2009 Chevrolet Equinox
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Equinox › 2009
These records cover every 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
94 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
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. The contact stated that the speedometer was possibly…
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. The contact stated that the speedometer was possibly tampered with because the odometer reading was not displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic c reading was provided and the speedometer reading was repaired and the mileage was 300,107.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from the gas tank. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminating while driving up an…
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact discovered a fuel leak coming from the gas tank. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminating while driving up an incline; however, the light disappeared shortly afterwards. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
- Traction control system
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the traction control warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong odor of gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and notice a fuel leak coming from the fuel tank. The check engine warning light…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong odor of gasoline inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact looked underneath the vehicle and notice a fuel leak coming from the fuel tank. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a crack in the fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.*dt*dt*jb
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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 do this
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body
Had a foul fuel smell, found out gas tank needed to be replaced. Repair facility stated that chevy had the tank in 'ready',no issue to order one. Sounds like some one was ready for this to happen. No assistance from the dealer or chevrolet. Drivers side from door to rear of car paint IS falling off. I can see and feel some sort of 'bubbles' under the paint. Looks like no recall.
- Engine · Power train
When you drive it the transmisson won't shift out of second gear. It makes it hard to get anywhere. it only haw 110,000 miles on it and just had the timing chain done on it and the day went to get it was on my way home and won't come out of 2ND gear.
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc)
The airbag sensor light stays on intermittently and when it does, the passenger airbag says "off" and notification message says "service passenger airbag". Every shop I have to take it to says they see no problems, but a dealer has to take a look. This started happening in 2018 and has been…
The airbag sensor light stays on intermittently and when it does, the passenger airbag says "off" and notification message says "service passenger airbag". Every shop I have to take it to says they see no problems, but a dealer has to take a look. This started happening in 2018 and has been happening since. I have been reading that this IS problem for this model of equinox around this time in its life. the stable track IS similar. Every so often, it stops working but then most of the time IS fine. *tr
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
The timing chain and guides went bad at only 110K miles. And if it was recalled like the 2009 chevy traverse was then I wouldn't have had to fix it. It has the same motor. It IS the 3.6L motor. Because it IS the sports model. It was throwing p0008 p0018 p0017 and two transmission codes so I believe the transmission IS bad now. It IS throwing codes p0752 and p0700. *tr
- Engine
The timing chain went out. *tr
- Air bags
The airbag sensor light comes on and off and after review of this info online there are so many complaints against this same issue not sure why no one will look into the recall needed for these airbags the dealer IS saying it will 1200 to replace sensor light put in by manufacturer this IS insane amount of money needed to keep people safe on the ride this IS must have item in a car
- Steering
Key won't release right away after turning off engine. sometimes it takes a few minutes to release . It's happened dozens of times
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
My airbag light and 'service air bag' light and ABS light and stabalize track light were all on for a few week and I took it to local shop who said the sensor for the brakes under driver seat was bad so that cost $580.00 for new module. that took care of abs/stabilize lights. had to to go dealer…
My airbag light and 'service air bag' light and ABS light and stabalize track light were all on for a few week and I took it to local shop who said the sensor for the brakes under driver seat was bad so that cost $580.00 for new module. that took care of abs/stabilize lights. had to to go dealer for airbag lights and they charged $1070.00 because the airbag module under passenger seat was out and had to replace (part 560 plus labor). I don't feel like I should have had to pay for the airbags!! the airbag lights were on for about 6 months and never went off so I finally got tired of it...no matter if someone was sitting in seat or not, or whether it was idle, in motion, etc.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet equinox. While driving, an odor of antifreeze was coming through the vents inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the heater core was leaking antifreeze onto the ground, the front passenger side window failed to roll down, the driver's side…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet equinox. While driving, an odor of antifreeze was coming through the vents inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the heater core was leaking antifreeze onto the ground, the front passenger side window failed to roll down, the driver's side turn signal failed to lock in place while in use, and the rear brake light bulb failed four times within the year and was replaced by the contact. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and informed the contact that there was no recall on the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Air bags
"Takata recall" service air bag , that IS what comes up on dash every time I start the car.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Steering
The steering pump has gone out, and the flashing engine light just came on . The car IS misfiring. There needs to be a recall on this model and year. More people are having these same issues!
