Best Used Equinox Years to Buy (And Years to Avoid)
The best used Equinox years to buy are 2022 and 2023 from the third generation, and 2016 to 2017 if you are shopping on a tighter budget from the second generation. The years to avoid are 2010 through 2013, where documented oil consumption and timing chain problems on the 2.4L engine created expensive repairs for many owners. At McFarland Chevrolet in Maysville, KY, we sell and service Equinoxes across multiple generations and see these issues firsthand. This post covers every Equinox generation honestly so you know what you are buying before you commit.
Quick Reference: Equinox Years at a Glance
Here is the full summary before we go into detail on each generation.
The rest of this post explains the reasoning behind each verdict and what to specifically check on the years marked as caution.
What is the best year to buy a used Chevy Equinox?
The 2022 and 2023 Equinox are the strongest used targets from the third generation. They represent the most refined version of that platform before the 2024 redesign, have lower first-year risk than earlier examples, and the oil dilution concern on the 1.5L turbo was substantially reduced in later third-gen production. For budget buyers, the 2016 to 2017 second-generation Equinox is the best option in that price range.
What Equinox years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2010 through 2013 Equinox with the 2.4L 4-cylinder. These years had the most widely reported oil consumption and timing chain problems. The 2018 and 2019 third-generation examples also warrant extra scrutiny for the 1.5L turbo oil dilution issue in cold climates, particularly in high-mileage examples where the condition has had time to develop.
2010-2013 Equinox: The Years to Avoid and Why
The 2010 through 2013 Equinox with the 2.4L 4-cylinder is the most problematic used Equinox target across all generations. These years have the highest owner complaint density and the most expensive documented failure modes.
Oil consumption on the 2.4L engine
The 2.4L engine in 2010 through 2013 Equinoxes had a documented pattern of excessive oil consumption. Some owners reported needing to add a quart or more of oil between changes. Chevrolet issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) addressing this issue, but the fix was not always effective on affected engines. An Equinox that has burned through significant oil over its life is a vehicle with accelerated internal engine wear that may not be visible until after purchase.
Timing chain wear
The 2.4L in these years also had a documented timing chain wear problem that typically manifested at higher mileage. Timing chain replacement on this engine is a significant repair. The symptoms include a rattling noise on startup that clears as oil pressure builds. If you are evaluating a 2010 through 2013 Equinox and hear any cold-start rattle from the engine, walk away or budget for the repair.
Does the 2012 Chevy Equinox have problems?
Yes. The 2012 Equinox with the 2.4L 4-cylinder is one of the most problem-prone years in the Equinox lineup. Oil consumption and timing chain wear are the two most commonly reported issues. These are expensive repairs. The 2012 is a year to avoid unless you have a pre-purchase inspection confirming the engine is in good condition and you are buying at a price that reflects the repair risk.
Does the 2013 Chevy Equinox have problems?
The 2013 Equinox shares the same 2.4L engine concerns as the 2010 through 2012 models. Oil consumption and timing chain wear apply to this year as well. The 2013 is slightly more settled than the first years of this generation but the engine concerns had not been resolved by the 2013 model year. Approach with the same caution as any other 2010-2013 example.
2014-2017 Equinox: When the Second Generation Got Better
The second-generation Equinox improved meaningfully as the generation matured. The 2014 and 2015 examples are better than 2010 through 2013 but still warrant scrutiny. The 2016 and 2017 models are the best of this generation.
2014-2015: improved but still check carefully
GM made ongoing production updates to the 2.4L through 2014 and 2015 that reduced but did not eliminate the oil consumption concern on all examples. A 2014 or 2015 Equinox is a better buy than a 2012, but it still warrants a thorough inspection of engine oil level and condition. Ask for service records that document consistent oil changes and normal oil consumption between changes. A vehicle that has been adding oil regularly has a different condition than one that has not.
2016-2017: the best of the second generation
The 2016 and 2017 Equinox are the most refined second-generation examples and the best value in this price range for budget-focused buyers. The engine concerns from the early years were substantially reduced. The 3.6L V6 option in these years is the most reliable powertrain choice of the second generation and avoids the 2.4L’s documented issues entirely. If you are shopping a 2016 or 2017 Equinox, the 3.6L V6 is worth seeking out over the 2.4L.
Is a 2017 Chevy Equinox a good used buy?
Yes, with the right engine. The 2017 Equinox is the final year of the second generation and one of the better used buys at a lower price point. The 3.6L V6 configuration is the most reliable choice. The 2.4L 4-cylinder in a 2017 is better than in a 2012, but the 3.6L avoids the engine concerns of that generation entirely.
2018-2023 Equinox: The Third Generation and the Oil Dilution Issue
The third-generation Equinox launched in 2018 as a complete redesign. It brought a smaller, more fuel-efficient profile, a modern interior, and a new 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder. The redesign also introduced a specific engine concern that affected early production.
The 1.5L turbo oil dilution issue: what it is
Oil dilution occurs when small amounts of fuel enter the engine oil over time, thinning it and reducing its protective properties. On the 2018 and 2019 Equinox with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, this was reported more frequently in cold climates where short trips prevented the engine from fully warming and burning off accumulated fuel in the oil. Diluted oil is a real engine wear concern. Owners who primarily made short city trips in cold weather reported this more than highway drivers.
2018-2019: approach with caution
On 2018 and 2019 examples, verify the oil dilution history specifically. Pull the dipstick and check for a fuel smell in the oil. Ask for service records. Ask whether the previous owner made primarily short city trips. High-mileage 2018 and 2019 examples with no records and evidence of heavy city use are the highest-risk combination. Lower-mileage highway-driven examples in warmer climates had far fewer reported issues.
