AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the switch used to control the defroster failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the vision through the windshield was obstructed while driving. The dealer was contacted and acknowledged the failure; however, the contact was provided a diagnostic test fee to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the defroster would not function and failed to produce warm air on the windshield. The contact stated that air would blow onto his feet no matter the setting. The contact called kingman arizona Chevrolet (3730 stockton hill rd, kingman, az 86409, [phone]) and was instructed to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and they referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the windshield fogged up without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, but they stated that they had never heard of such a failure. The technician stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was unpredictable and occurred at any given moment. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. Updated 12/13/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the defrost was inoperable. Grey Chevrolet (4949 sw hovde rd, port orchard, wa 98367, [phone]) diagnosed that the heating system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the defroster became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle became very difficult to drive due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the actuator had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the computer module in the center instrument panel had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with TSB: 09298C (Heating and Windshield Defrost Inoperative. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in TSB: 09298C. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the heater and defroster failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V489000 (visibility). The failure mileage was 5,000. Updated 8/31/15 updated 9/22/2017
Just before thanksgiving 2016 my wife's car started alternating back and forth luke warm air to cold air. I have replaced the heater core, the blend motor door, bled the lines for air bubbles, and today the blower motor resistor. Nothing has changed the heater problems. It doesn't matter if the car is sitting or moving, it doesn't work right. If it's cold I can't keep my windows clear from fogging up or frost on my windows.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving 25 MPH in rainy conditions, the rear of the vehicle moved sideways uncontrollably. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the failure was a normal characteristic. In addition, the engine warning indicator consistently illuminates on the instrument panel. The gas caps were replaced three times, but the failure typically resurfaces shortly after the repair. Thirdly, the radio:cd:tape:deck fails sporadically and prevents a music cd from being ejected. Lastly, the air conditioner does not blow out of the side vents, which prevents air from disseminating properly. As of March 31, 2009, the technicians are re-inspecting the vehicle to determine the cause of the failures. The failure and current mileages were 26,000. Updated 04/21/09. Updated 04/21/09.
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
General motors is recalling certain model year 2010 Chevrolet equinox and GMC terrain vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems and with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, controls and displays".
Remedy: Dealers will replace the computer module in the center instrument panel free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during January 2010.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (161), 2010 (13), 2005 (11) and 2007 (9) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Equinox ac & heater problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 09V-489 (defroster/defogger/hvac system, Dec 23, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Equinox ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the defroster/defogger/hvac system (177 mentions), followed by the appliance › air conditioner (18).
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.