2006 Chevrolet Equinox
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Equinox › 2006
These records cover every 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
695 complaints16 involved a crash9 involved a fire20 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension · Unknown or other
Subframe rust ? my 2006 chev eq , has only 50, 000 mile on it and the sub frame is rust out ? I check for recall but said 0 ? I can’t under stand how ? Body guy said it going to cost thousands of dollars ! I can’t afford that ! ! what should I do ? There Should be a recall ? on this frame…
Subframe rust ? my 2006 chev eq , has only 50, 000 mile on it and the sub frame is rust out ? I check for recall but said 0 ? I can’t under stand how ? Body guy said it going to cost thousands of dollars ! I can’t afford that ! ! what should I do ? There Should be a recall ? on this frame ! Frame is very important part of the car ! I had lot of chev from 1970 to 1980 with 150,000 miles on them ! With out this much rust , body guy stayed it been happening a lot with the chev , It look like it been happening for a while on my 2006 chev , eq before the 50,000 ! ? Very Very dangerous ! Very disappointing and worried that some thing could happen I only use it to go store , pick up kids from school, get food , go around town ,low mileage’s on it ! very disappointed in chev need. To recall this NEED Help ! Thank you
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
Bent driveshaft
- Unknown or other
Unknown
- Suspension
Both front frame mounts that hold the engine suspension crossmember rusted away. What is even worse GM discontinued the replacement parts. I had to use components from a similar platform. This is a safety related rusting problem that is life threating as vehicle can become unstable and uncontrollable at highway speeds.
- Steering · Unknown or other · Wheels
I just got the car on Thursday, 11/3/2022. around 1:00 pm. On 11/3/2022 around 3:30 pm, the following happened: The equinox started wobbling as I reached the speed of approximately 40 mph. Then I had a red light. After it turned green and I began driving, the vehicle started wobbling and it was…
I just got the car on Thursday, 11/3/2022. around 1:00 pm. On 11/3/2022 around 3:30 pm, the following happened: The equinox started wobbling as I reached the speed of approximately 40 mph. Then I had a red light. After it turned green and I began driving, the vehicle started wobbling and it was hard to control my position in the traffic lane. Other drivers avoided me, and slowed down to prevent an accident. At this point, I reached a reduced speed construction area. When I drove at about 20 mph, the vehicle wobbled even worse. The driver’s side wheel started going clunk, clunk., so I pulled into a gas station. The left front tire was low, but nowhere near flat. A man put some air in the tire and it held the air. At that point, I recognized that it was too dangerous to drive the vehicle again. Chevy roadside assistance took it to the nearest dealer, Mills Chevrolet. They will look at it on Monday 11/4/2022.
- Power train · Visibility/wiper
My 2006 Chevrolet Equinox blows cold air will not defrost windshield. And while driving I push the gas pedal and it’s like surges and jumps. The car manufacturer knows about the issues and they don’t vare
- Engine
Vehicle keeps over heating fixed everything that can cause it to overheat and the problem still consists read many complaints over 700 with the same issue even when the problem get temporarily fixed it starts overheating again in a couple month car will mainly over heat at idle the heat won’t work…
Vehicle keeps over heating fixed everything that can cause it to overheat and the problem still consists read many complaints over 700 with the same issue even when the problem get temporarily fixed it starts overheating again in a couple month car will mainly over heat at idle the heat won’t work it’s a bad antifreeze smell it’s a problem that has many complaints but still nothing is being done I have 5 children I didn’t think I would be driving with my children wondering if my car was going to over heat and us having to pull over on a free way or a street being stranded bc of a problem that’s happening with these vehicles and nothing is being done
- Service brakes
Brake pedal started vibrating almost uncontrollably when attempting to stop so I had brake pads replaced. When I picked up the car the technician told me my pads were still good and hadn't needed changing but they changed anyway. The next shop resurfaced my rotors but the problem persisted. It stopped on it's own but every once in a while it will do it still.
