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Chevrolet Equinox vs Nissan Xterra

For 2005–2015 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 34.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 62.0 for the Nissan Xterra. 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 (2005–2015), 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

34.5 complaints per 10,000 sold

44% fewer than the Nissan Xterra

Complaints
6,305
Sold
1,825,235
Recall campaigns
8
Open NHTSA investigations
0

Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2009. 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 →

Nissan Xterra

62.0 complaints per 10,000 sold

1.8× the Chevrolet Equinox’s rate

Complaints
2,106
Sold
339,527
Recall campaigns
8
Open NHTSA investigations
0

Most complaints: 2005–2008. Fewest: 2012–2015. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Fuel pump and sending unit

    Typically around 67,630 mi · repair $630–$1,700

  2. Transmission cooler and fluid overheating

    Typically around 108,630 mi · repair $200–$600

  3. Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan

    Typically around 105,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910

  4. Automatic transmission internals

    Typically around 111,200 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410

  5. Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting

    Typically around 109,574 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Nissan Xterra →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Nissan Xterra?

For 2005–2015 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 34.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Xterra has 62.0, 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 Nissan Xterra?

The most-reported problem on the Nissan Xterra is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 67,630 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.

Which Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Xterra years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Equinox: 2006–2008 and 2010; Nissan Xterra: 2005–2008.

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.