2008 Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has a complaint index of 20, ranking 17th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict, though that rating is capped due to less complete records for 2005-2009 models. Airbags are the top problem area with 110 complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 Equinox years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 370
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16.5 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
Top 2008 Chevy Equinox problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags110 (30%)
- Electrical System83 (22%)
- Brakes58 (16%)
- Structure & Body57 (15%)
- Fuel System48 (13%)
- Steering44 (12%)
- Engine43 (12%)
- Other22 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain16 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers15 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel suddenly becomes hard to turn or loses power assist, sometimes tied to a stability control warning light.
- Some describe the steering seizing entirely at low speed, causing a loss of control and a crash.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in crashes at highway speeds, with occupants sustaining injuries.
- A steering or power steering module reportedly failed more than once even after dealer replacement.
- One owner reported an engine lockup followed by an oil and power steering fluid leak that led to a fire.
- Static electricity buildup inside the cabin was reported as an ongoing annoyance by multiple owners.
2008 Chevrolet Equinox recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2008 Chevrolet Equinox fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 Equinox a complaint index of 20 and a Good verdict relative to other Equinox model years, ranking 17th worst out of 21 years tracked. However, the verdict is capped to Good rather than a higher rating because complaint records for 2005-2009 model years are less complete.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 110 complaints and 30% of all reported issues, with a median failure mileage of 68,000 miles. Electrical system complaints follow at 83 reports.
- Are there any recalls on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2008 Equinox, including zero do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2008 Equinox compare to other Equinox years?
- With a complaint index of 20, the 2008 model ranks better than years like 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015, all of which carry Avoid verdicts with higher complaint indexes of 75 or more.