Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Forester
For 2005–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 22.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.4 for the Subaru Forester. 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 Subaru Forester
- 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
Subaru Forester
24.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Chevrolet Equinox
- Complaints
- 5,219
- Sold
- 2,141,990
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2015, 2017 and 2019–2020. Fewest: 2006, 2008, 2013 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 39,634 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 16,850 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 9,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 30,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 38,530 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Equinox or the Subaru Forester?
For 2005–2022 models, the Chevrolet Equinox has 22.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Subaru Forester has 24.4, 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 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported problem on the Subaru Forester is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 39,634 miles.
Which Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Forester years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Equinox: 2006–2008 and 2010; Subaru Forester: 2015, 2017 and 2019–2020.
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.