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2005 Chevrolet Equinox

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 382.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

507 reports with mileage · 131 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 159 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

56 crash reports13 fire reports32 injury reports

Traction Control System complaints

9 reports
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146,645 miles · Jul 11, 2014
Service BrakesTraction Control SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN ENGAGED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN ENGAGED AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS NEEDED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE ABS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,645. UPDATED 9/4/14*CN UPDATED 12/18/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10609861

64,000 miles · Aug 5, 2012
Service BrakesTraction Control System

ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. FEELS LIKE BRAKES ARE STICKING OR NOT RESPONDING. I'LL BE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF IT IMMEDIATELY SLOWS DOWN. WHEN I GOT OUT, IT SMELLED LIKE BURNED RUBBER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKE AREA. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE TO GET IT REPAIRED AND NOT…

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ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. FEELS LIKE BRAKES ARE STICKING OR NOT RESPONDING. I'LL BE PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF IT IMMEDIATELY SLOWS DOWN. WHEN I GOT OUT, IT SMELLED LIKE BURNED RUBBER AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE BRAKE AREA. I'VE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE TO GET IT REPAIRED AND NOTHING HAS WORKED SO FAR. I GOT NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS PUT ON 3 MONTHS AGO AND THEY'RE ALREADY WORN OUT. I'VE ONLY PUT ON ABOUT 1200 MILES ON THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10469242

50,000 miles · Aug 13, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicTraction Control System

THE VEHICLE ABS SYSTEM START TO FAIL AT 50,000 MILES. WHEN YOU START DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT MAKES THE ABS DIAGNOSTIC AND FAIL THE DIAGNOSTIC. IT'S CONTINUE TO MAKE THE DIAG. WHILE YOUR ARE DRIVING UNTIL IT FAIL. THEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUE OPERATING NORMALLY BUT WITHOUT ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LI…

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THE VEHICLE ABS SYSTEM START TO FAIL AT 50,000 MILES. WHEN YOU START DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT MAKES THE ABS DIAGNOSTIC AND FAIL THE DIAGNOSTIC. IT'S CONTINUE TO MAKE THE DIAG. WHILE YOUR ARE DRIVING UNTIL IT FAIL. THEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUE OPERATING NORMALLY BUT WITHOUT ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS IS ON. IF YOU BRAKE IN BAD WHETHER THE WHEELS LOCK AND ABS DON'T PROTECT. 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS TRY TO FIND THE FAULT UNSUCCESSFUL. THEY REPLACED, ABS MODULES, SOME BRAKE PARTS AND OTHER PARTS BUT THE FAIL CONTINUE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419330

27,057 miles · Jul 14, 2011
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicTraction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHENEVER A TURN WAS MADE OR THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER UNEVEN SURFACES. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES WOULD ENGAGE AND EXHIBIT A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHENEVER A TURN WAS MADE OR THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER UNEVEN SURFACES. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKES WOULD ENGAGE AND EXHIBIT A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS WHERE THE BRAKES, ROTORS AND HUBS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,057. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN

NHTSA ODI #10412303

82,000 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Service Brakes, ElectricSuspensionTraction Control System

MY 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX'S BRAKES STARTED VIBRATING WHEN I WOULD TRY TO STOP AND THEN THE ABS AND TC LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. REPLACED FRONT BRAKES, WAS TOLD BACK BRAKES WERE OKAY. STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND AFTER AWHILE THE BRAKES WOULD VIBRATE EVEN WHEN NOT BREAKING AND SOMETIMES HAVE TROUBLE STOPPING UNTIL THE ABS AND TC LIGH…

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MY 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX'S BRAKES STARTED VIBRATING WHEN I WOULD TRY TO STOP AND THEN THE ABS AND TC LIGHTS WOULD COME ON. REPLACED FRONT BRAKES, WAS TOLD BACK BRAKES WERE OKAY. STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND AFTER AWHILE THE BRAKES WOULD VIBRATE EVEN WHEN NOT BREAKING AND SOMETIMES HAVE TROUBLE STOPPING UNTIL THE ABS AND TC LIGHT COMES ON. 1ST DIAGNOSTIC DETERMINED I NEEDED A RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. REPLACED IT AND 2 DAYS LATER HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. NEXT I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED THE LEFT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. REPLACED IT. 2 DAYS LATER STARTING HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEN I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING. REPLACED BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. STILL HAVE A PROBLEM ONLY NOW THE BRAKES ONLY VIBRATE AND LIGHTS COME ON HILLS, WHEN TURNING OR GOING AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10406208

