This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Equinox engine complaints center on a cluster of timing chain failures and cascading diagnostic problems. Owners consistently report check engine light codes P0008 (exhaust camshaft not moving when commanded) and P0017 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation), with timing chains stretching or failing between 32,650 and 98,000 miles—well short of the 150,000-mile belt inspection interval in the service manual. Repair bills run $3,000–$5,000. GM issued customer service bulletin #11340 for 3.6L V6 engines in 2007–2009 models but excludes certain variants like the Sport with the LY7 engine, leaving some owners without coverage.
Dealerships repeatedly blamed check engine lights on loose gas caps, selling replacements multiple times without diagnosing the actual timing chain wear. One owner's dealership mishandled the issue for two years before the chain finally failed at 77,008 miles; another had the timing chain replaced once, only to have the same code return at 85,000 miles.
Beyond timing issues, owners report head gasket failure at 70,000–73,000 miles, ECM failures causing stalling, cracked spark plugs at 32,650 miles, intermittent EVAP/EGR faults, and one case of sudden loss of engine power during highway driving. A/C systems blow warm air intermittently despite coldest settings, with dealership saying that's normal. One owner's Dex-Cool coolant caused corrosion of valve covers, intake gaskets, and head gaskets. Overall reliability is poor: one new-purchase owner reported transmission replacement, multiple sensor failures, and a pending $5,000 timing chain repair all within 24 months.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain stretch/premature wear
Owners report timing chains stretching or failing well before normal service intervals. Affects multiple model years and engine configurations. Owners cite code P0008 (exhaust camshaft not moving when commanded) and P0017 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation). Some owners claim timing belt (actually chain) issues were misdiagnosed as gas cap problems by dealerships. Repair costs run $3,000–$5,000. GM issued customer service bulletin #11340 for 3.6L V6 engines in 2007–2009 models, but appears to exclude certain variants like the Sport model with the LY7 engine.
When: 32,650–98,000 miles; some as low as 84,000 miles; service manual specifies belt/chain inspection at 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Rough idle or vibration; Loss of power or acceleration hesitation; Engine unable to start or stall
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement, chain guides, chain tensioners, cam actuators; costs cited: $3,000–$5,000; one owner reports timing chain already replaced once, light returned at 85,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued customer service bulletin #11340 for 3.6L V6 engines (2007–2009) but excludes Sport model; refuses coverage outside bulletin scope; warranty exhausted or not honored for some owners; one owner reports GM says mileage is not a factor in determining repair eligibility
Check engine light with gas cap misdiagnosis
Owners report check engine light coming on repeatedly over months or years. Dealerships repeatedly blamed the gas cap and sold replacement caps, even after owners complied. Actual root cause was timing chain issues (codes P0008, P0017) or EVAP system problems (code P0455). Misdiagnosis delayed detection of serious engine failures.
When: Recurring over 1–2 years; one case over 2 years before timing chain failure occurred
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on intermittently; Light returns after gas cap replacement; Dash message to tighten gas cap; Symptom repeats multiple times
Codes mentioned: P0455, P0008, P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple gas cap replacements; EVAP system diagnosis and EGR valve replacement in one case; owners report dealerships charged for diagnostic visits or refused to cover under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships blamed gas cap repeatedly without deeper diagnosis; one owner reports dealership applied a 'soft recall' for fuel leak but charged owner 50/50 risk on repair costs
EVAP system and related emissions faults
Owners report check engine light codes related to EVAP (evaporative emission control), EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, and fuel system leaks. In one case, owners replaced EGR valve and EVAP canister without fully resolving check engine light; dealer then cited a soft GM recall for fuel leak but still charged owner for diagnosis and repair.
When: Early ownership (one case at 32,650 miles); recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; StabilityTrak light also illuminates; Reduced engine power warning light; Persistent light returns after repairs
Repairs/costs cited: EGR valve replacement; EVAP canister replacement; fuel tank pressure sensor replacement; costs not specified by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One soft recall notice issued for fuel leak and check engine light; dealership told customer it was 50/50 whether issue was customer's problem or recall, charged accordingly; no formal recall seen in narratives
Reduced engine power warning light (no detected failure)
Owner reports reduced engine power warning light illuminating during highway driving at 70 mph, five separate times, with no actual engine failure observed. Dealer replaced multiple components (EVAP canister, A/C unit, traction control module, ECM, EGR valve, spark plug wires, fuel tank pressure sensor) without resolving the intermittent warning.
