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.
Service brakes, May 13, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A SIDE WALK DAMAGING THE TIRE, THE RADIATOR AND THE FRONT END AND OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC LOT. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Engine, May 9, 2016
I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX IN MAY 2015, I HAVE HAD MY NORMAL OR CHANGES, EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS I HAVE TO PUT 5 QUARTS OF OIL IS IN, THE LOW OIL INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON. SO NOW MY ENGINE HAS LOCKED UP AND I HAVE TO GET A NEW ENGINE. I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THEY HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH THE OIL CONSUMPTION WITH THE USED CHEVY VEHICLES.
Steering, Mar 31, 2016
WHEN DRIVING AND HIT THE LEAST LITTLE BUMP YOU CAN HEAR SOMETHING TOWARD LOWER RIGHT AS IF IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE STEERING LIKE SOMETHING FROM THE STEER WHEEL UP UNDER NEATH THE HOOD WHERE THE STEERING IS HOOKED UP TO
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.
Engine, Feb 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE HEAD GASKET ON THE ENGINE FRACTURED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND WATER FLOODED ON THE ENGINE COMPARTMENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED BUT THE DETAILS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. UPDATED 04/14/16*LJ CONSUMER STATED THERE HAS BEEN 29 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND MANUFACTURER SHOULD STAND BY THIS PROBLEM. UPDATED 05/31/18*JB
Steering, Jan 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT 50 MPH OR HIGHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL MOTOR THAT WAS CONNECTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2016
LIFTGATE POWER LOCK DOESN'T WORK. NO MANUAL WAY TO OPEN. UNABLE TO REPLACE TAIL, BRAKE OR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS UNLESS LIFTGATE IS OPEN.
Service brakes, Jan 14, 2016, crash
MILEAGE= 110,000 MILES.............FIRST OF ALL I JUST GOT THE BRAKES DONE, WHEN I FIRST PULL THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE IN THE MORNING, AS I APPROACH THE FIRST STOP SIGN, I PRESS THE BRAKES, THEN IT FEELS LIKE THERE'S AIR IN THE BRAKE LINE, MAKES A SOUND AS IF SOME OF THE ELECTRONICS ARE TRYING TO RESET OR SOMETHING, ALL WHILE THAT'S HAPPENING, I HAVE TO KEEP PUMPING THE BRAKES FOR LIKE JUST A FEW MINUTES, ULTIMATELY IT GOES AWAY, TOTALLY SCARY BECAUSE I LIVE IN A SCHOOL ZONE, AND ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THERE WERE CHILDREN AT THE CROSSWALK WHEN THE FAULT OCCURRED, I DON'T KNOW IF GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE SWITCHING TO FORD VEHICLES FROM NOW ON, THIS IS TOTALLY NOT GOOD! THEN ON ANOTHER OCCASION I MISSED THE STOP SIGN AND HAD TO DRIVE OVER THE CURB BECAUSE THE BRAKES GAVE OUT, COULDN'T AVOID IT, HAD TO GO ON THE CURB TO STOP, GOING ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR! IT'S BEEN LIKE THIS FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS ALREADY, GOT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HUB/SENSOR REPLACED, BUT AFTER A FEW DAYS, THE FAULT RECURRED, THE ABS AND THE T/C LIGHT TURN ON, AFTER READING SIMILAR STORIES I'M RELUCTANT TO PUT ANY MORE MONEY INTO THIS PROBLEM, APPARENTLY, THE " THE PIG-TAIL HARNESS" FIX SEEMS TO BE THE GO-TO METHOD FOR THE FIX, WILL BE DOING THAT SOON MYSELF! PLEASE GM CORPORATION DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE GET'S HURT!
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2016
VEHICLE WILL NOT START. PROBLEM WITH PCM? IGNITION SWITCH, LESS THAN 30,000 MILES, WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT RESTART. AFTER SITTING FOR MORE THAN 30 MINS OR LONGER START/ NO START NEVER KNOW!!! OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH INTERMITTENT DASH DISPLAY, DOOR CHIMES AND THEFT SYSTEM, CONTACTED G.M. AND NOT WILLING TO ADDRESS PROBLEM ....WAVE TOWING FEE, DEALER FAMILIAR WITH PROBLEM ,BUT NOT EXACTLY SURE AT THIS TIME WHAT PROBLEM IS OR HOW TO FIX....WANT TO THROW $ AT IT TILL A CURE IS FOUND. VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC AND ESPECIALLY WITH AUTO TRANS....HAVE CHILDREN IN CAR ALOT WHEN PROB HAPPENS...WHAT DO I DO!!! ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT ALSO! NOT A PROBLEM WIH BATTERY OR FUSES...ELECTRICAL PROBLEM!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE USING THE TURN SIGNALS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILLAGE WAS 212,000.
Engine, Dec 11, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CNCEREND FOR THEIR SAFETY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SMOKE WHERE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUIRED CLOSING THE ROAD DUE TO IT BEING UNSAFE FOR OTHER DRIVERS TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET AND CRACK CYLINDERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
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.
