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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

Structure complaints

34 reports
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30,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Electrical SystemStructure

SEVERE WATER LEAK IN 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AWD LT. WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN RAIN CONDITIONS, WATER ACCUMULATES IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL AND OVERFLOWS ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE, EVEN UP TO THE FRONT . IT ALSO SHORTS OUT THE SPEAKER SYSTEM WHICH CRACKLES AND BLARES OUT A LOUD NOISE EVEN WHEN THE RADIO IS TURNED OFF. THE…

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SEVERE WATER LEAK IN 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AWD LT. WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN RAIN CONDITIONS, WATER ACCUMULATES IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL AND OVERFLOWS ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE, EVEN UP TO THE FRONT . IT ALSO SHORTS OUT THE SPEAKER SYSTEM WHICH CRACKLES AND BLARES OUT A LOUD NOISE EVEN WHEN THE RADIO IS TURNED OFF. THE CARPETING BECOMES SOAKED WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND THEN THE VEHICLE HAS A FOUL ODOR. A PHONE CALL TO THE DEALER RESULTED IN AN ANSWER THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. I FEAR THIS WATER IS DAMAGING THE ELECTRICAL PARTS IN THE SPEAKER SYSTEM AND MAY RESULT IN A FIRE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268635

50,000 miles · Mar 16, 2009
Structure

REAR HATCH 'PUMPS' STOPPED WORKING. ONE COULD LOSE A LIMB OR BECOME DECAPITATED. THEREFORE, THE REAR SECTION OF CAR IS NOT USABLE, NOR CAN ONE CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE REAR WINDOW. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS THE KIND OF THING THAT THE OWNER SHOULD HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING. I HAVE NEVER HAD (OUT OF MANY GM LIFT BAC…

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REAR HATCH 'PUMPS' STOPPED WORKING. ONE COULD LOSE A LIMB OR BECOME DECAPITATED. THEREFORE, THE REAR SECTION OF CAR IS NOT USABLE, NOR CAN ONE CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE REAR WINDOW. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS IS THE KIND OF THING THAT THE OWNER SHOULD HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING. I HAVE NEVER HAD (OUT OF MANY GM LIFT BACK VEHICLES) THIS TYPE OF THING HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262004

23,500 miles · May 24, 2008
Structure

THE HYDRAULIC PUMPS THAT HOLD THE BACK HATCH OPEN(UP) ON MY EQUINOX JUST QUIT WORKING WITH OUT ANY WARNING . THE HATCH IS SO HEAVY I CAN'T USE IT THERE IS NO SAFE WAY OF HOLDING UP THE HATCH TO PUT ANYTHING INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR. I'M LOOKING INTO BUYING A NEW SET ,ONE FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE .IF I FIND THEM I WILL KEE…

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THE HYDRAULIC PUMPS THAT HOLD THE BACK HATCH OPEN(UP) ON MY EQUINOX JUST QUIT WORKING WITH OUT ANY WARNING . THE HATCH IS SO HEAVY I CAN'T USE IT THERE IS NO SAFE WAY OF HOLDING UP THE HATCH TO PUT ANYTHING INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR. I'M LOOKING INTO BUYING A NEW SET ,ONE FOR BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE .IF I FIND THEM I WILL KEEP THE OLD ONES.,UNTIL I HEAR OTHERWISE .. IF I ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE HATCH, ITS SLAMS DOWN VERY HARD BECAUSE THE HATCH ITSELF IS SO HEAVY . IF A CHILD HAPPEN TO BE NEAR THE HATCH WHEN IT GOES DOWN THEY COULD BE HURT VERY BADLY AS COULD AN ADULT. I NO LONG CAN OPEN THE HATCH AS ITS TOO HEAVY TO LIFT . THE INFO ON THE PUMPS IS STABILUS USA GASTONIA NC 28052 5480869 4992RQ0830N 007105 B20 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228827

30,115 miles · Dec 13, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

I WAS TRAVELING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY (RTE 495 S). I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND FELT A JOLT. I THOUGHT THAT I HAD GOTTEN A FLAT TIRE, SO I PROCEEDED TO PULL INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE. THE CAR WAS IDLING FINE BUT MADE A HORRIBLE SCRAPING NOISE WHEN MOVING. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THE BOLTS SUPPORTING MY ENGINE BLOCK HAD SNAPPED…

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I WAS TRAVELING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY (RTE 495 S). I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND FELT A JOLT. I THOUGHT THAT I HAD GOTTEN A FLAT TIRE, SO I PROCEEDED TO PULL INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE. THE CAR WAS IDLING FINE BUT MADE A HORRIBLE SCRAPING NOISE WHEN MOVING. MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME THE BOLTS SUPPORTING MY ENGINE BLOCK HAD SNAPPED AND THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE ENGINE WAS MY AXLE ' HENCE THE AWFUL SCRAPING NOISE. MY CAR IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND HAS APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES - I WOULD THINK A PART AS IMPORTANT AS THE BOLTS SUPPORTING MY ENGINE BLOCK SHOULD LAST LONGER. I HAVE ALL PARTS THAT WERE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10211812

45,000 miles · Dec 13, 2007
Exterior LightingStructure

THE BACK FLOORBOARD OF MY CAR HAS BEEN NOTICABLY WET FOR A FEW MONTHS. MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I BEGAN RESEARCHING ONLINE TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. THE SEALS AROUND THE DOORS WERE FINE. I DID FIND 3" OF WATER LAYING IN MY SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT. THERE IS NO DRAIN HOLE FOR THE WATER TO BE REMOVED. THE WATER IS C…

