2008 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 370 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 9 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
370 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 10, 2018
MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE TWO RECALLS; FIRST THE AIRBAGS. WHEN MY PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE SEAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON TELLING ME TO CHECK MY AIRBAG AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS OFF. I'M NOT SURE IF IT WILL DEPLOY IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT OR IF IT WILL ON ITS OWN ONE DAY HURTING MY PASSENGER. SECOND, MY VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE. IT SMELLS WORSE WHEN I FILL THE TANK UP AND ITS DOESN'T START RIGHT AWAY. I AM DRIVING MY VEHICLE SINCE THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE. I HAVE SEEN ONLINE WERE THE 2007 EQUINOX HAD A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG AND GAS TANK. PLEASE HELP ME.
Steering, Mar 13, 2018
I HAVE A NEW BATTERY (PURCHASED 2-3MONTHS AGO) & A NEW ALTERNATOR (INSTALLED YESTERDAY). TODAY DRIVING TO WORK I NOTICE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS SOON AS I STARTED TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO PLACE TO ADD POWER STEERING FLUID AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY EMPLOYEES AT ADVANCE AUTO PART BECAUSE IT IS EITHER ELECTRIC OR HYDRAULIC. PLEASE HELP? ..... P.S. IT WAS LOCKED JUST B4 REPLACING THE ALTERNATOR (ABOUT 1 WEEK AGO) AND REMAINS LOCKED TODAY.
Air bags, Seats, Feb 8, 2018
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM SOMEONE WHO LET ME KNOW OF THIS ISSUE AND COULD NOT GET IT FIXED. THIS ISSUE IS PRESENT NO MATTER IF THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THERE IS A "SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING AS WELL AS THE AIRBAG NOTIFICATION LIGHT. THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE CENTER CONSOLE IS ALWAYS SET TO OFF NO MATTER IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS ISSUE WHETHER THE PEOPLE BOUGHT THE CAR WHEN IT WAS NEW OR USED. IT IS AN ONGOING ISSUE AND IT COSTS $800-$1000 FOR GM TO FIX IT WHICH IS LUDICROUS BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD FAULTY EQUIPMENT THAT THEY INSTALLED. THIS WAS THE SAME ISSUE IN THE 2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND THAT WAS RECALLED HOWEVER GM WILL NOT RECALL THE 2008????
Air bags, Jan 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (LAMB CHEVROLET CADILLAC, 400 PRESCOTT LAKES PKWY, PRESCOTT, AZ 86301) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR CONTROL MODULE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 8-3844789289. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD RESPOND WITHIN TWO DAYS. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
Structure, Jan 26, 2018
MY 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX PAINT IS PEELING ABOVE THE PASSENGER WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES AND PEELING DOWN TO THE METAL. IT HAPPENED OVERNIGHT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR REPAINTED. I FIND IT TO COINCIDENTAL THAT WHEN I GOOGLE THE PROBLEM OF 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX PAINT PEELING IT IS HAPPENING FOR EVERYONE IN THE SAME SPOT. I ONLY HAVE 66,000 MILES ON THE CAR BECAUSE MY COMMUTE IS ONLY 3 MILES. THE CAR HAS HAD EVERY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DONE AND ANY REPAIRS AT CERTIFIED CHEVY DEALERSHIPS. IT IS VERY GENTLY USED AND ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2008 I DON'T BELIEVE MY TEENAGERS BEATER CAR SHOULD LOOK BETTER THAN MY $35,000 CHEVY EQUINOX NO MATTER HOW OLD IT IS. IT IS CLEARLY A FACTORY DEFECT THAT GM WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE AT THIS POINT OR PAY FOR. RIGHT NOW THE DAMAGE IS $1000 AS QUOTED BY GM AND THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR IT. I ABSOLUTELY FEEL THIS IS A COMPLETE VIOLATION TO CONSUMERS AND SINCERELY HOPE FOR ANYONE BUYING THE NEW CHEVY EQUINOX THAT THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO THEM OVER TIME. GM NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR FAULTY PAINT JOB AND JUST DO THE RIGHT THING. *TR
Engine, Dec 7, 2017
