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Chevrolet · Compact SUV · 2018–2024

Chevrolet Equinox D2XX

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

253–279 PS

2.0L Turbo I4 Benzin

A 252 hp engine in the wrong car

Decent
Problem Engine

139 PS

1.6L Turbo Diesel I4 Diesel

1 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Equinox D2XX is available with 2 engine variants — from 139 to 279 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

Equinox Diesel · Diesel· 137 PS
2018 2019
Stay Away! 1 weakness
Equinox · Petrol· 170–252 PS Engine Change
2018 2022
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
2018 2020
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
2023 2024
Be Careful 0 weaknesses

The Chevrolet Equinox Diesel (Diesel, 137 PS) has the LH7 (1.6L Turbo Diesel I4) — rated: "Stay Away!", 1 known weaknesses.

The Chevrolet Equinox (Petrol, 170–252 PS) comes with 3 different engines: LYX (2018–2022, Be Careful) und LTG (2018–2020, Be Careful) und LSD (2023–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Equinox!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!9T50 9-speed shift judder (2.0L LTG)

The 9T50 paired with the 2.0L LTG shows rough shifting on some units with slip between gears and noticeable shudder around 1,800 rpm.

Symptoms: Shift judder, shudder around 1,800 rpm, slip between gears
from 90,000 km
High
6-speed locks out 6th gear in cold weather (TSB 18-NA-035)

On the 1.5L LYX, Chevrolet locked out 6th gear below 15°F via software to prevent charge air cooler icing. Result: high rpm on the highway in cold weather.

Symptoms: High rpm on highway in cold weather, no upshift to 6th
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,261 complaints · 2018–2024
Brakes
318 ⚠ 30
Engine
293 ⚠ 6
Fuel System
219 ⚠ 6
Electrical
186 ⚠ 5
Other
175 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

Brakes (318 complaints)
Engine (293 complaints)
Fuel System (219 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Equinox D2XX (2018–2024) — 4 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LH7 (1.6L Turbo Diesel I4). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Brakes.

Equinox (LH7, 2018–2019) — Stay Away!: 1.6L diesel: repeated EGR valve and DPF failures. Power: 137 PS.

Equinox (LYX, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Coolant loss 1.5L LYX, Vacuum pump wear sending metal debris into oil (1.5L), Turbo wastegate actuator weakens (1.5L LYX). Power: 170 PS.

What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Equinox? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Equinox D2XX have? +
The Chevrolet Equinox D2XX has 4 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Equinox D2XX? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: LYX (1.5L Turbo I4), LTG (2.0L Turbo I4), LSD (1.5L Turbo I4 (LSD)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the LTG (2.0L Turbo I4). Problem engine: LH7 (1.6L Turbo Diesel I4) — stay away!
Which Chevrolet Equinox D2XX engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Equinox D2XX — rated: "Decent". {description} The 2.0L LTG makes 252 hp and 260 lb-ft — interesting on paper, completely wasted in an Equinox. Suspension is too soft, steering is numb, and the 9T50 judders on some units. Dropped after 2020 because nobody would pay extra for a fast family SUV that doesn't feel fast.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox D2XX worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Chevrolet Equinox D2XX — 1 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Equinox D2XX? +
The Chevrolet Equinox D2XX is available with engine variants from 139 to 279 hp. Petrol: LYX (1.5L Turbo I4), LTG (2.0L Turbo I4), LSD (1.5L Turbo I4 (LSD)). Diesel: LH7 (1.6L Turbo Diesel I4).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee