2008 Chevrolet Equinox: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox
On the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, the failure owners report most often is other electrical problem, and the reports cluster around 72,500 miles. The earliest to appear is ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure, reported by a median of 60,000 miles. Overall it scores 65 out of 100, high risk for a 2008.
High risk for a 2008 — 264th riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. 535 owner reports; fleet size borrowed from other years of the same model.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 63 named failure modes on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, and the three most-reported carry 22% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other electrical problem leads with 43 reports, about 1.9 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 52k to 107,500 miles.
Other body or interior problem follows with 41 reports, usually reported between 33k to 77,500 miles.
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault follows with 32 reports, usually reported between 36k to 92,500 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into electrical (89), body (52) and airbag (50).
The mileage the reports cluster at
422 of the reports on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 73,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 27% by 50,000 miles, 73% by 100,000 miles and 94% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 4 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, which alone holds 14% of the dated reports.
17% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure around 60k, other body or interior problem around 61k, misfire or rough idle around 66k and timing chain, belt or tensioner failure around 70k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 63. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 4 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 17 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 14 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.89, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other electrical problem at $250–$2,000, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault at $300–$1,600 and other driver assistance problem at $250–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
14% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 43 | 30 | 52k | 73k | 106k | 1.9 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 41 | 35 | 33k | 61k | 77k | 1.8 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 32 | 27 | 36k | 75k | 92k | 1.4 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 27 | 22 | 65k | 81k | 118k | 1.2 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 25 | 19 | 53k | 73k | 93k | 1.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 21 | 19 | 70k | 70k | 84k | 0.9 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 21 | 19 | 60k | 60k | 84k | 0.9 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 13 | 11 | 62k | 78k | 100k | 0.6 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 13 | 9 | 100k | 100k | 101k | 0.6 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 12 | 8 | 70k | 96k | 102k | 0.5 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 12 | 8 | 60k | 76k | 151k | 0.5 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Misfire or rough idle | engine | 10 | 9 | 66k | 66k | 66k | 0.4 | $250–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 10 | 10 | 81k | 101k | 156k | 0.4 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 10 | 7 | — | 52k | — | 0.4 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 10 | 7 | — | 95k | — | 0.4 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Loss of power steering | steering | 8 | 5 | — | 100k | — | 0.4 | $600–$2,800 | Critical |
| Other engine problem | engine | 8 | 7 | — | 90k | — | 0.4 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 7 | 5 | — | 80k | — | 0.3 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 7 | 7 | — | 70k | — | 0.3 | $200–$900 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 6 | 6 | — | 93k | — | 0.3 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 6 | 3 | — | 48k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 6 | 2 | — | 91k | — | 0.3 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 6 | 6 | — | 101k | — | 0.3 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 5 | 4 | — | 1k | — | 0.2 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Power steering pump or fluid leak | steering | 5 | 5 | — | 140k | — | 0.2 | $350–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 4 | 4 | — | 2 | — | 0.2 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 4 | 4 | — | 78k | — | 0.2 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 4 | 4 | — | 10 | — | 0.2 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 4 | 4 | — | 36k | — | 0.2 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 4 | 3 | — | 90k | — | 0.2 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 3 | 2 | — | 93k | — | 0.1 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Transmission will not engage a gear | transmission | 3 | 3 | — | 43k | — | 0.1 | $1,500–$6,000 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 3 | 3 | — | 76k | — | 0.1 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 3 | 3 | — | 105k | — | 0.1 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 3 | 3 | — | 100k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 3 | 1 | — | 34k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 3 | 3 | — | 76k | — | 0.1 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Window regulator or power window failure | body | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 3 | 1 | — | 101k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 3 | 2 | — | 99k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 32k | — | 0.1 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | 77k | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 2 | 2 | — | 46k | — | 0.1 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Tire pressure monitor failure | wheels | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $80–$600 | Low |
| Paint peeling or clear coat failure | body | 2 | 2 | — | 73k | — | 0.1 | $600–$6,000 | Low |
| Sunroof failure or glass breakage | body | 2 | 2 | — | 22k | — | 0.1 | $700–$4,500 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 2 | 2 | — | 71k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Air conditioning failure | hvac | 2 | 2 | — | 10k | — | 0.1 | $400–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 2 | 2 | — | 56k | — | 0.1 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 2 | 1 | — | 60k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Electrical fire or melted wiring | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 55k | — | 0.0 | $1,500–$9,000 | Critical |
| Stalling while driving | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 66k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Thermostat failure | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 9k | — | 0.0 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Heater core failure | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 198k | — | 0.0 | $700–$2,400 | Moderate |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 64k | — | 0.0 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 64k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 155k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 17k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 1 | 1 | — | 106k | — | 0.0 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Door latch or handle failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 83k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,200 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 85 | 65 | 43k | 68k | 94k | 3.8 | — | Moderate |
This year had no usable recall paperwork, so the fleet-size estimate is the median of other years of the same model. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox draws about 24 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 93rd percentile of complaint rates among 2008 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. This year had no usable recall paperwork, so the fleet-size estimate is the median of other years of the same model.
The working figure is 22,588 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2008 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other electrical problem
I have been driving since 1963 and this car has absolutely the worst problem with static electricity that I have ever seen. I thought at first it was just me, but at a company meeting (it is a company car) I discovered that everyone I spoke to that has an equinox has the same problem. Even if the car isn't running and you have already been shocked, if you move around slightly in the seat you will get another shock the next time you touch something metal. The shock is sometimes so severe that at first I thought the battery had a short to ground. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet equinox. While driving 25 MPH in rainy conditions, the rear of the vehicle moved sideways uncontrollably. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the failure was a normal characteristic. In addition, the engine warning indicator consistently illuminates on the instrument panel. The gas caps were replaced three times, but the failure typically resurfaces shortly after the repair. Thirdly, the radio:cd:tape:deck fails sporadically and prevents a music cd from being ejected. Lastly, the air conditioner does not blow out of the side vents, which prevents air from disseminating properly. As of march 31, 2009, the technicians are re-inspecting the vehicle to determine the cause of the failures. The failure and current mileages were 26,000. Updated 04/21/09. *lj updated 04/21/09.*jb
Other body or interior problem
Front bumper cover cracked inside left front wheel well where bumper wraps around. Crack began when object in garage was "bumped". Cover material so thin that cover was damaged. Cost to replace was $888.00 at dealership. If material and/or design was better, this never would have happened. Manufacturer wants no part in replacing or fixing the problem. Told me to send it to my insurance carrier. My complaint is the poor material involved and that gm wants repairs for poor quality repaired or replaced on the back of a consumers insurance. *tr
My 2008 chevy equinox front passenger seat pinches you when you are exiting the car. It grabs your bottom / leg on the right side of seat. I have complained to the dealer and manufacture, they say that is the way the car is made and will not do anything about it. I have had people of all sizes try getting in and out , fat or skinny it hurts everyone. I have even asked another person with the same car if it does it to them , and they said yes and did not know what to do. My husband is the passenger most of the time and he is on blood thinners for his heart. He has to be very careful with the slightest injury to watch for internal bleeding. Currently we have to stick a piece of foam on there so when he gets out of car it wont pinch him. We constantly have to do this. I find it unacceptable for a new car I paid 25 k for to do this and the manufacture not willing to fix this defect. It has been like this since we brought the car home in feb. We have complained multiple times with no resolve. *tr
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault
2008 chevrolet equinox air bag light indicates off when a 107# lady is setting in seat. Often you can turn off engine and restart engine and light will function correctly. Have had to dealer 4 times and they say that it can't be fixed. This could be a real problem if I were to have an accident. This has been an on going problem since I purchased the vehicle. *tr
2008 chevrolet equinox air bag light indicates off when a 107# lady is setting in seat. Often you can turn off engine and restart engine and light will function correctly. Have had to dealer 4 times and they say that it can't be fixed. This could be a real problem if I were to have an accident. This has been an on going problem since I purchased the vehicle. *tr
How it ranks in the 2008 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2008 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2008 — 264th riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 22 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 65 and 2019 worst at 83, with 2008 itself at 65.
No other year of this model scores meaningfully better than 2008, so if this generation is what you want, the year is not the lever.
Within the 2005–2009 generation specifically, 2008 is the strongest year at 65 and 2005 the weakest at 76.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2005-2009 generation, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox scores best at 65 and 2005 Chevrolet Equinox worst at 76.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other body or interior problem from about 33k, airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault from about 36k, other electrical problem from about 52k and other steering problem from about 53k.
On a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other body or interior problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
What this page cannot tell you
535 owner reports; fleet size borrowed from other years of the same model. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 535 reports, 422 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 79% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported failures are other electrical problem (43 reports, median 72,500 miles), other body or interior problem (41 reports, median 62,500 miles) and airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault (32 reports, median 75,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2008 Chevrolet Equinox problems start?
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 60,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 60,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 73,000 miles.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
It scores 65 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 264th riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2008 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Chevrolet Equinox is best?
Within the 2005–2009 generation, 2008 scores best at 65 out of 100 and 2005 worst at 76. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed