Chevy’s Equinox is a road legend. But even the best vehicles face recalls. We review each generation of the compact SUV to determine which years to avoid (and which are better alternatives).
The Chevy Equinox debuted for the 2005 model year, looking to fill as a replacement for the legendary Blazer and Tracker SUVs. However, it was also entering one of the most competitive classes on the market, the saturated compact crossover SUV class.
The Equinox had to battle for the top spot in its class against its fellow American rival, the Ford Escape, which had already built a strong following in the four years since its release.
However, it was the Japanese-built Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V that put up the bulk of the fight. And fight they did, with the Equinox settling behind them for third place as Car and Driver‘s best-selling CUV of 2020.
The Equinox has consistently ranked well on sites like J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book, receiving praise year after year for its second-row legroom and assortment of standard safety features.
What’s more, it hasn’t dropped below a four-star customer satisfaction rating across thousands of Vehicle History reviews between 2005 and 2020.
Though popular, some model years are more problematic than others, with some having as many as five recalls while others boast none.
However, just because one year has more recalls than another, doesn’t mean it’s one to avoid â no, there’s more to it than that.
Here we’ll dig through the recalls, complaints, crash tests, and consumer reviews to figure out which years to stay away from.
First-generation Equinox (2005-2009)
When the Equinox rolled into showrooms for the 2005 model year, it marked a notable first. All Chevy SUVs prior were built body-on-frame. For body-on-frame construction, we can think of the body and frame as two separate entities.
The Equinox, however, was built as a unibody, meaning the frame and body were “one.”
Cars and even other GM SUVs had unibody construction before the Equinox, however, this was the first Chevy SUV with unibody construction. It further distinguished itself from the Blazer by offering front- or all-wheel-drive, as opposed to the rear-wheel-drive Blazer.
It was initially powered by a 185 hp, 3.4L V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine achieved a max towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. and a combined mpg of 19 for both the FWD and AWD versions.
For those who exclusively buy “American” vehicles, the first-generation Equinox was not a great option. The engine was made in China, the transmission from Japan, and it was assembled in Canada.
However, the Sport models offered for the 2008-2009 model years provide 264 hp from a 3.6L V6 American-made power plant paired with an American-made six-speed automatic transmission.
First-gen. Equinox: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Years to Avoid: (2005-2007)
- Good Years: (2008)
- Best Years: (2009)
Although the Equinox was very popular, it had some reliability issues. For starters, it received an average of over 550 complaints per model year, according to the NHTSA.
A common problem for all Equinoxes equipped with the 3.4L V6 is the lower intake gaskets failing where Chevy failed to realize that their newest DexCool super-coolant was eating at the intake manifold gasket. This is a rather common problem that can be diagnosed by the engine overheating, costing about $700 to fix.
Other problems included a faulty ignition for the 2005-2008 Equinoxes and a fuel pump failure for 2007. Although the fuel pump was recalled, the ignition problem was not. Note, the 2009 model year is the most reliable of the bunch with only 91 complaints.
As for safety, the 2005-2006 Equinoxes have received many complaints about a failing heater. Not only does this leave occupants cold, but the windshield cannot be defrosted, leading to a safety concern.
Other safety concerns include a faulty passenger airbag sensor. This seems to be an isolated problem as it only affected the 2007 model year. Chevy recalled and fixed this issue.
In addition to these safety concerns, it did not fare too well in the IIHS crash test. It received a marginal score for both the side and head restraints & seats categories.
Although the rear passengers fared alright, those in the front did not. Standard curtain airbags were added in 2009, further distinguishing the model year as the best choice.
Although the Equinox is fairly reliable, if you’re looking for a family car, the first-gen. Equinox cannot be considered due to its lack of safety.
Second-generation Equinox (2010-2017)
When the second-generation Equinox landed in showrooms for the 2010 model year, it brought with it some key refinements to the original. The new Equinox appeared to be more “car-like” as opposed to the previous generation.
Chevy replaced the old 3.5L V6 engine with a new 2.4L I4.
Obviously, this led to massive fuel economy gains, the new standard Equinox got seven more mpg than the last, for a combined mpg of 26.
However, there were still many similarities, such as standard FWD and optional AWD. Chevy also changed up the optional engine, they brought a new 3.0L V6 to replace the old 3.6L V6. Finally, Chevy made a six-speed automatic transmission standard.
When Chevy released the Equinox in 2010, they did not just “set it and forget it”, they constantly modified it to make it better. The first change came in 2011 when Chevy made the 3.0L V6 E85 compatible. The 2.4L I4 would follow suit shortly thereafter in 2012 when they made it E85 compatible as well.
