2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. This model year has 370 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 110 | 7 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 65 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 46 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 44 | 5 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 39 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 35 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 33 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 370 most recent complaints
Problem with transmission not shifting properly. Also, the subframe is rusting out because water from the air conditioning unit falls directly on the subframe at that point both are safety hazards My service provider told me about the subframe rusting when I had my oil changed an…
Head gasket failure as well as intake manifold
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor on the outside of the vehicle and the odor was entering into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken…
Door locks they do not like to unlock lock, they will go halfway and get stuck and then I can’t get into my car
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and allowing the vehicle to idle for a minute or two, the contact started smelling an abnormally strong gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated an orange-colored eng…
The contact's mother owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered a major fuel leak coming fro…
Brakes stopped working while vehicle was in drive. I had to use emergency brake to get it to stop.
Over the entire life of this vehicle numerous issues with the ABS/Stabilitrak system resulting in handling issues and expensive repairs. The problem starts with handling issues while braking or driving in slippery conditions and eventually results in dash warning messages.
I am constantly having to fix my "learn remote" settings, vehicle stereo volume does not always match the level of it's output, blinker continues to get stuck on even after the steering wheel is in the position for the blinker to have ceased, door locks are sometimes stuck unlock…
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side interior door handles were fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. T…
Occasionally, when finished driving and the key is turned towards the off position it will not fully turn back in order to pull the key out. It will shut off the engine but generally stops in approx. the accy position. If you restart the engine and drive a little more it has th…
I believe the Airbags on 08 Equinox's need recalled. I currently have an airbag light on and would like it fixed.
Transmission Control Module is a known problem on these vehicles. When it fails, it causes a failure in the clutch wave plate resulting in a catastrophic failure in the transmission. I believe this problem is a safety issue and needs to be reported to GM Motor Corporation!!! I am…
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
I could smell gas Took it in for inspection it has not been fixed yet so we know it’s something to do with the fuel and the mechanic said if you drive it could blow up
The car overheats within a very few minutes. Faster when idelling at a stop light or sign waiting to enter a busy street. I have replaced the thermostat, water pump, temperature sensor, antifreeze (with GM antifreeze) after flushing out the radiator, and it still gets hot. The d…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLE CHEVY BUICK GMC CADILLAC (1156 BIG LAUREL HWY, BLUEFIELD, WV 24701) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE PASSENGER AIR …
CODE B0081 PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE ERRATIC. SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY FAULTY DESIGN.
THE WHEEL TRANSFER CASE LEAKING AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. PULLING LOTS OF DIFFERENT CODES. TIMING CHAIN IS AFFECTED AND NOT 100% SURE IF IT'S ALSO THOSE OTHER CODES.
WHILE DRIVING MY HEADLIGHTS KEEP RANDOMLY SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN I TRY TO TURN THE KNOB TO TURN THEM BACK ON NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF AND START IT AGAIN. AND ALSO WHEN I PRESS MY LOCK BUTTON THE CAR STARTS UP WITH NO KEY.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox.
Recalls for 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.
2008 Chevrolet Equinox — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has 370 NHTSA owner complaints, 9 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Airbag Malfunctions (110 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (110 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (65 complaints). #3: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (46 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has 9 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 370 total NHTSA complaints. 12 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Airbag Malfunctions issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Equinox reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.