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Chevrolet Equinox vs Kia Sportage

For 2005–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 22.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.9 for the Kia Sportage. 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

about the same as the Kia Sportage

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

  1. Oil consumption and leaks

    Typically around 98,000 mi

  2. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 64,000 mi

  3. Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim

    Typically around 77,832 mi

  4. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 68,000 mi

  5. Airbags, seatbelts and restraints

    Typically around 64,000 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Chevrolet Equinox →

Kia Sportage

24.9 complaints per 10,000 sold

about the same as the Chevrolet Equinox

Complaints
2,621
Sold
1,054,453
Recall campaigns
14
Open NHTSA investigations
1

Most complaints: 2011–2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2010, 2019 and 2021–2022. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)

    Typically around 100,000 mi

  2. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 69,000 mi

  3. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 68,000 mi

  4. Oil consumption and leaks

    Typically around 80,500 mi

  5. Wiring harness, grounds and connectors

    Typically around 75,000 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Kia Sportage →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Kia Sportage?

For 2005–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 22.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Sportage has 24.9, 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 Kia Sportage?

The most-reported problem on the Kia Sportage is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles.

Which Chevrolet Equinox and Kia Sportage years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Equinox: 2006–2008 and 2010; Kia Sportage: 2011–2013 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.