2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Above average

Owners filed 370 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

296 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags102
708
Electrical System38
000
Fuel/Propulsion System32
000
Steering30
101
Structure › Body23
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)21
100
Engine19
000
Power Train11
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages11
000
Unknown or Other8
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Oct 25, 2025WI

Problem with transmission not shifting properly. Also, the subframe is rusting out because water from the air conditioning unit falls directly on the subframe at that point both are safety hazards My service provider told me about the subframe rusting when I had my oil changed and why it was rusting and I have my transmission checked by a transmission specialist and the oil changed at that point in time

Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2025MD

Head gasket failure as well as intake manifold

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 17, 2024182,000 milesLA

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor on the outside of the vehicle and the odor was entering into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 4, 2024UT

Door locks they do not like to unlock lock, they will go halfway and get stuck and then I can’t get into my car

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 6, 2024115,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and allowing the vehicle to idle for a minute or two, the contact started smelling an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated an orange-colored engine symbol was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle was constant. The contact became aware that there was a small puddle of fuel on the passenger side rear tire underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 2, 2023170,000 milesNE

The contact's mother owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered a major fuel leak coming from the vehicle. The contact called the dealer and was given an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 23, 2023AL

Brakes stopped working while vehicle was in drive. I had to use emergency brake to get it to stop.

Service Brakes
Filed May 1, 2023FL

Over the entire life of this vehicle numerous issues with the ABS/Stabilitrak system resulting in handling issues and expensive repairs. The problem starts with handling issues while braking or driving in slippery conditions and eventually results in dash warning messages.

Wheels
Filed Apr 23, 2023GA

I am constantly having to fix my "learn remote" settings, vehicle stereo volume does not always match the level of it's output, blinker continues to get stuck on even after the steering wheel is in the position for the blinker to have ceased, door locks are sometimes stuck unlocked and sometimes stuck locked, ignition sometimes locked in ACC and will not allow for key to be removed, lug nuts have somehow become "swollen" and the dealership could not remove them in order to do a rotation, there is no protection plate under the vehicle causing easy access to vital items, the AC (for the third time since I got the car a year ago) has mysteriously stopped working, the fan motor continues to run for approximately 35 minutes after the vehicle has been turned off, fuel injectors are clogged (second time and I have already had this issue cleaned), headlights have collected water on inside, there is no rubber hose barrier(s) for any door, the hood, the hatch, the door windows, charging outlets are loosely fitted and do not add life to my electronics(they are for whatever reason being drained), the entire underside of the vehicle has become damaged, has begun to rust and bolts/plugs/other vital components have needed to be replaced once again due to there being no protection for the underside of the vehicle. These are just the components that I can think of off the top of my head!

Structure › Body › Door › Handle › Interior
Filed Mar 30, 2023100,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side interior door handles were fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 5, 2023MO

Occasionally, when finished driving and the key is turned towards the off position it will not fully turn back in order to pull the key out. It will shut off the engine but generally stops in approx. the accy position. If you restart the engine and drive a little more it has then backed all the way off and been able to remove the key. (It has been ongoing for some time but my father has been just dealing with it.)

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 2022IL

I believe the Airbags on 08 Equinox's need recalled. I currently have an airbag light on and would like it fixed.

Power Train
Filed Mar 18, 2022FL

Transmission Control Module is a known problem on these vehicles. When it fails, it causes a failure in the clutch wave plate resulting in a catastrophic failure in the transmission. I believe this problem is a safety issue and needs to be reported to GM Motor Corporation!!! I am currently experiencing the delayed shifting from park to drive. On some occasions, the vehicle drops into limp mode and will not go over 15 mph. It occurs at random times and when it does, it will downshift violently almost to the point of over-running the engine. It is a real safety hazard and needs a recall!!!!!

Air Bags
Filed Jan 4, 202273,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 21, 2021PA

I could smell gas Took it in for inspection it has not been fixed yet so we know it’s something to do with the fuel and the mechanic said if you drive it could blow up

Engine
Filed Jun 20, 2021OR

The car overheats within a very few minutes. Faster when idelling at a stop light or sign waiting to enter a busy street. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, temperature sensor, antifreeze (with GM antifreeze) after flushing out the radiator, and it still gets hot. The dashboard heat gauge is not working but the warning “ENGINE HOT. AC OFF” flashes all the time. We took the thermostat out so the coolent could circulate while the weather is warm. I am aware that the computer in the car has been replaced at least once and I think it may be malfunctioning now. I have an appointment with the Service Dept at McLaughlin Chevrolet dealer in Milwaukie Oregon on Tuesday June 22, 2021. I hope they will check the compression on the chambers and the computer. I want them to replace the sensor, thermostat, water pump and radiator cap with GM parts. I am slow income 80 years old grandma who helps her single daughter who works full time take care of her kids. I need to have a dependable car and I worry that if the computer does like first one did, we will get stranded on the freeway with a completely dead vehicle. Please let me know if there is any help with the expense of making it safe to drive.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 1, 202186,400 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLE CHEVY BUICK GMC CADILLAC (1156 BIG LAUREL HWY, BLUEFIELD, WV 24701) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,400.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 13, 202179,100 milesNY

CODE B0081 PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE ERRATIC. SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY FAULTY DESIGN.

Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2020MN

THE WHEEL TRANSFER CASE LEAKING AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. PULLING LOTS OF DIFFERENT CODES. TIMING CHAIN IS AFFECTED AND NOT 100% SURE IF IT'S ALSO THOSE OTHER CODES.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 18, 2020186,209 milesDE

WHILE DRIVING MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP RANDOMLY SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE KNOB TO TURN THEM BACK ON NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND START IT AGAIN. AND ALSO WHEN I PRESS MY LOCK BUTTON THE CAR STARTS UP WITH NO KEY.

20 of 370 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2010
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202670110Routine
2025224000Above average
202478110Routine
202395300Routine
2022170630Routine
202194400Routine
2020306471Fatalities reported
2019301470Above average
2018407541Fatalities reported
2017272040Above average
2016395130Above average
2015679260Above average
2014546140Above average
2013751250Above average
2012683360Above average
2011782332Fatalities reported
2010784390Above average
200994010Routine
2008 — this page370010Above average
2007685460Above average
2006695091Fatalities reported
20056381130High concern

Compare every Equinox year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.