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, May 3, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WAS ABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE KEY AND REMOVE IT FROM THE IGNITION WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V302000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Power train, Mar 30, 2011
SHAKING IN VEHICLE SIMILAR TO THAT OF AN UNBALANCED TIRE. TOOK TO DEALER FOR ANOTHER ISSUE JUST HAD THEM CHECK TO SEE WHAT THIS "NEW" SHAKING WAS AND THEY TOLD ME THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING WAS "SHOT" AND NEEDED REPLACED. THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED THAT THIS REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF AROUND $1200 PLUS LABOR. THE SAFETY ISSUES HERE ARE ENORMOUS. IF THE DRIVE SHAFT LETS LOOSE THE VEHICLE COULD FLIP, ROLL, OR ANY NUMBER OF THINGS. WHY HAS A RECALL NOT BEEN DONE? I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE. IT IS NOT COMMON FOR A CARRIER BEARING TO FAIL ESPECIALLY SO OFTEN AND EARLY. I HAVE 77,000 MILES ON THIS 2005 EQUINOX, WAY TOO SOON FOR SUCH ISSUES. I AM THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED WITH GM. I WILL NEVER BUY GM AGAIN. *TR
Power train, Feb 15, 2011
AT 60 MPH MY 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX WAS RATTLING. WE BROUGHT THIS TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE INFORMED US THAT THE CARRIER BEARING AT THE U-JOINT WAS FAILING. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE IN A VEHICLE THAT HAS ONLY 56,000 MILES ON IT. COST TO REPAIR WAS $550.00. *TR
Power train, Jan 5, 2011
THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILED WHICH GREATLY REDUCED POWER TO THE WHEELS. THE CAR BECAME LESS UNRESPONSIVE ON THE ROAD (REPLACEMENT NOT COVERED BY DEALER WARRANTY) AND COULD NOT MOVE THROUGH MINIMUM SNOW AMOUNTS GOING UP HILLS ON ROADWAYS. VEHICLE IS USED FOR COMMUTING TO WORK (35 MILES/DAY) ON PAVED ROADS.
Power train, Tires, Service brakes, Electric, Oct 13, 2010
2005 EQUINOX BOUGHT USED IN 2007AT 35000 MILES-I WAS CONFUSED WHY SOMEONE WOULD TRADE SUCH A NEW CAR IN-BRAKES CONTINUE TO WEAR DOWN-IGNITION HAD TO BE REPLACED,CAR WOULD JUST DIE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY-CAR ALMOST FEELS LIKE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS-TIRES THAT I BOUGHT 1 YEAR AGO ARE WEARING OUT- *TR
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SHE HEARD LOUD WHINING GRINDING NOISES OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THE OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED EACH TIME. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. RECENTLY, THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVE SHAFT BEARING AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT UPPER STRUT MOUNT ALONG WITH THE LOWER STRUT INSULATOR, SWAY BAR LINK AND COIL SPRING WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE AIR BAG AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AS 44,635. UPDATED 01/19/11 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED EMISSION DUE TO A FAULTY GAS CAP. UPDATED 02/22/11
Power train, Electrical system, Service brakes, Electric, Traction control system, Sep 17, 2010
SINCE 2008, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES GRINDING & SQUEAKING EVEN AFTER GETTING THEM REPAIRED (FRONT AND REAR BRAKES / ROTORS REPLACED). A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER REAR BRAKES REPLACED THE ABS & TC LIGHTS WERE ON. I HAD TO HAVE SENSORS REPLACED. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED CAR NOT STARTING AND SOUNDING LIKE IT IS FLOODING, AFTER LETTING CAR SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES IT THEN STARTS. THERE IS ALSO A POPPING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE BACK OF CAR AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. WHEN CHANGING SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE CAR OCCASIONALLY JERKS & SHOOTS FORWARD. WHEN PRESSING THE GAS, THE CAR TAKES A FEW MOMENTS THEN JERKS FORWARD. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD & I HAVE TO PAY $350 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE IF THEY CAN REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION OR HAVE TO REPLACE IT, WHICH WILL COST BETWEEN $1800 TO $3000. THERE IS A 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. NOTE: VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE TIMETABLE PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
Power train, Aug 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ABNORMALLY JUMP FORWARD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AND REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THREE MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS DAMAGED DURING THE FIRST REPAIR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,861.
