Model year record
2008 Chevrolet Equinox recalls & problems
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 370 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is air bags (112 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2008 Chevrolet Equinox 4-DR.
| Frontal crash | Not Rated |
|---|---|
| Side crash | Not Rated |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Equinox FWD
| City / highway | 16 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Equinox FWD
| City / highway | 17 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Equinox AWD
| City / highway | 17 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
Equinox AWD
| City / highway | 16 / 24 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module | 112 | 67,500 mi |
| Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Switch | 66 | 74,500 mi |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 46 | 83,500 mi |
| Steering | 44 | 79,000 mi |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 39 | 93,500 mi |
| StructureBody; Body › Door | 34 | 64,000 mi |
| Engine | 27 | 84,000 mi |
| Exterior lightingTurn signal; Headlights | 22 | 50,799 mi |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 118,550 mi |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 18 | 60,000 mi |
| Power trainAutomatic transmission | 16 | 91,000 mi |
| VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Rear window wiper/washer | 13 | 60,000 mi |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- 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
- Engine
Head gasket failure as well as intake manifold
- 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.
- Unknown or other
Door locks they do not like to unlock lock, they will go halfway and get stuck and then I canât get into my car
- 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…
- 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.
- Service brakes
Brakes stopped working while vehicle was in drive. I had to use emergency brake to get it to stop.
- 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.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.