RoadVitals

2008 Chevrolet Equinox Exterior lighting Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the exterior lighting system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Exterior lighting reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Jul 24, 2017
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
6%
of 370 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 22 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming exterior lighting

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Jul 24, 2017

FIRST THE CAR FUEL TANK' THE GAS GAGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY WHEN THE GAS TANK FULL IT SHOWS HALF OR EMPTY, SECOND THE HEAD LIGHT BULB BLOWS LIKE EVERY TWO WEEKS BECAUSE WATER IS GETTING INTO THE CONSOLE OR THE HEAD LIGHT ,THE TURN SIGNAL NEVER TURN OFF AFTER YOU SWISH IN ON AND MAKE THE TURN I HAVE TO MANUALLY SWISH IT OFF AT ALL TIMES WEATHER YOU ARE IN CITY HIGH WAY DO NOT MATTER .

NHTSA ID
11010420
Incident
Jun 30, 2011
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 28, 2016

THERE IS A STRANGE SOUND OF WATER SLOSHING UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THERE IS MOISTURE BUILD UP IN MY HEADLIGHTS WHICH HAVE BEEN REPLACED. MY BRAKE LIGHT GO OUT SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE WAS JUST AFTER MY ANNUAL INSPECTION - THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS REPLACED, NOT TWO WEEKS LATER SOMEONE PULLED UP NEXT TO ME WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT TO TELL ME ALL MY LIGHTS WERE OUT. THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER 2016 I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND DURING THE INSPECTION THE TECH TOLD ME MY DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS OUT AND THAT THE LIGHT AT THE TOP DID NOT GO ON RIGHT AWAY AND FLICKERED WHEN IT DID. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO GM ABOUT A SOLUTION TO THE LIGHT ISSUE - I HAVE TO TAKE MY TRUCK IN TO BE SERVICED AT A GM DEALERSHIP, IT IS GOING TOMORROW SEPT 29TH TO BRYNER CHEVROLET IN JENKINTOWN, PA.

NHTSA ID
10910130
Incident
Jul 29, 2016
Mileage
91,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 15, 2016

I WAS COMING HOME AND MY HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT COMPLETELY OUT NO FUSE IS OUT NOT SURE WHAT IS WRONG . I AM DISABLE AND I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS . NEED SOME ANSWERS . SEEMS LIKE A ON GOING PROBLEM FROM THE COMPLAINTS I READ . THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ID
10855677
Incident
Apr 14, 2016
Mileage
49,598 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 5, 2016

BOTH HEADLIGHTS CONTAIN MOISTURE DUE TO FAULTY SEALS. BOTH HEADLIGHTS NEED REPLACING ON A MINIMUM OF TWICE A YEAR. ADDITIONALLY, BREAK AND/OR TAIL LIGHTS SEEM TO FAIL AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR AS WELL.

NHTSA ID
10853501
Incident
Jul 4, 2014
Mileage
85,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Apr 1, 2016

BAD WIRING HARNESS.

NHTSA ID
10852870
Incident
Jun 1, 2010
Driver assistanceEngineExterior lighting
Filed May 21, 2015

OVER A YEAR AND A HALF AGO I HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON IN MY 2008 EQUINOX. TOOK IT INTO THE CHEVY DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSTIC TOOL SAID TIMING CHAIN/ENGINE POSITION. HERE I AM TODAY, DID NOT DO THE $1,600 RECOMMENDED REPAIR AND THE CAR IS STILL DRIVING FINE AND NO ISSUES. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN RESET MULTIPLE TIMES ONLY TO KEEP COMING BACK. I ALSO HAVE BOTH HEADLIGHTS FILLED WITH MOISTURE AND IT AFFECTS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS AT NIGHT. FINALLY, I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN THE STABILITRAC LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN BY DAY END IT WILL BE OFF.

NHTSA ID
10717598
Incident
Nov 11, 2013
Mileage
83,500 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 9, 2015

I HAD TO START REPLACING HEAD LIGHTS DUE TO MOISTURE IN MY HEAD LIGHTS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. I HAVE MENTION THIS TO CHEVY SEVERAL TIMES WHEN WE HAD THE CAR SERVICE. THE RESPONSE WAS THIS IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT NORMAL. THEY WANTED ME TO PAY HALF OF THE COST. I REFUSED. THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I PRAY ONE NIGHT THAT I'M NOT DRIVING AND GET INTO A ACCIDENT DUE TO LIGHT FAILURE. THIS SHOULD BE RECALL TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND ADDED EXPENSE DUE TO CHEVY NEGLIGENCE. I HAVE OWN MANY CARS AND NEVER HAD MOISTURE IN MY HEAD LIGHTS. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE CORRECTED BY CHEV. I'M NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE DATES FROM LAST YEAR, WHEN I BROUGHT IT UP TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY WOULD HAVE THAT INFORMATION WHEN THE CAR GOT SERVICE .CHEVY EQUINOX 2008. *TR