2020-2021: meaningfully better
GM made ongoing production updates to the 1.5L through 2020 and 2021 that reduced the oil dilution frequency significantly. These years are a reasonable used target with the standard cautions. Service records confirming consistent oil changes are still important. A pre-purchase inspection that includes an oil condition check is still recommended.
2022-2023: the best third-generation years
The 2022 and 2023 Equinox are the strongest used targets from the third generation. The oil dilution concern is minimal on these examples based on accumulated owner data. The platform is fully mature. The 2022 interior update improved the infotainment significantly. For buyers who want a third-generation Equinox, the 2022 or 2023 is where to focus before shopping anything earlier.
Does the 2018 Chevy Equinox have problems?
The 2018 Equinox had a documented oil dilution issue on the 1.5L turbocharged engine, particularly in cold climates and for buyers who made primarily short city trips. It is not a universal problem but it is reported frequently enough to warrant specific inspection on any 2018 example. Check the oil for a fuel smell and ask for service records before buying.
Is a 2021 Chevy Equinox a good used buy?
Yes, with appropriate inspection. The 2021 Equinox is a solid used target on the third-generation platform with reduced oil dilution risk compared to 2018 and 2019. It has current-generation safety features including Chevy Safety Assist standard across all trims. Service records confirming consistent maintenance are the most important factor.
Is a 2022 Chevy Equinox reliable?
Yes. The 2022 Equinox is one of the strongest used targets in the third-generation lineup. It benefits from several years of production refinement, the oil dilution concern is minimal at this point, and the 2022 interior update brought an improved infotainment screen. It is the year we most commonly recommend to buyers shopping a used third-generation Equinox.
2024-2025 Equinox: The New Generation and What to Know
The fourth-generation Equinox launched with the 2024 model year. It brought a redesigned interior with a significantly larger screen and updated styling while carrying forward the same basic 1.5L turbocharged platform underneath.
2024: the first year carries first-year risk
The 2024 is the first year of a redesigned generation, which always carries a degree of first-year risk. The powertrain is not entirely new, which reduces the risk compared to a fully clean-sheet vehicle, but the new interior electronics, software, and assembly line transitions that come with a redesign introduce more uncertainty than a mid-generation used buy. 2024 examples are still relatively new and have not accumulated the owner data that would clearly identify any generation-specific concerns.
2025: the safer fourth-generation target
If you are shopping the current fourth-generation Equinox as a used vehicle, the 2025 is a stronger target than the 2024 for the same reason any second-year model is safer than a first year. One year of production allows any early-build issues to be resolved and gives the owner community time to surface any widespread concerns. As 2025 examples enter the used market, they represent the better used buy of the current generation.
Is the 2024 Chevy Equinox a good buy?
The 2024 Equinox is a capable and well-equipped vehicle, but as the first year of a redesigned generation it carries slightly more used-buy risk than a 2022 or 2023. The powertrain is not entirely new, which is reassuring, but first-year production transitions can introduce reliability concerns. For buyers who want the new interior and technology, the 2025 is the slightly safer used target of the current generation.
What to Check Before Buying Any Used Equinox
Regardless of which year you target, these are the inspection points that matter most on any used Equinox.
Check the oil condition, not just the level
Pull the dipstick and smell the oil. Clean oil has a neutral smell. Oil with fuel dilution smells like gasoline. Milky or foamy oil indicates coolant contamination, which is a serious engine issue. Dark black oil that smells burned indicates overdue changes. None of these conditions disqualify a purchase automatically, but each one is a data point about how the vehicle was maintained and whether the engine has been stressed.
Ask for service records and treat their absence as information
A used Equinox with complete service records documenting consistent oil changes removes the biggest uncertainty from any appraisal or buying decision. A vehicle without records forces you to assume the worst about every maintenance item that cannot be verified. That uncertainty belongs in the price you offer. Buyers who service their vehicles at McFarland have their full history on file, which is a direct advantage at resale and trade-in.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on private sales
For any private sale Equinox, have it inspected by a certified technician before you finalize the deal. McFarland is ASE certified for all makes. A pre-purchase inspection that includes an oil analysis, a scan for stored fault codes, and a check of the AWD system and brake condition takes about an hour and costs a fraction of what any of these repairs costs after purchase. Our used SUV buying guide covers the full inspection checklist.
How many miles is too many on a used Equinox?
Mileage alone is not the deciding factor. A 100,000-mile Equinox with complete service records and confirmed no oil dilution history is a better buy than a 60,000-mile example with no records and evidence of deferred maintenance. The Equinox is documented at 150,000 to 200,000 miles of reliable service when properly maintained. Focus on condition and records, not just the odometer.
How McFarland Sources and Evaluates Used Equinoxes
McFarland Chevrolet has been family-owned in Maysville, KY since 1983. The Equinox is consistently one of our most requested used vehicles. Caleb McFarland personally evaluates every used vehicle before it goes on our lot. That means the year-specific concerns covered in this post are exactly what we are checking before any Equinox makes our inventory.
We service what we sell
McFarland uses GM-certified technicians and AC Delco parts on all Chevrolet service. Every oil change includes a tire rotation, all fluid checks, and a complimentary car wash. We are open Saturdays. Buyers who service their Equinox with us have their full history on file, which works in their favor at trade-in time and confirms the vehicle’s condition for any future buyer.
Ready for Your Next Step?
If you want to know what used Equinoxes we have on the lot, what year and condition they are in, and whether they pass the standards in this post, call us before you drive to see one. We will give you a straight answer. Call us at (606) 564-6181.
Also helpful:
Used SUV buying guide
Equinox safety features by trim and year
Equinox FWD vs AWD
Current Equinox inventory at McFarland
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