Are you planning to purchase a Chevy Equinox and you are interested in learning more about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? Well, if that is the case, then you are at the right place because there will be quite a bit to cover on this topic where we are going to learn all about this model.
- Chevy Equinox Overview
- Why Is The Equinox So Popular?
- Chevy Equinox Generations
- 1st Generation
- 2nd Generation
- 3rd Generation
- Final Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Doing the proper research before you buy a new or used car should be one of your top priorities. Why I’m saying this? Well, because proper research is always needed before you buy a certain product, especially when it comes to something really expensive as a car.
Car prices nowadays have gone through the roof and you need to keep an eye out before you purchase since there are a ton of models that are full of problems. And some of these problems are rather serious and expensive to fix.
They can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Between the cost of labor and parts, it can quickly add up and you could end up paying your whole savings on mechanics. And this is why we are here to help you out.
First, we are going to learn what is the Equinox and why it is so popular. Then we will cover all three generations. We will discuss the specs, problems, as well as the Chevy Equinox years to avoid. So, if you want to learn more on this topic, follow along.
Chevy Equinox
So, before we start discussing the Chevy Equinox years to avoid, let’s first cover what is the Equinox in general. I bet that there are a lot of people reading this article who are genuinely interested in this model. That’s why we need to make a proper introduction and introduce them to the topic. So, what is the Equinox?
Well, the Chevy Equinox is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Chevy since 2005. The model was introduced in 2003 at the Detroit Auto Show and a lot of people were instantly hooked to it since it implemented a rather modern approach. Unlike the S-10 Blazer and the Chevy Tracker which were really outdated for modern standards and didn’t quite fit the bill.
If you didn’t know, the compact crossover SUV market started flourishing just at this point in history. So, Chevy needed to do something quickly in order not to lose a ton of sales to Ford and other competitors in the market.
And the Equinox was an instant hit. More on the popularity, we are going to discuss later on, what is important for you as a future Equinox owner is to understand more about the generations.
In total, there are three generations of the Equinox, and this model is produced to this day. This means that you can just go to any Chevy dealership and get one for yourself. Still, do your own research first and learn more about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid. And more about that we are going to cover later on. Now let’s take a look at why this model is so popular.
Is Chevy Equinox A Good Car
So, we learned the basics of the Chevy Equinox and learned that this is a mid-size compact crossover SUV. Now let’s discuss the longevity of this model on the market before we cover the Chevy Equinox years to avoid. What makes the Equinox so popular?
Well, as you are probably aware, the model debuted in the 2005 model year and till now there are three generations of this model released. The first generation started production in 2005 and was produced until 2009. The second generation started producing in 2010 and was produced until 2017. And the latest generation of the model which is the current one was introduced in 2018.
This means that the present generation of the Equinox is not as fresh as some people would think. But this doesn’t mean anything since Chevy is constantly upgrading their lineup with new features.
So, the sales numbers do not go down, on the contrary, each year they go up by a significant margin, and currently, the Equinox is selling about 300,000 units annually, which in our books is a really healthy number.
This model is also sold in China and over there is also quite popular, selling more than 50,000 units annually.
The best selling point when it comes to the Equinox is the value that you get for the money. Probably there are no better value vehicles in this segment than what Kia and Hyundai are offering. So, this is why Chevy sells quite a few of them.
But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? Well, more on that, we are going to cover later on in the article, now let’s discuss the generations of the Equinox.
Equinox Years To Avoid
When you’re in the market for a reliable SUV, it’s critical to know which model years of the Chevy Equinox to avoid. Some years have outshined others in reliability, performance, and overall satisfaction. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the Chevy Equinox’s most problematic years.
2005 Chevy Equinox
The debut year for any vehicle can face a fair share of issues, and the 2005 Chevy Equinox was no exception.
- Issues: Many owners reported a defective head gasket, leading to potential engine failure. Additionally, the ignition switch often malfunctioned, causing starting difficulties.
- What to watch out for: If considering a used 2005 model, check for any repairs related to the head gasket and ignition switch.
