Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ECM in my vehicle appears to have an intermittent failure that can cause it to send the vehicle into WOT at any time at random. I was stopped at a traffic signal. It turned green, I let off the brake and my vehicle learched forward for a second, and then, all of a sudden launched into and hit the vehicle in front of me. I tried to push down the brakes, but they were too stiff, and, no, my foot did not even get a chance to press the gas yet. There was only minor damage to my vehicle, however, the situation was extremely scary. I have since changed out the ECM and have had no issues since. I have seen this issue once before on a similar vehicle, except, what happened with that is the vehicle was in a garage, and the ECM had failed nearly completely and stuck the vehicle in WOT. In my case, I was still able to drive the vehicle home, so the issue appeared to me intermittent. …
Less than 4,000 miles driven after I purchased this vehicle the transmission needed to be replaced as it would not shift out of 2nd gear. The heater core also exploded on the way to the dealership to assess the transmission issues. Around 20-25,000 miles after purchase the engine coolant temp gauge stopped reporting temperatures correctly and would redline even if the car was off for over 2 days it would start up way above the normal operating temperature. The fuel guage no longer correctly indicates how much gas is left in the tank and will not move off of empty even after pumping 13 gallons into the tank. Vehicle was stationary at a red light when heater core blew out. Vehicle was being driven during transmission, temperature, and gas gauge failures.
Transmission will not shift into third gear without letting off the gas, valve body solenoid problem. Rear wiper motor bad, ignition gets stuck on with key in, have to put gear shifter in and out of gear multiple times to get key out. Electronic stability control off lights comes on after just a few seconds of vehicle being started. Alternator was whining extremely loud, had to replace. Heater blend door broken, cannot have hot air for winter or cold A/C in summer. Sounds like water rushing through dash board when car is started. Very heavy odor of antifreeze inside car when heat is on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the key would not eject from the ignition when turning off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,000. Updated 4/21/15 the consumer stated she was unable to shift the gear out of park and the key would not come out of the ignition. Updated 04/28/15
I had 2 Chevy Equinox 2007 model, loaded. First vehicle repurchased due to multiple episodes of stabilitrak failure, turn signals quit working, radio problems, passenger system airbag not working, and finally failure of main airbag system. Given exact twin of first car, as thought that car was just a lemon. 2nd Equinox had 2 episodes of stabilitrak failure, and a new steering column placed, and then had total system failure of the steering, brakes, gas, stabilitrak, and airbag system while driving the vehicle. I had absolutely no control over any of these systems! You could turn my steering wheel 360 degrees, and the wheels never moved, the brakes didn't work, the gas didn't work, and all alarms were going off that the systems, including the airbags were not working. …
2007 Chevy Equinox turned off automatically while driving on the hwy, then when pressing on the gas, would kick back on, but then turn off again. I had to coast to the side of the road, wait for about 10 mins, then it started again. This time engine light came on, and I was able to make it home. Turned it into the mckinney Chevy dealership on 4/11/09 and found out that oxygen sensor went out and needed to be replaced. Mileage on car is only 44,352 and I have only had the car for about 6 months! I continue to have problems over and over again with vehicle turning off while I'm driving. It's 4/18/09 today and it's doing it again. I'll have to turn vehicle back into dealership again on Monday. This vehicle is extremely unsafe! I am stuck in this vehicle financially and texas lemon law does not protect me! …
Tl* the contact owns 2007 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle had a major fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 12V459000 (fuel system, gasoline). Also, the contact mentioned that the instrument panel failed intermittently on numerous occasions and multiple warning lights illuminated. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09V489000 (visibility). In addition, the contact stated that the air bag warning lamp was illuminate for an extended period of time and it was not confirmed by the local dealer if the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id numbers: 07V520000 (air bags) and 07V344000 (air bags). The vehicle was to be further inspected in order to be diagnosed. …
While driving on interstate 95 going 70 MPH , the steering locked up and I lost power when all the dash lights started flashing. This was the day after I bought the car from auto showcase of belair md. The power steering going out happened atleast 7 times in the first two weeks alone. I requested for them to take the car back, they refused.. 4 weeks into owning this car the power steering issue was finally resolved.during that time period I found out that the car sold to me was stolen, the dealer did not tell me that and showed me paper work that was not a car fax report. Three months later in October of 2013 my car started over heating and cutting power off to the engine while driving the speed limit on 95. It happened 5 times. A mechanic looked it over and said the head gaskets were blown. After a month it was fixed. …
While driving either on city or freeway the car started shaking, jerking, and vibrating really badly when applied pressure to the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not gain speed, instead it would slow down and it felt like gas was not going trough. It first started 3 months ago took it to for an oil change and the recommendation I received from service agent was to get fuel system cleaned and change the transmission fluids which cost me around $298. The same day it did the same thing while driving on the freeway, so I let it be for a while but it continues with the same problem and have contacted service agent but have no solution for me. The other issue it has is the key always gets stuck, and need to turn the car back on then turn the wheel, but sometimes it takes more than this to get the key out from the ignition switch.
I bought a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox in 2010. It has a problem with service stabilitrak and check engine light on. I called service advisor at Chevy dealership and needs to run diagnostic to find out problem with stabilitrak. The vehicle has over 71,000 miles, should be covered with drive train warranty. I will need to pay for diagnostic first, then the problem will be covered under warranty. I feel the warranty for drive train should cover the diagnostic charge and parts, labor. Now I cannot bring vehicle in to service until $$ are covered for diagnostic check. The warranty covers used cars drive train. Let me know, and let the dealership know about this complaint. Gateway Chevrolet. 9901 w papago fwy avondale, az 85323, telephone [phone].
Transmission complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, 5% of the model year's 685 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.