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
638 reports, newest first.
Suspension, Sep 18, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE DRIVER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, IN WHICH A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE REAR CARRIER BEARING WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL DECEMBER; THEREFORE, NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000.
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
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Sep 18, 2009
9/ 09VIBRATING..TICKING NOISE NOTICED CAR TAKEN TO DEALER..TOLD DRIVE SHAFT IS CRACKED, CAR UNDRIVABLE, DRIVESHAFT ON BACKORDER..DATE OF RELEASE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME 10/08 BRAKE ROTORS FOUND TO BE WARPED/DEFECTIVE..REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 17, 2009
2005 EQUINOX WITH 73,200 MILES. PURCHASED USED/GM CERTIFIED 11/2008 IN ILLINOIS. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL SHIMMIED AND WOULD NOT BUDGE AS IF IT WAS STUCK. HAD TO PUMP IT MULTIPLE TIMES AND USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO HALT VEHICLE. AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME "UNSTUCK" THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALER. *TR
Power train, Sep 9, 2009
1. NORMAL DRIVING 2. LOUD WHINE WAS HEARD, TOOK INTO DEALER AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BAD SUPPORT BEARING 3. SUPPORT BEARING IS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *TR
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2009
THE SAFETY(PARKING) LIGHTS FRONT OR BACK DO NOT WORK, BRAKE LIGHTS,TURN SIGNALS, HEAD LIGHTS THEY ALL WORK. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2009
IN MY 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AWD, THE DRIVE SHAFT CENTER SUPPORT BEARING IS BLOWN WITH ONLY 39,000 MILES. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED A SHAKING FELT IN THE FLOORBOARD AT 50MPH AND ABOVE THAT FEELS SIMILAR TO AN UNBALANCED WHEEL. I HAD THE WHEELS BALANCED AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT BEARING SUPPORT. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN WITHOUT THE SUPPORT DUE TO THE RISK OF DAMAGING THE DRIVE SHAFT POSSIBLY LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT, ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE STAFF. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE PART IS ON "NATIONAL BACKORDER" AND THAT HE HAS "12 PEOPLE ALREADY ON THE LIST WAITING." A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS MANY PEOPLE WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO AFTER-MARKET PART AND THE DEALER WAS NOT FORTHCOMING WITH TIMING OF AVAILABILITY OF THE PART. SEEMS THERE IS SIGNIFICANT DEMAND FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART WARRANTING INVESTIGATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Power train, Sep 4, 2009
IN MY 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AWD, THE DRIVE SHAFT CENTER SUPPORT BEARING IS BLOWN WITH ONLY 39,000 MILES. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED A SHAKING FELT IN THE FLOORBOARD AT 50MPH AND ABOVE THAT FEELS SIMILAR TO AN UNBALANCED WHEEL. I HAD THE WHEELS BALANCED AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT BEARING SUPPORT. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN WITHOUT THE SUPPORT DUE TO THE RISK OF DAMAGING THE DRIVE SHAFT POSSIBLY LEADING TO AN ACCIDENT, ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE STAFF. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE PART IS ON "NATIONAL BACKORDER" AND THAT HE HAS "12 PEOPLE ALREADY ON THE LIST WAITING." A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET SHOWS MANY PEOPLE WITH A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO AFTER-MARKET PART AND THE DEALER WAS NOT FORTHCOMING WITH TIMING OF AVAILABILITY OF THE PART. SEEMS THERE IS SIGNIFICANT DEMAND FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART WARRANTING INVESTIGATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Power train, Sep 1, 2009
MY 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX NEEDS A NEW DRIVE SHAFT CARRIER BEARING. THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WHICH IS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR STATED THAT THIS BEARING IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND COULD TAKE BETWEEN 3 WEEKS TO 3 MONTHS FOR A REPLACEMENT BEARING. THE DEALERSHIP, THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY AND GM WILL NOT AUTHORIZE A LOANER CAR. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS BEARING IS USED ON MANY TYPES OF GM VEHICLES AND THERE WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WHICH LEAD TO THE PART SHORTAGE. MY CONCERN IS THAT SOMEONE WILL NOT REALIZE THAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT IS OCCURRING ' POSSIBLY CREATING A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Power train, Aug 27, 2009
