Chevrolet Equinox vs Kia Niro
For 2017–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 9.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 17.7 for the Kia Niro. 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 (2017–2022), 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
9.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
46% fewer than the Kia Niro
- Complaints
- 1,536
- Sold
- 1,617,519
- Recall campaigns
- 14
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
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
Kia Niro
17.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.9× the Chevrolet Equinox’s rate
- Complaints
- 270
- Sold
- 152,692
- Recall campaigns
- 4
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 50,880 mi
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 98,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910
-
Hybrid or EV traction battery and inverter
Typically around 6,140 mi · repair $2,740–$5,240
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 27,500 mi
-
Manual clutch, flywheel and hydraulics
Typically around 73,500 mi · repair $1,070–$1,980
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Kia Niro?
For 2017–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 9.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Niro has 17.7, 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 Kia Niro?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Niro is wiring harness, grounds and connectors, typically around 50,880 miles.
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.