Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 front sub frame where it bolts to the frame was completely rusted loose on the right side. The left side was barely holding on. This is what holds the motor up and control arms. My mechanics are telling me this is a common problem with Chevy Equinoxes. If it's common why aren't there recalls. My car only has 80,000 miles on it and my mechanic told me to scrap it. I'm a fabricator and welder. I welded a new frame under it but others can't do that and mechanics say it's a no fix.
Brake won't releases after puting on brake pedal key falls out of ignition while drive ing steering seems like going to fall apart when turnings cat hardly put gas in it code 0445 large EVAP leak detector
Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that she bought the vehicle used back on 02/2019. The drive shaft fell out of the vehicle on 07/2019 and an independent mechanic deemed the vehicle undrivable on 12/23/19. The contact called the state police for vehicle fraud an dwas still waiting for a callback. The contact also contacted county attorney general an received no assistance. The contact was referred to the state's attorney general's office. The manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The dealer m c's auto sales 1343 connellsville st, lemont furnace, pa 15456 [phone] stated there was nothing they could do about itand refused to refund the purchase. The dealer tried to repocess the vehicle the next day but was unsucessful. The failure mileage was 114,000.tf
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was water entering the map light. The contact also heard an abnormal noise in the rear of the vehicle, the suspension was unstable pertaining to the control arm, and the axle was leaking fluid without warning. The steering wheel also made a grinding noise when turned, the automatic transmision hesitated, the throttle was light, and it was difficult to reverse upon the change in weather. The vehicle was not repaired and the dealer was notified of the various failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided no remedy. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 201,765.
Received vehicle upon my mothers passing. Had 45K on it, garaged and only in town driving. In just over year I have had to replace rear rocker joint, ac unit, front right speaker, front brakes and starter. Now, there is a water noise under hood and truck is starting to rock when at stop light. It is also trying to run hot but no lights, leaks or issue can be found. The back spoiler was loose http before then and leaks in the back. Lift gate hard to open and molding around front windshield is coming loose. I have 65K on this truck. There is no way this truck should have this many problems. I feel unsafe in this lightly used auto.
Please note I have been complaining about this vehicle with other problems has bad front end parts .this time it was diagnosed with front end parts that could fall off front gears etc,I had just spent over $1000 on the front end .this vehicle is a piece a junk I want Chevy to fix at their dealer for free here in mass at [redacted] my phone number. Another one of Chevy bonehead defects. My address is [redacted] updated 12/9/2014
Please note in order to try to avid an accident in which nardone electric truck,broadsided my driver side on a complete screpedown on my vehicle, and afterward after I left the expressway 93 n in boston ,15 minutes later after I stopped at a convenience store,my vehicle would not turn left or right only straight...
Driving down street cut off by semi ran into flashing sign with nowhere else to go. Over half passenger front bumper was crushed radiator smashed, whole front passenger quarter smashed. Car was undriveable but air bags did not go off.
Contact states: bought a brand new vehicle in August 2004. The anti-freeze was changed. The anti-freeze was brown and the smell was severe and nauseous. The car has been the shop 9 times with so many different reasons. The antifreeze line wasn't bled right and the antifreeze was leaking in the ground. There was a leak in the dome light and sunroof, the suspension and engine would tick, the horn did not work, there were front end problem, the shifter would stick, there ignition problem, noise when turning the vehicle, gas mileage problem and there was a toxic smell from the anti-freeze, the vehicle over heated, the brakes made noises, the consumer had driven through a car wash, the dome light had filled with water, the lower dash was dripping water and the vehicle would not accelerate vehicle would not accelerate and the engine light had illuminated, the vehicle pulled to the right when …
My wife and I bought this 2005 Equinox in March of 2005. It had 9K miles on it. A few times after that it did not sound like it was going to start. When it did the whole vehicle shook, it was like starting a manual in gear. At around 12K miles the front end started shaking when the were brakes applied. Took it in to be serviced in February 2006 and asked them to check brakes. They said there was no problem. They did not feel anything. Contacted Chevrolet and the customer service told me to take the vehicle back to the dealership and have them check the brakes again. When we did they told us the rotors were warped. This should not be happening already. Still has half the life on the brakes. Today we took it in to have the shocks and struts replaced. This was due to a loud noise we kept hearing. Hopefully that fixed that problem. …
Suspension complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 9% of the model year's 638 complaints. The component named most often is rear (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Equinox suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.