- Service brakes · Unknown or other
Car was in motion tried to stop at light or stop sign really had to pump brake light went on tc / tbs. If cars were close by they would have hit me or I hit them.have cleaned module, changed brakes, changed other parts in wheels. Work a little while then goes back to lights turning on tc / tbs
- Service brakes · Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
When pressing on the brake pedal you get constant vibration causing you to skid. It happens when your going straight or turning when you press on the brake pedal. it almost caused me to skid into the car in front of me. and also defrost IS not working causing visibility issues especially in the cold and snow.
- Service brakes · Steering
Front brake calipers seized up. Over-heating due to excessive friction from brakes locking. Front end started shaking due to front end brakes seizing while in motion. Front calipers smoking due to excessive friction build up. I was on us 265 in new albany, in. Shaking seemed to subside a bit while turning.
- Engine
Car stalls no matter if I'm am not moving or goin 65 mile an hour,without warning, I live in rural area lot of curvy roads, key will not work at times in ignition, why was there no recall on 06 equinox ignition switch along with many others, I am petrified to drive it , but need to work,it doesn't…
Car stalls no matter if I'm am not moving or goin 65 mile an hour,without warning, I live in rural area lot of curvy roads, key will not work at times in ignition, why was there no recall on 06 equinox ignition switch along with many others, I am petrified to drive it , but need to work,it doesn't matter where you are or how fast your going car stalls without warning,have had car since 2013 or so and always been key problem but never stalled. *tr
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
Bought this car on 11/3/19, within the first week there was a horrible thumping and vibrating while driving or turning the wheel. So I took it back, they told me they would replace my wheel hub on the drivers side, I return to pick up my car, the same issue IS there just not as bad, he claimed he…
Bought this car on 11/3/19, within the first week there was a horrible thumping and vibrating while driving or turning the wheel. So I took it back, they told me they would replace my wheel hub on the drivers side, I return to pick up my car, the same issue IS there just not as bad, he claimed he still replaced the wheel hub. So I take the tire off myself and inspect the wheel hub and tires, and they in fact didnt replace the hub, they just siliconed the wheel hub to the end of the axle shaft, which now has caused other damage to my trans and or suspension. I call to let them know and the owner first played stupid as if he didnt know if they replaced it, so I told them ID call back. I waited a week called back, let him know what I found on the wheel hub that was supposed to be replaced.. Then he gets nasty and says its out of their hands ect, and they did replace it.. Well no wheel hub IS gong to go bad in less then a month with normal driving conditions, and there IS no reason at all silicone should be used to hold anything to an axle or wheel hub. I am worried about the safety of my family and wife, and I am suppose to continue to pay another 2700 dollars on a car they lied about during my warranty.
- Engine · Steering · Wheels
Car keeps overheating replaced everything still overheating
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while idling, smoke suddenly was present coming from under the hood and through the air vents of the vehicle. additionally, the doors locked independently and the windows failed to operate as intended, which caused the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while idling, smoke suddenly was present coming from under the hood and through the air vents of the vehicle. additionally, the doors locked independently and the windows failed to operate as intended, which caused the vehicle occupants to be trapped in the vehicle. A window was shattered in order for the vehicle occupants to be extricated from the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. Neither the manufacturer nor local dealer were informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine · Unknown or other
I bought this car about 18 months ago from a used dealer ship after the car turned 12 months the car started saying it was over heating but when looking at the vehicle it was not hot at all the sensor just said overheating all the way to the red when the car read overheating the radiator fluid…
I bought this car about 18 months ago from a used dealer ship after the car turned 12 months the car started saying it was over heating but when looking at the vehicle it was not hot at all the sensor just said overheating all the way to the red when the car read overheating the radiator fluid overflowed with out being hot when opening the lid there where air bubbles with no heat. I have spent over $1000 dollars trying to fix the problem with still no success when it said over heating the car starts slowing down and then it stops where ever you are at right away sometimes in the middle of the road. When at time it said over heating the heater stops working. I have had to let the air out several time a day and now it said overheating as soon as I leave my home. I have done some research and I am not the only one with this problem I have tried everything others have suggested but nothing works. I have got a new radiator, water pump, temperature sensor ,thermostat, filter and still nothing. I took it to get it checked with the computer and 18 sensors went off and 8 where failed sensors. I wanted to bring this to your attention it has happened to a lot of other people just google it and you will see. I just want people to be safe and this car IS not safe I have children and I live in a area that has cold weather for 3 months. I have been stuck in that car when it read over heating when it was not. I have bought about over 39 bottles of radiator fluid to keep it full but one bottle last me less the a day. Thank you very much for letting me inform you of this concern. I have gotten stuck on he highway and street with my kids. The car IS now just seating in my drive way.
