2009 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is among the quieter years of the Equinox on NHTSA's books: 151 complaints (70% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (37), airbags (26), and engine (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
151
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Equinox years?
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 37 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 26 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 18 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 12 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 11 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 10 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 9 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 7 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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. I THEN HIT A TOW TRUCK AND WAS T BONED. MY VEHICLE…”
“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. PICTURES OF INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR ARE AVAILABLE. *TR”
“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 LITTLE BLAZE STALLED OUT IVE ONLY SEEN CHEVY EQUINOX…”
“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 LITTLE BLAZE STALLED OUT IVE ONLY SEEN CHEVY EQUINOX…”
“MY 2009 CHEVY EQUINOX IS SLOWING DOWN WHEN I REACH 4 RPMS AND WILL NOT SPEED BACK UP UNTIL I GO BACK DOWN TO 3 RPMS NO MATTER HOW FAST OR SLOW I AN GOING ONCE IT REACHES 4 RPMS IT SLOWS DOWN. WHEN I SHUT THE CAR OFF SOMETHING IS STILL RUNNING UNDER THE HOLD BECAUSE I CAN HEAR IT. IT WAS 10 MINUTES…”
2009 Chevrolet Equinox — common questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 151 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Equinox year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2009 Equinox problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (37 complaints), airbags (26 complaints), engine (18 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equinox years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2013, 2005, 2007, 2006, 2012, 2015. The cleanest record among Equinox years belongs to 2026.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.