53,000 miles · Nov 11, 2010
Traction Control System

THE T/C LIGHT STAYS ON AND ACCELERATION IS VERY SLOW. CAR SHOOTS FORWARD WITH LOUD NOISE WITH ACCELERATION. NOV 4TH STARTED...I TOOK IT TO A CAR SHOP AND THEY SAID I NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10365384

74,000 miles · Sep 17, 2010
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Electric

SINCE 2008, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES GRINDING & SQUEAKING EVEN AFTER GETTING THEM REPAIRED (FRONT AND REAR BRAKES / ROTORS REPLACED). A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER REAR BRAKES REPLACED THE ABS & TC LIGHTS WERE ON. I HAD TO HAVE SENSORS REPLACED. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED CAR NOT STARTING AND SOUNDING L…

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SINCE 2008, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES GRINDING & SQUEAKING EVEN AFTER GETTING THEM REPAIRED (FRONT AND REAR BRAKES / ROTORS REPLACED). A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER REAR BRAKES REPLACED THE ABS & TC LIGHTS WERE ON. I HAD TO HAVE SENSORS REPLACED. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED CAR NOT STARTING AND SOUNDING LIKE IT IS FLOODING, AFTER LETTING CAR SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES IT THEN STARTS. THERE IS ALSO A POPPING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE BACK OF CAR AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. WHEN CHANGING SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE CAR OCCASIONALLY JERKS & SHOOTS FORWARD. WHEN PRESSING THE GAS, THE CAR TAKES A FEW MOMENTS THEN JERKS FORWARD. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING BAD & I HAVE TO PAY $350 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO DETERMINE IF THEY CAN REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION OR HAVE TO REPLACE IT, WHICH WILL COST BETWEEN $1800 TO $3000. THERE IS A 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE RECALL BUT MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. NOTE: VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY ACCORDING TO THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE TIMETABLE PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10356219

85,000 miles · Aug 7, 2010
SteeringTraction Control SystemUnknown Or Other

2005 CHEVY EQUINOX. CURRENT MILES APPROX 85,000. WAS REAR ENDED IN MAY 2010. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED IN JUNE 2010. WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS, FOUND NOTICEABLE GRINDING NOISES FROM BRAKES, LOW TO NULL BRAKING ABILITY. ABS AND TRACKING LIGHTS ARE ON. IN JUNE, DEALER FOUND ABS SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN WERE BROKEN. D…

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2005 CHEVY EQUINOX. CURRENT MILES APPROX 85,000. WAS REAR ENDED IN MAY 2010. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED IN JUNE 2010. WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS, FOUND NOTICEABLE GRINDING NOISES FROM BRAKES, LOW TO NULL BRAKING ABILITY. ABS AND TRACKING LIGHTS ARE ON. IN JUNE, DEALER FOUND ABS SENSOR AND STEERING COLUMN WERE BROKEN. DEALER SAID IT WAS A RESULT OF RECENT CAR ACCIDENT BUT SEVERAL INSURANCE ADJUSTERS HAVE SAID THE ACCIDENT WAS TOO MINOR TO CAUSE SUCH DAMAGE AND BELIEVE IT IS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. NO INSURANCE COMPANY WILL TOUCH THIS CLAIM. THEY BELIEVE IT IS A KNOWN DEFECT IN GMC PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10347885

134,000 miles · Apr 14, 2010
Electrical SystemTraction Control System

BRAKE SYSTEM FAILING. ABS AND TRACTION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING ABS SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE IN NORMAL BRAKING SITUATIONS. DEALER SHIP SAID IT WAS A SENSOR, HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE TUNE OF $110 SYSTEM CHECK, $170 HUB/SENSOR ASSEMBLY PURCHASE. FIRESTONE AUTO CARE SAID IT WAS A FAULTY WIRE HARNESS THAT I AM HAVE REPLACE TO DAY TO…

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BRAKE SYSTEM FAILING. ABS AND TRACTION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING ABS SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE IN NORMAL BRAKING SITUATIONS. DEALER SHIP SAID IT WAS A SENSOR, HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE TUNE OF $110 SYSTEM CHECK, $170 HUB/SENSOR ASSEMBLY PURCHASE. FIRESTONE AUTO CARE SAID IT WAS A FAULTY WIRE HARNESS THAT I AM HAVE REPLACE TO DAY TO THE TUNE OF $250. PER THE TECH AT FIRE STONE THIS IS HIS THIRD REPAIR OF THIS TYPE, SAME MAKE AND MODEL CARE. 2005 CHEVY EQUINOX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10325613

Official recalls

1

04V302000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jun 30, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

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