Most common 2006 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Share of the 695 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 →
What 2006 Chevrolet Equinox owners say
A/C & heater all 161 →
I have no heat, yesterday, I did . This morning my heat will not work recirculation works fan controls work A/C works, after all of my hours of research, I know what the problem is, along with thousands of other Equinox owners . Its the vent door and actuator, I narrowed all down at first coolant thermostat etc. I found my result for a cheap piece of plastic on the vent door that breaks so often sure its a 70$ part but as a single father , I cannot afford a 1500.00$ shop fee for that, this is something Chevy knows is wrong , and can be a very liable hazard to accidents ! I live in north dakota where it gets pretty darn cold , you lose your heat on a way to a kids hockey game 100 miles away on a Friday night when snowing and 30 below zero yes could cause fatalities !! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system were not operating properly. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the failure was known by the manufacturer who diagnosed that the blower motor speed and mode selection continued to function; however, the heater would not be available. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the mileage surpassed the accepted mileage for customer satisfaction campaign number: 10044379-4513(equipment/visibility); therefore, the contact could not be assisted. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Electrical system all 141 →
1. 6 months after purchased third taillight shorted out didn't know had no brake lights. Took to dealer 7 times after wiring harness, third taillight replaced because spoiler cracked, hatch unable to open. Dealer moved hatch hinges and spoiler kept cracking. Still having third taillight no brake light problem is with wiring faulty. Taillights all leak causing wiring short in fuses. Other issue is first break service ABS sensor stayed on break pedal pulsated for 2 yrs 2 dealers 1 mechanic replaced ABS sensor 3x didn't fix ended up paying for new front wheel hub also caused 3 accidents could not stop because of it. Mileage is 68700 rec 1 recall for heater. Where are rest?
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while idling, smoke suddenly was present coming from under the hood and through the air vents of the vehicle. Additionally, the doors locked independently and the windows failed to operate as intended, which caused the vehicle occupants to be trapped in the vehicle. A window was shattered in order for the vehicle occupants to be extricated from the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. Neither the manufacturer nor local dealer were informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine & cooling all 128 →
Vehicle keeps over heating fixed everything that can cause it to overheat and the problem still consists read many complaints over 700 with the same issue even when the problem get temporarily fixed it starts overheating again in a couple month car will mainly over heat at idle the heat won't work it's a bad antifreeze smell it's a problem that has many complaints but still nothing is being done I have 5 children I didn't think I would be driving with my children wondering if my car was going to over heat and us having to pull over on a free way or a street being stranded bc of a problem that's happening with these vehicles and nothing is being done
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the temperature gauge indicator displayed hot as the engine overheated with a burning odor. All the interior windows became extremely foggy and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. There were no flames visible. In addition, the heater intermittently emitted cold air through the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the heater core and flushed the cooling system. On three separate occasions, the thermostat was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
2006 Chevrolet Equinox engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox a good car?
Based on 695 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Equinox rates average: about as many complaints as 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 2006 Chevrolet Equinox?
The a/c & heater — 161 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about defroster/defogger/hvac system. Next are the electrical system (141) and engine & cooling (128).
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2006 Chevrolet Equinox problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 24% 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.