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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Equinox is plagued by a heating problem, as in the heater only blows cold air.

The reported cause of this problem is a small door, known as the air temperature blend door, which allows air to flow past the heater core. This door has a plastic connecting shaft to an electric motor and the shaft is prone to breaking after a few years. The problem has a typical repair cost of over $800.

The 2006 Equinox also has a number of reported problems ranging from the key getting stuck in the ignition, to failing speed sensors, and trouble starting the engine. All in all, this car sounds like one worth avoiding.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
93,112 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.

2006 Chevrolet Equinox brakes problems

brakes problem

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2006 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Aug 012014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 66,000 miles

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

The ABS and T/C lights come on after driving. If the car has been turned off, and you turn the car back on, the lights will not come on while driving around or under 10mph, but the symptoms are that the brakes will grind and be very hard to push, very dangerous when braking behind somebody waiting to pull out of a driveway into a busy intersection. After accelerating to 20mph or faster, the brake issue might go away, but the ABS/traction control lights will come on. The problem is known for the 2006 Chevy Equinox to be an issue with the pigtail wiring harness. I urge you to review the forum documenting these issues at chevroletforum.com/forum/Equinox-23/2006-Chevy-Equinox-lt-ABS-traction-control-light-problems-41758/ for supporting evidence. Chevrolet is charging people for repairs of unnecessary parts in order to make money while they knowingly know the issue deserves a recall.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #22

Nov 032010

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 95,714 miles
While applying the brake, it pulsated and the ABS/traction control light came on. We took it to the Chevrolet dealer we purchased it from for repair. They replaced the left front wheel speed sensor/hub assembly and the front brake pads and resurfaced the rotors. Approximately one week later, the same issue occurred again with the ABS/traction control light on again. The ABS/traction control light is on. As you brake, the brakes pulsate like they are trying to adjust themselves. This is scary as you fear you are not going to stop or rear end someone every time you drive the vehicle. We need to trade this vehicle in, but who wants something Chevrolet won't or can't fix?

- Bluefield, WV, USA

problem #21

May 012014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 134,000 miles
Problem with ABS system. When stopping at low speeds ( 5mph) the ABS system engages every time. We have had all brake pads, shoes, rotors, and disc replaced. Still have the problem. Have seen a lot of the same issues appearing on internet forums. As this is a safety issue how many complaints do we need before a recall is issued. Will it take a death? since G.M. has so many recalls now why not include this.

- Dry Ridge, KY, USA

problem #20

Mar 312014

Equinox

  • 110,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the ABS and traction light warning indicator illuminated. Also, the contact mentioned that when the brakes were engaged the vehicle made a loud grinding noise. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer twice and the mechanic replaced the left front hub bearing, the wiring harness and connected the lose connection speed sensor. The failure recurred for the fifth time and an independent mechanic replaced the front brakes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

- George Town, KY, USA

problem #19

Jul 072014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 108,000 miles
Passenger side tire/wheel brake locked up. Not able to drive in any gear. Appeared to be brakes locked up. Possible fire danger. Wheel got so hot it melted off the plastic hub cap cover. Smelled of burning plastic/brake. Trying to get safety eval by GM delaership this week. This is a very dangerous vehicle. NHTSA: Request your review to recommend immediate recall; found same problem across the internet this morning. Help....

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #18

Feb 102014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 39,000 miles
ABS and traction control lights dash board indicators came on and the ABS brakes began to pulse suddenly. The pulsing would happen at any time (dry or wet surface and at any speed). When vehicle was turned off and restarted, the ABS and traction control dash lights would be off but would light up again in a short while. Took vehicle to Firestone. First, one set of hub bearings was replaced. When that didn't solve the problem, the other set of hub bearings were replaced. That didn't solve the problem either, so both sets were replaced again in case of a faulty part. That still didn't solve the problem, so the electrical was rewired. This worked for about 2 weeks but now the lights are lit and the brakes are pulsing again. I have been on an unofficial Chevrolet forum and it seems this is a recurring problem with the Equinox. What is Chevy doing to solve this problem and why hasn't a recall been issued?

- Marion, IA, USA

problem #17

Jun 202014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 70,286 miles

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

The ABS and traction control warning lights came on and stayed on. The brake pedal vibrated at each stop.

