2008 Chevrolet Equinox Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Air Bags (29.2% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Air Bags complaints here are 3.4× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 108 · 29.2% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 64 · 17.3% | No official action | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 46 · 12.4% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 44 · 11.9% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 39 · 10.5% | No official action | — |
| Engine | 27 · 7.3% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 370 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“PASSENGER AIR BAGS DON'T WORK, DOESN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE A PASSENGER. LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON TO SERVICE AIRBAGS. ALSO MY STABIL CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON THEN…”NHTSA complaint 10573334 — filed 03/19/2014 · AIR BAGS
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WHEN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS OCCUPIED…”NHTSA complaint 10572904 — filed 03/17/2014 · AIR BAGS
“THE SERVICE AIR BAG KEEPS COMING OFF AND ON THE DASH AND THE INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT. IF MY OLDER CHILD OR ANYONE…”NHTSA complaint 10568910 — filed 03/12/2014 · AIR BAGS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox?
Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 108 of 370 NHTSA complaints (29.2%), followed by electrical system (64), electronic stability control (esc) (46), steering (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox have?
370 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 9 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
