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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

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

22 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2023
Service BrakesUnknown Or OtherVehicle 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.

NHTSA ODI #11510082

15,900 miles · May 13, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed ControlInjury

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. MEDIC…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11416474

83,000 miles · Nov 3, 2017
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP IN THE PARKING SPOT, AS THE DRIVER WAS GETTING READY TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE ENGINE REVVED UP, THE CAR JUMPED A CURB/SIDEWALK AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A PERSON THAT WAS THERE TO CLEAN THE WINDOWS, WENT TO THE VEHICLE TO TRY TO GET THE DRIVER OUT AND REACHED INTO…

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PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP IN THE PARKING SPOT, AS THE DRIVER WAS GETTING READY TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE ENGINE REVVED UP, THE CAR JUMPED A CURB/SIDEWALK AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A PERSON THAT WAS THERE TO CLEAN THE WINDOWS, WENT TO THE VEHICLE TO TRY TO GET THE DRIVER OUT AND REACHED INTO THE CAR TO PUT IT INTO PARK, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AGAIN BUT IT WAS AT REST AGAINST THE BUILDING. THE DRIVER AT THIS POINT HAD THEIR FEET TOGETHER IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER SEAT NOT ON ANY PEDALS AND HANDS TOGETHER IN FRONT OF THEIR FACE. THE MAN PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND SET THE PARKING BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA ODI #11042970

128,000 miles · Aug 25, 2016
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE KEY EJECTED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ANY KEY COULD START THE VEHICLE, NOT JUST THE MANUFACTURER'S KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE KEY EJECTED FROM THE IGNITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ANY KEY COULD START THE VEHICLE, NOT JUST THE MANUFACTURER'S KEY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE CHANGED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SUGGESTED A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

NHTSA ODI #10898631

140,000 miles · Oct 1, 2015
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

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 MIL…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10778963

177,000 miles · Sep 30, 2015
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10778818

106,000 miles · Oct 13, 2014
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed ControlCrash

VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AT THE FRONT DOOR. VEHICLE WENT RIGHT AFTER IMPACT AT FULL THROTTLE INTO A 12 FT DITCH. TURNED 90 DEGREES OUT OF THE DITCH,CAME OUT OF THE DITCH, ACROSS A 4 LANE ROAD. FRONT LEFT WHEEL CAUGHT ON A CURB, VEHICLE STILL A FULL THROTTLE WITH DRIVER TRYING TO BRAKE. VEERED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED …

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VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AT THE FRONT DOOR. VEHICLE WENT RIGHT AFTER IMPACT AT FULL THROTTLE INTO A 12 FT DITCH. TURNED 90 DEGREES OUT OF THE DITCH,CAME OUT OF THE DITCH, ACROSS A 4 LANE ROAD. FRONT LEFT WHEEL CAUGHT ON A CURB, VEHICLE STILL A FULL THROTTLE WITH DRIVER TRYING TO BRAKE. VEERED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED A 2 FT DITCH, WENT TO THE RIGHT, HIT A 3 FT ROCK, KNOCKED THE ROCK INTO THE DITCH AND CAR ENDED UP ON TOP OF THE ROCK. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THIS THIS. VEHICLE TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 953 FT AT FULL THROTTLE BEFORE HITTING THE ROCK. GM HAD REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH ONCE UNDER POLICY VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF GEAR WHEN PARKED SOMETIMES. EVEN AFTER REPLACING IGNITION SWITCH WE CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS REMOVING KEY FROM IGNITION. NATIONWIDE INSURANCE HAS POSSESSION OF THE CAR AND IS PAYING AN OUTSIDE VENDOR TO DOWN LOAD THE DATA FROM THIS ACCIDENT. GM WAS CALLED AN WE GOT ONE PHONE CALL BACK ABOUT THIS ACCIDENT A WEEK AGO. DO HAVE PICTURES AND VIDEO FROM THE ACCIDENT SCENE. ALSO HAVE A DIAGRAM OF THE DISTANCES THE CAR TRAVELED WHILE CHANGING DIRECTIONS AFTER BEING HIT. BEST TIME TO CALL IS BETWEEN 10AM AND 1PM AS I DRIVE A SCHOOL BUS AND CAN NOT TALK. OR AFTER 6PM TO 9PM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644312

146,645 miles · Jul 11, 2014
Service BrakesTraction Control SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN ENGAGED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN ENGAGED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,645. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN UPDATED 12/18/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10609861

77,743 miles · Sep 18, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED FOR REPAIRS AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,743.

