Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment as the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was cncerend for their safety. The contact also mentioned that there was excessive smoke where the police department required closing the road due to it being unsafe for other drivers to drive. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the head gasket and crack cylinders needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.
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. …
I was driving my 2005 Chevy Equinox on a mountain road like a do three days a week and all of a sudden the check engine light starting flashing and another light came on on the dashboard and the car would not accelerate. I immediately stopped and called aaa to tow my vehicle. I bought this vehicle brand new and I have never had any major problems with it. I have kept it serviced and it is in excellent condition. I had a mechanic hook my vehicle up to a computer to diagnose what was wrong with it and the code that came back was that the head gasket needed replacing. My mechanic said that the Chevy engine that I have in my Equinox is known to have an issue with the head gasket where it goes out with no warning and for no reason. Chevy knew about this issue but failed to recall the vehicles with these engines and did not make consumers like me aware of this issue. …
I just read thru some of these complaints ans it seem that Chevy is having the sane thing happen when its coming to this 05 Equinox. I just got car about 4 months ago and its going thru the same thing. Im being told its my gaskets but its showing no signs that its blown. Im so frustrated because the 90 days is xpired and I cant run back to the dealer where I purchased it from. And now to find that chevreolet is not even acknowledging that fact that this is going on with a vehicle created by them. This is so unfair to consumers who spend the money to get the car but cant even get the proper response from the company for this issue. …
Have had major engine trouble. Head gaskets needed to be replaced at purchase two years ago. I was driving down the highway two days ago and my low oil light came on and my engine began failing. I was able to drive it to a mechanic. The codes ran indicated a thermostat problem causing the engine to burn oil. The pistons inside the engine broke. He indicated it could have been from the head gasket issues. I have read consumer complaints that others have experienced the same issues. In addition, I personally know two people with similar models who have had the same problems. The dealership who I purchased the vehicle from told me to call general motors because they are aware other consumers who have had the same problems as me. A mechanic informed me that if I were to continue driving my vehicle, my engine will lock up while I am driving down the road.
I purchased the Equinox about 3 years ago and it had 1 prior owner. Since purchasing the vehicle the battery has been replaced 3 times.. I have had several issues with start up. And recently I have noticed that the car is not shifting properly. On my way home from work last week it felt like the car was just not running properly, I ended up stalling on the highway at a very dangerous intersection.. When I finally it home it stalled again in the driveway.. I'm really having a hard time understanding how this vehicle has so many issues and there have been no recalls! I work hard to pay the bills I already have and really cannot afford to keep fixing thing or pay for a new vehicle.. Please tell Chevy to pull their heads out of their butts and try helping some hard working folks instead of trying to kill them!
The first time my 05 Equinox overheated on me was when I was getting ready to party on a hill and it overheated on me then we replaced the radiator and the wires in my vehicle then took it to Nissan and they said that pitts broke my purge valve and tried gluing it back so they fixed that and told me my vehicle was fixed and that it wont overheat on me again well on my way home, I wasnt even 10 minutes away from being home and it overheated on me and anti freeze was all over the ground Nissan told me it could be my head gasket but they weren't for sure but they said since I let someone else fix my car they weren't going to pay for my vehicle to get fixed but I called the other people that fixed my vehicle said they never touched my purge valve and if they did they would have fixed it
Driving down the highway at about 55-60mph when the car dies. Started running again a few seconds later but then died again. Pulled over could not get it started, but started to smell something burning. Popped the hood to find the main fuse box bellowing smoke, thankfully it was raining so I let the rain cool it down. I figured this was better than it eventually catching the entire vehicle on fire as my wife and 3 kids were in the car. After the smoke stopped, the car repeatedly tried to start itself without the key being present in the ignition. It eventually stopped doing this but the dash lights would randomly flicker in unison. All electrical components were still operational (radio, lights, signals, wipers, etc...) but again no key was present in the ignition.
Engine complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 165 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 26% of the model year's 638 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.