Have to wiggle key when taking it out of ignition or it will get stuck. Starting doing this shortly after buying it in 2005.
2005 Chevrolet Equinox electrical complaints
Page 6 of 6: complaints 131 to 159 of 159, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I bought a new 2005 equinox back in march of '05. Over this year-2008- I have problems just getting my key to turn in the ignition. I have to wiggle it back and forth for a few minutes until it catches and turns over. I can't get in and just start my car. I can turn my key maybe an inch and I have to turn it back and keep wiggling it until it "gives" for me to turn all the way. Of course, my warranty was up at 36,000 miles which I have surpassed a few thousand miles ago. I am trying to get some $$ together (things are very tight as everyone knows!) to get it looked out. I don't know if the lock is misaligned or what? I feel there should be a recall on this to be fixed because I have seen a lot of feedback on internet from people that have same issue with this type of car. I am not taking it to the dealer because I don't want to pay hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars. I will take it to a local reputable mechanic who is very trustworthy and reasonable.
A few months ago my husbands mother drove his 2005 chevy equinox to the store and the battery died. They jumped the car and everything has been fine until a few days ago. We had to jump start my husbands car a few days ago and that is when he said something about the cd player staying on after the car was off. When you listen to the cd player it sounds like player is trying to eject a cd but it wont and eventually it says on the screen "cd changer error." it even does this when the vehicle is turned off so it ends up killing the battery. My husband has to unplug the fuse for the cd player or it drains his battery. And still having it unplugged the vehicle has a hard time starting because it is like it can no longer hold a charge. When we mentioned this to my husband's mother she said when it died the time she drove it had said the same thing. I have searched this problem online and many people have the same complaint. One person said that they even replaced the cd player multiple times and every few months it does the same thing. We are going to take the vehicle to the chevy dealership here and see what they say, but I really feel this is a problem that needs to be looked into because I do not have the money to buy cd players and batteries every few months. The equinox came out in '05 and it sounds to me like this is an error that they did not fix before production.
The driver side window does not work properly and it chooses when to go up and down and also I would have to open the door in order to work the window. Also the stalls on numerous occasion to start. The brakes are brand new and a problems still occurs when trying to stop it shakes even when going a low speed.
2005 equinox with normal driving, mostly highway. Began to hear the typical sounds of a failing bearing prior to 60,000 miles. Vibration in steering, hum present when driving, uneven wear on front tires. Replaced rfhub under warranty at approx. 69,000 miles. Within 10,000 miles that rfhub began to fail, by the time I could get it to the dealership I had surpassed my warranty and the 12 months/12,000 warranty on the installed part via the dealership. Was told that it wasn't out of the ordinary for the part to fail so quickly, which is news to me! How can a bearing fail that quickly and not be defective. Was forced to pay over 500.00 to replace it. Have complained numerous times about a rattle when going over bumpy roads and received the "we couldn't replicate it" response since initial complaint prior to 60,000 miles. Have heard that the tierods are to blame, have mentioned it, but still deal with this rattle that goes unaccounted. Also have bad electrical that "can't be replicated" at the dealership. Radio and panel in dash flash at random times as if a wire were loose or shorting, loud booming thuds come from the speakers at the same time. Speaker blew in door, but after warranty. Regardless of numerous complaints I would have to pay out of pocket because they couldn't replicate these things when taken in to get looked at. Fuel gage sticks, but either have to pay 120.00 to possibly correct it with a fuel system cleaner, or pay 700.00 to replace fuel filter. Such great options. My family has worked for general motors for years, it's a shame.
I have a 2005 chevy equinox that has experienced multiple electrical problems. First I had ignition problems, air conditioner problems, battery being drained without cause, window control and so forth. Each time I took it to the dealer for repairs and each time a repair was made. Only after the warranty was out did I discover by accident that the problems were caused by a faulty wiring harness. The main dash wiring harness located in the left floor panel on the driver's side has signs of melting, and shorts with the slightest movement. The shortage causes the air conditioner to stop blowing and will cause the engine to completely die out. I have had the car evaluated by two mechanics who both stated, without knowing someone else had looked at it, that the car is a fire hazard and should be repaired immediately. I also spoke with a local body shop that has repaired at least one equinox that burned due to this same wiring harness. The repairs are currently being made at a cost of $4,000.00. I believe that this is a more wide spread problem than has been reported and hope that others with similar problems will speak out as general motors is unwilling to investigate this. I encourage new car buyers to beware of this company, as I have been sorely disappointed with their product and service. *tr the consumer also stated there was a roaring noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. She later found out there was a problem with differential after being told there was nothing in the rear to cause a noise. Updated 12/04/08.
Problems with car began immediately (transmission, air conditioner, odometer, window motor, car shifting abruptly, and skidding on any wet service.) finally went into 20 ft skid, wheels locked, no response to steering. Car hit pole. Airbags did not deploy, seat belts did not lock. Car totaled.
Issue started around in early 2007 that every once in a while the vehicle wouldn't start on the first attempt. Now in 2008 this happens more frequently. When I go to start the car it sounds like it tries to start then the engine light lets me know I did not crank the car. Occurs more so after I have had to run errands and start the car a number amount of times in a shorter period of time. I have taken to the gm dealer and have had it checked a number of time. They have cleaned the injectors, reflashed the computer, and updated the computer to the latest levels. The answer is always the same no codes generated no problem found.
It started around the summer of 2007 that every once in a while the car wouldn't start on the first attempt. As it got closer to the end of the year and now into the beginning of 2008 this happens a lot more. When I go to crank the car it sounds like it tries to start then the engine light lets me know I did not crank the car. This happens more so after I have had to run errands and crank the car a frequent amount of times in a shorter period of time.
2005 chevrolet equinox safety issue with the steering. Consumer states that the steering failed completely. Dealer blamed the failure on ice in the wheel well. Then the trouble light illuminated and the issue has not yet been fixed properly. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle had to be towed because it wouldn't start. The dealer cleaned the connector, however the computer did not pick up any diagnostic history, even though the trouble light had been coming on quite consistently. On feb 25, 2006 the consumer once again lost steering, but regained it and continued to drive. At that time they replaced the ignition switch. The trouble light continued to come on and once again the vehicle would not start. The dealer discovered that by pushing on the fuse box, the vehicle would start and steer. On 2 separate occasions, the consumer became stranded, the doors wouldn't unlock and the vehicle wouldn't start, but the horn worked. The consumer let the vehicle sit overnight and when she came back, the vehicle still would not automatically unlock, she opened the door manually and pounded on the fuse box, and the vehicle started up. The second time the consumer became stuck, pounding on the fuse box did not work and the vehicle didn't start, even though the battery was fine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and for the second time, the ignition switch was replaced. As soon as the consumer left the dealer the trouble light illuminated again. The consumer stated the steering continues to go out a couple of times. The consumer also stated the resume button for the cruise control doesn't always work properly.
Lemon/auto failures,too many items to lst 2005 chevy equinox lt.
Vehicle driven, parked, 5 hours later key fob would not work on approach to vehicle noted smell of burnt plastic, vehicle would not start. Attempted to jump battery when noted smoke and stopped. Vehicle taken to dealer they claimed the vehicle was jumped backwards and I know this not to be a fact. Dealer stated everything fried under hood.
2005 chevy equinox w/45,000 miles - had the smell of burnt plastic, and smoke rising from the steering column, while the vehicle was started and moving. Radio pre-program button on the steering wheel lost function, and the ignition keeps turning over despite the key being returned to the neutral position.
Oct 8, was in class for 30 minutes came out car was dead, everything worked but started just clicked. Called roadside assistance.. Took too long; called campus security got a jump start, car drove fine died again until oct 13. Jump started again, oct 18 died again, called roadside assistance had it towed to herb adcox chevy. They still have it and say it is running fine...no diagnostic problems showing on computer. Filed an issue with 800chevusa.... They say even though I have an extended warranty(car still in original warranty now) that this issue may not be covered. The car is only two years old I am the original owner. Chevy cannot find any problems so I am stuck wondering when it will die again. I also reported noxious fumes (smells like rancid butter)most likely from antifreeze problem like other 2005 equinox's and a brake shimmy problem at highway speeds(entire car seems unstable). This is the last chevy I will ever buy. I hate to even trade it in and give the issues to someone else. This is wrong. I believe chevy is aware of these issues and doing nothing to recall or repair them. I was told if there is no diagnostic there is no problem.
