2005 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 638 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 56 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 40 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmissionJun 30, 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' AN IGNITION KEY PARK LOCK CABLE END FITTING WAS NOT FULLY SEATED ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER NAIL HEAD DURING INSTALLATION.
THIS CAN PREVENT THE CABLE AUTO-SET FROM CORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE CABLE. AN INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED CABLE PREVENTS THE SHIFTER FROM LOCKING IN THE 'PARK' POSITION WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE KEY CYLINDER.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING SHIFT LOCK WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS REMOVED. DEALERS WILL REPAIR VEHICLES THAT EXHIBIT THE SUBJECT CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
Campaign 04V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
114 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jul 15, 2022
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 17, 2022
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2021
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, May 13, 2021
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 20, 2018
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.
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Apr 29, 2018
100000K MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKS UP HUGE PROBLEMS WITH WHEEL BEARINGS AND PROBLEMS WITH ABS SYSTEM
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 11, 2017
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)"
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 8, 2017
TL* 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.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 14, 2016
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). *TR
Power train, May 22, 2016
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
Power train, May 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A VIBRATION MOTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Power train, Mar 16, 2016
TL* 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.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Nov 6, 2015
TL* 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.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 1, 2015
TL* 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.
Power train, Jul 13, 2015
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 800.00 TO FIX. NO ONE IS ABLE TO TELL ME WHY .
Power train, Engine, May 2, 2015
TAKE KEY OUT AND ENGINE DOES NOT SHUT OFF. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Apr 22, 2015
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. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2015
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. *TR
Steering, Power train, Mar 7, 2015
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). *TR
Power train, Air bags, Nov 12, 2014, crash
TL* 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.
Power train, Oct 17, 2014
TL* 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.
Power train, Oct 8, 2014
IGNITION SWITCH WON'T TURN UNLESS YOU WIGGLE IT SOMETIMES FOR 10 MINUTES. DEALER SAYS NEEDS IGNITION CYLINDER REPLACED I HAVE 5 KEYS NONE WORK. WILL COST $300-$400 TO REPLACE. I HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES 15 _ 25 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE. IT SEEMS CHEVY WILL ONLY BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IF SOMEONE DIES. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR ACCOUNTABILITY. I HAVE READ MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS BUT NO HELP. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY STEERED TO THE EXTREME RIGHT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE THROUGH A DITCH, ACROSS TRAFFIC, AND THROUGH ANOTHER DITCH. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT DID NOT CRASH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE IN ONE DAY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE IGNITION AND MIDDLE DRIVE SHAFT CARRIER BEARING WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 10/09/14*LJ UPDATED 05/18/2015 *JS
Power train, Aug 13, 2014
GETTING A VERY LOUD HUMMING/GROWLING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE. STARTS WHEN DRIVING OVER 25 MPH AND GETS LOUDER THE FASTER YOU DRIVE. THINKING THE FRONT REAR END IS GOING OUT. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH THIS VEHICLE. WILL NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN AND DON'T RECOMMEND TO ANYONE. SISTER ALSO HAS AN EQUINOX AND SHE HAS PUT IN OVER $3000 TO GET IT JUST TO RUN. GOING TO FIX IT FAST AND TRADE IT IN. CHEVY SHOULD RECALL THIS PIECE OF CRAP. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2014
I HAD TROUBLE INSERTING THE KEY IN TO THE IGNITION. AFTER INSERTED I DROVE THE CAR TO THE STORE. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION. AFTER WIGGLING THE KEY AROUND IT FINALLY CAME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. WHEN I TRIED TO PUT THE KEY BACK IN THE IGNITION THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT UNLOCK. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE COLUMN UNLOCKED AND THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE INSERTED AND THE CAR STARTED. THIS HAS OCCURRED REPEATEDLY SINCE THE ABOVE DATE. *TR