2010 Chevy Equinox
Fast forward a few years, and the 2010 model saw a spike in reported problems.
- Issues: This year was notorious for excessive oil consumption and a timing chain that wore out prematurely. Both issues could lead to expensive engine repairs if not addressed in time.
- What to watch out for: Monitor oil levels closely and be wary of any engine noise, especially if it sounds like rattling.
2013 Chevy Equinox
The 2013 model brought its own set of challenges for Chevy Equinox owners.
- Issues: Primarily, this year faced problems with the A/C system and the heater. These issues weren’t as severe as engine problems but impacted driver comfort considerably.
- What to watch out for: Test the A/C and heating systems thoroughly if you’re looking at a 2013 model. Ensure they function in all settings.
2014 Chevy Equinox
Following close behind, the 2014 model year also saw its share of issues.
- Issues: This year had problems with the engine stalling or dying while driving. Such situations are not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous.
- What to watch out for: If buying used, request a complete service history. Ensure the previous owner addressed any engine-related issues.
2015 Chevy Equinox
By now, Chevy seemed to be facing a pattern of engine-related issues, and 2015 was no different.
- Issues: Drivers reported excessive oil consumption yet again. Additionally, the engine light would turn on frequently without a clear reason.
- What to watch out for: As with the 2010 model, it’s crucial to monitor oil levels. If the engine light comes on, get a diagnosis immediately.
Chevy Equinox Generations
Now let’s discuss the different generations of the Chevy Equinox. In the following chapters, we are going to cover all three generations.
With the main focus on the specs, fuel economy, safety, and common problems, as well as the best years and also the Chevy Equinox years to avoid. We are going to list everything you need when it comes to buying one of these vehicles. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
Chevy Equinox First Generation 2004 – 2009
Now let’s start with the first generation of the Equinox before we dive into the Chevy Equinox years to avoid.
If you didn’t know, this model debuted in 2004, and 2005 was the first model year. The model was based on the Theta platform that was also shared with the Pontiac Torrent. Quite a similar model to the Equinox.
Nevertheless, this model was produced in 2009 when it was replaced by the new generation of the Equinox.
The first generation had a wheelbase of 112.5 inches and an overall length of 188.8 inches. As you can see, this model is quite large, unlike the current Equinox which belongs in the compact class, the first generation was a mid-size SUV.
Currently, the Chevy Blazer is the model that Chevy offers in the mid-size market. But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Engines & Transmissions
In terms of engines, there were two engines available. And both of them were V6. The smaller one was the 3.4L LNJ which produced 185hp and 210lb-ft of torque. While the more powerful engine from 2008 was the 3.6L LY7 which produced 264hp and 250lb-ft of torque.
There were also two transmissions used in this application. Namely, a 5-speed Aisin automatic and a 6-speed Ford automatic. But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel economy, we can say that the number is decent considering how big of a car this first generation is. The model gets about 16 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a moment.
Safety
The 2008 model year performed quite well on the NHTSA tests. It got 5 stars out of 5. On the IIHS tests, the model got marginal overall ratings. The side test was the most problematic where this model lacked the ability to protect well the passengers on a side impact.
Chevy Equinox Problems
When it comes to problems, we can say that this Equinox model is rather problematic. Namely, the 3.4L V6 engine was very prone to head gasket issues. It frequently blew the head gasket, and most of the reports on carcomplaints.com are concerning this problem.
The 3.6L engine on the other hand had problems with oil consumption, blowing head gaskets, consuming oil, and also to timing chain stretch.
On the 2008 model, there were also issues with ignition coils as well. Another problem in the 2006 model was with the heater core when the heater core blew cold air instead of cold air.
A ton of electrical issues with the doors and other accessories were also reported. But what are the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a moment.
Chevy Equinox Reliable
So, is this model reliable? Well, that’s difficult to tell, the smaller engine has issues, but also the bigger engine as well. A ton of other electrical problems were reported in the process.