- Air bags · Power train · Unknown or other
My car stopped in the middle of the highway due to the computer system and my airbag light has been on since I bought the car.
- Air bags
Takata recall. Service air bag for passenger seat IS on and air bag IS off. Began while stationary with passenger in the seat. This vehicle has 58,000 miles on it. Unacceptable that it IS not under recall.
- Steering
The steering wheel it gets so hard to turn for no reason to turn right or left please do a recall it IS very dangerous for all of us
- Steering
2009 chevy equinox AWD has steering problem. When turning left or right at normal speeds for turns, the power steering seems to lose power and very hard to turn as it seems the power steering ends. It recovers but intermittently. Does not happen on all turns but usually happens many times in a day.…
2009 chevy equinox AWD has steering problem. When turning left or right at normal speeds for turns, the power steering seems to lose power and very hard to turn as it seems the power steering ends. It recovers but intermittently. Does not happen on all turns but usually happens many times in a day. Happens during cool or warm days and all kinds of other weather situations. I have read that other gm vehicles are being recalled due to this type of problem. Seems to be a voltage drop and their fix IS a software update. This issue IS being experienced by many chevy equinox owners. The turns get hard and then seems to recover when accelerating into the turn. This has to be a voltage drop issue or similar. This can cause.an accident if it occurs at the wrong time. Please.help get a recall.on this.
- Air bags
The airbag light says 'off' when there IS an adult passenger riding in the seat. This has been happening on and off for over a year. the dashboard on the passenger side IS cracking around the airbag. The crack IS outlining the space where the airbag would pop out from. It appears unsafe as if…
The airbag light says 'off' when there IS an adult passenger riding in the seat. This has been happening on and off for over a year. the dashboard on the passenger side IS cracking around the airbag. The crack IS outlining the space where the airbag would pop out from. It appears unsafe as if it's faulty and could initiate at any minute. After doing some research it looks as if other models with similar problems have been recalled. I've seen similar complaints online for this model but no recalls are shown. There are other 2009 gms that have recalls issued.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
Takata recall. I see that the 2009 chevy equinox IS not on the schedule to be recalled, however, there are so many with the same airbag problem. It's a scandal that they are able to get away with not recalling. Same problem with the stabillink, traction control and ABS lights. It IS a problem for all of these vehicles!
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet equinox. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The contact called the dealer (dick shirley chevrolet at (336) 792-1922, located at 2616 alamance rd, burlington, nc 27215) and was advised to place WD-40 on the ignition switch to…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet equinox. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition switch. The contact called the dealer (dick shirley chevrolet at (336) 792-1922, located at 2616 alamance rd, burlington, nc 27215) and was advised to place WD-40 on the ignition switch to remove the key. The contact did as advised and was able to remove the key. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Unknown or other
Chevy eqanox recall. when raining or on wet roads or snow this light pops up and says engine reducing power and says service stability track then shuts the car down I think that this IS a recall because several of individuals I kno have chevys and have this issue I took to dealership they never. Figured out for me .
- Air bags
The dashboard on the passenger side IS cracking around the airbag. The crack IS outlining the space where the airbag would pop out from. It appears unsafe as if its faulty and could initiate at any minute. After doing some research it looks as if other models with similar problems have been…
The dashboard on the passenger side IS cracking around the airbag. The crack IS outlining the space where the airbag would pop out from. It appears unsafe as if its faulty and could initiate at any minute. After doing some research it looks as if other models with similar problems have been recalled. I'm reporting this because I saw an expose on the takata airbags and gm was mentioned. I've seen similar complaints online for this model but no recalls are shown. There are other 2009 gms that have recalls issued. A body shop told us we should contact the dealer for an estimate because there were recalls on their airbags but the dealer said there are none. I'm taking the vehicle to the dealer for a free estimate after notifying them the crack has been developing for some time and we've been waiting on a recall.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250505This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10250244This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
Every Chevrolet Equinox model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.