INTAKE VALVE AND VALVE COVER GASKETS BLOWN DUE TO CORROSION BY DEX-COOL OVER TIME. ALSO HAD BLOWN HEAD GASKET REPAIRED 10/16/2014 DUE TO SAME PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2017
FAULTY HEAD GASKETS
Air bags, Nov 26, 2017, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT; I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE, WHEN A DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT IN FRONT OF ME AND AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2017
I RECEIVED SPECIAL COVERAGE LETTER 12191 JULY 2013 THAT STATED REPAIRS NEEDED TO BE MADE TO MY VEHICLE IN A CHEVY LOCATION BY 7/31/14. THESE REPAIRS WOULD ONLY BE MADE IF THE VEHICLE PRESENTED A PROBLEM BY THEN (PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN ON FUEL PUMP MAY CRACK/LEAK FUEL/VAPORS; IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY CAUSE VEHICLE FIRE). ON 9/18/17 I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO MY TRUSTED MECHANIC (I DIDN'T REMEMBER CHEVY'S EXPIRED LETTER FROM 2013) SCARED OF SMELLING FUEL. HE REPAIRED MY CAR THE NEXT DAY & INFORMED ME OF A SPECIAL COVERAGE NOTE ON 2007 MODELS OF MY VEHICLE. I CONTACTED CHEVY VIA LETTER ASKING IF THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE WORK DONE. THEIR 1ST RESPONSE WAS THEY SIMPLY WOULDN'T BECAUSE I HAD IT DONE AT MY OWN PRIVATE MECHANIC. I SHOULD HAVE DRIVEN MY FUEL SMELLING VEHICLE TO CHEVY (WHOM I DO NOT HAVE A PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH) SO ONE OF THEIR MECHANICS CAN SEE IF THERE WAS IN FACT A PROBLEM FIRST. I THEN REPLIED, THAT AFTER LOOKING ONLINE I FOUND A NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE (HTTPS.//NYTI.MS/2HWDWED), DATED 10/1/12, THAT STATED THAT CHEVY WAS GOING TO ORIGINALLY SEND OUT A LETTER STATING THAT I HAD 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES TO HAVE PART REPLACED, BUT MY LETTER STATES ONLY UNTIL 7/31/14. THEIR VERBAL RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY SENT ME AN ADDITIONAL LETTER & MAYBE IT WENT TO THE WRONG ADDRESS (I LIVE AT MY CURRENT LOCATION FOR 46 YEARS). EITHER WAY I SHOULD HAVE DONE THE INVESTIGATING ON MY OWN TO FIND OUT ABOUT SAID LETTER (FOUND ONLINE AFTER THE FACT 12191B; DOCUMENT ID 4233868, DATED 7/8/15) WHICH BELIEVE IT OR NOT STILL STATED THAT REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 7/31/14. THEY SIMPLY TOLD MY HUSBAND THAT THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT OR REIMBURSE US BECAUSE WE WENT TO OUR OWN MECHANIC WHO HAS BEEN DOING OUR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE STOKES TRAINOR CHEVROLET/BUICK DEALER IN NEW BERRY, SOUTH CAROLINA FOR A RECALL AND WAS ADVISED OF THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,395.
Structure, Oct 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE METAL ON THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS CORRODED PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUNRISE CHEVROLET IN GLENDALE HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS 60139, PHONE: (630-942-8300) FOR THE FAILURE NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Electrical system, Oct 6, 2017
IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THE SPEEDOMETER GOES UP TO 120 MPH AND GETS STUCK. I WILL BE DRIVING AT 45 MILES AN HOUR AND THE SPEEDOMETER WILL GO UP TO SAY THAT I AM DRIVING 120 MILES PER HOUR. IT WILL BE STUCK THERE FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND THEN WILL GRADUALLY GO BACK DOWN TO WHERE IT SHOULD BE. WHEN IT GOES UP TO 120 MPH YOU WILL HEAR CLICKING IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IF YOU BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP THE SPEEDOMETER MIGHT SAY YOU ARE DRIVING 120 MPH OR IT MIGHT SAY 60 MPH. THE RPM METER WILL ALSO SOMETIMES SHOW IT GOING UP. WE HAVE CHANGED OUT THE FUSES AND STILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS ALSO SOME PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS USING THIS TO DRIVE BACK AND FORTH TO COLLEGE AND PANICKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I CONTACTED CHEVY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALLS AND IT WAS MY PROBLEM TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE GOTTEN INFO THAT IT WAS DUE TO FAULTY MOTOR IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL. IT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO ATTACHED THE PICTURE OF THE VIDEO OR PHOTO OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BELOW.