When: At 50,650 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power warning light illuminates momentarily while driving at 70 mph; No actual loss of power or engine shutdown observed; Recurs five times
Repairs/costs cited: EVAP canister, A/C unit, traction control module, ECM, EGR valve, spark plug wires, fuel tank pressure sensor all replaced; none corrected the issue
Head gasket failure
Owner purchased 2008 Equinox with 70,000 miles in 2015; head gasket blew after just 6 months and 3,000 additional miles. Shop suspected stop-leak had been used to mask the problem before sale. Repair required complete engine replacement: $3,400 for refurbished or $5,900 for new. GM provided no assistance.
When: 70,000–73,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Head gasket failure; Engine overheating or coolant loss likely
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement: $3,400 (refurbished) or $5,900 (new); shop suspected prior stop-leak use
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused assistance despite low mileage
Cracked spark plug causing jerking and acceleration hesitation
Owner driving at 45–50 mph experienced sudden jerking as if brake pedal was being pumped repeatedly during acceleration. Cause diagnosed as cracked spark plug in third cylinder. Vehicle had extended warranty covering this specific issue, but warranty period had expired by time symptoms occurred. GM refused to honor warranty.
When: 32,650 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden jerking during acceleration at 45–50 mph; Feels like brake pedal being pumped repeatedly; Loss of smooth acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (third cylinder); costs not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty existed but had expired; GM refused reimbursement citing mileage over 19,500
A/C system blowing warm air intermittently with vibration at 1700 RPM
Owner reports A/C blows hot air for 20+ seconds despite coldest setting. Also reports vibration/rattle noise when A/C is on and engine idles or revs to 1700 RPM. Dealer installed new A/C controller valve but symptom persisted. Dealer claimed Chevrolet said the A/C is 'working too well' and blowing warm occasionally is normal.
When: At 9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C blows hot air for 20+ seconds despite coldest setting; Vibration or rattle noise with A/C on; Noise at idle and specifically at 1700 RPM; Symptom recurs on every trip after repair
Repairs/costs cited: A/C controller valve replaced; symptom not resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet told dealer A/C is 'working too well' and warm air blowing occasionally is normal operation
ECM (engine control module) failure
Vehicle stalled sporadically with check engine light illuminated. Local mechanic diagnosed ECM failure. Vehicle not repaired per narrative.
When: 31,200–31,580 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sporadic stalling; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: ECM failure diagnosed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer instructed contact to have vehicle inspected by authorized dealer; dealer not contacted
Engine stall without warning
Owner reports engine stalled without warning while driving at 30 mph. Vehicle towed home. Owner replaced battery but stall recurred, indicating battery was not the cause.
When: 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall without warning at 30 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced but did not correct issue
Intake valve and valve cover gasket corrosion from Dex-Cool coolant
Owner reports intake valve and valve cover gaskets blown due to corrosion caused by Dex-Cool coolant over time. Same owner also had head gasket repaired in October 2016 due to the same coolant issue. Indicates systemic problem with coolant compatibility.
When: Head gasket repaired 10/2016; valve cover/intake gasket failure around same period or later
Symptoms owners cite: Blown valve cover gaskets; Blown intake valve gaskets; Blown head gasket (prior repair)
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover gasket replacement; head gasket replacement (prior repair in 10/2016); costs not stated
Loss of engine power during highway driving
Owner's wife experienced sudden loss of acceleration while driving on Bartlett Road in Elgin, Illinois. Nearly resulted in collision with semi truck behind her. Narrative does not provide further diagnostic details.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration; Loss of engine power while driving
Moldy, musty smell from A/C system
Owner noticed moldy, musty smell from air conditioner immediately after purchase. Husband replaced cabin air filter, which provided only temporary relief. Service department advised foam spray for condenser to kill bacteria at owner's cost. Extended warranty did not cover the issue. Owner concerned about breathing contaminated air.
When: Shortly after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Moldy, musty smell from A/C; Odor returns after cabin air filter replacement; Recurring smell on continued use
Repairs/costs cited: Cabin air filter replacement; condenser foam spray recommended at owner's cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty excluded A/C condenser bacteria issue
Multiple cumulative defects in early ownership
Owner reports vehicle purchased new with multiple serious defects occurring within first 24 months: transmission replacement, heater/cooler system leak, lighting/dash replaced, tire pressure sensor failure (currently broken again), timing chain failure (awaiting $5,000 repair), leather cracking, rear windshield wiper not working, carpet coming out, front headlight leak and fogging. Vehicle towed 4 times. Owner with two young children reports being stranded on highway.
When: Within 24 months of purchase; timing chain issue current
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure; Heater/cooler system leak; Lighting/dash malfunction; Tire pressure sensor failure; Timing chain wear; Leather deterioration; Rear wiper failure; Carpet deterioration; Headlight fogging and leak
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced; timing chain replacement pending at ~$5,000 cost; multiple other repairs; vehicle constantly in shop
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports 'getting nowhere with General Motors' despite all documented repairs
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,650 and 84,435 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,650; a quarter make it past 84,435. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.