Chevrolet

Equinox (1st)

2005-2009 · Compact SUV ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.7)
2,480 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
30 Fire Reports
97 Crash Reports
View all 3 generations of the Chevrolet Equinox → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (16.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (16.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (16.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.7% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.7% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LNJ

3.4L 6-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
1,858 complaints 371.6 per year
25 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
461
fuel system
288
other
286
engine
281
safety systems
281

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (461 complaints)
Typical onset: 60,000โ€“107,000 mi Est. repair: $388โ€“$1,250 (40 reports)
Fuel System Issues (288 complaints)
Typical onset: 60,658โ€“102,316 mi Est. repair: $586โ€“$1,125 (44 reports)
Engine Issues (281 complaints)
Typical onset: 63,000โ€“115,000 mi Est. repair: $631โ€“$1,925 (42 reports)

5 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Equinox regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (465 complaints)
electrical critical
Engine Issues (297 complaints)
engine critical
Fuel System Issues (288 complaints)
fuel_system critical
Safety Systems Issues (282 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Brakes Issues (166 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (5)

12V459000Sep 18, 2012serious
Fuel System

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas; model year 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn ION vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, or Texas; model year 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arizona; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, or Texas. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the plastic supply or return port on the fuel pump module may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

07V242000Jun 12, 2007serious
Visibility

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." AN INCORRECT PRIMER MAY HAVE BEEN USED WHEN INSTALLING THE WINDSHIELD. THE SAME PRIMER MAY HAVE ALSO BEEN APPLIED TO THE LIFTGATE GLASS AND THE SIDE STATIONARY GLASS.

07V520000Jul 10, 2007serious
Air Bags

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH OPTIONAL ROOF RAIL AIRBAGS OR OPTIONAL SUNROOF FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201,"OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING NHTSA IMPACT TESTS, THE INTERIOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION TEST POINTS EXCEEDED THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

07V344000Jul 7, 2007serious
Air Bags

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN THESE VEHICLES, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS BUILT WITH A PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM. WHEN TESTED WITH A REPRESENTATIVE UNRESTRAINED SMALL ADULT, THE SYSTEM IS REQUIRED TO TURN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG ON. AN ERROR IN THE SEAT SENSOR CALIBRATION CAN CAUSE IT TO FAIL THIS TEST. IN ADDITION, THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM TURNING OFF WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A SMALL CHILD.

04V302000Jun 29, 2004cosmetic
Powertrain

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' AN IGNITION KEY PARK LOCK CABLE END FITTING WAS NOT FULLY SEATED ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER NAIL HEAD DURING INSTALLATION.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

The 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox has accumulated 2,480 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Equinox engine is most reliable?

The 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox was offered with 7 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.4L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox a good used car?

The 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,480 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox have?

The 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox has 2,480 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox?

There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Equinox?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Equinox, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Equinox?

The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,480 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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