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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,346 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Chevrolet Equinox drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #57

Jul 152010

Equinox

  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon inserting the key into the ignition switch, it failed to function properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V302000 (POWER TRAIN). However, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Countryside Chevrolet (71 Cat Creek Rd, Franklin, NC 28734), where the ignition switch was replaced for a second time under the recall. However, the failure persisted. The contact's daughter was unable to start the vehicle after several attempts. The contact contacted AAA who assisted her daughter to start the vehicle. The contact's daughter was able to continue driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

- Andrews, NC, USA

problem #56

Jan 172022

Equinox

  • miles
I was at the car wash, when the vehicle was near the end, suddenly the engine light and powertrain light came on then shut off automatically. I tried to restart, put the truck in the drive, but it wouldn't go like the gas wasn't reaching. So, I turned it off and restarted to see if the lights would go off, but it didn't. I was able to get it home safely. It doesn't take off right away when you gas the pedal. When I stop at the stop sign, it takes a minute before it starts moving again. This is not safe to drive, especially when making a turn, pulling off to traffic. If it doesn't take off in time, it could be an accident due this problem. I hope there's a solution this problem. Thank you in advance.

- Gary, IN, USA

problem #55

Jun 172021

Equinox

  • miles
It was recently brought to my attention that the keys can fall out of the ignition with the vehicle running. Which creates an extreme likelihood that the vehicle can move forward or backward without assistance. My keys fall right out of the ignition you should not be able to take the keys out of an ignition with it running or not in park. Has not been confirmed by the dealership yet that-€™s my next step. And yes it can be reproduced at any time. Sometimes the key will not even start the vehicle. Hi had never reached over and just tried to take the keys out of the ignition to see if they would come out but I recently rented a room where the owner has the exact same car and the same thing happened to him and he had the ignition replaced. This is how I know that it happens because he reached over and was able to pull my keys right out with the vehicle running. I was shocked. Also at one point it says there is automatic transmission recall and mine is making weird movements and jerking motions sometimes not just on my car but on my landlord-€™s car as well. Maybe that needs to be looked at.

- Corning , CA, USA

problem #54

Jul 312020

Equinox

  • 15,900 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-30 mph, the transmission failed to shift as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to exceed 20 mph. Additionally, there was an electrical surge that went through the steering wheel causing an injury to the contact. Medical attention was needed. The contact stated that after turning the ignition switch to the off position, the vehicle was still running. The battery terminals were disconnected and the vehicle shut-off. The vehicle was taken to rick hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk (6252 E. Virginia beach blvd, Norfolk, va 23502, (757) 266-5804) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced, and the electrical system needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 15,900.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #53

May 192018

Equinox

  • 167,000 miles
Takata recall: I bought my Chevy Equinox in August of 2017, since taking it home it has had a lurching problem when driving or when stopped at a red light. It lurches forward and backwards like a bull trying to throw you off. I put new brakes on every 3 months because my brakes do not work even when brand new, and when I press the brake the car won't stop, or the brake pulses and vibrates. The cars gear shift sometimes gets stuck in drive when trying to put it in park. When trying to drive and the gas is pressed you hear a grinding, and the gas vibrates. I've had to ABS sensor replaced 4X, O2 sensor 3X new brakes every 3 months, new tires every 6 months, regular oil changes, it's had it's valves replaced, it's had new brake lines, new shocks, regular alignments, it's had a new catalytic converter put in. The cars RPM spikes to 8000 when doing 30 miles an hour through a small town. The wheel vibrates when on a highway ABS light never comes off. T/C turns off anytime I make a turn. Check engine light is I swear permantly on.. I've been told this can be a transmission and gear shift problem, but that all 3 of my regular mechanics call this problem the ghost problem, because they can't figure it out and always tell me to not drive it that it's not safe to drive but it's my only vehicle and I am 5 months pregnant and cannot afford a new car right now. This car is unsafe and needs to be evaluated.

- Summit Hill, PA, USA

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problem #52

Apr 012018

Equinox

  • miles
100000K miles and the transmission locks up huge problems with wheel bearings and problems with ABS system

- Fort Bragg, CA, USA

problem #51

Nov 092015

Equinox

  • 79,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle stalls at random times, while in motion at 65 mph on the highway or at a stop sign it just stalls. Will start back up but only to stall again. Very dangerous! multiple issues on the internet on this year Equinox and some claim there is a recall; "# tsb #05539 -- product emission recall to replace the powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM). The powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM) may have been manufactured with damaged internal ic chips, which may affect the fuel pump control and egr out (NHTSA id #10017551, April 01 2005)"

- Hohenwald, TN, USA

problem #50

Jun 012017

Equinox

  • 177,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. While the vehicle was in park, the ignition switch failed to lock. As a result, the contact had to shake the key several times to remove it from the ignition. The contact mentioned that the gear shifter was difficult to shift on several occasions. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 177,000.

