2008 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Owners have filed 535 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox with NHTSA. Air bags account for 20.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of electrical system at 12.3%.
Complaints535
Crashes21
Fires3
Injuries24
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 20.9% · 112
Electrical system 12.3% · 66
Electronic stability control (ESC) 8.6% · 46
Steering 8.2% · 44
Fuel/propulsion system 7.3% · 39
Structure 6.4% · 34
Engine 5.0% · 27
Exterior lighting 4.1% · 22
Severity
Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 24 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the Chevrolet Equinox in this data, 2008 sits 11th by complaint volume. 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 15 in the last three years against 22 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 73,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Air bag indicator on/off on dash works part of the time when right seat is occupied so I can only assume that the right air bag is not activated when the light is showing off. This is the same problem the 2007 Equinox had a recall on but all safety complaints on the 08 have been overlooked, cost of repairs are around a $1,000.00. Since it had been an on going problem why hasn't there been a recall for the 08 model? Air bags · reported at 41,000 miles
Passenger side air bag indicator malfunction. When a passenger occupies the front seat, the air bag indicates it is "off", which raises a serious safety concern I will not allow my daughter or wife to occupy the seat unless the system registers a passenger. Either turning the car off and restarting or "bouncing" in the seat sometimes will indicate the air bag is on; a very frustrating and unsafe condition. Air bags · reported at 55,000 miles
The "service air bag" light would come on and go off and had been doing it for quite some time. Carried it to the dealer and was told the passenger side grid and module would have to be replaced and would cost $486.00. I started checking and found the '07 model had a recall for the same problem. It appears the '08 still has the problem. Why is there not a recall on it? Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…