PROBLEM GUIDE

2006–2009 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated June 2026

370

complaints filed for the 2008 model year

2006–2009

Model years affected

$200 – $700

Typical repair cost, by problem

Engine is by far the largest repair category for this generation (36% of repairs, one of the highest single-category shares in the available data). NHTSA complaints note that 2007 model-year airbag and fuel-system recalls were not extended to the 2008 model year despite matching symptoms. Check your VIN rather than assuming your model year is or isn't covered.

Quick Scan: 13 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Head gasket leak

Coolant/oil mixing, overheating risk

Check engine light: On

Head gasket leaks reported across an unusually wide mileage range, including one case at just 11,000 miles — notably early for this kind of failure. NHTSA data corroborates head gasket failures and timing chain stretching as among the top-reported engine issues for this generation, alongside overheating. A head gasket fault like this typically triggers a check-engine light.

$70011,000 – 52,000 mi

One case at 11,000 mi is unusually early — may reflect a manufacturing-run issue rather than typical wear.

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Cam solenoid fault

Check engine light

Check engine light: On

A camshaft solenoid fault triggering the check engine light. Single documented case at $200 and 72,000 miles.

$20072,000 mi

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Cylinder misfire / knock sensor

Misfire

Check engine light: On

Cylinder misfires tied to worn spark plugs and a knock sensor fault. A misfire like this always triggers a check-engine light.

$60092,700 mi

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EGR valve malfunction

Check engine light, rough running

Check engine light: On

An EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve malfunction. Single documented case at $500 and 78,000 miles. An EGR fault typically triggers a check-engine light.

$50078,000 mi

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Thermostat / fuel economy / engine noise (early-life cluster)

Poor fuel economy, engine noise, thermostat malfunction

Check engine light: On

Three separate complaints — thermostat malfunction, poor fuel economy, and engine noise — all reported at the same early mileage point (8,000 mi), which may reflect a common early-production-run issue rather than three unrelated wear items. No cost figures were given.

8,000 mi

All three reports cluster at exactly 8,000 mi — a possible early-production-run pattern rather than independent wear items.

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High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) leak

Fuel leak

Check engine light: On

A high-pressure fuel pump leak. Our one documented case was warranty-covered at 29,000 miles; no out-of-pocket figure is available for owners outside a warranty window. A fuel leak like this typically triggers a check-engine light.

Warranty-covered in our documented case29,000 mi

Only a warranty-covered case is documented — no out-of-pocket cost data yet for owners past warranty.

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Rough idle / oil consumption

Rough idle, oil consumption

Check engine light: Off

Rough idle paired with oil consumption. Oil consumption alone doesn't reliably trigger a check-engine light unless it's severe enough to affect emissions readings.

49,000 mi

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AC Compressor Failure

AC compressor failure

Check engine light: Off

AC compressor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 374 owner reports on file.

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Transmission fault or check engine light with codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, P2715

Transmission fault and/or check engine light with pressure-switch/solenoid codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, and/or P2715

Check engine light: On

Transmission fault and/or check engine light with pressure-switch/solenoid codes P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, and/or P2715. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 188 owner reports on file.

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Gas cap / fuel-fill issue (check engine light and difficulty filling the tank)

Check engine light due to a gas cap issue, and/or trouble filling the gas tank

Check engine light: On

Check engine light due to a gas cap issue, and/or trouble filling the gas tank. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 160 owner reports on file.

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Rattle From Front Lower Control Arm

Rattling noise from the front lower control arm

Check engine light: Off

Rattling noise from the front lower control arm. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 99 owner reports on file.

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DRL Resistor May Fail

Daytime running light resistor failure

Check engine light: Off

Daytime running light resistor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 49 owner reports on file.

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Water Leak on Passenger Side Floor When AC Is Running

Water leaking onto the passenger-side floor when the AC is running

Check engine light: Off

Water leaking onto the passenger-side floor when the AC is running. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 37 owner reports on file.

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This generation has confirmed recalls for fuel system/gasoline leaks (Campaign 12V459000, plus a related Special Coverage Letter for fuel pump cracking) and airbags/electrical (Campaign 16V507000) — neither is listed as a common problem below. NHTSA complaints note the 2008 model year was excluded from recalls that covered the 2007 model year despite owners reporting identical symptoms. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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