Service brakes, Nov 2, 2015
SOMETIME LAST SUMMER STARTED NOTICING ISSUES WITH BRAKES. REPLACED ALL PARTS INVOLVED WITH THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. TOOK IT TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS, WHO ALSO REPLACED THE SAME PARTS THINKING THAT MAYBE WE HAD BOUGHT FAULTY PARTS. AGAIN, THE PROBLEM REMAINED. THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE SYSTEM SEEMS TO GRIND WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE. NOT TO MENTION, IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE PEDAL ITSELF PUSHES BACK AGAINST YOUR FOOT. WHEN IT DOES THIS; THERE ARE NO ACTUAL BRAKES. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD UNTIL YOU PUMP THE BRAKES MORE THAN A FEW TIMES TO GET THEM TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY SCARY! I HAVE ALMOST RAN INTO MANY VEHICLES WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY AS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS ISSUE BASED ON THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ! I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO KEEP PUTTING MONEY INTO THIS VEHICLE! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!!! THE DATE OF OCCURRENCE IS A GUESS, BUT I DO KNOW IT BEGAN LAST SUMMER.
Electrical system, Oct 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD INDICATE LOW FUEL ECONOMY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. UPDATED 05/03/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WOULD FAIL WHEN DRIVING UNDER 25 MILES PER HOUR OR AT A STOP. UPDATED 11/21/2017*JS
Electrical system, Oct 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE KEY FELL OUT OF THE IGNITION INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 19, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START AND VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS WATER LEAKING FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, BRAKES, WINDSHIELD, AND ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED FOR FREE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE, BRAKES, AND WINDSHIELD WERE REPLACED, BUT THERE WAS STILL WATER LEAKS FROM THE RAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Electrical system, Oct 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE KEY WOULD CONTINUE TO CLICK TO THE ON POSITION EVEN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON WITHOUT BEING PROMPTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE ENGINE REVVED AS THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2015
AS I TURN THE IGNITION TO START THE CAR, SMOKE COMES OUT OF COLUMNS BETWEEN COLUMN AND STEERING WHEEL
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2015
YOU CAN'T ALWAYS TURN THE KEY IT JUST WONT TURN YOU HAVE T KEEP TRYING AND HOPE YOU CAN GET IT TO TURN. THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE KEY SO I TRIED THE OTHER KEY THAT CAME WITH THE CAR SAME THING SOME TIMES IT WILL WORK AND OTHER TIMES YOU HAVE KEEP TRYING AND THE KEY WILL COME HALF WAY OUT OF THE IGNITION
Electrical system, Sep 16, 2015
AFTER SHUT CAR OFF, KEY GETS TRAPPED HALFWAY IN THE IGNITION CYLINDER- WOULD NOT LET GO OF THE KEY, NOR WOULD LET ME PUSH BACK IN TO START THE CAR. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TWICE WHEN THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS AWAY FROM HOME; THEY BASICALLY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN TRY PLAYING WITH IT UNTIL IT LET GO. WHEN IT HAPPENED AT HOME, I LEFT CAR ALONE WITH THE KEYS HALFWAY IN IGNITION IN DRIVEWAY AND IT LET GO OF THE KEYS HOURS LATER. WHEN DAD BORROWED THE CAR, HE USED PLYERS TO REMOVE KEY. APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH IGNITION CLENCHING KEY SPONTANEOUSLY WITH NO REMEDY.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 24, 2015
WHEN I AM DRIVING MY EQUINOX AND HAVE TO STOP FOR A LIGHT, IT WILL RUN HOT AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER UNTILL IT COOLS OFF AND THE TEMPERATURE NEEDLE GOES BACK DOWN. THEN WHEN I TURN IT OFF, THE FAN CONTINUES TO RUN FOR ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES UNTIL IT COOLS OFF.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY HESITATE AND JERK WHEN SLOWING DOWN. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURES WERE REMEDIED BUT EVENTUALLY RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE KEY COULD NOT IMMEDIATELY BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Engine, Jul 29, 2015
THE FIRST TIME MY 05 EQUINOX OVERHEATED ON ME WAS WHEN I WAS GETTING READY TO PARTY ON A HILL AND IT OVERHEATED ON ME THEN WE REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND THE WIRES IN MY VEHICLE THEN TOOK IT TO NISSAN AND THEY SAID THAT PITTS BROKE MY PURGE VALVE AND TRIED GLUING IT BACK SO THEY FIXED THAT AND TOLD ME MY VEHICLE WAS FIXED AND THAT IT WONT OVERHEAT ON ME AGAIN WELL ON MY WAY HOME, I WASNT EVEN 10 MINUTES AWAY FROM BEING HOME AND IT OVERHEATED ON ME AND ANTI FREEZE WAS ALL OVER THE GROUND NISSAN TOLD ME IT COULD BE MY HEAD GASKET BUT THEY WEREN'T FOR SURE BUT THEY SAID SINCE I LET SOMEONE ELSE FIX MY CAR THEY WEREN'T GOING TO PAY FOR MY VEHICLE TO GET FIXED BUT I CALLED THE OTHER PEOPLE THAT FIXED MY VEHICLE SAID THEY NEVER TOUCHED MY PURGE VALVE AND IF THEY DID THEY WOULD HAVE FIXED IT