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX: THE CAR STARTED SHAKING WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING. SEE STOP AT A NEAR BY SERVICE STATION TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CENTER SUPPORT CARRIER BEARING, WHICH HOLDS THE DRIVESHAFT IN PLACE. WE CONTACTED SEVERAL CHEVY DEALERS FOR THE PART AND WERE INFORMED THAT THIS PARTICULAR CARRIER BEARING IS OUT OF STOCK, ON BACK ORDER AND NONE WERE AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTRY. THEY PUT US ON A LIST TO HAVE ON ORDERED. I WAS TOLD NOT TO EXPECT IT UNTIL SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER. THIS CAR IS NOW IMMOBILIZED. APPARENTLY, THERE ARE SEVERAL CHEVY EQUINOX'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, WHICH NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL PUT INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Exterior lighting, Aug 12, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BULBS CONSTANTLY FAILED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SEALANT WAS LOOSE, WHICH ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER AND BLOW OUT THE BULB. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIR WAS $500. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 2009
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, ENGINE WOULD CONTINUALLY ROLL OVER UNTIL STARTING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY MANY TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM AND THEY TRIED TO TELL ME THAT I WAS HOLDING THE KEY TOO LONG IN THE START POSITION. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR OVER 15 YEARS, NEVER HAPPENED WITH ANY OTHER CAR. NOW 5 YEARS LATER, WITH ONLY 65K MILES, IT STILL ROLLS OVER BUT DOESN'T START. I HAVE TO TRY AGAIN AND PUMP THE GAS A FEW TIMES TO GET IT TO START. *TR
Steering, Aug 7, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CARRIER BARRON WAS FAILING. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,300; HOWEVER, THE NECESSARY PART WAS ON BACKORDER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,900 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
Power train, Jul 30, 2009
MY 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX BEGAN SHAKING WHEN DRIVING GREATER THAN 50 MPH. THE REPAIR SHOP FOUND IT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE CARRIER BEARING WAS DETACHED AND NEEDED REPLACED. I AM STILL WAITING FOR THIS PART TO ARRIVE SO THAT MY CAR CAN BE REPAIRED. HOW THIS IS NOT A RECALL IS BEYOND ME. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND GREATER THAN 15-20 COMPLAINTS ON LINE STATING THE SAME THING FOR THEIR 2005 EQUINOX. PLEASE HELP ME. I AM GETTING NO WHERE WITH CHEVY AND THEY DON'T WANT TO COVER THE PART EITHER. *TR
Power train, Jul 29, 2009
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX WITH 48K MILES ON IT. RECENTLY I BEGAN HEARING AND FEELING A THUMPING BELOW ME. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND LEARNED THE DRIVE SHAFT CENTER BEARING IS SHOT. DEALER TOLD ME THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN AS THE DRIVE SHAFT COULD FALL AT ANY TIME CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OR ROLL OVER. IF THAT IS NOT BAD ENOUGH HE ALSO TOLD ME THE PART IS UNAVAILABLE AND IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. WE'VE BEEN WAITING OVER A WEEK NOW AND THE DEALER IS SAYING HE DOESN'T SEE ANY CHANCE OF HAVING THE PART IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO! I SEE ANOTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINT HERE AND ACCORDING TO THE SALES PERSON WHO SOLD THE CAR, THE PART HAS BEEN REDESIGNED BY GM DUE TO NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH IT. CLEARLY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER TO DETERMINE IF GM IS WORKING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH AN APPROPRIATE SENSE OF URGENCY. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 23, 2009
2005 CHEVY EQUINOX LS. CAN TAKE KEY OUT OF IGNITION WHILE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. I'M AFRAID THE KEY COULD FALL OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP. OR, IF IN AN ACCIDENT, THE KEY FALL OUT WHILE THE MOTOR IS RUNNING AND YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO TURN OFF THE MOTOR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN FIRE. HAD THE KEY REPLACED ONCE, ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO. IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, SO I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN TAMPERING OR REPLACEMENT WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. GM'S SOLUTION IS GO TO DEALER. DEALERS SOLUTION IS REPLACE KEY. OBVIOUSLY REPLACING KEY IS NOT A LONG TERM SOLUTION NOR ONE THAT FIXES THE PROBLEM. IT IS, HOWEVER, AND EXPENSIVE ONE THAT COULD BE IS FATAL IF NOT FIXED IN TIME. IT ALSO APPEARS TO BE EXTRAORDINARY. I HAVE DRIVEN FOR 42 YEARS AND OWNED MANY, MANY CARS. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE A KEY BECAUSE I CAN PULL IT OUT OF THE IGNITION. NOW, IT APPEARS I'LL HAVE TO DO IT EVERY YEAR. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 20, 2009
WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE BRAKE GOES TO THE FLOOR. WHEN YOU STEP ON IT AGAIN THE BRAKES ARE FINE. THERE IS NO NOISE OR GRINDING COMING FROM THEM, AND NO BRAKE LIGHT LIT.THIS HAS HAPPENED 3X IN LAST 2 WEEKS. MADE AN APPT TODAY WITH MECHANIC FOR THURSDAY. JUST NOW THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT LIT UP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 17, 2009
I AM ALSO HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH MY EQUINOX. IT SOMETIMES DOESN'T WANT TO START & I WILL HAVE TO GIVE IT GAS TO START IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DIFFERENT CHEVY DEALERS THAT SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH IT AFTER CHECKING IT OUT ON THE MACHINE ($99 EACH TIME). *TR
Power train, Jul 14, 2009
I HAVE HAD MY 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX, BEEN THE FIRST AND ONLY OWNER, SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED IT, IF I RAN THROUGH EVEN THE SMALLEST MUDPUDDLE I WOULD HEAR NOISES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. NOW 4 YEARS LATER THE NOISES ARE NONE STOP. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THE WHEEL BEARING ON BOTH SIDES WERE BAD, JUST TO FIND OUT AFTER SPENDING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR BILLS, THE CARRIER BEARING THAT IS ON THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT IS MISSING. IT HAS FALLEN OUT COMPLETELY AND ALL THAT REMAINS IS THE RUBBER FLANGES. I HAVE CONTACTED EVERY DEALER I CAN THINK OF AND RECEIVED A PART # 25775162 FOR THE BEARING AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER AND GM IS SAYING THEY WILL NOT RELEASE IT TO NON VIP UNTIL NOVEMBER, DECEMBER TIME FRAME. HAD I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR WITH THE VIBRATION OF THE DRIVESHAFT I COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY HURT MYSELF OR OTHERS. NOW I AM PAYING FOR A VEHICLE, NO ONE HAS THE PART THAT I NEED TO FIX IT, AND I AM OUT OF ANSWERS. IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN WHICH EVERY DEALER I HAVE SPOKEN TO SAYS IT IS WITH THE EQUINOX, WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE? INSTEAD EVERYONE WITH THAT MODEL YEAR SATURN AND EQUINOX WITH THE SAME CARRIER BEARING ON THE REAR DRIVESHAFT IS EITHER WRECKED THE VEHICLE, HURT THEMSELVES OR OTHERS, OR ALLOWING THERE VEHICLE TO SIT AT A GARAGE, SHOP OR HOUSE WITH NO HOPE OF GETTING IT FIXED. I HAVE EVEN CALLED GM CORPORATE, AND ALL THEY GIVE ME IS WE WILL LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 29, 2009
CONTINUAL HEADLIGHT BURNING OUT. WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HAVING NEW BULB INSTALLED. DEALER REPLACED BULB EACH TIME AT A COST OF APPROX $150 EVENTUALLY DEALER REVEALS IT IS A CONNECTOR CAUSING SHORTAGE AND WILL REPLACE AT A COST OF APPROX $275. *TR
Power train, Jun 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVESHAFT BEARINGS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WERE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD ARRIVE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Equipment, Jun 15, 2009
PLEASE NOTE, JUST SPENT $847.00 ON THIS VEHICLE, BRAKES, SERPENTINE BELT ,ROTORS,THERMOSTAT. THIS VEHCILE HAS BEEN A LEMON SINCE IT WAS EXPORTED FROM CANADA AS THAT WHERE IT WAS BUILT!!! *TR
Electrical system, Structure, May 28, 2009
THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT OPERATE UP OR DOWN. SOMETIMES THE WIDOW WOULD GO UP OR DOWN ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT OPERATING THE SWITCH. THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE DOOR WAS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE WIRES WERE BROKEN AND EXPOSED AT THE HINGE JOINT. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS SHORTING OUT. *TR
Electrical system, May 18, 2009
OIL LIGHT STAYS ON AND GOES AWAY AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING. EVERYTIME I CHANGE MY OIL I RESET IT LIKE THE DEALER TELLS ME TO BUT IT STILL DOES THIS. THE DEALER CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT DOES THIS. IT IS ANNOYING TO SAY THE LEAST. *TR
Equipment, May 18, 2009
AT APROX 100K MILES THE CD PLAYER JAMMED AND WON'T PLAY CDS NOR EJECT OR ACCEPT THEM. SINCE I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS THE CD PLAYER SAYS IT HAS AN ERROR ALL THE TIME AND ATTEMPTS TO CLEAR THE ERROR AND RUNS AND RUNS. IT STILL REMAINS JAMMED AND STILL GIVES ME AN ERROR ACROSS THE SCREEN EVERY 10 MINUTES. *TR