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Chevrolet · Compact SUV · 2025–2026 Custom Search

Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S is available with one engine variant at 177 hp.

Equinox · Petrol· 175 PS
2025 2026

1.5-liter turbo next generation, successor to the LYX. 175 hp, similar design, paired with CVT for FWD and 8-speed automatic for AWD. Too new for long-term reliability data; first model year 2025 already shows transmission problems.

  • !! Timing Chain Replacement — Transmission Removal Required from 161,000 km

    Timing chain requires replacement around 100,000 miles. Design requires transmission removal for access — approximately 16 hours labor, $4,000-$4,400 at dealer. Known cost trap for used diesel Equinox buyers.

    Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, startup hesitation; often asymptomatic until chain jumps teeth
    2,000–4,500 $
    Ad timing chain kit LH7 1.6 dieselchain tensioner Equinox diesel
  • !! Repeated EGR Valve and DPF Failures from 80,000 km

    Pattern of repeated EGR valve replacements and DPF clogging — 3 EGR replacements and 1 DPF within 25,000 km documented. Intercooler leaks confuse DPF regen. GM recall 17337 for faulty PM sensor circuit.

    Symptoms: Regen failure, power loss, check engine P2463/P2002, limp mode, poor idle
    400–2,500 $
    Ad EGR valve Equinox 1.6 diesel LH7DPF Equinox diesel

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖AWD 8-speed gets stuck in 1st gear

Some 2025–2026 Equinox/Terrain AWD with the 8-speed automatic get stuck in first gear. Cause: clutch housing misinterpretation by the controller.

Symptoms: High rpm at low speed, no upshift, check engine
Ad transmission update 8-speed Equinox 2025 AWD
 Medium
!CVT seals and bolt torque issue (2025 FWD)

2025 Equinox FWD with CVT shows leaking seals and under-torqued bolts from the factory. Lemon law cases documented in 2025.

Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak, CVT warnings, shift quality degrades
from 15,000 km
Ad CVT seal kit Equinox 2025
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
197 complaints · 2025–2026
  1. 01 Electrical
    61
  2. 02 Other
    45 ⚠ 1
  3. 03 Collision Avoidance
    34 ⚠ 5
  4. 04 Powertrain
    29
  5. 05 Wipers & Visibility
    24

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (61 complaints)
⚠ Other (45 complaints)
⚠ Collision Avoidance (34 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04
Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 5 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S (2025–2026) — 2 engine-related and 3 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics.

Equinox (LSD, 2025–2026) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Replacement — Transmission Removal Required, Repeated EGR Valve and DPF Failures. Power: 175 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 VSS-S have? +
The Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S has 2 known engine weaknesses and 3 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: LSD (1.5L Turbo I4 (LSD)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the LSD (1.5L Turbo I4 (LSD)).
Which Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S — rated: "Not Really". {description} Same 1.5L engine, new sheetmetal, now with CVT on FWD and an 8-speed on AWD. First model year: leaking CVT seals, AWD transmissions getting stuck in first gear, wireless Android Auto that disconnects every three seconds. Consumer Reports already pulled the Recommended rating.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S worth buying used? +
The Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S? +
The Chevrolet Equinox VSS-S is available with engine variants from 177 to 177 hp. Petrol: LSD (1.5L Turbo I4 (LSD)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee