2009 Chevrolet Equinox
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 638 |
| 2006 | 695 |
| 2007 | 685 |
| 2008 | 370 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 784 |
| 2011 | 781 |
| 2012 | 683 |
| 2013 | 751 |
| 2014 | 546 |
| 2015 | 679 |
| 2016 | 395 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 403 |
| 2019 | 301 |
| 2020 | 306 |
| 2021 | 93 |
| 2022 | 166 |
| 2023 | 95 |
| 2024 | 76 |
| 2025 | 222 |
| 2026 | 71 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
28% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAD PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING TO WORK DUE TO LOW BLOOD SUGAR. THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A STRUCTURE AT APPROXIMATELY 55/60 MPH. NONE OF MY AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOYED. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20140316
TWO MONTHS AFTER REPAIR OF VEHICLE, GRANDDAUGHTER REPORTED THAT CAR VEERED TO RIGHT AND SHE COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR. SHE HIT A POLE AND THE CAR SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE SUFFERED A CONCUSSION AND BRUISES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110225
26% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and switch.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Odometer Fraud - The contact purchased a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 186,425 as stated on the contract.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260507
I HAVE HEAT PROBLEMS, I HAVE PUT $1,200 INTO THE REPAIRS AND TO NO AVAIL THERE STILL IS A PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI report, 20180103
19% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS HEADING DOWNTOWN WITH MY KIDS AND THIS CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I WAS DRIVING THIS WAS ONE OF THE WORSE DAYS OF MY LIFE CHEVROLET SHOULD BE ASHAMED ALL THEM EQUINOX NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES THIS CAR SET A...
NHTSA ODI report, 20201008
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS RECENTLY IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. MY VEHICLE SHUT OFF AS I WAS DRIVING AND IN ROUTE OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AS A RESULT OF MY VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF, I HAD NO BRAKES AND WAS THEREFORE UNABLE TO PREVENT MY VEHICLE FROM PROCEEDING THROUGH A RED LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150828
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ABNORMAL FUMES WERE ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN, WHICH WAS CAUSING THE DRIVER AND ANY PASSENGER TO BECOME DROWSY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131115
13% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 12 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.