Air bags, Oct 1, 2017
DASH LIGHT INDICATES SERVICE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A FRONT COLLISION. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THE 2007 EQUINOX HAD A RECALL ON BUT ALL SAFETY COMPLAINTS ON THE 08 HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED, COST OF REPAIRS ARE AROUND A $1,000.00. SINCE IT HAD BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL FOR THE 08 MODEL. DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX AND SOUNDS LIKE THIS COULD CAUSE A DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2017
I HAVE PUT 3 FUEL PUMPS PLUS IT WILL HAVE TO HAVE INSTALLED AGAIN AND WILL HAVE TO SHELL OUT 725.00 THIS TIME BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND IF GM DON`T REPLACE I MAY FILE THE LEMON LAW AND MY AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL SHOWS IT IS NOT WORKING SOMETIMES.
Air bags, Sep 14, 2017
SOMEONE SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 100 LBS. SINCE THEN THE LIGHT HAS STAYED ON TO SERVICE AIRBAG. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT THE TIME.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 10, 2017
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON STABILITY LIGHT ON
Other or unspecified, Sep 1, 2017
THE STABILITRAX LIGHT HAS COME ON AND MY VEHICLE WON'T START, HAVE TRIED TO JUMP IT BUT IT ONLY MAKES A CLICKING NOISE. I'VE TRIED TO RESET IT ACCORDING TO THE OWNERS MANUAL BUT NO LUCK. THE CAR IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY I TRIED TO START IT THIS MORNING AND NOTHING.
Service brakes, Aug 30, 2017
AT 64,000 MILES THE MASTER CYLINDER STARTING LEAKING INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THIS IS A $900 REPAIR BEING PASSED ONTO THE CONSUMER AND IS NOT "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2008 CHEVY EQUINOX DOING THIS AT AROUND 65,000 MILES. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2017
HAVING TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE TEMP GAUGE AND GAS METER NOT READING
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2017
FAULTY RETURN PORT IN FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKING FUEL (SEVERE LEAK) STARTED NOTICING A SMELL WITH NO VISIBLE LEAK, NOW WHEN CAR IS PARKED LOOSING ALL FUEL PRESSURE (CAR WON'T START ON FIRST TRY) AND PARKED WITH 1/2 TANK NOW NO FUEL LEFT IN CAR. DISTINCT SMELL OF FUEL AND CAR IS PARKED. IS THIS PART OF RECALL?
Structure, Aug 9, 2017
PART ON LIFTGATE ABOVE WINDOW AND BELOW THE BREAK LIGHT POPPED OFF. ENTIRE GM PART NEEDS TO BE ORDERED OVER $1000 AND THEN HAS TO BE PAINTED AND PAY LABOR. WAS TOLD THEY'VE NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPENED BEFORE. NOW MY VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE PARKED IN DOORS UNTIL I GET AFFORD TO GET FIXED DUE TO WATER WILL LEAK IN. SIMPLY OPENED THE BACK AND IT FELL OFF.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 4, 2017
FUEL PUMP LEAKING FROM MAIN FUEL LINE GOING INTO PUMP. THE 2007 MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A MAJOR LEAK, PUDDLES ONTO THE GROUND. VERY DANGEROUS, I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY YEAR WAS NOT RECALLED, AS I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS VEHICLE FUEL PUMP/SYSTEM!
Air bags, Jul 26, 2017
TAKATA RECALL LIGHT COMES ON AND DASH CRACKING
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2017
FIRST THE CAR FUEL TANK' THE GAS GAGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY WHEN THE GAS TANK FULL IT SHOWS HALF OR EMPTY, SECOND THE HEAD LIGHT BULB BLOWS LIKE EVERY TWO WEEKS BECAUSE WATER IS GETTING INTO THE CONSOLE OR THE HEAD LIGHT ,THE TURN SIGNAL NEVER TURN OFF AFTER YOU SWISH IN ON AND MAKE THE TURN I HAVE TO MANUALLY SWISH IT OFF AT ALL TIMES WEATHER YOU ARE IN CITY HIGH WAY DO NOT MATTER .
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2017
ENGINE LOSING POWER AND CAR NOT TURNING ON