Drove vehicle to a store, while inside an electrical fire started underneath fuse box while the vehicle was parked. Fire men stated vehicle was attempting to start itself without keys and without being on. Headlights n dash remained on and vehicle began to smoke very badly, wouldn't quit until battery was disconnected and needed to be extinguished. Electrical fire progressed to dash and melted wiper shifter off.
2005 Chevrolet Equinox electrical complaints
Page 2 of 6: complaints 11 to 40 of 159, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Vehicle stalls at random times, while in motion at 65 MPH on the highway or at a stop sign it just stalls. Will start back up but only to stall again. Very dangerous! Multiple issues on the internet on this year equinox and some claim there is a recall; "# tsb #05539 -- product emission recall to replace the powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM). The powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM) may have been manufactured with damaged internal ic chips, which may affect the fuel pump control and egr out (the federal safety agency id #10017551, april 01 2005)"
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. While the vehicle was in park, the ignition switch failed to lock. As a result, the contact had to shake the key several times to remove it from the ignition. The contact mentioned that the gear shifter was difficult to shift on several occasions. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 177,000.
Wipers run continuously and don't shut off. Lights flash on and off. Smoke comes from dashboard when car starts and/or car won't start. Problem happens both while car is stopped or in motion.
The ignition key will lock or engine will continue running without key in place.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off completely when the vehicle was locked or unlocked with the ignition switch. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and that a security warning indicator flashed after the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 176,000.
Abs pulsates by itself while driving making it hard to stop when I need to. When I do push down on the brakes it pushes back preventing me from stopping quickly or at all. After a while driving like this the ABS traction light comes on and stays on until I turn it off and then it happen all over again. I have been to the dealer to have it fix but the problem keeps reoccurring. In 2012 the car just stop on the road that wasn't brake related causing us to get hit from behind and the airbag didn't deploy. The car now is have electrical problems where it seems like one thing is failing after another. For example side mirrors don't work, rear windshield wiper stop working, airbag never deployed.
When I 1st bought the car had to change the suspension, head gasket, antifreeze is disappearing can't see where it's going key comes out the ignition VIN#[xxx] purchased on 8/19/15. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the sun roof was leaking. As a result, there was moisture, mold, and water on the front driver and passenger sides. In addition, the left turn signal functioned intermittently and the radio and air conditioner failed to function. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Liftgate power lock doesn't work. No manual way to open. Unable to replace tail, brake or turn signal lights unless liftgate is open.
Vehicle will not start. Problem with PCM? Ignition switch, less than 30,000 miles, will shut off while driving and will not restart. After sitting for more than 30 mins or longer start/ no start never know!!! Other electrical problems with intermittent dash display, door chimes and theft system, contacted g.m. And not willing to address problem ....wave towing fee, dealer familiar with problem ,but not exactly sure at this time what problem is or how to fix....want to throw $ at it till a cure is found. Very dangerous in traffic and especially with auto trans....have children in car alot when prob happens...what do I do!!! Always garage kept also! Not a problem wih battery or fuses...electrical problem!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that the headlights illuminated independently and caused the battery to drain. In addition, the contact heard an abnormal noise while using the turn signals. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure millage was 212,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel would indicate low fuel economy and the vehicle would begin to slow down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic control module (ECM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 05/03/16*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired twice but the failure recurred. The vehicle would fail when driving under 25 miles per hour or at a stop. Updated 11/21/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. While driving 45 MPH, the key fell out of the ignition independently and the vehicle continued to move forward. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. While parked, the vehicle was not able to start and various warning lights illuminated. In addition, there was water leaking from an unknown location on the passenger side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine control module, brakes, windshield, and electronic power steering needed to be replaced. The contact also received an unknown notice from the manufacturer to have the ignition switch replaced for free. The contact mentioned that the engine control module, brakes, and windshield were replaced, but there was still water leaks from the rain. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. When the ignition was turned to the on position, the key would continue to click to the on position even after the vehicle was turned on without being prompted. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
After shut car off, key gets trapped halfway in the ignition cylinder- would not let go of the key, nor would let me push back in to start the car. Called roadside assistance twice when this occurred as I was away from home; they basically couldn't do anything other than try playing with it until it let go. When it happened at home, I left car alone with the keys halfway in ignition in driveway and it let go of the keys hours later. When dad borrowed the car, he used plyers to remove key. Appears to be a problem with ignition clenching key spontaneously with no remedy.
When I am driving my equinox and have to stop for a light, it will run hot and I have to pull over untill it cools off and the temperature needle goes back down. Then when I turn it off, the fan continues to run for about 5-10 minutes until it cools off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly hesitate and jerk when slowing down. Also, the check engine light would come on and the vehicle would suddenly shut off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the fluids in the vehicle. The failures were remedied but eventually recurred. The contact also indicated that the key could not immediately be removed from the ignition switch and the engine could not be turned off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise and the engine stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The failure recurred on one other occasion. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition key needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Check engine light came on. Mechanic had off and on for 3 weeks, unable to find cause. Dmv issued wavier on 4/9/2015 so that we could get renewal tags. Took to another mechanic who was recommended by first one. They replaced r&r canister purge solenoid and the wiring harness on 6/22/2015. The light stayed off for a couple of days. We returned to mechanic. Picked up on 6/29/2015, light stayed off until 7/2/2015. We are supposed to return to mechanic on monday due to this being holiday weekend.
