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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.

6.5

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$650
Average Mileage:
67,150 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. need to replace bearing (6 reports)
  2. replace center support bearing (2 reports)
2006 Chevrolet Equinox drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2006 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments

problem #8

Oct 162013

Equinox AWD 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

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

The rubber support structure around the center support bearing for the RWD driveshaft failed and the driveshaft was simply laying in the support loop! There was no real indication of this problem I simply found it by visual inspection just checking the vehicle out! The repair was a relatively simple DIY project although the two piece driveshaft disassembly and center u-joint removeal required a bit of blacksmith approach with hammer, press and heat to get all the parts to separate due to rust and corrosion. The splined yoke for the u-joint was the problem child. When finished the propshaft is like new. Aftermarket kit used which included a new center support bearing/support loop assembly and a center u-joint. Since the center u-joint must be removed to dissassemble the center support bearing. Really not that big of a deal but the takeaway is that the problem was not even evident driving the vehicle on normal dry pavement and the propshaft was lying in the support loop with the rubber isolator for the bearing totally disentigrated.

- Allen C., Milford, MI, US

problem #7

Apr 072012

Equinox LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,931 miles

I heard this noise coming from under the front of the car went to firestone. They said it was my front brakes also my support bearing was going out. That they do not do. Replace brakes in front. Noise got for a few days. Then it was back. Had to take to Jones Pontaic they found the center support bearing was bad. Again never had this happen with my cars. When I did some ckecking on line I found quite a few people with this same problem in the Equinox. I hate to see what else will pop up with this car. Don't have the faith in this car anymore. That is bad when you do alot of driving and have only one car.

- Dorothy M., Lititz, PA, US

problem #6

Aug 172012

Equinox LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

This was the second time the middle shift bearing went out on the same car. The first time happened at approx 70000 miles. Neither time was there any indication or noise that the bearing was completely gone. The only slightly noticeable difference was a slight vibration in the center console. Both times I had a family fix that are very good at working on cars. But the bearing needs to be pressed onto the drive shaft so the drive shaft needs to be removed, which puts the car out of commission for a few days each time.

- jensonwi, Edgerton, WI, US

problem #5

Oct 132011

Equinox LT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

Definitely annoying as you could hear a sort of squealing sound, plus i was a bit worried i was going to lose my drivetrain or something.

- Jess B., Minneapolis, MN, US

problem #4

Nov 012011

Equinox LT 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,000 miles

well replacing the drive shaft was a pain in the ass money wise, being without the car for days paying hundreds of dollars in labor. and i still have trouble with trying to start the car, turning the key and the engine just keeps turning over and wont start have to turn key off and keep trying, also i had to have the back hitch repaired cause was getting water coming in and going in the spare tire department . and paid lots of money for that and i still have the same problem with it, and i only had this truck for two yrs, and wish i did not get it and yes it was a used truck. (((( mistake)))) .

- jmalone, Hartford, WI, US

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problem #3

Jun 032011

Equinox LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

This has been a bad week for my 2006 Chevey Equinox with 35000 miles on it. I have taken my truck to the garage for one problem just to find out it needs a Carrier Bearing, does that sound right? the truck is still fairly new, unfortunately it is not under any warranty. This is the first problem, more coming.

- dliotta, Rochester, NY, US

problem #2

Mar 152011

Equinox LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I service my own vehicles. Last week I changed the oil and look at the drive train. I pushed up on the center carrier bearing support and the entire unit was shot. On 52,000 miles. I replaced the unit myself but at that mileage, there's definitely a defect in the bearing manufacture.....

- Bill N., Roaring Brook TWP, PA, US

problem #1

Jan 042011

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I never knew the carrier bearing was shot until I took it in for a oil change. They had me bring in car to a mechanic and told me I shouldn't drive this car until the bearing is replaced because I can lose my drive shaft. The car never made any noise or strange vibrations. It's a good thing I wasn't driving on a highway and lost my drive shaft. I contacted GM but they will not help with the cost of the bearing because my car is 4 years old. They do not stand behind their parts or care about safety of their consumers.

- Michele R., Kingsford, MI, US

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