The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox has 784 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 181 complaints (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2010 Equinox?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Steering: 44 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
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.
Buying a used 2010 Chevrolet Equinox? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 181 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 173 owner reports
· ~$2,500 to fix
visibility — 128 owner reports
· ~$350 to fix
electrical — 65 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 3 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
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 6.2 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; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 181 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 784 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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. 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. 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.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day 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.
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