Most common 2005 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Share of the 638 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Equinox complaints by model year
Best Equinox years: 2021, 2017, 2016. Years to avoid: 2025. Compare all years →
2005 Chevrolet Equinox recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
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.
What 2005 Chevrolet Equinox owners say
Engine & cooling all 165 →
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.
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.
Electrical system all 159 →
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". …
My under hood fuse box went up in flames while driving on a back road in my home town. I was doing 45 MPH when then truck shut down without warning. I at first thought was the fuel pump went. When I opened my drivers door I could smell something was burning. I pulled the hood release as I exited kindly down and looked under the truck did not see and smoke. I then went and opened the hood and noticed the under hood fuse box was on fire and was being fueled by the battery I rash to the back and grabbed a pair of pliers to discuss connect the battery. I feel this is a huge issue because I had to call 6 different junk yards some the parts were already removed and others did not have all but had one of them and a couple the parts were melted and burnt.
Transmission & drivetrain all 114 →
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 NHTSA 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.
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. …
2005 Chevrolet Equinox engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox a good car?
Based on 638 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Equinox rates average: 16% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Equinox at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
The engine & cooling — 165 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the electrical system (159) and transmission & drivetrain (114).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, the most recent from June 30, 2004 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Equinox?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2017 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025. See the full Chevrolet Equinox years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Equinox problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.