2009 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 94 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 5 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 6 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
94 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, May 7, 2026
Odometer Fraud - The contact purchased a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 186,425 as stated on the contract. The contact stated that the speedometer was possibly tampered with because the odometer reading was not displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic c reading was provided and the speedometer reading was repaired and the mileage was 300,107.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from the gas tank. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminating while driving up an incline; however, the light disappeared shortly afterwards. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Traction control system, May 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the traction control warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICE A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.*DT*DT*JB
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2020, fire
I WAS HEADING DOWNTOWN WITH MY KIDS AND THIS CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING THIS WAS ONE OF THE WORSE DAYS OF MY LIFE CHEVROLET SHOULD BE ASHAMED ALL THEM EQUINOX NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES THIS CAR SET A LITTLE BLAZE STALLED OUT IVE ONLY SEEN CHEVY EQUINOX DO THIS
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 14, 2020
HAD A FOUL FUEL SMELL, FOUND OUT GAS TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. REPAIR FACILITY STATED THAT CHEVY HAD THE TANK IN 'READY',NO ISSUE TO ORDER ONE. SOUNDS LIKE SOME ONE WAS READY FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. NO ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEALER OR CHEVROLET. DRIVERS SIDE FROM DOOR TO REAR OF CAR PAINT IS FALLING OFF. I CAN SEE AND FEEL SOME SORT OF 'BUBBLES' UNDER THE PAINT. LOOKS LIKE NO RECALL.
Power train, Engine, Jul 13, 2020
WHEN YOU DRIVE IT THE TRANSMISSON WON'T SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR. IT MAKES IT HARD TO GET ANYWHERE. IT ONLY HAW 110,000 MILES ON IT AND JUST HAD THE TIMING CHAIN DONE ON IT AND THE DAY WENT TO GET IT WAS ON MY WAY HOME AND WON'T COME OUT OF 2ND GEAR.
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 4, 2020
THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT STAYS ON INTERMITTENTLY AND WHEN IT DOES, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SAYS "OFF" AND NOTIFICATION MESSAGE SAYS "SERVICE PASSENGER AIRBAG". EVERY SHOP I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO SAYS THEY SEE NO PROBLEMS, BUT A DEALER HAS TO TAKE A LOOK. THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN 2018 AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE. I HAVE BEEN READING THAT THIS IS PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL OF EQUINOX AROUND THIS TIME IN ITS LIFE. THE STABLE TRACK IS SIMILAR. EVERY SO OFTEN, IT STOPS WORKING BUT THEN MOST OF THE TIME IS FINE. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 4, 2020
THE TIMING CHAIN AND GUIDES WENT BAD AT ONLY 110K MILES. AND IF IT WAS RECALLED LIKE THE 2009 CHEVY TRAVERSE WAS THEN I WOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO FIX IT. IT HAS THE SAME MOTOR. IT IS THE 3.6L MOTOR. BECAUSE IT IS THE SPORTS MODEL. IT WAS THROWING P0008 P0018 P0017 AND TWO TRANSMISSION CODES SO I BELIEVE THE TRANSMISSION IS BAD NOW. IT IS THROWING CODES P0752 AND P0700. *TR
Engine, Jun 2, 2020
THE TIMING CHAIN WENT OUT. *TR
Air bags, Dec 26, 2019
THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF AND AFTER REVIEW OF THIS INFO ONLINE THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST THIS SAME ISSUE NOT SURE WHY NO ONE WILL LOOK INTO THE RECALL NEEDED FOR THESE AIRBAGS THE DEALER IS SAYING IT WILL 1200 TO REPLACE SENSOR LIGHT PUT IN BY MANUFACTURER THIS IS INSANE AMOUNT OF MONEY NEEDED TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE ON THE RIDE THIS IS MUST HAVE ITEM IN A CAR
Steering, Dec 20, 2019
KEY WON'T RELEASE RIGHT AWAY AFTER TURNING OFF ENGINE. SOMETIMES IT TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO RELEASE . IT'S HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Nov 12, 2019
MY AIRBAG LIGHT AND 'SERVICE AIR BAG' LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT AND STABALIZE TRACK LIGHT WERE ALL ON FOR A FEW WEEK AND I TOOK IT TO LOCAL SHOP WHO SAID THE SENSOR FOR THE BRAKES UNDER DRIVER SEAT WAS BAD SO THAT COST $580.00 FOR NEW MODULE. THAT TOOK CARE OF ABS/STABILIZE LIGHTS. HAD TO TO GO DEALER FOR AIRBAG LIGHTS AND THEY CHARGED $1070.00 BECAUSE THE AIRBAG MODULE UNDER PASSENGER SEAT WAS OUT AND HAD TO REPLACE (PART 560 PLUS LABOR). I DON'T FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE AIRBAGS!! THE AIRBAG LIGHTS WERE ON FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND NEVER WENT OFF SO I FINALLY GOT TIRED OF IT...NO MATTER IF SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN SEAT OR NOT, OR WHETHER IT WAS IDLE, IN MOTION, ETC.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility, Jul 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING, AN ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE WAS COMING THROUGH THE VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE ONTO THE GROUND, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FAILED TO ROLL DOWN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO LOCK IN PLACE WHILE IN USE, AND THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB FAILED FOUR TIMES WITHIN THE YEAR AND WAS REPLACED BY THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Air bags, Mar 21, 2019
"TAKATA RECALL" SERVICE AIR BAG , THAT IS WHAT COMES UP ON DASH EVERY TIME I START THE CAR.
