Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai Santa Fe
For 2005–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 22.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 33.7 for the Hyundai Santa Fe. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Chevrolet Equinox
22.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
34% fewer than the Hyundai Santa Fe
- Complaints
- 8,236
- Sold
- 3,684,949
- Recall campaigns
- 23
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2017, 2019 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 98,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 77,832 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 64,000 mi
Hyundai Santa Fe
33.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.5× the Chevrolet Equinox’s rate
- Complaints
- 5,909
- Sold
- 1,754,921
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007–2008, 2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2006, 2018–2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 99,271 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 51,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 98,503 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,087 mi
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 80,000 mi · repair $630–$1,700
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Hyundai Santa Fe?
For 2005–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 22.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Hyundai Santa Fe has 33.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported problem on the Chevrolet Equinox is oil consumption and leaks, typically around 98,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Santa Fe?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Santa Fe is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 99,271 miles.
Which Chevrolet Equinox and Hyundai Santa Fe years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Equinox: 2006–2008 and 2010; Hyundai Santa Fe: 2007–2008, 2013 and 2017.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.