2005 Chevrolet Equinox
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Equinox › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
638 complaints56 involved a crash13 involved a fire40 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
The ABS and traction control light came on and the vehicle sometimes doesn’t want to stop. The ABS kicks in and it takes a while for it to stop. It’s been twice where the vehicle ends up stopping in the middle of the intersection. Luckily no one was in front of us or coming the other direction.
- Structure › Body
The front Uni body to front engine/ transmission subframe mount area on left front and right front has rusted away the front 2 subframe mounting points are not connected to the uni body structure anymore due to corrosion damage causing a clunking noise while driving
- Electrical system
Upon purchasing the vehicle from a buy here pay here they did not enclose any possible or current failures or problems with the vehicle. It started with the battery and within 2 months of purchase the check engine light came on. I had previously taken the vehicle to the dealership 3 times to assess…
Upon purchasing the vehicle from a buy here pay here they did not enclose any possible or current failures or problems with the vehicle. It started with the battery and within 2 months of purchase the check engine light came on. I had previously taken the vehicle to the dealership 3 times to assess the issue in which they repeatedly informed me nothing was wrong even though my check engine light was still on. A month later my CV axel went out and my alignment begin to come out of place. I took the vehicle to an auto shop in which they gave me an estimate of all the issues wrong with the car. I have since done repairs for what was necessary. I then began to look for a recall on the vehicle in which I found that there was a manufacturer recall that was I repaired regarding the Safety lock theft prevention. My ignition switch does not register properly when it is in “off mode”. The engine still runs and numerous attempts to stop it have failed. I contacted the dealership and they have not been willing to work with me in any way. I called the manufacturer number and was directed to a Chevrolet dealership near me in which they told me there are no recalls even though the NHTSA.gov website states there is as well as numerous others but that they have not been repaired. When I place my vehicle in the park position and remove the key from the ignition I am still able to move the gear shift into any selected gear, both with and without the normal brake and the emergency brake. I cannot afford to take it to a shop for repair but did take it to be inspected and was informed that this was an issue along with others and that it could be the reason my battery is not holding the power it needs and why I cannot remove my key sometimes as well as why the engine remains running after switching to the off position and removing my key.
- Power train
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).…
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.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
The front sub frame where it bolts to the frame was completely rusted loose on the right side. The left side was barely holding on. This is what holds the motor up and control arms. My mechanics are telling me this is a common problem with Chevy Equinoxes. If it's common why aren't there recalls.…
The front sub frame where it bolts to the frame was completely rusted loose on the right side. The left side was barely holding on. This is what holds the motor up and control arms. My mechanics are telling me this is a common problem with Chevy Equinoxes. If it's common why aren't there recalls. My car only has 80,000 miles on it and my mechanic told me to scrap it. I'm a fabricator and welder. I welded a new frame under it but others can't do that and mechanics say it's a no fix.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained in LIMP mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but they are all unable to identify the issue. The…
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained in LIMP mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but they are all unable to identify the issue. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000. My 2005 Chevrolet Equinox has been going into limp mode after it's rained for the past 6 to 8 months, with flooding to the floor boards.
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
unknown replaced complete ac system/starter/new battery/ key inserted no response at all ingigtion seems to be a problem turn on key let go it was starting now nothing
- Power train · Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Service brakes
While driving I can hear clinking noise in rear of car. And it sometimes feels like it's dragging my speed down. To the point we're I can go threw $20 in gas in 2 days barely driving it. When going to stop when breaking it pulsate under foot I have brand new breaks all around can still hear…
While driving I can hear clinking noise in rear of car. And it sometimes feels like it's dragging my speed down. To the point we're I can go threw $20 in gas in 2 days barely driving it. When going to stop when breaking it pulsate under foot I have brand new breaks all around can still hear grinding has a hard time stopping can smell breaks. Took it had it put on machine they said ABS sensor replaced that problem still persists. ABS and traction control light will not go off. Breaks are getting worse I don't feel safe.
- Electrical system · Power train · Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Service brakes · Steering · Suspension
Brake won't releases after puting on brake pedal key falls out of ignition while drive ing steering seems like going to fall apart when turnings cat hardly put gas in it code 0445 large evap leak detector
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she saw fire emerging from bottom of the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle was trying to start even with the keys out of the ignition. There were no crash or injuries…
TL* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she saw fire emerging from bottom of the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle was trying to start even with the keys out of the ignition. There were no crash or injuries due to the fire. The air bags did not deploy. The fire department was contact and was able to extinguish the fire. The status of the police was unknown. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The contact had not notified local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Service brakes
Brakes were pulsating and not stopping ABS and traction control lights come on
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while the owner was driving, the vehicle had suddenly shut off due to a faulty ignition switch. The owner had also experienced several safety related failures while operating the vehicle involving the braking system the…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while the owner was driving, the vehicle had suddenly shut off due to a faulty ignition switch. The owner had also experienced several safety related failures while operating the vehicle involving the braking system the transmission, the power train and the heating system. No further information was available. The cause of the failures were not determined. The local dealer(unknown) and manufacturer were contacted. The failure mileage was 18,000.
