Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 370 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 71 | 19% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 32 | 9% |
| Steering | 24 | 6% |
| Structure | 23 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 17 | 5% |
| Engine | 14 | 4% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 11 | 3% |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 3% |
| Fuel system | 8 | 2% |
| Unknown or other | 7 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 tol
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
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 ca
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
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 inspe
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
Brakes stopped working while vehicle was in drive. I had to use emergency brake to get it to stop.
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 condi
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
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 b
NHTSA complaint: Wheels
| Reliability raw | 62 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 77 | good |
| Depreciation | 69 | good |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 36 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 370 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and air bags is the most reported area with 71 of them (19%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 62/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2008 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.