sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Warning lights remain on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check brake responsiveness and feel.
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth transmission shifts.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Feel for any brake grabbing or pulse.
Red flag: Pulse or grind in brakes
- 06
Steering test
What to check: Assess steering for unusual stiffness.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or inconsistent
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have the recall repairs been completed?
- Any recurring issues with the engine?
- Are there any ongoing electrical problems?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
- When were the brakes last serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Past maintenance records
- Recall repair receipts
- Vehicle's accident history report
- Warranty documentation
- Ownership title
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 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.