Equinox (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LNJ
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Chevrolet Equinox Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
LU3
4.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
L52
3.5L 5-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Equinox, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox
On a used 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (588), the engine (398) and the fuel system (359). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 588 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 398 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox about the engine, all engines combined.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 359 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 331 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 228 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox about the brakes.
Recalls (5)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 complaints?
Owners have filed 2,473 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the engine and the fuel system.
Is the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,473 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA has 2,473 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Equinox?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the engine and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 2,473 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.