- Engine
Ever since I got this vehicle I have always heard what sounds like water in the dash when pressing on the gas pedal. I'm constantly refilling the antifreeze daily, I've been reading that it IS a known problem and it contributes to the antifreeze which in some cases leaked out of the air vents into…
Ever since I got this vehicle I have always heard what sounds like water in the dash when pressing on the gas pedal. I'm constantly refilling the antifreeze daily, I've been reading that it IS a known problem and it contributes to the antifreeze which in some cases leaked out of the air vents into the vehicle. Leaking antifreeze some where in the engine. I've already had to replace the engine heads due to the leakage. Antifreeze leaks into the engine oil cause white smoke out of the exhaust. I've already flushed the cooling system and they also did a reverse flush and the water gushing noice IS still there. Gm needs to get this fixed...
- Electronic stability control (esc)
The plastic blend arm for the heater selector motor broke, which seems to be happening on the equinox cars. It causes the heater to blow cold air only. This happened on a city street while traveling to the store. When I turned the heater on it made a funny noise like it wasn't engaging. The windows wouldn't defrost while I was driving.
- Electrical system · Seats
Driver seat IS having a shortage. Seat moved all the way back and does not move anymore. The motor on the bottom of the seat IS extremely hot and the seat IS hot. It makes a non stop noise from the shortage. I am scared to drive the vehicle because of the hot seat. It IS my only vehicle to get to work and my kids to school.
- Unknown or other
The key slides out the ignition & the ignition can slip from the "run" to the "accessory" or "off" position while I'm driving, cutting power and causing me to lose control of the vehicle
- Structure › Body
The frame IS rusting where the subframe connect to the car to the point where the subframe isn't really connected anymore
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
I recently bought a 2006 chevrolet equinox and the floorboard IS staying wet, like standing water. I've researched the issue and it appears this IS an ongoing issue with them. This IS a safety hazard as it makes it feet wet and slip off the break and gas peddles. Why hasnt gm fixed this? Not to count the electrical part involved! Can we say fire hazard?? Come on gm, do your job!
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet equinox. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke emerging from the vents on the dashboard. Afterwards, smoke started to emerge from the switch on the steering column. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet equinox. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke emerging from the vents on the dashboard. Afterwards, smoke started to emerge from the switch on the steering column. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet equinox. The contact started the vehicle and smoke emerged from behind the steering wheel. The failure began on april 1, 2019. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 171,045.
- Unknown or other
Takata recall. When you drive the car longer then 5 minutes it over heats and you let it cool down and start to drive then over heats again but it has enough coolant in it and you fix the thermostat and flush the system. And there IS no heat in the car what so ever.
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.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 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.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 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.
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 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.
- 10249535This preliminary information (PI) provides information om Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes (E4398, E4399, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491 or E6961).
- 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
- 10248424Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
- 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.
- 10247249Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
- 10247248Special Coverage Adjustment Revised
- 10247247Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
- 10247246Resistance Wire Heated Seat Spot Burn Holes
Every Chevrolet Equinox model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.