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #16

May 082014

Equinox

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the ABS and trac warning indicators remained illuminated. The brake pedal and accelerator pedal vibrated whenever depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and authorized dealer for diagnosis. The repairs consisted of the replacement of both of the front wheel bearings, sensors and the cv-booster. The failure persisted after the repairs were performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Henrico, VA, USA

problem #15

Jan 132014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 107,000 miles
We have had repetitive problems with the ABS brakes kicking in and the vehicle not wanting to stop. Have had it serviced 3 times in 4 months. (have only owned the car for 6 months). Replaced both front wheel ABS sensors and the last time the ABS control module was replaced and now it is doing the same thing again. It is a persistent problem but the sensor lights only come on intermittently. We have not even put 3000 miles on the vehicle since we have owned it. From looking online we have found that we are one of many people that have had the same issue. When it is dealing with a brake issue I cannot believe that Chevy has not issued a recall. We also have an issue with the ignition when you turn it over it continues to try to start after it is running. The only way to make is stop is to step on the gas. Again by looking online I see that this too is a consistent problem. I really like the car but at this point I am so frustrated with taking it into the shop all of the time and having them not be able to tell me what needs done to fix it.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #14

Nov 152013

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
One day I noticed the brakes were harder than normal to push to stop the car and then my ABS/traction control lights would come on, when they did the car would brake fine. This now happens on a daily basis. Sometimes the lights come on as soon as I start the car and sometimes it takes a few minutes of driving for the lights to come on, until they do, braking is scary. Both front hubs, both front sensors, rotors and pads have been replaced and still ABS/traction control light coming on. Also had all four tires air pressure checked. All of this work has been performed by a licensed mechanic and he is now stumped. I have been reading other complaints on different sites with the same problem and no resolution.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #13

Oct 152013

Equinox 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the brake pedal began to pulsate when pressure was applied. The vehicle failed to decelerate even after the brakes were applied repeatedly. The emergency brake was engaged in order to stop the vehicle. In addition, the traction and ABS warning indicators were illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic ten times where the front brakes and bearings were replaced but the failure persisted after the repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 04/22/14 the consumer stated the vehicle was fixed. Updated 04/24/14

- Devine, TX, USA

problem #12

Jan 242014

Equinox

  • 82,000 miles
I have had all kind of trouble out of this vehicle. First it was the wheel bearings. Change one an not long after have to change another. Have changed about 4. three on one wheel an one on the other. And now have to change another that I can tell. Then it started with brakes recently. They would stick. Had brakes replaced that didn't fix the problem. Brake lights came on vehicle. Then went off haven't came on since but brakes have stuck more than one time. Very dangerous. Now to get with the air in the vehicle that I have seen several complain about. While car is sitting still the vehicle will stay warm an warm air blowing out. Where it has been cold when driving the car the temp would go down on vehicle making the air blow out cool an I about freeze to death driving. Windows fog up fast. Need a recall if so many people are have the same issue/issues. Can cause major problems if not addressed or fixed. I don't let me kids ride in the car with me anymore cause of this.

- Whitesburg, KY, USA

problem #11

Oct 222013

Equinox

  • 116,000 miles
While driving, either just getting into the car and pulling out of a parking space or having driven for a distance, when pushing on the breaks to stop the vehicle, they grind and the car doesn't stop. Sometimes, there is just a grinding sound and I don't bother pushing on the breaks because I know that they will not work. I took it to a shop and was told that my breaks looked fine. I will drive for a while and it may not happen again for days. Then it starts up again....the grinding. It is sometimes accompanied by the tc and/or the ABS light illuminating on the dashboard. Once I cut the car off and restart, the light(s) may go out. I have taken the car into the shop (both a dealer repair and an independent repair shop) and was told that they couldn't tell what the problem is. They have mentioned that the issue could be electrical, but none can confirm. Research on this site confirms that it is not just my vehicle. I do regular maintenance on my vehicle and yet this still happened. Chevy needs to take a look at this and provide a solution. This is dangerous.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA

problem #10

Sep 152013

Equinox 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. Updated 01/07/14 updated 1/14/2014

