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Exterior lightingPart report

2008 Chevrolet Equinox Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
22about this part
Share
6%of 370 total for the year
Median mileage
50,799miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, 6% of the 370 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,799 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“There is a strange sound of water sloshing under the dashboard. There is moisture build up in my headlights which have been replaced. My brake light go out several times a year. The most recent occurrence was just after my annual inspection - the driver side brake light was replaced, not two weeks later someone pulled up next to me while stopped at a light to tell me all my lights were out. …”

NHTSA complaint #10910130, filed 2016-09, 91,000 miles

“Passenger air bags did not work, doesn't even acknowledge a passenger. Light is always on to service airbags. Also my stabil control lights come on then go off. A couple months or even longer, they come on again. I have had them checked out. The passenger air bags sensor was replace at a cost of $900.00 andstabil control lights repair was $350 and continue to have problems . …”

NHTSA complaint #10575521, filed 2014-03, 94,000 miles

“I was coming home and my head lights go out completely out no fuse is out not sure what is wrong . I am disable and I need to know how to fix this . Need some answers . Seems like a on going problem from the complaints I read . Thank you”

NHTSA complaint #10855677, filed 2016-04, 49,598 miles

“Over a year and a half ago I had the engine light come on in my 2008 Equinox. Took it into the chevy dealer and the diagnostic tool said timing chain/engine position. Here I am today, did not do the $1,600 recommended repair and the car is still driving fine and no issues. The engine light has been reset multiple times only to keep coming back. I also have both headlights filled with moisture and it affects the brightness of the lights at night. Finally, I have had multiple times when the stabilitrac light comes on and then by day end it will be off.”

NHTSA complaint #10717598, filed 2015-05, 83,500 miles

“I purchased my 2008 Equinox in march 2010; there was slight moisture building up in both headlight assemblies; now major moisture. After replacing both headlights and multiple bulbs, the entire left side went out in july 2014. I took to a dealership and GM part was replaced for $350 (had work discount). My right side is building up with moisture and will eventually have to be replaced once my headlight goes out. This is a known GM issue; however, GM does not seem to want to accept responsibility for a poorly manufactured headlight assembly in the Equinox.”

NHTSA complaint #10621054, filed 2014-08, 26,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202611%
2025146%
202422%
202133%
202062%
201962%
201861%
201731%
201621%
201530%
201431%
201371%
201261%
201120%
201061%
200933%
2008226%
2007172%
2006112%
2005152%

Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Air bags
110 complaints
Electrical system
65 complaints
Electronic stability control
48 complaints
Fuel system
48 complaints
Steering
44 complaints
Body and structure
33 complaints
Engine
27 complaints
Other or unknown
25 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
18 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
16 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology