2008 Chevrolet Equinox: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 370 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (24% of complaints); the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
370
owner complaints
1
fire reports
76,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: air bags (24%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)24% · 87 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)12% · 42 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)9% · 32 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)8% · 30 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)8% · 27 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)7% · 26 complaints
“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”Owner report · Power Train · May 2025
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2024
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2023
“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.)”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2023
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2022
“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!!!!!”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2022
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2021
“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”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2021
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Equinox by VIN
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Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
NHTSA has 370 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The most complained-about area is air bags (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Equinox problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.