Is the 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX reliable?

The 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX has 1118 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Top problems: ENGINE (304 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (182 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (162 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

The 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX is approximately $1,494/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX has 1118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.3x the segment average of 487. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: my brand new chevrolet equinox 2010, which has less than 2000 miles has been overheating already. i took it into the dealership and they have no idea what the problem is. the temperature gauge does not work at times. the error message that i am getting: "ac off due to high engine temperature". *tr. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 12 fire reports filed.

12 fire reports 15 crash reports 22 injuries

1118

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

304 complaints

27%

• MY BRAND NEW CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2010, WHICH HAS LESS THAN 2000 MILES HAS BEEN OVERHEATING ALREADY. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AT TIMES. THE ERROR MESSAGE THAT I AM GETTING: "AC OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE". *TR
• ROUGH IDLE DURING COLD START OF MY 2010 CHEVY EQUINOX 2.4L 4 CYLINDER ENGINE ENGINE IDLES ROUGH AND MISSES UNTIL IT WARMS UP WHEN IT GETS BELOW 40 DEGREES TOOK CAR TO DEALER AT 2,000 MILES IN NOVEMBER, THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND TO SPECIFICATIONS. SAID THEY WOULD KEEP A EYE OUT FOR SERVICE
• BOUGHT A 2010 CHEVY EQUINOX ON OCT. 31ST..HAVE HAD IT 5 MONTHS AND HAS 5,500 MILES ON THE MOTOR IS MAKING A SEVERE OR REALLY LOUD TICKING NOISE. TOOK IT TO 2 CHEVY DEALERS AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS NORMAL BUT WHEN YOU START ONE UP ON THE LOT IT MAKES NO WHERE NEAR THE NOISE MINE DOES. THEY TELL ME IT

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 6 fire reports💥 3 crashes

“MY BRAND NEW CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2010, WHICH HAS LESS THAN 2000 MILES HAS BEEN OVERHEATING ALREADY. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AT TIMES. THE ERROR MESSAGE THAT I AM GETTING: "AC OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE". *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Based on 897 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 80K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

158

30-60K

137

60-100K

292

100-150K

240

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Earlier than typicalmedian 61K mi · 60 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 45K mi · 38 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

Earlier than typicalmedian 60K mi · 33 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Earlier than typicalmedian 48K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 10K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TIRES

Reported earliermedian 54K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION05/07/2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,494

Full coverage / month

$125

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet EQUINOX Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2010 EQUINOX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1118 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: MY BRAND NEW CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2010, WHICH HAS LESS THAN 2000 MILES HAS BEEN OVERHEATING ALREADY. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AT TIMES. THE ERROR MESSAGE THAT I AM GETTING: "AC OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMPERATURE". *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: ON 09/04/09 I BOUGHT A NEW 2010 EQUINOX AND WITHIN 3,000 MILES I BEGAN EXPERIENCING SIGNIFICANT SHIFTING ISSUES AND ROUGH IDLING/STALLING AT STOPS. ON 01/08/10 I WILL BE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE SHOP FOR THE 4TH TIME IN 60 DAYS FOR THESE PROBLEMS. VERY CONCERNING IS THAT EVERY TIME I HAVE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE SUN WAS SHINING ON THE CHROME LATCH OF THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT OVER THE DASHBOARD, THE GLARE FROM THE SUN WOULD OBSTRUCT THE CONTACT'S VIEW OF THE ROADWAY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED IN THAT MANNER AND THERE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: MY 2010 CHEVY EQUINOX LS STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING. THE ELECTRICAL ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE WHERE THE RADIO WILL START FLASHING AND THE AIR BAG WARNING KEEPS COMING ON EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE STATED ALL OF THE ISSUES HAVE BEEN FIXED AND PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)