Car Yearsto Avoid

2008 Chevrolet Equinox Problems

What owners have reported about the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 370 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and stability control.

370 complaints 0 recalls 9th worst of 19 Equinox years

Top 2008 Chevrolet Equinox problems

1

Airbag problems

110 complaints (30%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and sensor / control module.

Complaints 110 · Usually at 41,000–94,000 miles

2

Electrical problems

65 complaints (18%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and switch.

Complaints 65 · Usually at 53,000–93,000 miles

3

Stability control problems

51 complaints (14%) name the stability control, most often the automatic (ASC).

Complaints 51 · Usually at 60,000–102,000 miles

4

Fuel system problems

48 complaints (13%) name the fuel system, most often the tank assembly.

Complaints 48 · Usually at 71,000–119,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Airbags 30%
Electrical 18%
Stability Control 14%
Fuel System 13%
Steering 12%
Engine 10%
Body 9%
Lights 6%
Unknown or Other 5%
Door Locks and Latches 5%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (291 of 370). The amber line is the middle value, about 76,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2008 Chevrolet Equinox recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox.

Get an email when your 2008 Chevrolet Equinox gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Equinox years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2010 Equinox 784
2011 Equinox 782
2013 Equinox 751
2012 Equinox 685
2015 Equinox 680
2014 Equinox 548
2018 Equinox 409
2016 Equinox 398
2008 Equinox 370
2020 Equinox 314
2019 Equinox 305
2017 Equinox 276
2025 Equinox 233
2022 Equinox 183
2021 Equinox 99
2023 Equinox 98
2009 Equinox 94
2024 Equinox 79
2026 Equinox 72

2008 Chevrolet Equinox problems by system

Airbags (110)

Common questions

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 370 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and stability control.

What are the most common 2008 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Owners most often report problems with the airbags, electrical system, stability control and fuel system. 110 complaints (30%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and sensor / control module.

At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Equinox airbags problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 41,000–94,000 miles, with a middle value near 68,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.

Should I buy a used 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?

Ask for service records covering the airbags and compare with the 2026, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.