Chevrolet Equinox problems
370 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
- Electrical system: 58 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 55,000–91,000 mi
- Steering: 44 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 59,000–105,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Passenger side airbag sensor doesn't go on or goes on and then turns off while in car driving or stationary. Moving around on seat makes it switch back and forth. Looks like this is the same issue from the 2007 recall, but not extended to 2008. Haven't taken to dealership yet,…
I believe the Airbags on 08 Equinox's need recalled. I currently have an airbag light on and would like it fixed.
My wife was driving the vehicle home late when the service engine light came on traction control came on then service stabilitrak light came on and stayed. Made steering very difficult, like old time truck would have been. Luckily kept control or could have resulted into…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet equinox. While driving 25 MPH, the power steering failed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 54,000.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 370 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 58 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 55,000–91,000 mi; Steering: 44 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 59,000–105,000 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 85 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 73,322 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 73,322 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Equinox has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 370 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.