Ironically, in 2013 the 3.0L V6 was replaced by a new 3.6L V6. Then, in 2016, one year before the second-gen. retired, Chevy gave it a massive refresh. The refresh brought with it much-needed restyling as well as making a backup camera standard for all Equinoxes.
Second-gen. Equinox: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Years to Avoid: (2010-2012 & 2013-2017 w/2.4L I4 engine)
- Best Years: (2013-2017 w/3.6L V6 engine)
To gain the good graces of those looking for a family hauler, the second-generation Equinox was extremely safe.
For MY 2010-2016, it received IIHS Top Safety Picks and even received a Top Safety Pick+ for 2014.
Unfortunately, the 2017 model year did not receive either of the awards. This is not because the 2017 model is unsafe, but rather because the IIHS started testing the LATCH ease of use.
LATCH is the child-anchoring system found in cars. So, in conclusion, all Equinoxes are very safe, but their LATCH system is not as intuitive as competitors.
Unfortunately, the safety of the Equinox might be all for not. It must be stated, the 2.4L I4 engine needs to be avoided at all costs. It does not matter whether it was the original non-E85 LAF (2010-2011) or the E85-friendly LEA (2012-2017). This engine accounted for almost all complaints on the NHTSA.
The problem was that it consumed excessive oil, causing a lack of lubrication. This of course could lead to a blown engine, which is a costly fix.
However, the V6 engines did not have this problem. The 3.0L V6 (2010-2012) suffered from failing timing chains, but the 3.6L V6 (2013-2017) did not. Another very common problem, which affected all model years and sparked an NHTSA investigation is wiper failure.
Third-generation Equinox (2018-Present)
The third-generation Equinox came into showrooms with a vengeance. Chevy did not mess around when redesigning the Equinox, and their efforts did not go unnoticed as it was their second best-seller, next to the Silverado.
The new Equinox was both smaller than the previous and lighter, losing 400 lbs. and shrinking 4.7 inches. The new Equinox came with several great technology upgrades such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Also, safety features were added, including a wide-angle backup camera, forward collision warning, and low-speed automatic braking. Chevy plans on further upgrading the Equinox for the 2022 model year with a redesign.
As was the same with the Equinoxes of the past, the third generation also offered drivers the choice between FWD or AWD.
However, for the first time in Equinox history, Chevy would offer three different engines, all four cylinders.
A 1.5L I4 Turbo was made the standard engine, whereas a turbodiesel 1.6L I4 and a 2.0L I4 Turbo were optional. The respective combined mpg for the three engines is 28, 25, and 32.
The premium 2.0T received a nine-speed automatic transmission, whereas the other two received a six-speed automatic. In 2020, the turbodiesel option was dropped due to a lack of demand and practicality.
Similarly, the 2.0T would be dropped for the 2021 model year, leaving the 1.5T as the sole survivor.
Third-gen. Equinox: Years to Avoid & Better Alternatives
- Best Years: (2018-Present)
The third generation proved to be exceptionally safe, according to the IIHS crash tests. Although it only received IIHS Top Safety Picks for the 2020-2021 model years, the 2018-2019 models were safe as well.
In fact, the only thing that held them back from earning a Top Safety Pick was their headlights and LATCH system (yet again). Ironically, the best headlights offered on the Equinox come from the middle-of-the-road LT trim, not the top-of-the-line Premier trim.
Also, with the current generation averaging less than 100 complaints per model year, according to the NHTSA, the new Equinox is proving to be a reliable choice.
Chevy Equinox Model Years to Avoid
The Chevrolet Equinox is definitely a car to consider if you are looking for a cheap SUV with options and good mpg. At a used price of around $20,000 it certainly is affordable.
If you want something with good technology, space for the kids and groceries, as well as decent performance, this car will not disappoint.
Also, with the redesign releasing in about a year, it certainly may be something worth waiting for. That is if you like the new looks, driving assists, and the RS trim for your inner race car driver.
Although there are several great options such as the 2009 and 2013-2017 models with the 3.6L V6, or the 2018-present model years, the others are best left alone.
Specifically, the 2010-2017 models with the 2.4L I4 engine should be avoided at all costs due to excessive engine oil consumption that may lead to a hefty engine replacement repair bill.
The 2010-2012 models with the 3.0L V6 could end up in the repair shop just as quickly with its faulty timing chains that can potentially stretch and break.
As for the 2005-2007 model years, these should be avoided mostly due to heater problems, where neither the interior or windshield defroster will heat. While there’s no such thing as a vehicle that doesn’t break, if you’re shopping for a Chevy Equinox, avoid the years above, or hold on to your hat.
Photos: Chevrolet, Wikicommons