- Engine
I have been having major overheating in my vvehical. I have only been using it for short distances due to the issue but now have been letting it sit still after reading that the 2005 equinox had head gasket problems before. And after a uncle just looking it over I believe that IS what's wrong.…
I have been having major overheating in my vvehical. I have only been using it for short distances due to the issue but now have been letting it sit still after reading that the 2005 equinox had head gasket problems before. And after a uncle just looking it over I believe that IS what's wrong. There IS oil up in my antifreeze and running horrible. I like to see if there was ever a recall on this and what to do about it if so
- Electrical system · Seat belts · Unknown or other
Vehicle IS able to drive while key IS out of ignition when engine IS already running. Seat belt disconnects randomly. Vehicle can be open with a nickel coin. Ecu triggers warning lights randomly
- Unknown or other
Well I bought it from a individual 3 months ago n the second day of getting it my check engine light came on it feels like it jerks the crap out of u when trying to to gain speed from 40-55 range n when coming to a stop sign it feels like it don't want to stop now the ABS n traction control light…
Well I bought it from a individual 3 months ago n the second day of getting it my check engine light came on it feels like it jerks the crap out of u when trying to to gain speed from 40-55 range n when coming to a stop sign it feels like it don't want to stop now the ABS n traction control light IS on dash . I have no where on my dash or anywhere in the vehicle to turn traction control on or off . The past two weeks it drinks gas like crazy it don't want to warm up like it should for heater .. IS this to do with a recall or serviced issues bc I'm ready to trade it off before I get killed or kill someone or my kids get hurt in accident bc of the issues with this vehicle
- Steering
Steering wheel got locked I tried with different keys even a new dealers key and it still didn't unlock . It was parked
- Electrical system
When I took my car in 2015 to the paddock chevrolet dealership in kenmore ny, my battery was replaced. This caused the cd changer to no longer work. It IS still not functioning, cds wont eject and all it does IS make a clicking sound.
- Electrical system
Key falls out of the ignition since I got it a year ago I have replaced 02 sensor ac compressor and a water tank. It was acting like it wasn't getting fuel like losing power and then I killed it went to start it the next day and it won't crank it will turn over and act like it wants to run but it dies
- Unknown or other
There are two issues with this equinox. the first, IS the key sometimes locks on the ignition and I cannot turn the vehicle on nor turn the key - it completely locks leading to anxiety and frustration because it will take several attempts at trying to put the key in or even trying to pull it out…
There are two issues with this equinox. the first, IS the key sometimes locks on the ignition and I cannot turn the vehicle on nor turn the key - it completely locks leading to anxiety and frustration because it will take several attempts at trying to put the key in or even trying to pull it out of the ignition. this has been an ongoing issue since we first bought this vehicle. The second issue IS the back door/hatch of the 2005 equinox does not open/unlock. the only way to access back area IS to lower back seat and climb to back area. Vehicle waswas stationary when we first noticed problem. Lots of complaints online about others having the same issue. why wasn't this issue made into a recall issue? Why do I have to pay $150-$200 (according to some complaints online) or more out of my own pocket to get this issue resolved? I can't even sell the vehicle because I disclose these issues to potential buyers and right away they get discouraged and walk away. What am I supposed to do with this car now?
- Steering · Suspension
Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that she bought the vehicle used back on 02/2019. The drive shaft fell out of the vehicle on 07/2019 and an independent mechanic deemed the vehicle undrivable on 12/23/19. The contact called the state police for vehicle fraud an dwas…
Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that she bought the vehicle used back on 02/2019. The drive shaft fell out of the vehicle on 07/2019 and an independent mechanic deemed the vehicle undrivable on 12/23/19. The contact called the state police for vehicle fraud an dwas still waiting for a callback. The contact also contacted county attorney general an received no assistance. The contact was referred to the state's attorney general's office. The manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The dealer m c's auto sales 1343 connellsville st, lemont furnace, pa 15456 (724) 438-0191 stated there was nothing they could do about itand refused to refund the purchase. The dealer tried to repocess the vehicle the next day but was unsucessful. The failure mileage was 114,000.tf
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph and turning on curve too fast, control of the vehicle was lost. The vehicle swerved left and right ultimately coming to a stop after crashing into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. During the impact…
TL* the contact owned a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph and turning on curve too fast, control of the vehicle was lost. The vehicle swerved left and right ultimately coming to a stop after crashing into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. During the impact the contact head was hit on the windshield and abrasion to the knee were sustained. Medical attention was not sought. A police report was filed. the vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
- Electrical system
My key to my car won't turn. And when you do get it started by hitting it the key falls out while driving. This IS my third time replacing it but saw there's been recalls for the lock ignition switch for this model. It's started happening again a year after I last replaced the lock ignition switch.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Every Chevrolet Equinox model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.