Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The ABS and traction control light came on and the vehicle sometimes doesn't want to stop. The ABS kicks in and it takes a while for it to stop. It's been twice where the vehicle ends up stopping in the middle of the intersection. Luckily no one was in front of us or coming the other direction.
Pulling into a parking space the vehicle came to a stop in the parking spot, as the driver was getting ready to put the vehicle in park, the engine revved up, the car jumped a curb/sidewalk and crashed into a building. A person that was there to clean the windows, went to the vehicle to try to get the driver out and reached into the car to put it into park, the engine revved up again but it was at rest against the building. The driver at this point had their feet together in front of the driver seat not on any pedals and hands together in front of their face. The man put the vehicle in neutral and set the parking brake. The vehicle was declared a total loss.
Vehicle was hit on the driver's side at the front door. Vehicle went right after impact at full throttle into a 12 ft ditch. Turned 90 degrees out of the ditch,came out of the ditch, across a 4 lane road. Front left wheel caught on a curb, vehicle still a full throttle with driver trying to brake. Veered to the left, jumped a 2 ft ditch, went to the right, hit a 3 ft rock, knocked the rock into the ditch and car ended up on top of the rock. Air bags did not deploy at this this. Vehicle traveled approximately 953 ft at full throttle before hitting the rock. GM had replaced the ignition switch once under policy vehicle would not come out of gear when parked sometimes. Even after replacing ignition switch we continued to have problems removing key from ignition. Nationwide insurance has possession of the car and is paying an outside vendor to down load the data from this accident. …
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, [phone]) 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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact was driving 15 MPH when the vehicle accelerated abnormally and the crashed into an embankment. The vehicle continued to accelerate slightly as the contact depressed the brakes. The contact was finally able to stop the vehicle. The front fender of the vehicle was damaged and the radiator was busted and leaking. In addition, the transmission was shifting extremely rough. No one was injured and the vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who stated that they would further investigate the issue and contact him at a later date. The failure mileage was 78,000. ....updated 06/18/12 updated 06/21/12
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 at a stop light, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle would not drive. Approximately ten minutes later, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while at a stop with the brake pedal depressed, the brake pedal was depressed and the engine revved as the vehicle independently accelerated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.
Vehicle suddenly accelerated in reverse while backing the vehicle into the car porch. This caused the vehicle to run into the car porch wall. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The consumer was unable to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company.
The consumer pulled into the parking space and the vehicle accelerated on its own and hit a pole. The vehicle was racing and was placed in neutral. A complaint was filed with GMC. They have denied any liability.
Acceleration complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 3% of the model year's 638 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Equinox acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Equinox acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.