At times of start up of ignition, the vehicle seems to have a problem catching. It used to only happen maybe every 15th start up but has increasingly happened more frequently. It is still intermittent but seems to be about every 3rd or 4th startup. Incident date is estimated.
Where do I begin I bought a chevy equinox 2005 brand new and have had numerous problems!! The main problem is the check engine light. It continuosly comes on and when I take it to the dearlership they never seem to be able to actually fix the correct problem. I have replaced a headgasket, thermostat, internal gasket, front roters and brakes, dealership states that I need new front roters and brakes again it hasn't even been 1 year since the first set. I've had new shock plugs and a coil put in, etc. This all started last nov. With the check engine light and still is having problems. I am so frustrated with this car. I thought that with buying a brand new car I wouldn't have all of these problems. I'm afraid to travel with it because it is so unreliable!!!
I always parked car in a garage, but this day no spots were open so I parked on the street and went to work. About a 1/2 hour later I looked the window and noticed smoke coming from the back of the car. I ran out to see what the problem was, and saw fire on the back bumper area on the driver's side. Someone called the fire department. While I grabbed a few things out of the inside of the car. The fire department t came and eventually put out the fire. I have never known a car to spontaneously combustion before, and it was a very traumatic experience. The car was destroyed between the fire, smoke and water, and declared totaled by the insurance company. The origin of the fire appeared to be in the tail light section and to be electrical in nature. I did not have any prior problems with the car, and it was equipped as originally leased from the dealer. It was only two years old and still under the warranty. Thankfully ,no one was hurt/killed this time. I believe this car was defective and posed a very real danger to my family as well as my coworkers. The manufacturer was extremely uncooperative in discussing the problem - with not even a 'sorry you are having trouble with one of our products' line as I wanted to be reimbursed for the deductible that I will have to give the insurance company.
Bought the car used with 20,000 and it was having problems a week later. Passenger window would not roll up,grinding and clicking at slow turns. They replaced rotors ,clutch and suspension and the problem was solved. Then came the air condition not blowing cold air and the ignition sticking on start up. The final straw was the transmission slipping and dropping into lower gears,the car will be in the shop in the morning. Last chevy I will ever buy back to nissan.
My driver side window will not go up or down, it just failed completely. The dealership advised that the wires inside the door are completely broken. The system needed to fix it is back ordered so I have to wait to have it replaced. Four days later my brakes became the new problem. On my way to school, I was approaching a stop light and began applying the brakes but the car would not stop. It made a vibrating noise and thrust itself forward. It wasn't a grinding sound but clicks and vibration. Luckily there wasn't anyone in front of me or coming from the opposite direction. I thought it something I did and continued driving carefully. At the next stop I was unable to slow down to make a right hand turn. I passed the turn completely before the car slowed enough to turn. This scared me so I pulled over and called for help. After taking a test drive with a car repair person who informed me it wasn't my brake pads or rotors. He said it sounded like my anti-lock system failing and I should call the dealership. I called the dealership and they said to bring it in. Gm roadside assistance towed it. That was saturday and today is monday, the dealership worker told me she drove it and she has been driving for 12 years and she didn't have a problem with the brakes but they will put it on the electric diagnostic machine to double check it. I am afraid to drive with my children. The fact that the car may not stop or the brakes may fail at any time is scary. I should hear from them by this evening.
Attempted to start vehicle after being driven approximately 2-3 miles. Clicking sound happens each time (approx 15) and engine struggles to engage. Dealer has inspected and could not duplicate problem.
2005 chevy equinox awd, 3 starters, 3 coolant tanks, all coolant hoses changed, heater changed twice, a pillar panels leaked air, radiator replaced, battery bolt replaced, rear shelf broke, constant coolant smell in car, made wife sick, had car 5 months approx, spend around 90 + days in shop, dealer did all they could, but g.m. Refused to work on car under warranty anymore, g.m. " forced " to buy back under lemon law, bought toyota, period. Have all receipts and paper work for anybody interested.
Brake noise,thumping and grinding. Steering wheel is very tight and loosens at any time. Rotors are faulty. When starting periodically ignition switch sticks in the cranking position once manually started unless you jiggle key, causing possible fire hazard.
Dt*: the contact stated there have been two incidents with the vehicle. First, while in reverse the vehicle went forward. This resulted in loss of brakes and power steering. The ignition was turned off and the emergency brake was pulled to stop the vehicle. Second, while attempting to start the vehicle the engine failed. There was a clicking sound heard. The lights, power windows and radio were still operable, however the vehicle failed to start. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem with the first incident. The second incident, they determined the battery needed to be replaced. The manufacturer has been alerted.
Map light leaks, filled with water rotors replaced at 12,000 miles electrical failure in hot weather popping and rattling noise front end stereo speaker intermittent buzzing noise when radio not on time display doesn't always light up not notified of product emission recall by manufacturer.
Dt*: the contact stated there were numerous problems with the vehicle. First, the engine would intermittently not crank. The dealer replaced the battery however, this did not correct the problem. Second, while depressing the brake pedal the vehicle intermittently did not slow down. The brake pedal was pumped several times to get the brakes to activate correctly. Third, the transmission revved high and intermittently did not change gears correctly while driving. Fourth, the ABS lamp illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the ABS lamp was reset. Lastly, the front passenger window was rolled down and would not rise back up. The dealer replaced the window regulator and the window was repaired. The vehicle was repeatedly taken to the dealer and addressed the problems that could be duplicated and made appropriate repairs. Hard start/hesitation and almost stalling. Also, determined speed sensor was causing reduced power.
Upon starting the vehicle, it makes a rumbling and literally moves under the hood as if it won't start, but it does. It has an affect of a straight drive when starting the vehicle while it's in gear.
Purchased 2005 chevy equinox on may 26 2005 have had it at the dealer 5 times in the past 47 days 1st the sunroof stopped working, then the transaxle overheating light came on got those "repaired" didn't get off the dealers lot and the light came on again they changed sensor brought it back the next day and was told they found a chaffed wire in the main harness yesterday I had it towed in after engine light and traction control light came on felt like wheels didn't want to turn and on hills had no power to climb I live in the mountains of pa will never buy another chevy
Dt: water was leaking into cab of vehicle and into trunk. Water leak iwas in front dome light, and it leaked twice. The middle dome light leaked once, and the trunk has had a big bucket of water removed from it. Dealer tried to fix leak, but it still leaks. Caller was told not to park under trees. Manufacturer said they would call dealer, and told caller to keep sun ,roof closed and that there was debris in sun roof. Caller stated she was concerned about water in the electrical system. And that more damage can be caused.
Contact states: bought a brand new vehicle in august 2004. The anti-freeze was changed. The anti-freeze was brown and the smell was severe and nauseous. The car has been the shop 9 times with so many different reasons. The antifreeze line wasn't bled right and the antifreeze was leaking in the ground. There was a leak in the dome light and sunroof, the suspension and engine would tick, the horn did not work, there were front end problem, the shifter would stick, there ignition problem, noise when turning the vehicle, gas mileage problem and there was a toxic smell from the anti-freeze, the vehicle over heated, the brakes made noises, the consumer had driven through a car wash, the dome light had filled with water, the lower dash was dripping water and the vehicle would not accelerate vehicle would not accelerate and the engine light had illuminated, the vehicle pulled to the right when driving and when braking,there was poor gas mileage during city driving, there was a loud noises when making turns on the front struts, the front brake rotors were out of round, the shifter would stick, the ignition cylinder was binding, there was popping when the vehicle was started from cold, and the brake pedal would go to the floor. *sc
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