- Canton , OH, USA

problem #9

Dec 072011

Equinox

  • 96,000 miles
I have had problems with my brakes grinding not wanting to stop and took to a shop said my brakes were like brand new but yet it doesn't want to stop makes grinding noises. I replaced the starter in my car four times and am still having the same problems sticks when starting or doesn't want to work at all and this was in a two month period. My front drivers seatbelt would not release this has happened several times in the last couple weeks. I have also had problems with bearings had to have them replaced. Also with the steering when driving it has a mind of its own when I change lanes wants to keep going toward the ditch.why isn't any of this being addressed by Chevrolet I bought this car because of no recalls but apparently Chevy doesn't want to fix these issues and it could kill someone !! also have problems when it rains also it doesn't do well at all in rain at all and I have brand new tires on my vehicle.

- Concordia, MO, USA

problem #8

Apr 202013

Equinox

  • 108,300 miles
I was traveling at about 40 mph down a main road, when I tried to stop at a red light. Upon pressing the brake, the whole brake system locked up, and there was resistance. I swerved to avoid the car in front of me, and ran into a mailbox on the side of the road. Prior to this, my car experienced overheating and smoke that blocked my view, and I was told that I had a blown head gasket. I am mentioning this because I see that others had the same issue. GM needs to fix these problems before someone gets seriously hurt.

- Wheaton, MD, USA

problem #7

Mar 072013

Equinox

  • 117,539 miles
I am the owner of a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. Beginning in February of 2013, noticed that ABS and tc light were coming on while driving, and that front brakes had crunching and grinding sound, and would jam when brakes were hit. Had front brake replaced, and new tires put on, and still had the same problem happening. Took it to dan vaden dealership on Feb 26, 2013, was informed that they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. On March 6, 2013 while pressing brakes they jammed, and had to pull vehicle off road not to hit vehicle in front of me. On March 7, 2013 took vehicle back to dan vanden dealership, they said they replaced the left front hub assembly for a charge of $593.28 (labor and other fees). When I picked the vehicle up that evening and drove 1/2 mile the ABS and tracking light came back on while driving. Drove vehicle back to dealership. I was given a courtesy vehicle for a week until they could figure out what was wrong. It is now June and I am experiencing the same problem of the ABS and tc light coming on, and brakes jamming. I have also seen alot of complaints on google regarding this problem with the same vehicle. Would like to know why this problem has not been reported.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #6

Nov 012012

Equinox

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the anti lock braking system activated independently and the brake pedal vibrated abnormally when depressed. The anti-lock braking system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where they advised the contact that the ABS system failed and had been replaced. The failure recurred and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000. The current mileage was 152,000.

- Arlington , TX, USA

problem #5

Mar 012012

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 52,000 miles
I heard a thumping noise from what felt like under my feet. I then tried to push on the brakes, only having the pedal give a great amount of resistance with loud ABS noises. It will continue doing this until both my traction control light and ABS light come on. I had my brakes checked and they said everything was good. And of course it was out of my 50000 mile warranty. I still drive cautiously and try to get the lights on as quickly as possible when driving my children around so that we aren't seriously injured. Not until I started researching the problems I'm having with this particular vehicle did I realize I wasn't the only one. The brakes are the first to mention...then there's the ac/heater problem it won't blow hot air, and it won't blow cool air when stopped at a red light. Then that loud clunking noise made when I'm driving over bumps that sound like my front end is going to fall off. Oh and the fact that my speedometer will only increase by 3-5 mph increments. The dealer said they couldn't find anything wrong, after getting a speeding ticket by a camera light it was taken into a speed shop who verified its absolutely not working correctly. They couldn't even give me a reading because its broken. Nice!!!!! seriously is someone going to have to die, or seriously injured before someone steps up and takes responsibility?

- Mesa, AR, USA

problem #4

Oct 222012

Equinox

  • miles
I would press the brake and it felt like the anti-lock brake was engaged. After a few times, the ABS light came on the dashboard. In October 2012, I took it to a Chevrolet dealer to get it diagnosed and fixed. They replaced the left front ABS sensor. Then I went for almost a month without an incident and now it has started again. I took it back to the dealer, this last week of Nov. 2012, and they told me that they will not replace the sensor because the ABS light is not on, and that they are not just going to tear into everything because they are not sure what is wrong. I am worried about my safety of myself and those with whom I travel.

- Kamas, UT, USA

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