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2005 Chevrolet Equinox problems

The most common problem on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox is engine and cooling, typically around 74,000 miles. It has 1.6 times the complaints of a typical Equinox model year.

Typical year1.6x the typical complaints
Year score
54/100
Owner complaints
638
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
625
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19mpg
Typical repair
$1,000

The worst 2005 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

ABS 48Check engine light 39Grinding brakes 33Stalling 30No deployment 27Won't start 27Overheating 22Loss of power 15Water leak 15Brake failure 14Headlights 14Airbag light 10Fire or smoke 10Fuel pump 10Pulling 7Wipers 7Door locks 6Engine failure 6Fuel smell 6Harsh shifting 6Hesitation 6Jerking 6Power windows 6Knocking 5Sudden acceleration 5

Recalls 1

Power train: automatic transmissionReported June 30, 2004 · 132 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V302000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox 625

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 625 bulletins for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

2005 Chevrolet Equinox fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.4L 6‑cylFWD172319
3.4L 6‑cyl4WD172319

What 2005 Chevrolet Equinox owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 3, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · AZ

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.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Body · IN

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

Filed Oct 14, 2022 · Electrical · FL

Upon purchasing the vehicle from a buy here pay here they did not enclose any possible or current failures or problems with the vehicle. It started with the battery and within 2 months of purchase the check engine light came on. I had previously taken the vehicle to the dealership 3 times to assess the issue in which they repeatedly informed me nothing was wrong even though my check engine light was still on. A month later my CV axel went out and my alignment begin to come out of place. I took the vehicle to an auto shop in which they gave me an estimate of all the issues wrong with the car. I have since done repairs for what was necessary. I then began to look for a recall on the vehicle in which I found that there was a manufacturer recall that was I repaired regarding the Safety lock theft prevention. My ignition switch does not register properly when it is in “off mode”. The engine still runs and numerous attempts to stop it have failed. I contacted the dealership and they have not been willing to work with me in any way. I called the manufacturer number and was directed to a Chevrolet dealership near me in which they told me there are no recalls even though the website states there is as well as numerous others but that they have not been repaired. When I place my vehicle in the park position and remove the key from the ignition I am still able to move the gear shift into any selected gear, both with and without the normal brake and the emergency brake. I cannot afford to take it to a shop for repair but did take it to be inspected and was informed that this was an issue along with others and that it could be the reason my battery is not holding the power it needs and why I cannot remove my key sometimes as well as why the engine remains running after switching to the off position and removing my key.

Filed Jul 15, 2022 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon inserting the key into the ignition switch, it failed to function properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V302000 (POWER TRAIN). However, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Countryside Chevrolet (71 Cat Creek Rd, Franklin, NC 28734), where the ignition switch was replaced for a second time under the recall. However, the failure persisted. The contact's daughter was unable to start the vehicle after several attempts. The contact contacted AAA who assisted her daughter to start the vehicle. The contact's daughter was able to continue driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed May 2, 2022 · Suspension · OH

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.

Filed Jan 21, 2022 · Engine · 134,000 miles · WV

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.

Filed Jan 17, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · IN

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.

Filed Oct 17, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · NY

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

Filed Jun 18, 2021 · Transmission · CA

It was recently brought to my attention that the keys can fall out of the ignition with the vehicle running. Which creates an extreme likelihood that the vehicle can move forward or backward without assistance. My keys fall right out of the ignition you should not be able to take the keys out of an ignition with it running or not in park. Has not been confirmed by the dealership yet that’s my next step. And yes it can be reproduced at any time. Sometimes the key will not even start the vehicle. Hi had never reached over and just tried to take the keys out of the ignition to see if they would come out but I recently rented a room where the owner has the exact same car and the same thing happened to him and he had the ignition replaced. This is how I know that it happens because he reached over and was able to pull my keys right out with the vehicle running. I was shocked. Also at one point it says there is automatic transmission recall and mine is making weird movements and jerking motions sometimes not just on my car but on my landlord’s car as well. Maybe that needs to be looked at.

Filed May 14, 2021 · Brakes · TN

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox before you buy

Compare the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

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Other model years

20052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027

Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

Owners have filed 638 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 1.6 times a typical Equinox model year.

What is the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox year score?

The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox scores 54 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Equinox: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?

Engine and cooling, with 165 complaints, typically around 74,000 miles. Next is electrical (159).

How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox have?

1 recall, covering power train.

What year does the Chevrolet Equinox have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Equinox model years with the most engine complaints are 2013 (420 complaints), 2011 (419 complaints) and 2012 (361 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox get?

Official estimates for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.4L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 23 highway.

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