Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid: What to Know Before You Buy

The Chevy Equinox is a top contender if you’re searching for a compact SUV that balances price, practicality, and space. But not all model years deliver the kind of experience you’d hope for in a daily driver. Before you buy a used one, it’s important to know the Chevy Equinox years to avoid—because some of them are tied to serious reliability problems and high repair bills. Whether it’s engine failure, transmission woes, or annoying electrical glitches, this article will help you steer clear of the trouble years and make a choice that won’t come back to bite you.

The Equinox has been on the market since 2005 and has undergone several redesigns since then. With over a decade and a half of production, patterns have emerged—some years are praised by owners, while others are plagued with complaints, recalls, and expensive fixes. If you want a dependable ride, you’ll want to know which years are best left on the lot.

Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid

Let’s get straight to the point: not all Equinox years are created equal. Some model years have a track record of severe problems—issues that can turn your “great deal” into a financial nightmare. Based on owner complaints, repair trends, and long-term reliability data, here are the Chevy Equinox years you should avoid.

2005–2007 Chevy Equinox

These early models might be tempting due to their low price tag, but they come with a long list of drawbacks. The 2005, 2006, and 2007 Equinox models were the first generation of the SUV, and it shows in the number of problems reported.

The biggest issue with these years is cooling system failure. Many owners reported overheating engines due to faulty head gaskets and poor radiator design. Overheating often led to engine damage, requiring costly repairs or complete engine replacements. In colder climates, the heater core also frequently failed, leaving drivers shivering in the winter.

Another widespread complaint is the poor build quality—rattling interior panels, cheap materials, and worn-out seats were common even before the 100,000-mile mark. These models also scored poorly in crash safety ratings compared to later versions, making them a questionable choice for families.

Unless you have a deep emotional attachment to the earliest Equinox years, you’re better off skipping these altogether.

2010–2012 Chevy Equinox

The second-generation Equinox launched with a fresh look and improved cabin comfort, but beneath the surface, it was hiding some serious mechanical issues—especially between 2010 and 2012.

The most notorious problem during these years? Excessive oil consumption. Equipped with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, these models were infamous for burning oil at alarming rates—sometimes more than a quart every 1,000 miles. This wasn’t just a mild inconvenience; it often led to low oil levels, which triggered engine wear, overheating, or even total engine failure. The worst part? Many owners had no idea their Equinox was burning oil until the damage was already done.

In fact, the problem was so widespread that multiple class-action lawsuits were filed against GM. While there were some extended warranties and technical service bulletins, not every owner received the help they needed in time.

That’s not all—the timing chains in the 2.4L engines were also prone to early failure. When a timing chain breaks, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage, especially if you’re unlucky enough to be driving at highway speeds.

Adding to the pain, these years were also known for transmission problems, particularly rough shifting, hesitation, or complete failure. Repairing or replacing a transmission can easily cost over $3,000—so it’s no small issue.

Between the oil consumption, engine risk, and transmission troubles, the 2010–2012 Equinox is one of the most commonly flagged used SUV models in this segment. It’s best to avoid these years unless you know for sure the previous owner made all the right repairs—and even then, it’s risky.

2013 Chevy Equinox

If you thought things got better after 2012, think again. The 2013 Equinox carried over many of the same issues, especially for models equipped with the 2.4L engine. Oil consumption remained a major concern, as did carbon buildup in the engine, which affected performance and longevity.

This year also brought with it a new batch of air conditioning problems. Many owners reported complete AC system failures, including defective compressors and condenser leaks. Depending on the exact repair, this could set you back $1,000 or more.

While the 2013 model did offer improved infotainment options and a smoother ride, those benefits are quickly overshadowed by the mechanical risks. If you’re shopping for a used Equinox and come across a 2013 at a great price, pause and ask: is the long-term cost worth the short-term savings?

2015 Chevy Equinox (Cautionary Mention)

Although it wasn’t quite as problematic as the 2010–2013 models, the 2015 Equinox had enough issues to earn a cautionary mention. The 2.4L engine still suffered from moderate oil consumption, though some of the worst defects were being phased out.

Electrical problems also started cropping up in this year—particularly with the infotainment system, backup camera, and power seats. These issues were more annoying than dangerous, but they could still cost hundreds to fix.

If you’re looking at a 2015, proceed carefully. A clean maintenance history and pre-purchase inspection could make it a decent buy—but it’s not a blind recommendation.

Most Common Problems in These Model Years

When it comes to the Chevy Equinox years to avoid, you’ll notice a pattern in the kinds of issues that pop up again and again. Here are the biggest trouble spots to watch for:

Excessive Oil Consumption

By far the most notorious issue, especially in 2010–2013 models with the 2.4L engine. Many owners had no idea their engines were burning oil until the check engine light came on—or worse, until the engine was damaged. The oil consumption issue was due to faulty piston rings and poor engine design, and while GM acknowledged the problem, the fixes weren’t always timely.

Engine Failure

Not all engines failed outright, but those with oil issues or broken timing chains often ended up needing full replacements. Once an engine is compromised, the repair bill can hit $5,000 or more. That’s a brutal hit on a vehicle that’s supposed to be budget-friendly.

Transmission Problems

Transmission complaints ranged from rough shifting to total failure. Some drivers reported difficulty accelerating or felt a lurch when changing gears. These issues are more than just inconvenient—they’re a major safety concern, especially if your transmission slips while merging or climbing hills.

Electrical and Infotainment Glitches

In more recent years, especially around 2013–2015, owners started noticing problems with power windows, radios, backup cameras, and touchscreen displays. While not as severe as mechanical failures, electrical issues are frustrating and can lead to high repair costs—especially when systems are integrated and not easy to diagnose.

AC and HVAC Failures

The 2013 Equinox in particular saw frequent reports of air conditioning systems breaking down. Condenser leaks, broken compressors, and weak airflow made for uncomfortable summers. And if you’ve ever driven in July without AC, you know that’s not just annoying—it’s almost a deal-breaker.

Interior Wear and Tear

First-generation models (2005–2007) struggled with subpar materials. Seats wore out quickly, dashboard components rattled, and overall cabin quality just didn’t hold up. It’s one thing to expect some wear in a used vehicle—it’s another to feel like your car’s falling apart at 80,000 miles.

Best Chevy Equinox Years to Consider

Now that you know which Chevy Equinox years to avoid, let’s look at the ones you can trust. These model years are generally praised by owners and experts alike for their reliability, comfort, and value.

2016–2017 Chevy Equinox

These two years marked a turning point for the Equinox. Chevy had finally resolved many of the engine issues from previous models, and both the 2.4L and V6 options showed better durability. Owners praised the smoother ride, updated safety features, and improved infotainment.

The V6 engine, in particular, is considered the better option for these years—it delivers more power and fewer oil consumption problems than the four-cylinder. These models also earned good marks in crash safety testing and overall reliability.

2020–2022 Chevy Equinox

The third-generation Equinox brought modern design, better fuel efficiency, and a refined ride. These newer models feature upgraded infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, and better build quality across the board.

Reliability scores from outlets like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have improved significantly, making the 2020+ Equinox models a smart choice for buyers who want a used SUV that feels new. Just keep in mind—newer models also come with a higher price tag, so balance your budget accordingly.