NHTSA ID
10704824
Incident
Jul 24, 2014
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 9, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

NHTSA ID
10663219
Incident
Jun 2, 2014
Mileage
124,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 25, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10639077
Incident
Sep 3, 2012
Exterior lightingSeat belts
Filed Aug 11, 2014

HAVE OWNED MY 2008 EQUINOX SINCE JULY 2008.... STITCHING ON THE WEBBING ON BACK SEAT BELT HAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED AT THE BUCKLE. CANNOT BE USED AT ALL FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HEADLIGHT COVER HOLDS WATER AND BULBS HAVE TO REPLACED A FEW TIMES A YEAR DUE TO THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10621489
Incident
Aug 1, 2013
Mileage
70,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 9, 2014

I PURCHASED MY 2008 EQUINOX IN MARCH 2010; THERE WAS SLIGHT MOISTURE BUILDING UP IN BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES; NOW MAJOR MOISTURE. AFTER REPLACING BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND MULTIPLE BULBS, THE ENTIRE LEFT SIDE WENT OUT IN JULY 2014. I TOOK TO A DEALERSHIP AND GM PART WAS REPLACED FOR $350 (HAD WORK DISCOUNT). MY RIGHT SIDE IS BUILDING UP WITH MOISTURE AND WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE TO BE REPLACED ONCE MY HEADLIGHT GOES OUT. THIS IS A KNOWN GM ISSUE; HOWEVER, GM DOES NOT SEEM TO WANT TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR A POORLY MANUFACTURED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IN THE EQUINOX. *TR

NHTSA ID
10621054
Incident
Jul 7, 2014
Mileage
26,000 mi
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Mar 29, 2014

PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK, DOESN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE A PASSENGER. LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON TO SERVICE AIRBAGS. ALSO MY STABIL CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON THEN GO OFF. A COUPLE MONTHS OR EVEN LONGER, THEY COME ON AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THEM CHECKED OUT. THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS SENSOR WAS REPLACE AT A COST OF $900.00 ANDSTABIL CONTROL LIGHTS REPAIR WAS $350 AND CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS . ALSO BOTH MY HEADLIGHTS ARE FULL OF MOISTURE AND I CONTINUE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULBS, AFTER REPLACING ONE BULB THAT NIGHT WAS PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE , BULB BURNED OUT AGAIN.I TALKED TO THE DEALER NO RECALLS ON ANY OF THE PROBLEMS AND I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH GMC PRODUCTS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10575521
Incident
Nov 29, 2013
Mileage
94,000 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceExterior lighting
Filed Mar 19, 2014

PASSENGER AIR BAGS DON'T WORK, DOESN'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE A PASSENGER. LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON TO SERVICE AIRBAGS. ALSO MY STABIL CONTROL LIGHTS COME ON THEN GO OFF. A COUPLE MONTHS OR EVEN LONGER, THEY COME ON AGAIN. I HAVE HAD THEM CHECKED OUT. FIND NOTHING. ALSO BOTH MY HEADLIGHTS ARE FULL OF MOISTURE AND I CONTINUE TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULBS WHICH ARE A PAIN TO GET TO. I HAD A BLAZER THAT DID THE SAME THING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10573334
Incident
Nov 1, 2013
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 16, 2013

THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF MY 2008 EQUINOX HAS STARTED NOT LOCKING OR UNLOCKING WITH THE REMOTE. THE WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON OR GO OFF WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED OR CLOSED, & THE RADIO WILL NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. I HAVE ALSO CHANGED HEADLIGHTS 3 TIMES IN THE 3 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. NOW THE TAGS LIGHTS ARE BURNT OUT ALSO. SEEMS LIKE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM TO ME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10548169
Incident
Apr 29, 2013
AirbagsExterior lighting
Filed Aug 1, 2013

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK WHEN THERE'S A CHILD OR PERSON UNDER 110 LBS IN THE SEAT. HEADLIGHTS FILL UP WITH WATER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10533151
Incident
Dec 7, 2012
Mileage
38,010 mi
AirbagsInterior & seatsExterior lighting
Filed May 7, 2013

MY 2008 EQUINOX HEADLIGHTS ARE FULL OF WATER WHICH MAKE THE VISIBILITY AT NIGHT VERY BAD. THE DOOR LOCKS WILL ONLY OPEN THE LOCKS PART OF THE WAY AND YOU CAN'T GET IN THE CAR, AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED MORE WHEN THE SUN SHINES ON THE VEHICLE. IT ACTS LIKE THE LOCKS WON'T WORK IN THE HEAT. I ALSO HAVE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON ANYTIME SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS SUCH A COMFORTING FEELING, AND I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THESE ISSUES ARE NOT RECALLED BY THE AUTO MAKER. CAN ANYONE HELP US? THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD THAT ARE NOT SAFE......... *TR

