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2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems

114 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 62,000. 6 crashes reported.

owner complaints
114
of this car's complaints
18%
typical mileage
62,000
crashes
6
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    30
  • Driveline
    18
  • Driveline: driveshaft
    8
  • Driveline: differential unit
    1
  • Clutch assembly
    1
  • Axle hubs
    1
  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems in other years

20052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Harsh shifting 6Hesitation 6Jerking 6

Related recalls

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

What 2005 Chevrolet Equinox owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 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 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 13, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 15,900 miles · VA · 1 injury

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.

Filed May 20, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 167,000 miles · PA

Takata recall: I bought my chevy equinox in august of 2017, since taking it home it has had a lurching problem when driving or when stopped at a red light. It lurches forward and backwards like a bull trying to throw you off. I put new brakes on every 3 months because my brakes do not work even when brand new, and when I press the brake the car won't stop, or the brake pulses and vibrates. The cars gear shift sometimes gets stuck in drive when trying to put it in park. When trying to drive and the gas is pressed you hear a grinding, and the gas vibrates. I've had to ABS sensor replaced 4x, o2 sensor 3x new brakes every 3 months, new tires every 6 months, regular oil changes, it's had it's valves replaced, it's had new brake lines, new shocks, regular alignments, it's had a new catalytic converter put in. The cars RPM spikes to 8000 when doing 30 miles an hour through a small town. The wheel vibrates when on a highway ABS light never comes off. T/c turns off anytime I make a turn. Check engine light is I swear permantly on. . I've been told this can be a transmission and gear shift problem, but that all 3 of my regular mechanics call this problem the ghost problem, because they can't figure it out and always tell me to not drive it that it's not safe to drive but it's my only vehicle and I am 5 months pregnant and cannot afford a new car right now. This car is unsafe and needs to be evaluated.

Filed Apr 29, 2018 · Brakes, Suspension · CA

100000k miles and the transmission locks up huge problems with wheel bearings and problems with ABS system

Filed Aug 11, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 79,000 miles · TN

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)"

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Electrical, Transmission · 177,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Oct 14, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · IL

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).

Filed May 22, 2016 · Transmission · OH

My 2005 chevrolet equinox. While accellerating at approximately 20-55 MPH, started making vibration/clanking noise while driving down the I estate around7/5/2015 mileage around 245,000. The failure recurred multiple times and at different speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing . Mechanic determined that the center support bearing needed replaced. Part was purchased at autozone as a kit package two weeks later by vehicles owner within days after repair the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and still is owners daily driver approximate mileage to date is 262,000

Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 114 complaints about the transmission of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 18% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 62,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V302000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Equinox have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Equinox model years with the most transmission complaints are 2010 (182 complaints), 2011 (145 complaints) and 2005 (114 complaints).

Other 2005 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Engine 165Electrical 159Brakes 105Suspension 57Steering 50Airbags 38Fuel system 36Body 34Visibility 30Acceleration 22Driver assistance 16Lights 16Seat belts 9Tires 6Locks 5Wheels 5Seats 4

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