Is a Chevy Equinox expensive to maintain?

Generally, no — the Chevy Equinox is not typically expensive to maintain compared with rivals in its class, with routine costs staying moderate. But maintenance and repair bills can vary by model year, engine, and how well the vehicle has been cared for.

What drives maintenance costs for the Equinox

Maintenance expenses for the Equinox are shaped by two main factors: routine upkeep and potential repairs as the vehicle ages. Below are the common categories and typical price ranges you might expect, depending on your location and whether you use dealer vs. independent shops.

Here are the main cost drivers

• Routine maintenance and fluids: oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, and cabin/engine air filters.


• Brakes and tires: pad/rotor replacement, wheel alignments, tire replacement.


• Major repairs and parts with higher failure risk: transmission issues on certain model years, water pumps, alternators, cooling components.


• Wear items with variable life: battery, serpentine belts, hoses, wipers.


• Recalls and service campaigns: free or subsidized fixes from dealerships if still under coverage or warranty.

Note: The exact costs depend on the year, engine, drivetrain (FWD vs AWD), mileage, and local labor rates. Availability of used parts for older models is another factor to consider, especially as production ended for new Equinox models after 2023.

Concluding: For most owners, routine maintenance stays in the mid-range for compact SUVs, but potential repairs—particularly for older model years—can raise total ownership costs if major components fail.

Model year caveats and reliability outlook

Because the Equinox was discontinued after the 2023 model year, buyers looking at used examples should pay close attention to the service history and any recalls. Experts suggest a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report; ensure transmission, engine, and AWD components are in good shape. Insurance and registration costs are also part of ownership economics and may vary.

What to check before buying a used Equinox

When evaluating a used Equinox, focus on three pillars: service history, a thorough inspection, and a test drive that stresses the powertrain and suspension. A dealer-level or third-party mechanic can run a diagnostic to spot issues that aren’t obvious at first glance.

• Transmission performance: smooth shifting, no slipping or harsh clunks; note any hesitation or shifting errors during acceleration.


• Engine health: even compression across cylinders, no unusual oil consumption or leaks.


• Electrical and infotainment: functioning touchscreen, no intermittent faults, and stable climate control operation.

Concluding: A well-documented service history and an independent inspection can help avoid costly surprises in older Equinox models.

What buyers should expect in terms of ongoing costs

Routine maintenance items for the Equinox mirror those of many compact SUVs and typically include oil changes, filter replacements, brake service, tires, and fluid flushes. The biggest potential cost spikes come from battery, brake components, tires, and the occasional major repair on higher-mileage examples.

• Oil changes and routine maintenance: roughly $60-$120 per service, depending on location and whether synthetic oil is used.


• Brakes and tires: brake pads $150-$300 per axle; rotors if needed; tires vary widely ($100-$250 per tire depending on brand and size).


• Major repairs (rare but possible): transmission or engine-related work can run into the thousands; factor in possibility of AWD components if equipped.


• Ownership costs beyond maintenance: insurance, depreciation, and registration; these vary by driver profile and region.

Concluding: In practice, most owners report maintenance costs that are manageable within the broader budget for a compact SUV, particularly when routine care is kept up and major repairs are avoided through preventive maintenance.

Summary

The Chevrolet Equinox generally offers moderate maintenance costs for a compact SUV, with predictable expenses for routine service and tires, and potentially higher costs tied to older model years or major component failures. Because production of new Equinoxes ended after 2023, shoppers and owners should prioritize a solid maintenance history and an up-front pre-purchase inspection when buying used. With regular care, the Equinox can remain a cost-effective option in its class.

How much is a Chevy Equinox oil change?

The average cost for a Chevrolet Equinox Oil Change is between $121 and $154. Labor costs are estimated between $49 and $72 while parts are priced between $72 and $83.

Is a Chevy Equinox a good dependable car?

The Chevy Equinox has a mixed reliability record, often considered average for its class, with average to slightly higher-than-average annual repair costs. While some years and models are more problematic than others, recent generations have seen improvements after updates, and overall lifespan can be good with proper maintenance. 
Reliability breakdown by generation

• First Generation (2005–2009): Early models had more issues, but reliability improved in later years. 
• Second Generation (2010–2017): The 2010 model was particularly problematic, especially with its four-cylinder engine. Updates from 2013 onwards fixed many flaws. 
• Third Generation (2018–2023): The redesign had some initial concerns with brakes and electronics in the 2018 model, but updates by 2019 led to fewer problems and higher ratings. 
• Fourth Generation (2024–present): Still too new for long-term data, but initial reviews suggest good safety and a smooth drive, with no major widespread issues reported yet. 

Common issues and considerations

• Stalling: Some recent models have been reported to stall unexpectedly, often due to fuel or ignition system issues. 
• Suspension: Some owners of older models have reported issues like rattling from the front lower control arm. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, is crucial for the Equinox's longevity. 
• Transmission: Some users note the transmission feels best after warming up and that certain earlier models had issues. 

How to improve Equinox reliability

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Staying up-to-date on routine service is key to a long-lasting vehicle. 
• Choose a later model year: For any given generation, newer models often have fewer reported issues after initial updates have been implemented. 
• Drive in favorable conditions: Avoid driving in extreme weather when possible and be mindful of rough roads, as these can cause wear and tear. 

What's the most common problem with the Chevy Equinox?

The most common issues include:

• Excessive oil consumption: Many owners report the engine rapidly burns or leaks oil, requiring frequent top-offs and risking severe engine damage if not closely monitored.
• Timing chain failure: Early timing chain wear or breakage can cause catastrophic engine damage and sudden breakdowns.

Which Chevy Equinox to stay away from?

You should avoid Chevy Equinox model years 2010–2013 due to widespread problems with excessive oil consumption, engine issues, and stalling. Other years to be cautious about are the first generation models 2005–2008, which had issues like head gasket failures, and the 2015 model, which had a dangerous airbag defect. 
Specific model years to avoid

• 2005–2008: First-generation models, particularly the 2005, experienced significant engine problems like head gasket failures. 
• 2010–2013: This range is highly problematic for the second generation, with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine being especially prone to excessive oil consumption, stalling, and other engine damage. 
• 2015: A dangerous airbag defect was a major issue, where the front seat-mounted side impact airbag inflator could rupture on deployment. 
• 2018: The first year of a redesigned generation had issues with the powertrain, including a potential problem with the right front intermediate drive shaft fracturing. 

Common issues across various model years

• Oil Consumption: Primarily affects the 2010–2017 models, requiring frequent oil additions. 
• Transmission Problems: Reported in some models from 2011–2012 and 2010-2015 models with the 3.6L V6. 
• Electrical and Battery Issues: Occurred in the 2015 model, and 2005 models had ignition switch problems. 
• Brake and Fuel System Issues: Specific defects in some models, such as brake caliper issues in 2020 models, and a fuel pump problem in 2021-2024 models. 

Which models are safer to buy

• First generation (2008–2009): These are considered better options within the first generation. 
• Third generation (2017 onwards): Models from 2017, and especially 2019–2021, are considered more reliable, with 2019 being the first year after the 2018 redesign.