Owners have filed 535 complaints
about the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox with NHTSA between 2008 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Equinox. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2008 compares with every other Chevrolet Equinox
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2454.5%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
49.1%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
36.8%
Door
36.8%
Frontal
36.8%
Automatic Transmission
36.8%
Automatic (Asc)
24.5%
Stabilizer BAR
24.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
153.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
92.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
71.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8119.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
10524.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
9221.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
8921.1%
150,000+ miles
245.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2008peak 18Oct 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesLansing, ILFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
APRIL 26, 2019 THE ENGINE IN MY 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDWEST TIRE & AUTO IN THE CICERO,IL FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. A WEEK AFTER RETRIEVING MY SUV ON JUNE 20,2019 FROM THE SHOP IT HAD AN EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE THE OCCUPANCY OF MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN AGES 7,4, AND 2 WERE WITHIN 11 MILES OF TRAVEL FROM OUR RESIDENCE ALONG THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECOGNIZABLE FROM THE INTERIOR, FROM FRONT TO CENTER OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY IT WAS A GRAYISH COLOR. SHOWING THE FIRE'S INTENSITY.
NHTSA complaint #11265781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLansing, ILFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
APRIL 26, 2019 THE ENGINE IN MY 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDWEST TIRE & AUTO IN THE CICERO,IL FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. A WEEK AFTER RETRIEVING MY SUV ON JUNE 20,2019 FROM THE SHOP IT HAD AN EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE THE OCCUPANCY OF MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN AGES 7,4, AND 2 WERE WITHIN 11 MILES OF TRAVEL FROM OUR RESIDENCE ALONG THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECOGNIZABLE FROM THE INTERIOR, FROM FRONT TO CENTER OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY IT WAS A GRAYISH COLOR. SHOWING THE FIRE'S INTENSITY.
NHTSA complaint #11265781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLansing, ILFire
ENGINE
APRIL 26, 2019 THE ENGINE IN MY 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDWEST TIRE & AUTO IN THE CICERO,IL FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. A WEEK AFTER RETRIEVING MY SUV ON JUNE 20,2019 FROM THE SHOP IT HAD AN EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK AND IT CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE THE OCCUPANCY OF MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN AGES 7,4, AND 2 WERE WITHIN 11 MILES OF TRAVEL FROM OUR RESIDENCE ALONG THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECOGNIZABLE FROM THE INTERIOR, FROM FRONT TO CENTER OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY IT WAS A GRAYISH COLOR. SHOWING THE FIRE'S INTENSITY.
NHTSA complaint #11265781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesColorado Springs, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT; I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE, WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT IN FRONT OF ME AND AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11048525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSarcoxie, MOCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH HIS DAUGHTER, WIFE, AND NEPHEW, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED A CONTUSION ON THE CHEST WALL AND HIS WIFE SUSTAINED SHOULDER PAIN. THE DAUGHTER REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10993759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSarcoxie, MOCrash2 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH HIS DAUGHTER, WIFE, AND NEPHEW, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO TURN WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A ROAD SIGN. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED A CONTUSION ON THE CHEST WALL AND HIS WIFE SUSTAINED SHOULDER PAIN. THE DAUGHTER REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10993759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Benton, WI
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #11695595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11695595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parsonsburg, MD
ENGINE
Head gasket failure as well as intake manifold
NHTSA complaint #11683736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parsonsburg, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Head gasket failure as well as intake manifold
NHTSA complaint #11683736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesShreveport, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11631207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Levan, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11598901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesDelavan, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11570325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesLincoln, NE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11553211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arley, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes stopped working while vehicle was in drive. I had to use emergency brake to get it to stop.
NHTSA complaint #11540386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Viera, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11519803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
WHEELS
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!
NHTSA complaint #11518546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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!
NHTSA complaint #11518546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11518546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesFarmington, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:INTERIOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #11514561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loma Linda, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.)
NHTSA complaint #11500308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Christopher, IL
AIR BAGS
I believe the Airbags on 08 Equinox's need recalled. I currently have an airbag light on and would like it fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11499452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Callaway, FL
POWER TRAIN
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!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11457330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesTucson, AZ
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11446125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bechtelsville, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11437681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Linn, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11421525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Linn, OR
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11421525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,400 milesBluefield, WV
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11406019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,100 milesSmithtown, NY
AIR BAGS
CODE B0081 PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE ERRATIC. SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY FAULTY DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #11396098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,209 milesDover, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11364909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Minneapolis, MN
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11364899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.