Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2010-CHEVROLET-EQUINOX NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2010 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Equinox problems

784 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 1 active recall campaign on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2010 Equinox?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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.

Embed this reliability snapshot

Free to use on your site, post, or video — keep the link back. Preview the widget →

<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2010-chevrolet-equinox/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2010 Chevrolet Equinox reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
181 reports · fails ~82,227 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
173 reports · fails ~84,370 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
visibility
128 reports · fails ~94,076 mi · avg $350
moderate
electrical
65 reports · fails ~63,619 mi · avg $850
moderate
airbags
51 reports · fails ~76,465 mi · avg $1,100
severe
steering
44 reports · fails ~57,576 mi · avg $700
severe
body
17 reports · fails ~74,314 mi · avg $1,500
severe
cruise control
15 reports · fails ~92,360 mi · avg $600
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2010 Equinox's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2010 Equinox?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 Equinox · engine
Changed windshied motors and the go right back to not working within a week.. Here recently ive had to put a extreme amout of oil in it its losing oil out of no where can drive 5 miles down the road and then its gone now it has started to smoke really bad when I drive it after…
12/31/2019 · at 230,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11292209.0 · see engine pattern →
2010 Equinox · electrical
I have had many problems with this vehicle regarding electrical, audio, airbag lights coming on and now engine oil. The engine oil was just detected at 80,000 miles however I have complained that my car does not run right since the beginning. They claim that the engine is…
12/31/2014 · at 4,547 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669281.0 · see electrical pattern →
2010 Equinox · powertrain
I started hearing a knocking noise at 28000 miles. Had serviced but after several miles noise started again. Noise continues so service is needed(10-2-13). I had several gaskets, seal, bolts,fuel pump(which was leaking raw fuel into inside of engine), balance chain, timing…
12/31/2013 · at 28,265 mi · NHTSA ODI #10558039.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2010 Equinox · powertrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet equinox. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be rplaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
12/30/2015 · at 140,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10817004.0 · see powertrain pattern →
View all 784 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2010 Chevrolet Equinox? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 09V489000 December 23, 2009

General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet equinox and GMC terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no

Driving without a functioning defrost system can decrease your visibility under certain driving conditions and could result in a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during january 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Common questions

Is the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 784 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 44 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 16,000–93,500 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. 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 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 181 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,227 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 82,227 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 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 784 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Chevrolet/Equinox. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.