NHTSA ODI #10475803

89,012 miles · May 30, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

10-14-11 PROBLEMS WITH ABS LIGHT, FOLLOWED BY TC LIGHT COMING ON, FOLLOWED BY THE CAR SLOWING OR JUMPING FORWARD WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, DIFFICULTY STOPPING. LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. SLOWED TO MAKE A TURN ON A 2 WAY ROAD, CAR TRAVELED OVER DOUBLE YELLOWS, OFF ROAD, INTO A PULL OUT AREA BEFORE STOPPING. LUCKILY I WAS TRAVELING AT A …

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10-14-11 PROBLEMS WITH ABS LIGHT, FOLLOWED BY TC LIGHT COMING ON, FOLLOWED BY THE CAR SLOWING OR JUMPING FORWARD WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, DIFFICULTY STOPPING. LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. SLOWED TO MAKE A TURN ON A 2 WAY ROAD, CAR TRAVELED OVER DOUBLE YELLOWS, OFF ROAD, INTO A PULL OUT AREA BEFORE STOPPING. LUCKILY I WAS TRAVELING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED & THERE WERE NO ON COMING VEHICLES. BY STOPPING AND TURNING OFF ENGINE, LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT BUT COME BACK ON AFTER ABOUT A MILE. CAR WOULD STALL OR JUMP FORWARD, BRAKING DIFFICULT. NEW BRAKES INSTALLED, PROBLEMS CONTINUED. 10-26-11 TOOK CAR BACK & HAD BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS & SENSORS REPLACED. PROBLEMS CONTINUE. 11-18-2011 CAR TAKEN TO CHEVY MECH. & TESTED. THEY DECIDED I NEEDED THE LF JUMPER HARNESS & SPEED SENSOR REPLACED. 4 WEEKS AGO: SLIGHT GRINDING SOUND FROM FRONT WHEELS WHILE TURNING. CHECK ENGINE & TC LIGHTS CAME ON, STALLING & BRAKING PROBLEMS. TOOK CAR IN FOR 100,000 SERVICE, DROVE 30 MILES TO MY HOME. CAR RAN PERFECTLY. LATER THE SAME DAY CAR RAN FINE FOR 2 MILES, THEN ABS & TC LIGHTS CAME ON, BEGAN TO LUG DOWN & STALL, SURGE FORWARD, STALL. CAR STALLING CONTINUALLY. TOWED CAR. MECHANIC IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT IS WRONG. TOMORROW HE WILL TOW THE CAR TO THE CHEVY DEALER FOR EVALUATION. QUESTION FOR CHEVROLET AND NHTSA~~MY CAR IS A 2005. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM & REALIZE THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH THE EQUINOX, A SAFETY PROBLEM TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY & OTHER CHEVY OWNERS & MOTORISTS. WHY HAVEN'T THESE VEHICLES BEEN RECALLED, WHY HAS CHEVROLET BEEN ALLOWED TO CONTINUE SELLING THE EQUINOX WITH THIS LIFE THREATENING BRAKE AND T/C PROBLEM? SCARY. NOT ONLY AM I OUT MONEY FOR TRYING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BUT NOW I FIND OUT THAT APPARENTLY THERE IS NO FIX TO THE PROBLEM! I OWN A VEHICLE I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING, I HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THE CAR WILL DECIDE TO SHIFT, STALL, BRAKE OR NOT BRAKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460096

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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