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 something very serious! Bad part no early warnings, vehicle battery has never been jumped or used to jump (read…
2008 Chevrolet Equinox steering problems
severe 44 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
5crashes
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 44 steering complaints filed for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 44 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2008 Equinox has widespread steering and stability control failures that can cause sudden loss of power steering or braking at any speed, sometimes resulting in crashes. Multiple owners report these defects are recurrent and unreliable to repair, making this vehicle unsafe—especially critical for highway driving.
Steering failures dominate this complaint cluster. Most common is power steering assist suddenly stopping with no warning—steering wheel locks up or becomes nearly impossible to turn. Failures happen at various speeds and mileages (35,000 to 160,000 miles), and some vehicles fail multiple times even after repair attempts. Owners frequently report the stabilitrak/service stabilitrak light comes on at the same time steering fails, along with traction control, ABS, and check engine warnings. One owner lost all controls while stopped at a traffic light; another's steering locked at 70 mph while driving with family.
Steering column grinding and squealing occur when turning, sometimes sounding like ABS failure—mechanics traced one case to a defective rack after multiple misdiagnoses. One owner reported rubbing near the airbag and ignition switch as a potential fire hazard.
Less common but severe: one vehicle's driveshaft snapped completely, eliminating steering and braking control at speed. Another owner experiences intermittent engine power loss that affects steering and braking, now happening weekly. Dealerships sometimes claim failures are "normal wear" or cannot locate the problem. Repair costs range from $174 to over $2,500. Owners report reading numerous online complaints with identical issues and no recall despite safety risks.
Same Chevrolet Equinox steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Module/Assist Failure
Power steering abruptly fails or becomes very difficult to turn, sometimes accompanied by stabilitrak warnings or check engine lights. Owners report steering wheel becoming nearly impossible to move, requiring force to turn or park. Loss of power assist occurs without warning at various speeds.
When: Various mileages reported: 35,000–160,000 miles; failures occur unpredictably during operation or immediately after startup
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes hard to turn or completely immobile; Power steering assist suddenly stops working; Stabilitrak service light illuminates simultaneously; Check engine or reduced engine power warning lights; Difficulty steering at low speeds and during parking
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrak malfunction, Power steering module fault, Low voltage condition (misdiagnosis), Secondary ignition circuit code
Repairs/costs cited: Steering module replacement (reported costs $174–$2500); power steering pump replacement; some repairs attempted multiple times without resolution; battery replacement or alternator service sometimes precedes but does not fix the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners report GM covered repairs under warranty initially; no recall issued despite numerous complaints; dealership diagnoses ranged from electrical faults to normal wear
Steering Column Grinding/Rubbing Noise with Loss of Assist
Owners report a grinding, squealing, or rubbing noise in the steering column or near the steering wheel, often accompanied by loss of power steering assist or difficulty turning. Some describe it as sounding like ABS failure. Noise occurs when turning the steering wheel.
When: Reported at various mileages; some failures at 40,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or squealing noise when steering wheel is turned; Loud popping/clunking in front end when turning or hitting bumps; Rubbing sound between steering column and airbag/ignition area; Power steering becomes difficult or fails concurrent with noise; Noise mistaken for ABS failure by some owners
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement reported in at least one case after multiple misdiagnoses; some owners had steering column repaired with noise returning; rubbing in steering column area near airbag and ignition switch noted as potential fire or airbag deployment hazard
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to locate root cause in some cases; no recalls issued for this condition
Steering Wheel Lock-Up During Driving
Steering wheel suddenly locks or becomes immovable while vehicle is in motion, sometimes at highway speeds. Owners report this is an extreme safety hazard that can cause loss of vehicle control or crashes.
When: Reported between 50–160,000 miles; some vehicles experience this multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks without warning while driving; Unable to turn steering wheel or requires excessive force to overcome lock; Occurs at various speeds (10 mph to 70 mph); May occur multiple times on same vehicle; Vehicle may swerve or drift when steering fails
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrak malfunction, Power steering module failure
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs attempted but locks recur; one owner reports forced dealer to repair out of warranty with GM help; cost noted at $276 in one case; some owners still experiencing failure after repair attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case mentions OnStar diagnostic indicating stabilitrak malfunction; no recall issued; some owners note this issue is widespread online
Stabilitrak/Traction Control System Malfunction with Steering/Braking Impact
Service stabilitrak warning light illuminates, disabling traction control, ABS, and sometimes reducing engine power. Concurrent power steering failure and braking issues reported. Vehicle may slow unpredictably or become undriveable.
When: Reported at 26,000–133,000 miles; one owner notes intermittent failures starting mid-August with increasing frequency (weekly by report date)
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak/service stabilitrak warning light comes on; Traction control disabled or ABS light illuminates; Power steering fails when stabilitrak warning appears; Vehicle speed limited (some owners report unable to exceed 20–25 mph); Braking issues or reduced engine power warning; Vehicle may lose 4-wheel drive capability; Dealership sometimes reports issue is 'normal' or cannot find cause
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrak system malfunction, Secondary ignition circuit fault, Reduced engine power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership sensor cleaning attempted; sensor replacement ($174.54 reported); entire steering and interior control module replaced; some repairs do not resolve recurring warning light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some cases covered under warranty initially; no recall; dealership technicians sometimes stated failures are normal wear
Driveshaft Failure/Fracture
Driveshaft snaps or fractures without warning, causing immediate loss of steering control and vehicle mobility. Extremely hazardous when occurring at highway speeds.
When: At least one reported case; driveshaft failure occurred without prior symptoms
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft snaps in half; No warning or sound before failure; Complete loss of steering and vehicle control; Vehicle immobilized
Repairs/costs cited: Towing and repair cost over $1000; owner also reports prior front-end issues including bearing, axle, and tie-rod replacements (tie rods replaced 3 times in 2 years)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; owner notes no recalls despite multiple defects
Intermittent Engine Power Loss Affecting Steering and Braking
Vehicle randomly loses engine power for short periods, which also affects steering and braking. Failure is intermittent and increasing in frequency, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Started mid-August; occurring at least weekly by report date
Symptoms owners cite: Random/intermittent loss of engine power; Concurrent loss of steering and braking control; Check service codes indicate secondary ignition circuit and stabilitrak faults; Failures happening more frequently; No advance warning
Codes mentioned: Secondary ignition circuit, Stabilitrak
Repairs/costs cited: Local Chevrolet dealer unable to offer diagnostic appointment before December 1 (report filed mid-year); no repairs completed at time of report
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information provided
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned. The contact indicated that she was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The contact was informed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and no…
Got into my car that morning to take my daughter to daycare and I was turning the curb to get onto the freeway my steering locked up and was hard to manage. Looked down and there were two lights on traction control off and service stabilitrack system. No warning just gave out. Me & my child could have been injured if we were going any faster. Then it cost over $1200 dollars at the dealership. I…
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 44 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 59,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 59,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.