Power train, Structure, May 17, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN IT RAINED, THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER BECAME FILLED WITH WATER AND THE PASSENGER REAR AND DRIVER LEFT SIDE FLOOR BECAME WET. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000. UPDATED 8/18/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE BATTERY DIED AND THE VEHICLE SLAMMED TO A STOP DUE TO POSSIBLE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. UPDATED 08/23/10
Suspension, Power train, Apr 11, 2010
GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE HAD IT CHECKED AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CENTER SUPPORT BEARING . IT FELT LIKE I HAD A TIRE OUT OF BALANCE BUT IT WAS THE BEARING. TALKED WITH ALOT OF PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET AND THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE. *TR
Power train, Apr 5, 2010
MY EQUINOX WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS BEING HELD IN PLACE BY ONE RUSTY PIECE OF METAL. HE TOLD ME THAT IF I WERE TO HIT A BUMP IT WOULD DISLODGE AND WOULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND HARM TO CAR. NOT GOOD NEWS FOR A MOTHER. HE IS REPLACING THIS PART. *TR
Power train, Mar 27, 2010
THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING HAS PULLED AWAY FROM THE AXEL ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE REPAIR SHOP (TIRE CENTER) TOLD ME THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON AND HAVE SEEN IT ON THIS MODEL MANY TIMES. A CHEVY MECHANIC TOLD ME IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE. THERE IS A TON OF INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Mar 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT SPEEDS UNDER 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL INTO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE INTO AN INTERSECTION. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY FOUND THE TRANSMISSION MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. REPAIRS WERE MADE UNDER THE CONTACTS FACTORY WARRANTY. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE UTILIZING THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM, HE TAPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SHUT OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND IT WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE. HE CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOMENTS LATER, THE CRUISE DISENGAGED. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE CRUISE CONTROL MECHANISM. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.
Power train, Mar 1, 2010
THE FAILURE IS THAT MY 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX. THE ON-DEMAND ALL WHEEL DRIVE DOESN'T ENGAGE. IT MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE. I BOUGHT IT NEW IN MAY 2005. I MOVED TO MONTANA THAT YEAR AND WHEN THE VEHICLE SLIPS THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE IS SUPPOSED TO AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGE. IT DOESN'T AND IT MAKES A FUNNY NOISE. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE IN MANY TIMES WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND NO DEALERSHIP COULD RECREATE THE SLIPPING DUE TO THE LACK OF SNOW OR ICE OR WATER ON THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIPS HOOKED MY VEHICLE UP TO A COMPUTER AND NO CODES WOULD EVER COME BACK AS BEING A PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE STILL MAKES THIS NOISE WHEN THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TRIES TO ENGAGE. I NEVER KNEW THERE WAS A WAY TO REPORT THIS ISSUE IF A SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE. I FOUND THIS WEBSITE ON HEADLINE NEWS W/ ROBIN MEAD. GREAT REPORTING!! *TR
Power train, Feb 4, 2010
CARRIER BEARING FOR CHEY EQUINOX: RUBBER SEAL SEPARATED FROM CARRIER MOUNT WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO SLAM INTO THE PLATE, IN TURN CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO COME APART WHILE THE AUTO WAS MOVING. *JB
Power train, Jan 27, 2010