So, when it comes to this model we can give it a hard pass if you have an alternative. Go for it, the engines in these models are not known for their strength.
Best Year For Chevy Equinox
When it comes to the best years of this model, we would recommend going for the 2007 model. There were the least reports on issues with this model year. 2008 is also a good candidate. But what Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that next.
Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid
When it comes to the Chevy Equinox years to avoid, we would definitely tell you to stay away from 2005 to 2006. Especially 2006 which has more than 500 reports on carcomplaints.com. Now let’s move on to the next generation.
Chevy Equinox Second Generation 2010 – 2017
The second generation of the Equinox was introduced in 2009 and was put on the market starting in 2010. This model was produced in 2017 and during this long stint, the model saw many improvements. This model was assembled in Ontario, Canada, and Spring Hill Tennessee.
This new model was based on the same GM Theta platform as the previous one. But in order to meet the current standards, the platform was revised to allow new features to be implemented.
This platform is shared with the GMC Terrain, Cadillac SRX, and Pontiac Torrent in the US. So, if you are looking for an alternative, these vehicles are definitely worth your attention. But what are the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on this, we are going to cover in a moment.
Engines & Transmissions
When it comes to engines it is worth noting that there were a couple of different engines used in this generation of the Equinox. Two 2.4L Ecotec engines. The LAF was produced between 2010 and 2011, and the LEA was produced between 2012 and 2017. Both of them were making the same amount of power, 182hp, and 172lb-ft of torque.
The more powerful engines included a 3.0L V6 that was producing 264hp and 222lb-ft of torque. And a more powerful 3.6L V6 that was outputting 301hp and 272lb-ft of torque. Both of them were paired with a 6-speed automatic.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy was decent, 18.8 mpg combined on the Edmunds tests. The EPA numbers were a bit higher. But the real-world number is somewhere around 19 mpg. But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a moment.
Safety
When it comes to safety, the safety of this model can be rated as good. It performed well on the crash tests and got a 4-star rating on the NHTSA tests. On the IIHS tests, this model performed better and got Good scores for the 2014 model.
Chevy Equinox Problems
Now before we start learning more about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid, let’s discuss a bit about the problems this Equinox model has.
And frankly, there are a lot of issues with this car. More precisely with the 2.4L engines. Both of them are terrible purchases. They tend to drink a lot of oil and have leaks everywhere, the timing chain tends to fail. A complete nightmare to own. We would recommend you to stay away from both 2.4L engines if you don’t want to have another problem in your life.
Also, there were many transmission failures on models built between 2010 and 2012. $4,500 cost of transmission replacement. So, if you replace the whole engine and transmission, you will end up paying more money than paying for the car.
There are also other miscellaneous problems with the AC, interior, and electrical issues. All sorts of stuff. For more details, you can check carcomplaints.com. But what are the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that next.
Chevy Equinox Reliable
Is the Chevy Equinox reliable? Probably yes if you go for the V6 engine and also for a later model year. If you go for the 2.4L, we can say that it is definitely an unreliable car.
Best Year For Chevy Equinox
When it comes to the best year, we would say that you should go for a 2016 or 2017 model year. These models have the least problems among all other model years. Still, the oil consumption problems on the 2.4L prevail on the last day of production.
Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid
When it comes to the Chevy Equinox years to avoid, we would say to avoid the years between 2010 and 2012. These are most notorious for engine and transmission failures, especially with the 2.4L engine. Avoid buying the 2.4L engine car at any cost if you don’t want to end up with a problematic engine that wastes a ton of oil.
Chevy Equinox Third Generation 2018 – Present
The third generation of the Chevy Equinox was introduced in 2017 and 2018 was the first model year of this new generation. The model is still being produced currently.
This model, unlike the previous, is built on a completely new modern platform known as the GM D2XX. This platform is shared with the Buick Envision and the GMC Terrain.
