Top Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid and Recommended Models

The Chevy Equinox appeals to a broad range of drivers looking for a practical family vehicle. This compact SUV offers all the necessities a family looks for, such as space, comfortability, reliability, and features. However, certain model years of this vehicle are more problematic than others. The Equinox has faced issues with its engine, transmission, and electronics, and some years have simply been less reliable than others. Given that you are planning to buy a Chevrolet Equinox, especially a second-hand one, you will need to know which of the years to avoid.

Luckily, we’re here to help you. In this guide, we will identify the best and worst Chevy Equinox years to avoid and make sure you make an effective purchasing decision when acquiring this SUV.

Origin of Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV that General Motors released in 2004 for the 2005 model year. It was built on GM’s Theta platform, which it shares with other GM vehicles, and was intended to compete in the expanding compact SUV market.

The Equinox was initially designed to combine car-like driving characteristics with the adaptability and spaciousness generally associated with SUVs. It was created with the goal of providing comfort, interior space, and safety. The Equinox was designed primarily for the North American market, but it has also been sold in other international countries under alternative nameplates.

The Equinox has been, and remains, one of Chevrolet’s best sellers; it is argued to be better balanced in terms of performance, comfort, and practicality, though there is a fair share of best and worst years for the Chevy Equinox; certain years have proven worse than others.

What Chevy Equinox years to avoid?

If you plan on purchasing an Equinox, there are a couple of things to keep in mind, such as the year of the make. These are the years to avoid for the Chevy Equinox: 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. These models were infested with problems such as engine issues, excessive oil consumption, and problems with the AC system.

2006 Chevy Equinox

The 2006 Equinox was reported to have been the worst of all the model years. Users had complaints with the engine and particularly with the A/C system. Customers complained it would throw cold air when heating was turned on and the opposite when cooling was on.

These were the issues users reported:

• Engine problems: one of the issues faced was with the engine. The engines would use excessive oil and stalling. This was also caused by oil leaks, which were also pretty common.
• Timing chain: Users reported the timing chain would either fail or stretch, which also led to engine damage.
• Leaks: Other issues users faced were leaks through the sunroof letting rainwater get into the vehicle, and their power windows would stop working.

2010 Chevy Equinox

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is also another model year to watch out for, as users reported defective engines, excessive oil consumption, brake problems, and more. Many owners complained about these issues, which would lead to performance problems and to higher maintenance costs. The reliability issues make the 2010 model year not appealing for people looking for a trouble-free used vehicle.

Users reported the following issues:

• Engine problems: the problems with the engine seemed to grow from previous models. The owners now started to face failing and defective engines, engine knocking, and damage. Oil consumption also grew.
• Brakes: The most common problem was with the brakes. The brake pads often wore prematurely, which led to other issues such as squeaky brakes and brake failure.

2011 Chevy Equinox

The 2011 models just got worse than the 2010. Users still complained about engine problems and excessive oil consumption. Other than that, the problems grew much worse as users were now complaining about random noises from their engines and randomly shutting off.

These were the issues faced in 2011:

• Transmission:Owners had difficulties with the transmission and reported it would often fail or did not provide a smooth shift.
• Suspension: the front cradle bolts of the suspension system often made a lot of noise as they were faulty.
• Loud cabin: users often noticed the inside of the car was not quiet and were often distracted by random rattling noises, often from the doors.
• Water leaks: Just like the 2006 model, this year’s model also faced leakage problems due to faulty seals.

2012 Chevy Equinox

The only change the 2012 saw was a new 2.4L I4 engine, but the issues still remained unresolved. Users continued to complain about stalling engines, shutting down, and excessive oil consumption. Around 1,000 NHTSA complaints were made, and 352 of them were regarding the engine issue of this model. The rest of the problems remained the same as the previous models.

• Engine problems: the new 2.4l engine still had the same issues like breaking down, consuming excessive oil, and frequently displaying the check engine light.
• Front suspension: Users complained the front suspension was loud and noisy just like the previous model.
• Transmission: owners reported problems with the 6-speed transmission and often noticed clutch plate wave failures.

