2010 Chevrolet Equinox
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 780 |
| 2012 | 682 |
| 2013 | 747 |
| 2014 | 543 |
| 2015 | 678 |
| 2016 | 391 |
| 2017 | 270 |
| 2018 | 388 |
| 2019 | 290 |
| 2020 | 291 |
| 2021 | 86 |
| 2022 | 153 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 206 |
| 2026 | 53 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
35% of complaints: engine — 271 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin TSB #: 19-NA-065.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260327
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180611
We were unaware of the oil consumption issue related to the 2010 Equinox. As a result we purchased one with less then 100 k miles, changed the oil, and sent my college bound daughter off with it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231213
22% of complaints: power train — 173 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY17% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 132 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 78 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY7% of complaints: air bags — 54 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ONE OF THE TIRES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES FROM THE DEPLOYMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180622
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH, ANOTHER DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CORNER OF THE VEHICLE. THE COLLISION CAUSED THE CONTACT TO THEN CRASH INTO A UTILITY POLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130418
AS I APPROACHED AN INTERSECTION, I HIT THE REAR END OF A FORD 150 PICK UP TRUCK THAT WAS IN THE INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. MY APPROX SPEED WAS 15 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120603
SAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GM
Campaign 09V489000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014.
Campaign 14V447000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (271 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (173 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (132 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V489000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V447000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.