THE CENTER BEARING ON MY DRIVESHAFT BROKE. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED BUT IN GOOD CONDITION. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING WITH MY VEHICLE TO CAUSE THE BEARING TO BREAK. I SIMPLY MADE A TURN AND THAT IS WHEN I NOTICED THE NOISE AND THAT IT WAS DRIVING HORRIBLY. AS I TRAVELED A FEW MORE FEET DOWN THE ROAD IT JUST GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT INTO A CHEVY DEALER AND I AM CURRENTLY AWAITING ON REPAIR. *CN
Suspension, Power train, Dec 14, 2009
2005 CHEVY EQUINOX DRIVE SHAFT BEARING WORE DOWN, VEHICLE NEVER SHOOK. THERE WAS A DRAGGING NOISE I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC, HE DROVE IT, IT RAN SMOOTH, HE LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT 6 INCHES IN ALL DIRECTIONS. NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE DRIVE SHAFT. *TR
Power train, Nov 24, 2009
CARRIER BEARINGS. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Wheels, Nov 17, 2009
I HAVE WENT THROUGH 3 WHEEL BEARINGS, 2 CARRIER BEARINGS WHICH TOOK 3 WEEKS TO GET FROM DEALER SO CAR WAS LAID UP., 2 STABILIZER BARS, ALL WIRING WAS CORRODED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED, BATTERY GOES DEAD IF DOOR IS OPEN FOR 15 MINUTES. SUN ROOF HAS RATTLED FROM DAY ONE. PAINT IS CHIPPING OFF LIFT GATE AND INSIDE BACK DOOR FROM DAY ONE. WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER. MY 2005 EQUINOX IS A BIG PIECE OF JUNK!!! *TR
Power train, Nov 10, 2009
CARRIER BEARING IS BAD ON MY SUV. CURRENTLY, IT ONLY MAKES AN ANNOYING NOISE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET NOTED THEM FALLING OFF OR NEEDING REPLACEMENT. INTERNET REPORTS THERE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH HAS CAUSED A NATIONAL BACKORDER. THIS APPEARS TO BE TOO COMMON OF A PROBLEM TO NOT INDICATE A RECALL. *TR
Power train, Oct 8, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 EQUINOX WITH 94000 MILES THAT STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THEY FOUND THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER, THERE ARE NONE AVAILABLE! I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE TOO DANGEROUS NOW AND CAN'T GET A PART FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS? *TR
Power train, Oct 6, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. HE HAS TO EXERT GREAT FORCE DURING BRAKE APPLICATION TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC CONCLUDED THAT THE HUB ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE THEN ADDED THAT AN OIL LEAK WAS PRESENT. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,953.
Suspension, Power train, Sep 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 EQUINOX. HE STATED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. HE HEARD A PECULIAR NOISE IN THE VEHICLE AFTER THE WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 11/12/09 *CN THE WHEEL BEARING AND DRIVESHAFT WERE REPLACED AS WELL. UPDATED 11/16/09
Power train, Sep 24, 2009
MY WIFE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A VIBRATION AROUND 55MPH (2005 CHEVY EQUINOX). I CRAWLED UNDER THE CAR AND NOTICE SOME TYPE OF SUPPORT ON THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS BROKEN. I FOUND OUT THAT IT IS CALLED THE CENTER SUPPORT BEARING. I CALLED ALL KINDS OF DEALERSHIPS ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE EARE FEW OF THEM OUT THERE. AND THOSE THAT ARE OUT THERE THE DEALERS ARE NOT RELEASING. THE CAR HAS ALMOST 56000 MILES ON IT AND WE CAN NOT GET THE PART. GM SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT. I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I FIND IT KIND OF ODD THAT THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. WHAT ARE PEOPLE SUPPOSE TO DO GO BUY ANOTHER CAR BECAUSE THEY CAN'T DRIVE THE ONE THEY HAVE BECAUSE GM WILL NOT SUPPLY THE PART. AS OF RIGHT NOW THERE IS NO FIX. *TR
Power train, Sep 18, 2009
THE DRIVELINE WAS REPLACED ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AT 36,00 MILES UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BEARING THAT HELD THE JOINT TOGETHER HAD CORRODED AND THE DRIVELINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED THIS WAS AT A GM CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER. *TR