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THE BACK FLOORBOARD OF MY CAR HAS BEEN NOTICABLY WET FOR A FEW MONTHS. MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I BEGAN RESEARCHING ONLINE TO SEE WHAT MIGHT BE THE PROBLEM. THE SEALS AROUND THE DOORS WERE FINE. I DID FIND 3" OF WATER LAYING IN MY SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT. THERE IS NO DRAIN HOLE FOR THE WATER TO BE REMOVED. THE WATER IS COMING IN FROM THE TAIL LIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE EQUINOX FROM SIMPLY LAUGHED AT THE PROBLEM AND SAID IT WOULD COST OVER $200 TO REPLACE JUST THE TAIL LIGHT. THE SMELL INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS HORRIBLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY RUSTING THE BODY AND CAUSING MOLD AND MILDEW INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10211803

Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2006
StructureUnknown Or Other

I AM EXPERIENCING AN EXTREMELY STRONG MILDEW SMELL INSIDE MY EQUINOX. IT IS SO STRONG PEOPLE COMMENT OUTSIDE THE CAR. THE SMELL ALSO PENETRATES CLOTHING SO THAT OTHERS NOTICE THE SMELL. PEOPLE WILL NOT RIDE IN MY CAR. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER TWICE. BOTH TIMES THE ODOR IMPROVES SLIGHTLY (THEY DEPDORIZE THE HVAC) BUT STIL…

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I AM EXPERIENCING AN EXTREMELY STRONG MILDEW SMELL INSIDE MY EQUINOX. IT IS SO STRONG PEOPLE COMMENT OUTSIDE THE CAR. THE SMELL ALSO PENETRATES CLOTHING SO THAT OTHERS NOTICE THE SMELL. PEOPLE WILL NOT RIDE IN MY CAR. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER TWICE. BOTH TIMES THE ODOR IMPROVES SLIGHTLY (THEY DEPDORIZE THE HVAC) BUT STILL OTHERS COMMENT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING MY 3 YEAR OLD B/C OF THE SMELL. WE HAVE FOUND NO VISIBLE WETNESS OR MOLD. THE RUBBER AROUND TWO WINDOWS WAS LOOSE BUT THE DEALER DID NOT FIND WATER INSIDE THE DOOR. THE SMELL DOES NOT SEEM TO BE COMING FROM THE VENTS BUT MORES SO JUST FROM THE CAR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10177080

15,859 miles · Oct 26, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train

CD PLAYER BROKE, WATER SOAKING FLOOR BOARDS TWICE CAUSING MOLD & MILDEW. COMPLETE LOSS OF RADIATOR FLUID, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING TWICE. UNUSUAL WEAR OF TIRES. RUBBING IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING, KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING SLOWLY TO THE RIGHT, A/C NOT COOLING EFFICIENTLY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10171868

7,200 miles · Apr 18, 2006
Structure

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE REAR WINDOWS DOWN, THE AIR THUMPS AND POUNDS THROUGH THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSES DISCOMFORT TO THE CONTACT'S EARS. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THIS IS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED. *AK UPDATED 5/2/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10155579

Mileage unknown · Sep 6, 2005
Power TrainStructureUnknown Or Other

2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY FAILS TO HOLD VEHICLE IN PLACE WHEN STOPPED OR PARKED.*MR THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE AND MUST BE STOPPED FROM ROLLING FORWARD BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKE OR STEEPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING RUBBER IN OR AROUND THE FRONT CONSOLE, THERE WAS …

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2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY FAILS TO HOLD VEHICLE IN PLACE WHEN STOPPED OR PARKED.*MR THE VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD WHEN PLACED IN REVERSE AND MUST BE STOPPED FROM ROLLING FORWARD BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKE OR STEEPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE CONSUMER SMELLED BURNING RUBBER IN OR AROUND THE FRONT CONSOLE, THERE WAS EXTREME HEAT FROM THE ENGINE, ON THE FRONT HOOD AND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, HEAT ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DASHBOARD AND THE REAR TAIL GATE AREA. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE HEAT HE WAS FEELING WAS FROM NATURAL SOURCES. THE FRONT SIDE WINDOW AND DOOR SUPPORTS INTERFERED WITH THE CONSUMERS VISION. THE DOORS CONSTANTLY CREAK AND MAKE LOUD NOISES WHEN OPENED. THE BACK HEAD RESTS IMPAIR THE REAR WINDOW VISIBILITY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10135656

9,500 miles · Jun 7, 2005
StructureInjury

THE LIFTGATE SUPPORT ROD DETACHED WHILE IN THE UP POSITION ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FREELY ON MY HEAD AND NECK. IF I WAS IN ANOTHER POSITION OR IF I DIDN'T REACT QUICKLY I MIGHT HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. IT SEEMS THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH OR ATTACHED PROPERLY. THE OTHER SUPPORT ROD DIDN'T H…

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THE LIFTGATE SUPPORT ROD DETACHED WHILE IN THE UP POSITION ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL FREELY ON MY HEAD AND NECK. IF I WAS IN ANOTHER POSITION OR IF I DIDN'T REACT QUICKLY I MIGHT HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. IT SEEMS THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH OR ATTACHED PROPERLY. THE OTHER SUPPORT ROD DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH TO HOLD THE DOOR UP.

NHTSA ODI #10124411

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.

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