Is the Chevy Equinox high maintenance?

No — it isn’t inherently high-maintenance. Maintenance costs for the Equinox typically sit in the average range for compact SUVs, with expenses shaped by model year, engine choice, mileage, and how diligently you keep up with service.

In this article, we explore what “maintenance” means for the Equinox, how costs can vary by generation and usage, and practical steps to keep ownership affordable while preserving reliability.

What most owners pay for routine maintenance

Routine services account for the bulk of ongoing costs. Here are common maintenance tasks and rough price ranges you can expect across the U.S.

• Oil changes roughly every 5,000–7,500 miles, typically $40–$90 depending on oil type and shop.


• Tire rotations about every 5,000–7,000 miles, usually $15–$40.


• Brake pad replacement per axle (pads only) typically $150–$300; including rotors can push the total to $300–$600 per axle.


• Tires, depending on size and brand, often $100–$250 per tire (set of four commonly $400–$1,000).


• Battery replacement roughly every 3–5 years, about $100–$200.


• Coolant flush and engine coolant service roughly every few years, about $100–$150.


• Transmission service (if performed) can range from $150–$350, depending on the transmission and whether a full fluid change is recommended.

Sticking to the recommended service schedule and addressing issues early helps control costs and prevent larger repairs later.

Maintenance costs by model year and mileage

Maintenance needs and reliability can vary across the Equinox generations. In general, newer model years and vehicles with solid service history tend to incur fewer unexpected repairs, while older models with higher mileage may require more frequent attention to brakes, tires, and drivetrain wear.

• Older generations or high-mileage examples may need more frequent brake, tire, and suspension work, which can drive up annual maintenance costs.


• Buying a well-documented used Equinox (or a certified pre-owned model with a warranty) can reduce the risk of costly surprises.

When evaluating a used Equinox, look for complete maintenance records, recent recalls addressed, and a history of timely fluid changes and component replacements.

Practical tips to keep maintenance affordable

Here are strategies that help manage ongoing costs without sacrificing reliability.

• Follow the owner's manual maintenance schedule and keep detailed service records.


• Choose a trusted shop and obtain multiple estimates for larger repairs.


• Use quality parts (OEM or reputable aftermarket) and request itemized quotes.


• Address warning lights and unusual noises promptly to avoid compounding problems.


• Consider an extended warranty or a maintenance plan if you plan long-term ownership or high-mileage use.

Proactive maintenance typically reduces the likelihood of expensive, unexpected repairs and helps preserve resale value.

Bottom line and takeaway

Overall, the Chevy Equinox is not inherently more maintenance-intensive than its compact-SUV peers. By staying on a regular maintenance schedule, shopping for smart service options, and choosing a well-documented used model, you can keep ownership costs predictable and reasonable.

Summary

The Equinox tends to offer average maintenance costs for its class, with routine services driving most expenses. Costs vary by model year, engine choice, mileage, and upkeep. With careful maintenance and informed buying choices, you can minimize surprises and keep ownership affordable.

Is the Chevy Equinox a long-lasting car?

A Chevy Equinox can last 200,000 miles or more with proper care. Some owners even report reaching 250,000 miles. If you drive around 15,000 miles per year, this means your Equinox could last 13 to 17 years before needing major repairs.

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. 

Are Chevy Equinox expensive to maintain?

No, Chevy Equinox models are generally not expensive to maintain, with annual costs often falling between $500$ 500$500 and $650$ 650$650, according to Corwin Motors Kalispell and RepairPal. While one source notes a 10-year ownership cost of about $9,196$ 9 comma 196$9,196 which is slightly higher than the industry average, it also states that major repairs are infrequent and that maintaining the vehicle according to its schedule can keep costs reasonable, says CarEdge and Preston Chevrolet of Aberdeen. 
Factors that contribute to moderate maintenance costs 

• Average Annual Cost: The average annual maintenance cost is estimated to be between $500$ 500$500 and $650$ 650$650. 
• Reliability Rating: The Equinox has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, which is average to slightly below average for its class, meaning it's not considered unreliable, but some issues may arise. 
• Frequency of Repairs: While repairs can be more severe than average, they occur less often. 
• Cost of Repairs: The average annual repair cost is around $537$ 537$537 which is lower than average, according to RepairPal. 
• Long-Term vs. Short-Term: Some sources indicate that the 10-year maintenance and repair cost can be around $9,196$ 9 comma 196$9,196, slightly more than the industry average, but this includes the probability of major repairs which are less frequent. 
• Cost Reduction: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is a key way to prevent major issues and keep long-term ownership costs down, says Preston Chevrolet of Aberdeen. 

Do equinoxes break down a lot?

Comparison to Other SUVs in Class
RepairPal rates the Equinox a 3.5 out of 5.0 for reliability. It ranks 23rd out of 26 compact SUVs. But, it's a good value compared to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Mazda CX-5 and others have similar lifespans.