Car Yearsto Avoid

2009 Chevrolet Equinox Problems

What owners have reported about the 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Equinox a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Equinox. Owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA, the 17th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and engine.

94 complaints 0 recalls 17th worst of 19 Equinox years

Top 2009 Chevrolet Equinox problems

1

Airbag problems

26 complaints (28%) name the airbags.

Complaints 26 · Usually at 57,000–99,000 miles

2

Electrical problems

23 complaints (25%) name the electrical system, most often the switch and speedometer / odometer.

Complaints 23 · Usually at 58,000–93,000 miles

3

Engine problems

18 complaints (19%) name the engine.

Complaints 18 · Usually at 72,000–109,000 miles

4

Stability control problems

13 complaints (14%) name the stability control.

Complaints 13 · Usually at 61,000–87,000 miles

Which parts fail most

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

Airbags 28%
Electrical 25%
Engine 19%
Stability Control 14%
Fuel System 13%
Acceleration 12%
Transmission 11%
Unknown or Other 7%
Wipers and Visibility 6%
Tires 5%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (76 of 94). The amber line is the middle value, about 79,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2009 Chevrolet Equinox recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox.

Get an email when your 2009 Chevrolet Equinox gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 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

Common questions

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Equinox. Owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA, the 17th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the airbags, electrical system and engine.

What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Owners most often report problems with the airbags, electrical system, engine and stability control. 26 complaints (28%) name the airbags.

At what mileage do 2009 Chevrolet Equinox airbags problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 57,000–99,000 miles, with a middle value near 74,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2009 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 2009 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.