Steering, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 3, 2018
THE STEERING PUMP HAS GONE OUT, AND THE FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT JUST CAME ON . THE CAR IS MISFIRING. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS MODEL AND YEAR. MORE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THESE SAME ISSUES!
Power train, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2018
MY CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY DUE TO THE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR.
Air bags, Oct 25, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. SERVICE AIR BAG FOR PASSENGER SEAT IS ON AND AIR BAG IS OFF. BEGAN WHILE STATIONARY WITH PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THIS VEHICLE HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT. UNACCEPTABLE THAT IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL.
Steering, Oct 4, 2018
THE STEERING WHEEL IT GETS SO HARD TO TURN FOR NO REASON TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT PLEASE DO A RECALL IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ALL OF US
Steering, Sep 14, 2018
2009 CHEVY EQUINOX AWD HAS STEERING PROBLEM. WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT NORMAL SPEEDS FOR TURNS, THE POWER STEERING SEEMS TO LOSE POWER AND VERY HARD TO TURN AS IT SEEMS THE POWER STEERING ENDS. IT RECOVERS BUT INTERMITTENTLY. DOES NOT HAPPEN ON ALL TURNS BUT USUALLY HAPPENS MANY TIMES IN A DAY. HAPPENS DURING COOL OR WARM DAYS AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER WEATHER SITUATIONS. I HAVE READ THAT OTHER GM VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED DUE TO THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. SEEMS TO BE A VOLTAGE DROP AND THEIR FIX IS A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THIS ISSUE IS BEING EXPERIENCED BY MANY CHEVY EQUINOX OWNERS. THE TURNS GET HARD AND THEN SEEMS TO RECOVER WHEN ACCELERATING INTO THE TURN. THIS HAS TO BE A VOLTAGE DROP ISSUE OR SIMILAR. THIS CAN CAUSE.AN ACCIDENT IF IT OCCURS AT THE WRONG TIME. PLEASE.HELP GET A RECALL.ON THIS.
Air bags, Jun 22, 2018
THE AIRBAG LIGHT SAYS 'OFF' WHEN THERE IS AN ADULT PASSENGER RIDING IN THE SEAT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR OVER A YEAR. THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS CRACKING AROUND THE AIRBAG. THE CRACK IS OUTLINING THE SPACE WHERE THE AIRBAG WOULD POP OUT FROM. IT APPEARS UNSAFE AS IF IT'S FAULTY AND COULD INITIATE AT ANY MINUTE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT LOOKS AS IF OTHER MODELS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I'VE SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THIS MODEL BUT NO RECALLS ARE SHOWN. THERE ARE OTHER 2009 GMS THAT HAVE RECALLS ISSUED.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 11, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. I SEE THAT THE 2009 CHEVY EQUINOX IS NOT ON THE SCHEDULE TO BE RECALLED, HOWEVER, THERE ARE SO MANY WITH THE SAME AIRBAG PROBLEM. IT'S A SCANDAL THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH NOT RECALLING. SAME PROBLEM WITH THE STABILLINK, TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS LIGHTS. IT IS A PROBLEM FOR ALL OF THESE VEHICLES!
Electrical system, Apr 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (DICK SHIRLEY CHEVROLET AT (336) 792-1922, LOCATED AT 2616 ALAMANCE RD, BURLINGTON, NC 27215) AND WAS ADVISED TO PLACE WD-40 ON THE IGNITION SWITCH TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE CONTACT DID AS ADVISED AND WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Apr 12, 2018
CHEVY EQANOX RECALL. WHEN RAINING OR ON WET ROADS OR SNOW THIS LIGHT POPS UP AND SAYS ENGINE REDUCING POWER AND SAYS SERVICE STABILITY TRACK THEN SHUTS THE CAR DOWN I THINK THAT THIS IS A RECALL BECAUSE SEVERAL OF INDIVIDUALS I KNO HAVE CHEVYS AND HAVE THIS ISSUE I TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THEY NEVER. FIGURED OUT FOR ME .
Air bags, Apr 4, 2018
THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS CRACKING AROUND THE AIRBAG. THE CRACK IS OUTLINING THE SPACE WHERE THE AIRBAG WOULD POP OUT FROM. IT APPEARS UNSAFE AS IF ITS FAULTY AND COULD INITIATE AT ANY MINUTE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT LOOKS AS IF OTHER MODELS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I'M REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I SAW AN EXPOSE ON THE TAKATA AIRBAGS AND GM WAS MENTIONED. I'VE SEEN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR THIS MODEL BUT NO RECALLS ARE SHOWN. THERE ARE OTHER 2009 GMS THAT HAVE RECALLS ISSUED. A BODY SHOP TOLD US WE SHOULD CONTACT THE DEALER FOR AN ESTIMATE BECAUSE THERE WERE RECALLS ON THEIR AIRBAGS BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE ARE NONE. I'M TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A FREE ESTIMATE AFTER NOTIFYING THEM THE CRACK HAS BEEN DEVELOPING FOR SOME TIME AND WE'VE BEEN WAITING ON A RECALL.