This platform also put the Equinox into the compact category. This model is somewhat smaller than the previous generation. The current offering that replaced the Equinox in the mid-size segment is the Chevy Blazer. But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Engines & Transmissions
When it comes to engines, it is worth mentioning that there are two of them. One is the 1.5L inline-4 turbo. This engine is producing 170hp and 203lb-ft of torque. And the more powerful version is the 2.0L inline-4 turbo that is producing 252hp and 260lb-ft of torque. Currently, since 2020, only the 1.5L engine is offered.
In terms of transmissions, there are two options, one of them is the 6-speed automatic. The second transmission is a 9-speed automatic. But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Fuel Economy
When it comes to fuel economy, we can say that this new generation of the Equinox is really worth your attention. The EPA numbers are 26 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined.
Which is rather good fuel economy. Even though the real fuel economy is a bit lower than the official numbers. Mainly because these lab tests rarely reflect the real-world use of the car.
Safety
The 2020 model was tested by the NHTSA and got a 5-star rating. A bit higher in comparison to the previous generation of the Equinox. Also, the 2022 model was tested by the IIHS and also performed really well and got Good scores on most of the tests. But what about the Chevy Equinox years to avoid? More on that in a bit.
Chevy Equinox Problems
When it comes to problems, the most problematic is the 1.5L engine that during the first years of production frequently knew to pop the intercooler tube and cause the turbo to stop working.
Some owners also reported turbine failure at extremely cold temperatures on the 1.5L engine. The turbo simply froze and failed when the car started. Quite a strange problem.
Also, another triggered the check engine light on the diesel engine. Overall, pretty annoying problem that made the customers visit the dealership multiple times before it was sorted out. As one customer said on carcomplaints.com, there was a service bulletin on these issues and mechanics knew what to do in these situations because the problems often occurred on other cars as well.
Chevy Equinox Reliable
Overall, this model is really reliable. There are no nightmare issues like the problems with the previous generation that had a ton of problems. The biggest worry for this generation is the turbo. If the turbo is good, the engine will not have major problems.
Best Year For Chevy Equinox
When it comes to the best years of the Chevy Equinox, we can say that 2020 and onward are pretty good years for this model with the least complaints overall. So, if you go for one of these, go for a later model year.
Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid
When it comes to the Chevy Equinox years to avoid it is really hard to say which year to avoid since there are no major flaws with this car, especially with the 2.0L engine.
Still, if you can, avoid the 2018 model year since the first production years always can carry more problems than other model years.
Chevy Equinox Years To Avoid: In Conclusion…
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the Chevy Equinox. First, we learned what this model is and why it is so popular.
Then we covered all three generations of the model and we learned more about their specs, safety, fuel economy, and problems. As well as the best years and the Chevy Equinox years to avoid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
Is Equinox Worth It
The answer to this question really depends on the model year and the engine. Avoid the 2.4L engine at any cost, no matter the model year. Also, avoid the 2010 to 2012 model years since they have problems with the transmissions.
Are Chevy Equinox Good Cars
Yes, they can be good cars if you know what to buy. Just stay away from the 2.4L engine and you will be good. Also, the transmissions in the second generation can be problematic and prone to failure. Overall, they are rather good cars.
How Long Do Chevy Equinox Last
How much they last really depends on the engine. If we are talking about the 2.4L engine. Then they definitely don’t last for long. Other engines are much better than this and can easily last 150,000 miles with no problems.
Are Chevy Equinox Reliable
This greatly depends on the model that you plan to purchase. If you want to get a 2.4L, then you should definitely try to avoid it. Since this engine is really unreliable. Just avoid the models built between 2010 to 2015. These cars are the most problematic.
Do Chevy Equinox Have A Lot Of Problems
Yes, it can carry a lot of problems if you don’t know what you are buying. Especially, the 2.4L engine can carry a lot of issues. It drinks a lot of oil, it can blow the main seals, and overall, a nightmare to own. Go for a V6 if you want something reliable or the 1.5L engines on the newer models.
What Is The Best Year For Chevy Equinox
Any year after 2018 for the current generation. For the second generation, we would recommend going for a model after 2012 and avoiding the 2.4L, from the first generation, the best years are from 2007 to 2009.