2013 Chevy Equinox

Chevrolet simply did not fix the engine issue, and complaints seemed to rise. The introduction of the new engine did not work either. Other issues started to rise too, such as faulty exhaust systems.

• Faulty exhaust system: Owners faced problems with their exhaust system such as leaks and issues with their muffler or catalytic converter. Some of these issues were also caused by faulty engines.
• Cabin noises: Along with the same engine issue faced over the past two years, user’s complaints about the inside of the cabin started to increase too. Owners reported poor infotainment systems, the cabin lights would randomly go off, and the power seat adjuster stopped working.
• Battery drain: Owners would notice their batteries drained out randomly even with the car off. Problems with the cabin also led to battery drainage as random electrical systems were being used when it wasn’t even required.

Common problems with the Chevy Equinox

Although considered a reliable and versatile SUV, the Chevrolet Equinox has had its share of common issues across various model years. Lots of owners complained about the engine, and most engine problems are reported to be associated with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which consumes excessive oil and sometimes breaks down completely.

Some problems with the transmission have been noted, including rough shifting, slippage, and total failure. Many of these problems have occurred in the years 2010 through 2015. Electrical troubles, including sensor malfunctions and wiring issues, as well as powertrain glitches, have also affected Equinox. This is why these are listed as the Chevy Equinox years to avoid.

Although many of these issues can be addressed through proper maintenance, the major issues contributed to higher long-term ownership costs for some Equinox owners.

Excessive Oil Consumption

The most common problem was that the vehicles were consuming excessive oil. Despite introducing a new engine to the second generation of Equinox, the problem still remained unsolved. This issue was caused by defective piston rings that were wearing off prematurely. This was also caused by frequent oil leaks.

External Oil leaks

TheEquinox was known for having external oil leaks for many years. The conditionwas particularin models ranging from 2006-2013and was caused by a variety of reasons such as faulty gaskets, worn seals, or leaking oil cooler lines. This was also leading to damaged engines and resulted in increased maintenance expenses. The number of complaints started to increase year by year and was finally fixed in 2015.

The problem is especially common in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder models, which are known to experience oil consumption problems, making the leakage issue even worse. Preventive check-ups and services can prevent severe damage.

Fuel Pump Failure

Another common problem that has been documented in some model years of the Chevrolet Equinox includes a failure of the fuel pump, mostly in models between 2007 and 2010. Signs of a failing fuel pump include problematic vehicle crank-up, sputtering or stalling during acceleration, or an overall loss of power.

With these problems unresolved, it led to a complete engine shutdown, which involved more expensive repairs. Although the problem is not universal across all model years, some owners have experienced premature fuel pump failures, which often require the replacement of the entire assembly.

Transmission failure

Transmission failure has been one of the major issues of this lineup for several model years, particularly on the 2010 to 2013 Equinox models. Owners claim there is rough shifting, delay in accelerating, and slipping or failure to engage well into gear.

Such problems have been related to automatic transmission, which may wear out due to heavy work, especially on the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Sometimes, the only solution is a complete overhaul, which obviously carries expensive repair bills.

Although not all the Equinox models are involved, the transmission problem complaint rate in these years shows that buyers need to watch out and always check any used Equinox for signs of transmission problems.

Battery Drain

Another common problem for some owners of Chevrolet Equinox, especially from the 2010-2015 range, is that this sometimes includes an unexpected battery drain even after the car has been shut off.

Some reasons behind it are bad electrical components, such as malfunctioning alternators, fused faults, or computer systems that do not turn off properly when the car is parked. The problem at times arises from a parasitic draw in which some of the systems keep on draining power from the battery even after turning off the car.

The battery was also draining due to the technological malfunctions happening inside the cabin. Users complained the interior lighting would randomly go off.

Premature Brake Pad Wear

A minor issue that users experienced throughout the years of Equinox was the brake pads wearing quicker than they were supposed to. Many users reported that the brake pads would require changing within 20,000-30,000 miles, whereas brake pads are usually supposed to last at least 50,000 miles.

The wearing of the brake pad would often lead to other problems such as braking issues and noise being emitted from the brakes.

Best years for Chevy Equinox 

Chevy Equinox faced a downfall due to its previous models but gained respect and reputation in its comeback for the third generation, which was completely different from the second generation and came with fewer problems.