NHTSA ID
10511029
Incident
May 25, 2010
Mileage
30,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 25, 2013

THE CAR WAS JERKING INTO GEAR, ESPECIALLY WHILE PUTTING IT INTO REVERSE. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR THE NEXT MORNING AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE SHOP. I HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT 43,000 MILES. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS TWICE AND HIT THE HOOD THIS LAST TIME AND IT CAME ON. THE MECHANIC SAID IT'S NOT SEALED PROPERLY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AFTER A THUNDERSTORM. THE MECHANIC SAID THE CAR IS NOT PROPERLY SEALED AND MOISTURE IS TRAPPED INSIDE THE LIGHTS. THE COST TO REPLACE AN $11 BULB WAS $24 IN LABOR BECAUSE ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO THE HEADLIGHT. THE BRAKE LIGHTS COST $$54 IN LABOR BECAUSE YOU LITERALLY HAVE TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENTIRE BUMPER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10504456
Incident
Dec 3, 2012
Mileage
43,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 27, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WOULD BECOME FILLED WITH WATER, AFFECTING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE LIGHTS WHEN IN OPERATION. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY BOTH THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER THAT IF HE ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO RUN FOR SIX HOURS, THE WATER WOULD BURN FROM THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMEDY THAT THE DEALER PROVIDED DID NOT SEEM TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR WHENEVER IT WOULD RAIN OR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THROUGH THE CAR WASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY AVAILABLE FOR THE PARTICULAR FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,350. UPDATED 3/13/13 *CN THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE EXPERIENCED ANOTHER HEADLIGHT FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10490176
Incident
Jul 10, 2012
Mileage
27,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 18, 2012

HEADLIGHT LENSES WITH MAJOR MOISTURE ISSUES THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY. THERE IS A MAJOR AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS. GM TELLS ME THAT THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTLY DOES NOT INCLUDE LIGHT BULBS. THIS IS NOT A BULB PROBLEM. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY LETS MOISTURE IN, BUT DOES NOT LET IT OUT. IT GETS TO THE POINT THAT THE HEADLIGHT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS A BULB PROBLEM AT NIGHT. THE MOISTURE BLOCKS THAT MUCH LIGHT.

NHTSA ID
10453033
Incident
Jun 1, 2010
Mileage
45,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 29, 2012

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE MOISTURE THAT DOES NOT DRY OUT WHEN RUN, EVEN FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED DURING A SNOW STORM. THE MOISTURE IN THE HEADLIGHT FROZE LETTING VERY LITTLE LIGHT THROUGH. CHEVROLET WAS CONTACTED AND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY OR RECALL. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS DURING A SNOW STORM AND NIGHT.

NHTSA ID
10449881
Incident
Feb 19, 2012
Mileage
45,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 24, 2012

THE FRONT HEAD LIGHTS LOOK LIKE FISH TANKS, THEY ARE ALWAYS FULL OF WATER. WHEN IT RAINS OR THE CAR IS WASHED THE WATER GOES INTO THE LIGHTS. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE LIGHT BULBS 3 TIMES, THERE BOTH BAD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10449265
Incident
Feb 24, 2012
Mileage
52,000 mi
ElectricalEngineInterior & seats+4 more
Filed Dec 7, 2010

SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH VEHICLE FROM 6/08-CURRENT - CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS AND SEVERAL REPAIRS INCLUDING TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AND CURRENTLY AWAITING PARTS FOR A NEW PROBLEM. CAR 24 MONTHS OLD, PURCHASE NEW AND HAS HAD SEVERAL ISSUES AND HAS BEEN TOWED 4 TIMES FOR BREAKDOWNS. HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN UNDER 5YRS AND TERRIFIED TO DRIVE WITH ISSUES. HAVE COPIES OF ALL DEALERSHIP PAPERWORK, REPAIRS. REPAIRS INCLUDE, NOT LIMITED TO TRANSMISSION REPLACED, HEATER/COOLER SYSTEM LEAK, LIGHTING/DASH REPLACED, TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACED BUT CURRENTLY BROKE, CURRENTLY AWAITING PARTS FOR TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT APPROX COST $5000 REPAIR, LEATHER CRACKING, WINDSHIELD WIPER REAR NOT WORKING, CARPETING COMING OUT IN NEED OF REPAIR, FRONT HEADLIGHT LEAK AND FOGGY IN NEED OF REPAIR. THIS CAR IS CONSTANTLY IN THE SHOP, GETTING NOWHERE WITH GENERAL MOTORS. HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY WITH CHILDREN WHEN BROKE DOWN. DANGEROUS NOW KNOWING WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10369470
Incident
Jun 29, 2008
Mileage
70,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .