2005 Chevrolet Equinox: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 638 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (19% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 638 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2023
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2023
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2021
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2021
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2021
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2021
“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”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2021
“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”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2020
“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”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 56 of these complaints and injuries in 40 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Equinox by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
NHTSA has 638 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The most complained-about area is electrical system (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Equinox problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 72,931 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.