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Before you buy

2019 Chevrolet Equinox inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this Equinox

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Airbags owner reports: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Engine owner reports: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Service Brakes owner reports: 10 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper recall: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Seats recall: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly recall: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Power Train:Automatic Transmission recall: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadill

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This service bulletin provides information on GM Canada New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program for Original Equipment (OE) Tires and PDI installed Limited Production Option (LPO) Tires.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Airbags owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Warning signs: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Engine owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Warning signs: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Warning signs: 10 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention service brakes.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2019.

Warning signs: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Seats recall

Official record for model year 2019.

Warning signs: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly recall

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2020.

Warning signs: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train:Automatic Transmission recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadill

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2022.

Warning signs: This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2022.

Warning signs: This service bulletin provides information on GM Canada New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program for Original Equipment (OE) Tires and PDI installed Limited Production Option (LPO) Tires.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2022.

Warning signs: This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2022.

Warning signs: Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2022.

Warning signs: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2022.

Warning signs: Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“The contact's boyfriend owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and decelerating to 50 MPH to switch lanes, the vehicle drove over an icy road surface and spun. The contact attempted to turn the wheel and depressed the brake pedal; however, the vehicle crashed into the left guard rail, and the vehicle then crashed into the right guard rail and came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained significant front-end damage. The air bags failed to deploy. Several warning lights were illuminated after the crash. The vehicle owner was occupying the front passenger's seat during the incident. A police report was filed. The tow truck driver transported both passengers of the vehicle to a gas station. Both the contact and her boyfriend were picked up from the gas station and were dropped to the residence by the brother of the vehicle owner. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact later had headaches, body soreness, and stiffness. The contact went to the Emergency room and was informed that she had sustained a sprained left rib, whiplash, and a concussion. The contact's boyfriend sustained a sore pinky. The contact stated that the insurance company was currently assessing the vehicle damage. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 99,500.”
NHTSAcomplaintJan 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff. The brake pedal was pressed with force to slow the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the mechanical vacuum pump had exploded and there were metal shards inside the engine oil, camshaft, and the timing jump, and that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a possible fatal outcome.

“My wife and I were in our car driving on [XXX] on [XXX] at about 4:30 in the afternoon. I was about three car lengths behind the car in front of me and I was doing 30-32 miles per hour. The brake lights in front of me went to red and I immediately stepped on my brakes but my car would not stop nor slow down causing me to hit the person in front of me. It was a matter of seconds passing but when I hit the back of that car in front of me I had both feet on the brake pedal. My car would not stop. My wife was injured, the young lady that I hit hurt her leg and the back end of her car was destroyed. Our car was totaled. The vehicle is now in possession of AAA auto insurance where I was told the brakes would be looked in to. I will be placing a call to the General Motors customer service to lodge a complaint. There were no warning signs of any type prior to this accident. This car is a 2019 model with only 30,200 miles on it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket. In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.”
NHTSArecallJul 2019Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet. A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts. Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This Warranty Administration bulletin is for information on General Motors New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program (U.S. Dealers Only).”
NHTSAtsbApr 2020Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This service bulletin provides information on GM Canada New Vehicle Tire Warranty Program for Original Equipment (OE) Tires and PDI installed Limited Production Option (LPO) Tires. ”
NHTSAtsbMay 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period. ”
NHTSAtsbMay 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.”
NHTSAtsbAug 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owner is prevented from seeking civil penalties in litigation. Vehicle owners of the applicable vehicles will be mailed an owner’s manual and warranty insert containing this information in English and Spanish. ”
NHTSAtsbJun 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase. If such a notice is not provided to GM, then the vehicle owner is prevented from seeking civil penalties in litigation. Vehicle owners of the affected vehicles will be mailed an owner’s manual and warranty insert containing this information in English and Spanish. ”
NHTSAtsbJun 2025Open source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

Check this year at your mileage