2009 Chevrolet Equinox: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 94 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
94
owner complaints
1
fire reports
79,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Equinox years (#22 of 22 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsWeak spot: air bags (22%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)22% · 20 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)15% · 14 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)10% · 9 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)8% · 7 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)5% · 5 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)5% · 5 complaints
“Odometer Fraud - The contact purchased a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 186,425 as stated on the contract. The contact stated that the speedometer was possibly tampered with because the odometer reading was not displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic c reading was provided and the speedometer reading was repaired and the mileage was 300,107.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2026
“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the traction control warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.”Owner report · Traction Control System · Apr 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong odor of gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and notice a fuel leak coming from the fuel tank. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a crack in the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.*dt*dt*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was heading downtown with my kids and this car cut off in the middle of the road while I was driving this was one of the worse days of my life chevrolet should be ashamed all them equinox needs to be recalled before someone dies this car set a little blaze stalled out ive only seen chevy equinox do this”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2020
“When you drive it the transmisson won't shift out of second gear. It makes it hard to get anywhere. It only haw 110,000 miles on it and just had the timing chain done on it and the day went to get it was on my way home and won't come out of 2nd gear.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2020
“Had a foul fuel smell, found out gas tank needed to be replaced. Repair facility stated that chevy had the tank in 'ready',no issue to order one. Sounds like some one was ready for this to happen. No assistance from the dealer or chevrolet. Drivers side from door to rear of car paint is falling off. I can see and feel some sort of 'bubbles' under the paint. Looks like no recall.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2020
“The timing chain and guides went bad at only 110k miles. And if it was recalled like the 2009 chevy traverse was then I wouldn't have had to fix it. It has the same motor. It is the 3.6l motor. Because it is the sports model. It was throwing p0008 p0018 p0017 and two transmission codes so I believe the transmission is bad now. It is throwing codes p0752 and p0700. *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2020
“The airbag sensor light comes on and off and after review of this info online there are so many complaints against this same issue not sure why no one will look into the recall needed for these airbags the dealer is saying it will 1200 to replace sensor light put in by manufacturer this is insane amount of money needed to keep people safe on the ride this is must have item in a car”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2019
“Key won't release right away after turning off engine. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to release . It's happened dozens of times”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2019
“My airbag light and 'service air bag' light and ABS light and stabalize track light were all on for a few week and I took it to local shop who said the sensor for the brakes under driver seat was bad so that cost $580.00 for new module. That took care of ABS/stabilize lights. Had to to go dealer for airbag lights and they charged $1070.00 because the airbag module under passenger seat was out and had to replace (part 560 plus labor). I don't feel like I should have had to pay for the airbags!! The airbag lights were on for about 6 months and never went off so I finally got tired of it...no matter if someone was sitting in seat or not, or whether it was idle, in motion, etc.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - 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 2009 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
NHTSA has 94 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The most complained-about area is air bags (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Equinox problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 79,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.