Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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. …
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.
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. …
A loud pop occurred during operation of the vehicle at approximately 40 MPH and then a noticeable change in the suspension was felt. In testing the vehicles ability to travel to a repair center the brake peddle would drop to the floor as if it lost compression. This occurred after carefully observing the troublesome behavior of the turning capabilities and suspension of the tires. It seemed to make an awful grinding noise when making right turns but not left turns. Previously before these problems arose, the apparent issue of the electrical system and its functioning parts(power doors, windows etc.) were malfunctioning, including the radio. At the initial purchase of the car the only seemingly harmless thing to mind was the sticking of the ignition switch at times. …
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 stated that the vehicle was parked with the engine off and the keys out of the ignition when the vehicle rolled backward. The driver side door was damaged as it crashed into the side of a parked vehicle. The vehicle came to a stop and was towed to an auto repair shop by the contact's insurance company. The contact was injured and was taken to the hospital. The police were not notified of the incident. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who advised the contact that they could not repair the vehicle per the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that in order for them to repair the vehicle, the contact would have to withdraw his claim. The contact was unsure of the outcome of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 73,047.
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.
While driving 30 MPH and attempting to stop brakes failed. As a result, vehicle crashed into four other vehicles. Upon impact,est dual air bag did not deploy to it's full capacity. No injuries were reported........there were no skid marks only after the Equinox made contact with other vehicles. The transmission dropped to the street after impact, though the vehicle was not struck from behind. The right wheel on passenger's side came off. Also, the sheriff on the scene acknowledged that there was no brake pedal after there was access to the vehicle.
Vehicle stalls at random times, while in motion at 65 MPH on the highway or at a stop sign it just stalls. Will start back up but only to stall again. Very dangerous! Multiple issues on the internet on this year Equinox and some claim there is a recall; "# TSB #05539 -- product emission recall to replace the powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM). The powertrain/engine control module (PCM/ECM) May have been manufactured with damaged internal ic chips, which May affect the fuel pump control and EGR out (NHTSA id #10017551, April 01 2005)"
Related recalls
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.
Transmission complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 114 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 18% of the model year's 638 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (30 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-302 (automatic transmission, Jun 30, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.