The Chevy Equinox’s best years are from 2017-2022, as it made unprecedented improvements in reliability, fuel efficiency, and new technologies. More or less, the 2017 model introduced a new, lighter platform and offered a choice of turbocharged engines with better performance and even efficient engine types that could knock out the older V6 engines.

Modernized interiors, higher-grade materials, upgraded infotainment systems, and standard connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped these models. Advanced driver-assistance features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist bettered safety; hence, these years have proven to be the best-rounded and most dependable in the Equinox lineup.

The Chevy Equinox’s reliability by year increased gradually, especially from 2018 to 2024. The models after 2018 carried the gains of 2017 further into refinement in ride quality, reliability, and available technology. Those are models with far fewer problems with engine and transmission performance than the earlier generations. The introduction of more sophisticated safety technologies, along with refining your choices of engine options, made this a smart play for buyers looking for a modern, efficient, and reliable compact SUV.

Older models, particularly from 2010 to 2013, struggled with issues like excessive oil consumption, transmission failures, and outdated technology. This basically makes the 2017 and beyond Equinox a far better choice, especially for an owner looking for long-term reliability and greater driving pleasure, due to the shift to turbocharged engines, better suspension systems, and advanced safety features.

Equinox Maintenance Schedule

Maintaining the Equinox and following a proper schedule can guarantee a long and lasting car. Other factors, such as good driving habits and proper care, can also play a role when it comes to the longevity of the Equinox or cars in general.

Here is a proper schedule according to mileage and what maintenance service should be performed:

• 7,500 miles: After every 7,500 miles, you should get an oil change, filter change, and tire rotation done.
• 15,000 miles: Every 15,000 miles requires the previous maintenance services along with a wiper blade replacement.
• 22,500 miles: The same services as the previous ones along with cabin air filter replacement.
• 45,500 miles: This is a crucial point. After every 45,000 miles, the previous services are required along with some major ones, such as engine air filter replacement and transmission fluid replacement.
• 100,000 miles: All the previous services with spark plug replacement and spark plug wire inspection
• 150,000 miles: Every 150,000 miles requires the same services with drive belt inspection and adjustment.

Tips To Buy A Used Equinox

Buying a used Chevrolet Equinox calls for much caution. Consider the model year first, then avoid certain types of years that have poor reviews on engines, transmissions, and electrical parts. For instance, from 2005-2013, Equinox had issues reported on these basic parts.

Later models, especially those from 2017, are more reliable, offer better fuel efficiency, and introduce you to more modern features. Here are some other tips you should definitely check in with:

History: The vehicle’s maintenance history also must be scrutinized for excessive oil consumption and transmission problems. A checkup by a good mechanic prior to purchasing the car is important in order to find any potential problems that may be hidden and can save a lot on repairs in the future.

The mileage and condition of the vehicle should also be verified to strike the right chord with the price.

Road noise: Take the vehicle for a test drive before purchasing and pay attention to the amount of noise it makes while driving. Always ensure the vehicle has to deliver asmooth ride for a great driving experience and comfort.

Also make sure there isn’t any unwanted noise, such as from the engine or having squeaky brakes.

Water leak check: Users have reported water leaks in the cabin in the earlier models. Thus, when buying a secondhand vehicle, inspect the interior for dampness or moldy smells before purchasing the vehicle.

AWD system: Equinox vehicles with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) feature a driver-selectable system that can switch between front and all-wheel drive. This enables drivers to turn off the AWD system when it is not required and can save fuel.

During your test drive, make sure to use the vehicle in both front and all-wheel drive mode, especially at highway speeds. Some owners have also reported hearing a high-pitched sound at higher speeds when the AWD system is activated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chevrolet Equinox is generally a good idea to buy even if it is second-hand, as it balances comfort, practicality, and performance. However, there are Chevy Equinox years to avoid that have been known to suffer from certain problems.

Paying attention and making the right choice will ultimately be a benefit for you in the long run. By scrutinizing an exhaustive maintenance record, a pre-purchase inspection, and a better-informed decision, one could make sure to purchase a reliable long-term vehicle.