- Bulls Gap, TN, USA

problem #49

May 202016

Equinox 6-cyl

  • miles
When I 1st bought the car had to change the suspension, head gasket, antifreeze is disappearing can't see where it's going key comes out the ignition VIN#[xxx] purchased on 8/19/15. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #48

Jul 292015

Equinox

  • miles
My 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. While accellerating at approximately 20-55 mph, started making vibration/clanking noise while driving down the I estate around7/5/2015 mileage around 245,000. The failure recurred multiple times and at different speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. Mechanic determined that the center support bearing needed replaced. Part was purchased at autozone as a kit package two weeks later by vehicles owner within days after repair the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and still is owners daily driver approximate mileage to date is 262,000

- Greenville, OH, USA

problem #47

Mar 152016

Equinox

  • 150,349 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Also, the gear shift selector could be moved out of the park position without the key being placed in the ignition. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V302000 (power train). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,349.

- Casey, IA, USA

problem #46

Jun 082015

Equinox

  • 201,765 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was water entering the map light. The contact also heard an abnormal noise in the rear of the vehicle, the suspension was unstable pertaining to the control arm, and the axle was leaking fluid without warning. The steering wheel also made a grinding noise when turned, the automatic transmision hesitated, the throttle was light, and it was difficult to reverse upon the change in weather. The vehicle was not repaired and the dealer was notified of the various failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided no remedy. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 201,765.

- Inkster, MI, USA

problem #45

Sep 182015

Equinox

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. While at a stop light, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle would not drive. Approximately ten minutes later, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

- West Park, FL, USA

problem #44

Jul 012015

Equinox

  • 106,000 miles
Pcn went out and some of the models are on recall and some are not. My car is not part of the recall and I dont know why.my call is dead will cost $800 to fix. No one is able to tell me why.

- Ramsey, MN, USA

problem #43

May 022015

Equinox 6-cyl

  • miles
Take key out and engine does not shut off.

- Berkley, MA, USA

problem #42

Apr 012015

Equinox 6-cyl

  • miles
I went to get my inspection sticker and received an safety/emissions recall sheet of paper indicating that I might have a problem with this defect number: 2529, engine family:5gmxv02.2025, emission problem: Some engine control modules or power train control modules have potentially damaged integrated circuits. This may cause the egr system to malfunction or cause the fuel pump to turn off or the turbo system to malfunction. This is exactly what a mechanic has told me about the egr system. If you could please let me know what I can do about this issue as soon as possible and if it is covered or if I can get it repaired at no cost to me. I have only owned this vehicle for 1 year since March 1, 2014. I'm the second owner.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #41

Apr 042015

Equinox

  • 591 miles
A loud pop occurred during operation of the vehicle at approximately 40 mph and then a noticeable change in the suspension was felt. In testing the vehicles ability to travel to a repair center the brake peddle would drop to the floor as if it lost compression. This occurred after carefully observing the troublesome behavior of the turning capabilities and suspension of the tires. It seemed to make an awful grinding noise when making right turns but not left turns. Previously before these problems arose, the apparent issue of the electrical system and its functioning parts(power doors, windows etc.) were malfunctioning, including the radio. At the initial purchase of the car the only seemingly harmless thing to mind was the sticking of the ignition switch at times. To date, the car is not able to reverse from parking position, and has a new issue of locking up totally and not able to engage forward. The car is not able to be driven and when searching for cheaper insurance (byvin) we were immediately, under no uncertain terms alerted that the car was unfit to be insured. This was told and sent in written form to us from a reputable insurance Agency.

- Hampton, GA, USA

problem #40

Mar 062015

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
In the past the transmission has quit when driving on the freeway, now the steering locks up when driving. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Redmond, WA, USA

problem #39

Nov 122014

Equinox

  • 166,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while park, the shift lever independently shifted into drive causing the vehicle to crash into the driver's side of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000.

- Reed City , MI, USA

problem #38

Oct 102012

Equinox

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 65 mph, the transmission shifted gears even when the vehicle was placed in park with the key out of the ignition. The failure occurred multiple times. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Columbus, MS, USA

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