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:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,080 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.
I've had three incidents while driving that I completely lost control of my steering. After turning the car off a mechanic started it up to check it out and it did not have a problem. It seems that after I turn the ignition off it resets itself. It has happened this way several times now that I was in a safe area but I do not feel safe driving it far from home..
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact drove over an uneven road surface and a popping sound was heard in the steering column. The steering wheel became loose and difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic stated that the components in the steering column failed. The mechanic advised that the steering column would have to replace. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while parking the vehicle the steering wheel malfunctioned, and the contact was unable to move the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated the steering column disconnected from the steering rack. The dealer stated the vehicle needed a new steering rack. The contact stated if the vehicle was driving at high speeds the vehicle could have caused a crash. The failure mileage as 76.670..... updated 09/15/11 updated 2/23/12
2006 Chevy Equinox has steering column shudder, noise, vibration while turning and slowing from 45-5 mph. Feels as if the entire steering column will fall apart in your hands. I have heard this may be a carrier bearing/intermediate shaft/steering column replacement issue.
I took my 2006 Chevy Equinox to dealership for power steering failure. We were losing steering functionality while driving. Dealer did not find anything wrong. Problem continued and after 2nd visit I was informed the entire steering column and motor needs to be replaced. I see from internet message boards this is a common problem with this vehicle. Dealer and GM does not consider this a safety issue and requires auto owners to repair the vehicle at our cost.
- Park Ridge, NJ, USA
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The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the steering column wiring began to smoke which caused the steering to fail. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the entire steering column. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 107,147.
2006 Chevy Equinox. Upon turning on the car, in cool weather(25degreesf),the power steering failed to provide power assist. Drove approximately 5 miles like this. Later that evening around 1 hour later, went out and power steering worked properly. First and only time it happened to date. Went to dealer to have it checked and they found nothing wrong, no failure or codes. Warranty expires in 2 weeks.
2006 Chevy Equinox problem with front end. Consumer stated that the vehicle is making a noise in the front end. She states that the engine revs. The consumer stated the steering froze twice.
I nearly ran off the road at 70 mph as I reached to turn on the defroster. I was saved by the sleep strip, which slowed the car down enough to regain control. This car has very loose and erratic steering and wobbles when changing lanes. I must slow down significantly to go around curves, even on the interstate. I had taken it in for warranty repairs 3 times prior to the incident. The dealer states that it is the electronic steering on this model car. After the incident, I took it in again and was told it was a "characteristic of front wheel drive vehicles". I feel that the electronic steering in this car is not safe.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- New Freedom, PA, USA