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2005 Chevrolet Equinox

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 382.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

507 reports with mileage · 131 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 159 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

56 crash reports13 fire reports32 injury reports

Engine complaints

55 reports
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134,000 miles · Jan 21, 2022
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 manufacturer was not informed of the …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11448353

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2022
EnginePower TrainUnknown 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 go off, but it didn't. I was a…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11447759

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown 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

NHTSA ODI #11437047

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2021
EngineFire

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 DI…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11408238

150,000 miles · Jan 3, 2021
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. THERE IS OIL UP IN MY ANTIFREEZE AN…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11386306

167,000 miles · May 20, 2018
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

TAKATA RECALL: I BOUGHT MY CHEVY EQUINOX IN AUGUST OF 2017, SINCE TAKING IT HOME IT HAS HAD A LURCHING PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. IT LURCHES FORWARD AND BACKWARDS LIKE A BULL TRYING TO THROW YOU OFF. I PUT NEW BRAKES ON EVERY 3 MONTHS BECAUSE MY BRAKES DO NOT WORK EVEN WHEN BRAND NEW, AND WHEN I PRESS …

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TAKATA RECALL: I BOUGHT MY CHEVY EQUINOX IN AUGUST OF 2017, SINCE TAKING IT HOME IT HAS HAD A LURCHING PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. IT LURCHES FORWARD AND BACKWARDS LIKE A BULL TRYING TO THROW YOU OFF. I PUT NEW BRAKES ON EVERY 3 MONTHS BECAUSE MY BRAKES DO NOT WORK EVEN WHEN BRAND NEW, AND WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE THE CAR WON'T STOP, OR THE BRAKE PULSES AND VIBRATES. THE CARS GEAR SHIFT SOMETIMES GETS STUCK IN DRIVE WHEN TRYING TO PUT IT IN PARK. WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE AND THE GAS IS PRESSED YOU HEAR A GRINDING, AND THE GAS VIBRATES. I'VE HAD TO ABS SENSOR REPLACED 4X, O2 SENSOR 3X NEW BRAKES EVERY 3 MONTHS, NEW TIRES EVERY 6 MONTHS, REGULAR OIL CHANGES, IT'S HAD IT'S VALVES REPLACED, IT'S HAD NEW BRAKE LINES, NEW SHOCKS, REGULAR ALIGNMENTS, IT'S HAD A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER PUT IN. THE CARS RPM SPIKES TO 8000 WHEN DOING 30 MILES AN HOUR THROUGH A SMALL TOWN. THE WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN ON A HIGHWAY ABS LIGHT NEVER COMES OFF. T/C TURNS OFF ANYTIME I MAKE A TURN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS I SWEAR PERMANTLY ON. . I'VE BEEN TOLD THIS CAN BE A TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SHIFT PROBLEM, BUT THAT ALL 3 OF MY REGULAR MECHANICS CALL THIS PROBLEM THE GHOST PROBLEM, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT AND ALWAYS TELL ME TO NOT DRIVE IT THAT IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BUT IT'S MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I AM 5 MONTHS PREGNANT AND CANNOT AFFORD A NEW CAR RIGHT NOW. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED.

NHTSA ODI #11096897

171,000 miles · Apr 23, 2018
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A RADIATOR FLUSH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A RADIATOR FLUSH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

NHTSA ODI #11089648

133,000 miles · Mar 15, 2018
Engine

HAVE HAD MAJOR ENGINE TROUBLE. HEAD GASKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT PURCHASE TWO YEARS AGO. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TWO DAYS AGO AND MY LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND MY ENGINE BEGAN FAILING. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO A MECHANIC. THE CODES RAN INDICATED A THERMOSTAT PROBLEM CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL. THE PISTONS INSIDE T…

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HAVE HAD MAJOR ENGINE TROUBLE. HEAD GASKETS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT PURCHASE TWO YEARS AGO. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TWO DAYS AGO AND MY LOW OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND MY ENGINE BEGAN FAILING. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO A MECHANIC. THE CODES RAN INDICATED A THERMOSTAT PROBLEM CAUSING THE ENGINE TO BURN OIL. THE PISTONS INSIDE THE ENGINE BROKE. HE INDICATED IT COULD HAVE BEEN FROM THE HEAD GASKET ISSUES. I HAVE READ CONSUMER COMPLAINTS THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES. IN ADDITION, I PERSONALLY KNOW TWO PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR MODELS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP WHO I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM TOLD ME TO CALL GENERAL MOTORS BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE OTHER CONSUMERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS AS ME. A MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT IF I WERE TO CONTINUE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, MY ENGINE WILL LOCK UP WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.

NHTSA ODI #11079691

107,333 miles · Nov 8, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

ACCELERATION IS WEAK, POSSIBLE FUMES AND EMISSIONS

NHTSA ODI #11044726

82,000 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Engine

I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD LIKE A DO THREE DAYS A WEEK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTING FLASHING AND ANOTHER LIGHT CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND CALLED AAA TO TOW MY VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND I HAVE NEVER HAD …

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I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD LIKE A DO THREE DAYS A WEEK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTING FLASHING AND ANOTHER LIGHT CAME ON ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND CALLED AAA TO TOW MY VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAVE KEPT IT SERVICED AND IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I HAD A MECHANIC HOOK MY VEHICLE UP TO A COMPUTER TO DIAGNOSE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND THE CODE THAT CAME BACK WAS THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED REPLACING. MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE CHEVY ENGINE THAT I HAVE IN MY EQUINOX IS KNOWN TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE HEAD GASKET WHERE IT GOES OUT WITH NO WARNING AND FOR NO REASON. CHEVY KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT FAILED TO RECALL THE VEHICLES WITH THESE ENGINES AND DID NOT MAKE CONSUMERS LIKE ME AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THIS PROBLEM SO I HAD THE OPTION TO EITHER PURCHASE A DIFFERENT VEHICLE OR TRADE MY VEHICLE FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT BUT I WAS NOT GIVEN THAT CHOICE BECAUSE CHEVY FAILED TO MAKE ME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE AND ALL THE OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11029985

Official recalls

1

04V302000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Chevrolet Equinox problems