Bad ignition switch
Power door locks stopped working along with the rear hatch lock. Unable to open the rear hatch. Dealer wants $1800 to repair.
The right front wheel brake began to lock up causing the vehicle to pull to the right. The ABS and traction control light came on. I had to have it replaced twice now. The electrical harness keeps falling off do the metal clip it hooks onto rusting. The wiring harness clip on the end where it connects to the hub is shot. The ABS light is constantly on.I've tried to clean it many times to no avail. I'm sick and tired of this problem. No matter what I do, it still causes problem. And I am a pa certified inspection mechanic. I've never seen such a poor brake system in my life. I have replaced the front rotors and brakes 4 times now, and probably will have to replace them again in august of this year, 2015 when my state inspection will be due. The joke of it all is that the rear brakes are still the original brakes and stand at the last inspection at 8/32. This tells me that the brake distribution equalizer is not working. All my stopping power is on the front brakes. My equinox is 10 years old. Surely by now the rear brakes should have been replaced a few times. There is only 38,300 miles on this vehicle now and it looks like new. I take exceptionally good care of my vehicles. Every 3000 miles the oil and tires are rotated, and everything else is inspection by me. I was going to buy a 2015 equinox, but was torn away by the delays of chevrolet on these problems. In the end, these vehicles should be recalled and the entire ABS system should be completely re-examined and repaired. Finally after 3 years, I now got a new ignition and 2 new keys. Ya. Thank you !!!!! If I have too, I will make a video on this, as I did the ignition switch and send it in. This is not the first time for the brakes its been happening for years and its on going.
A loud pop occurred during operation of the vehicle at approximately 40 MPH and then a noticeable change in the suspension was felt. In testing the vehicles ability to travel to a repair center the brake peddle would drop to the floor as if it lost compression. This occurred after carefully observing the troublesome behavior of the turning capabilities and suspension of the tires. It seemed to make an awful grinding noise when making right turns but not left turns. Previously before these problems arose, the apparent issue of the electrical system and its functioning parts(power doors, windows etc.) were malfunctioning, including the radio. At the initial purchase of the car the only seemingly harmless thing to mind was the sticking of the ignition switch at times. To date, the car is not able to reverse from parking position, and has a new issue of locking up totally and not able to engage forward. The car is not able to be driven and when searching for cheaper insurance (byvin) we were immediately, under no uncertain terms alerted that the car was unfit to be insured. This was told and sent in written form to us from a reputable insurance agency.
I have been in contact with chevrolet on this. This auto has a branded title and has a faulty ignition switch. The key comes out when the car is running. We did not own the car when it was damaged so I don't know what caused that accident. I do know that there was very little damage to it. They are telling me they won't cover replacement of the switch because it has a branded title. I feel this says that my life is not as important and the person with a new vehicle. I have always been a chevrolet person and have had brand new ones so this is very disappointing to me. Can anything be done about this?
The front lights on the car comes on at night when car is parked in the driveway, not being used by persons. This car may not start in the morning because the battery maybe dead, due to lights coming on by it self. We had the defective switch replaced in the past week, and that's when the lights started to act up.
On 2/17/15, I, along with 3 of my children, were driving along the roadway at approx. 7am. As I went around a minor bend in the road, the vehicle pulled hard to the left slamming the driver's side into the snowbank around the guardrail. It continued moving forward as I attempted to apply the brake and lightly move the wheel to get us back into our lane. The vehicle pulled to the right and as I tried to straighten it up, I was sent into a spin until the rear of the vehicle slammed into the snow on our side of the road, bringing us to a stop. No air bags deployed & as I tried to pull away, I realized the vehicle was not on. It had shut itself down. I had my brother look at it & test drive, he found nothing, so I assumed it was a 1 time event and proceeded to use the vehicle. On 2/22/15, my nephew and my daughter used the vehicle to go to town. He got less than 3 miles from home, heading down the mountain, when he realized there was little to no steering. He looked down & saw that once again, the vehicle had shut itself off. He too ended up crashing. Luckily he was able to get it to the opposite side of the rd, into the snowbank just before a semi went speeding by. Again, no airbags deployed. It concerns me with the massive recall that I found online, that this vehicle is not on the list, but many ppl seem to be having the same issue. Luckily no one was injured in our incidents. But these vehicles are not safe & should not be on the roads in this condition. We were very fortunate that both incidents were during a clear spot in traffic. Now the vehicle site in my drive because I do not trust that whatever they do will fix it & I cannot in good conscience pass this death trap on to anyone else. I contacted gm hoping for a bit of help & perhaps an investigation into the safety of the vehicles, but they refused.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet equinox. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart and resumed normal operation. In addition, the key would release from the ignition switch whenever the vehicle was in motion. On several occasions, the ignition key failed to release from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
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