The Chevy Equinox is a mid-size SUV that debuted in 2005.
This vehicle remains extremely popular even after 17–18 years.
Over the years, Chevy has brought out several models of the Equinox with upgrades and updated features.
Currently, Equinox’s 3rd generation is on the market, and if we compare each of the years, we will find that some of the model years have major problems.
You can use this article as a resource if you plan on buying a Chevy Equinox in the near future.
I have gathered all the information you need to know about the worst and best years for the Chevy Equinox.
This will help you choose the right Equinox for you.
Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid
The Chevy Equinox has had some major problems from the beginning.
There are three generations of the Chevy Equinox.
The first two generations were criticized for their poor performance.
The present models, however, overcome these issues and are highly effective.
Based on the common problems and driver satisfaction, I shortlisted some Chevy Equinox years on the “avoid” list.
You should avoid the following Equinox years.
- Chevy Equinox 2005-2007 [First Generation Models]
- Chevy Equinox 2010-2017 [Second Generation Models]
If you want to have a pleasant driving experience with the Chevy Equinox, you should avoid these years.
Other Chevy Equinox models are excellent in terms of performance and driver satisfaction.
Why should we try to avoid those years? A simple question.
To help you understand the answer, I’ve talked about each model year’s problems separately and given you a quick fix if you already own one.
2005 Chevy Equinox Problems
Equinox’s first model, the 2005 Chevy Equinox, came with many expectations.
It was a suitable model in its competition years and became a good-selling vehicle until 2014, but the latest models are far better.
Here are some major problems with the 2005 Chevy Equinox:
01. Air Conditioning Malfunction
Users of the 2005 Chevy Equinox reported that they experienced problems with air conditioning.
The malfunction especially happens in hot weather, when a driver switches on the air conditioner and warm air enters the vehicle instead of cool air.
02. Transmission Problems
Most Chevrolet Equinox 2005 transmission problems are caused by clutch breaking.
As a result, many users experienced transmission problems.
The instrument cluster illuminates the check engine light; you may face vehicle reversing issues when the transmission problem occurs.
Most 2005 Chevy Equinox have the following trouble codes:
- P0716
- P0777
- P0776
- P2715
- P0717
- P2714.
There are also other problems with the front arm brushes, the EVAP valve solenoid, and the gas cap on the 2005 Chevy Equinox.
2006 Chevy Equinox Problems
Compared to the 2005 Chevy Equinox, this model had some new features but no major changes.
As a result, the 2006 Chevy Equinox suffers from the same problems as its predecessor.
2007 Chevy Equinox Problems
Some users report problems with this model as well.
The problems are:
01. Heater Failure Issues
User facing AC problem in 2007 Chevy Equinox.
They didn’t get warm air in winter and cool air in summer properly.
02. Poor Safety Ratings
From 2005 to 2007, all these models had crash safety issues and were rated lower by IIHS in crash testing.
As safety ratings are crucial, it placed those years on the avoid list.
03. Airbag Malfunction
Some of the Chevy Equinox 2007 models were recalled due to airbag malfunctions.
Users reported unusual airbag deployments.
As a result, Chevy recalls the models to fix the problem.
2010 Chevy Equinox Problems
Like its predecessor, the 2010 Chevy Equinox also has heating system malfunction issues.
Additionally, the model has engine pistons and transmission failure issues, which are considered severe issues.
Many users reported problems with the pistons after 75,000 miles of driving.
The 2010 Chevy Equinox is primarily on the avoid list due to piston and ring problems.
To replace the rings, users had to pay around $2,950.
This model gets a 71/100 reliability rating.
2011 Chevy Equinox Problems
The Chevy Equinox 2011 came with two significant issues.
The issues are:
01. Poor Fuel Economy
This second-generation Chevy Equinox is less fuel efficient compared to its competitors.
Which increases the user’s monthly spending.
02. Steering Failure Problem
The steering failure problem has also become a significant concern in this model year.
Users spend around $450 to fix the problems.
Few drivers reported facing different engine issues, engine stalling problems, etc., in the 2011 Chevy Equinox.
2012 Chevy Equinox Problems
The 2012 Chevy Equinox has the same engine, transmission, and fuel consumption issues as the 2011 Chevy Equinox.
Due to these issues, you should put the Equinox 2012 model years on the avoid list.
2013 Chevy Equinox Problems
The 2013 Chevy Equinox has the following problems:
- Air conditioning control issues
- Infotainment system malfunction
- Electrical system malfunction
- Issues with emergency alerts.
2014 Chevy Equinox Problems
A common issue with the Chevy Equinox is its air conditioning, which is also causing problems in the 2014 model.
The 2014 Chevy Equinox also has other problems, including
- Faulty compressor
- Transmission issues
- Exhaust leaks
- Braking issues.
2015 Chevy Equinox Problems
Some users reported that the 2015 Chevy Equinox had electrical problems throughout the vehicle.
Drivers were frustrated with this model because the vehicle battery drained so quickly.
The 2015 Equinox has an engine not starting issue, radio problems, and technology freezing issues.
In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found some problems with the 2015 Chevy Equinox’s engine.
2016 Chevy Equinox Problems
The NHSTA reported they have found 57 exterior component issues with this model.
Windshield wiper issues are one of them.
Some users reported an engine piston ring issue after driving 100,000 miles.
Some electrical problems are also noticeable.
2017 Chevy Equinox Problems
Compared with the 2018 model year, 2017 has many problems, that’s why it is put on the avoid list.
The 2017 Chevy Equinox has the following problems:
- Heater issues
- Engine seal issues
- Infotainment issues
- Vehicle acceleration issues.
These are the main problems with the 2005-2007 and 2010-2017 Chevy Equinox model years.
So you should avoid buying these model years.
Solution to Chevy Equinox Problems
Except for these models, other model years are available at the same price, which is reliable and well-performing.
Therefore, you should avoid the mentioned Equinox model years.
For major problems, go to your dealership if the warranty is available, or you can take your SUV to a mechanical shop for proper treatment.
Chevy Equinox Best Years to Select
The best years of Chevy Equinox offer the latest technologies and a trouble-free driving experience.
The updated Chevy Equinox provides enhanced features and a more comfortable driving experience.
However, some of its first-generation models are also renowned for their reliability.
Listed below are the best years for the Chevy Equinox:
- 2008 Chevy Equinox
- 2009 Chevy Equinox
- 2018 Chevy Equinox
- 2019 Chevy Equinox
- 2021 Chevy Equinox
- 2022 Chevy Equinox
- 2023 Chevy Equinox
FAQs
What years Equinox has oil problems?
2014 to 2017 Chevy Equinox models have excessive fuel consumption problems.
These SUVs consume more fuel than their competitors.
What is the most common problem with Equinox?
The Chevy Equinox’s most common problems are:
- Air condition malfunction
- Transmission problem
- Fuel system and
- Engine overheating issue.
What is the life expectancy of a Chevy Equinox?
Generally, a well-maintained Chevy Equinox lasts over 200000 miles without major issues.
It may be 15 to 17 years if you calculate it with timing.
Equinox SUVs’ latest models are very reliable and long-lasting.
What year did the Chevy Equinox burn oil?
Chevrolet Equinox models from 2010-2013 emit a fuel-burning smell.
Later, Chevy resolved the issue.
Final Thoughts
The Chevy Equinox avoid list is compiled based on its common problems, users’ satisfaction, and rating points.
Now you know which Chevy Equinox years to avoid.
Aside from the avoid years, Chevy Equinox has many other model years that you can purchase.
You can choose one at your convenience.
To explore more about other problematic vehicle model years, check out the following articles:
