2009 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Equinox years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.1× that of a typical Chevrolet Equinox year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 6 of its 94 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported problem: Passenger airbag shows off with an adult in the seat (17 complaints, median 88,000 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 94filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles, 77 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.4L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2009 Equinox most often report the passenger airbag indicator showing the airbag off with an adult seated there, dashboard messages about StabiliTrak and traction control accompanied by reduced engine power, and fuel odors traced to leaking fuel pumps or tanks. Many of these reports arrive between roughly 50,000 and 100,000 miles, and several describe the airbag and stability warnings as intermittent before becoming more frequent.
- Electronic stability control
StabiliTrak and traction control warnings with power loss
- 13 complaints (14%)
- median 72,545 mi at 5.5 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2019
Owners describe dashboard messages such as StabiliTrak off, service traction control and engine power reduced, sometimes followed by the engine shutting down or the vehicle refusing to accelerate past a low speed. Several complaints say the vehicle limped or cut power while merging or driving at highway speeds, and that restarting cleared the message temporarily. Throttle body cleaning or replacement is the repair most often mentioned, and some owners report the message returning after a fix. Mostly reported between roughly 20,000 and 100,000 miles, and complaints describe occurrences in rain, cold and warm weather alike.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body has been cleaned or replaced and whether the stability and traction warning lights have come on during a test drive; a scan tool check for stored codes can help.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving at a speed of 40 MPH when I slowed to make a right turn. The stabilitrak notification stated that it was off trak and to service traction control and that engine speed is reduced . I could drive no faster than 5 MPH. I pulled over and turned my car off for a few minutes. When I started it back up the speed was normal again but the engine light remained lit and solid. This is the second time in 2 years that this problem has occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560377, filed 2014-01, 105,000 miles“On thursday 3/19/2015 as was driving to work I noticed that on the dashboard that the stabilitraking off, service traction controlled and service stabilitraking and engine power is reduced. On my way home there was no message on the dash, but the next day 3/20/2015 on my way to work that same message came on and it stayed on, so I took it to a garage and they tried to diagnose what was wrong and they could not fin out what it was and they told me to take it to the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10700883, filed 2015-03, 75,000 miles - Air bags
Passenger airbag shows off with an adult in the seat
- 17 complaints (18%)
- median 88,000 mi at 7.3 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2020
Complaints describe the passenger airbag light and a service airbag message staying on, with the on/off indicator reading off even when an adult occupies the seat. Some owners say the warning appears intermittently and then more often, and a few mention cracking in the dash around the passenger airbag cover. According to complaints, dealers often quoted several hundred to over a thousand dollars for a passenger presence module or switch repair, and some owners reported being told the concern was not covered. Reported from about 13,000 to 145,000 miles, with many between roughly 50,000 and 100,000 miles and reports spread across all seasons.
What to check: With the engine on, sit in the passenger seat and confirm the indicator reads on and that no service airbag message appears; ask whether the passenger presence module has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11337461, filed 2020-07, 120,000 miles“Air bag passenger light always flashes passenger airbag off even when an adult sits on the passenger seat. Dealer said this computer module problem is not covered under recent recalls or warranty and that charge will be about $1000.00. I think that this should be covered by general motors. Air bag has never deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10585454, filed 2014-04, 80,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel smell and leaks at the fuel pump or tank
- 8 complaints (9%)
- median 87,407 mi at 8.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2023
Complaints describe a strong gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle, sometimes after refueling or while parked, with fuel dripping underneath. Owners who had the vehicle inspected were often told the fuel pump or the fuel tank was cracked or leaking and needed replacement. Some complaints note a check engine light along with the smell, and several say the vehicle was not repaired or that no assistance was offered. Reported from about 46,000 to 145,000 miles, with many between roughly 60,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: After a fill-up, check for a fuel smell around the vehicle and look for wet spots under the rear of the car; ask whether the fuel pump or tank has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Fuel line of vehicle is leaking fuel somewhere near the fuel pump or fuel tank. Fuel will drip from under the vehicle and accumulate. Vehicle constantly smells of fuel and takes a long time to start as a result of the fuel line having no initial pressure. Constant fuel leak poses a danger to our home and other vehicles on the road not to mention our personal safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10954768, filed 2017-02, 145,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11349183, filed 2020-08, 98,000 miles - Electrical system
Power window and door wiring faults
- 6 complaints (6%)
- median 72,045 mi at 5.8 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2016
Complaints describe a driver side window that stops working or works only when the door is open, with some owners told the wiring in the door was crimped or damaged. A few reports tie the same wiring area to a headlight that keeps failing or a radio that stays on after the door is closed. Owners say repairs ranged from wiring repair quotes to recommendations to replace parts, and some reported the problem returning. Reported from about 50,000 to 94,000 miles, with several reports around the mid-50,000 to 80,000 mile range.
What to check: Operate every window from both the driver and passenger switches and check that the radio and interior lights shut off when the door closes; ask whether any door wiring or window motors have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The driver side power window stopped functioning. Was unable to open the window with the control. It was discovered that if the door was opened the control functioned. I took this vehicle to the blaise alexander dealership in muncy, pa for repairs. I was told that the wire that controlled this function was crimped and needed to be repaired. I was also told that the other wires (6 in all) were going to fail eventually. After searching the web for like problems I determined that this is not an isolated incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10596317, filed 2014-06, 52,000 miles“Window driver side working intermittently, pressed switch to lower window heard a pop and drivers side headlight was out window did not go down window still will not go down and the driver side power mirror will not function as well drivers side headlight has been replaced 3 times with in 5 weeks when you press the window down button or open the door the head light will blow and the passenger side window is working intermittently as well you have to open the door to put it up if it is in the down position.”
NHTSA complaint #10662144, filed 2014-12, 85,600 miles
Buying note. A 2009 Equinox with a documented history of airbag sensor, throttle body and fuel system repairs is worth a closer look than one without, so ask for service records and have a pre-purchase inspection check those areas.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 94 consumer complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. 77 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 79,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,028 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Equinox model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags26 28%
- Electrical system23 24%
- Engine18 19%
- Fuel system12 13%
- Vehicle speed control11 12%
- Other or unknown8 8.5%
- Steering5 5.3%
Also reported: Tires (5), Brakes (3), Exterior lighting (3), Body and structure (3), Wheels (3), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Service air bag appears everytime I start car. Took it to the dealer and it is going to cost over $700 to get it fixed. They told me the part was over $600. Also I had to fix it because it was illegal to leave it as it was. What I need to know, is there any recall notice that could help me? My husband and I are both retired and on a fixed income. My dealership is bachman bernard Chevrolet in greeneville, tn thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10641500, filed 2014-10, 56,000 milesElectrical system: “When I hit 20-30 MPH the SUV has a hesitation and then I have the check engine light on and then service stabilitrek and ther is another I forget what it says and when I turn sometimes the whole dash lights up”
NHTSA complaint #10949161, filed 2017-02, 162,900 milesEngine: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11327300, filed 2020-06, 110,000 milesElectronic stability control: “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 .”
NHTSA complaint #11084730, filed 2018-04, 50,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 77 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 56,879 and 103,011 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 16.4% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 Chevrolet Equinox version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,028 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This 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…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017783May 29, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic…
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This 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…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This 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…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Equinox
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78 | 2,839 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 241 | 8,300 | 0 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 82 | 13,494 | 1 | — | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 99 | 22,001 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 47 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 186 | 20,925 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 100 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 318 | 13,990 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 92 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 310 | 9,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 83 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 410 | 22,250 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 94 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 276 | 68,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 3 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 399 | 65,000 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 680 | 74,500 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 549 | 79,250 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 751 | 80,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 685 | 81,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 782 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 784 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 94 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 370 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 685 | 75,738 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 695 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 638 | 69,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Chevrolet Equinox model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners of the 2009 Equinox most often report the passenger airbag indicator showing the airbag off with an adult seated there, dashboard messages about StabiliTrak and traction control accompanied by reduced engine power, and fuel odors traced to leaking fuel pumps or tanks. The issues reported most often: StabiliTrak and traction control warnings with power loss; Passenger airbag shows off with an adult in the seat; Fuel smell and leaks at the fuel pump or tank.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA recorded 94 consumer complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 26 complaints (28% of the total), followed by electrical system with 23.
Has the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox (Equinox FWD, 3.4L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox reported?
Among the 77 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 79,000 miles and the middle half falls between 56,879 and 103,011 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.