Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving various speeds, the contact detected a burning odor. Also, the instrument panel lighting turned off and the radio signal was lost. The vehicle was shut off and restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to gray-daniels Chevrolet [phone], located at 6080 I-55, jackson, ms 39211), but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the same dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was smoke coming from the top of the steering column and a burning odor emitted inside the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred on three different occasions. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the dimmer switch module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact started the vehicle and smoke emerged from behind the steering wheel. The failure began on April 1, 2019. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 171,045.
Bought my 06 eqinox in May of 2015. Day 2, battery died. Dealer put new battery in. Next week, battery dead and took out stereo with it. Dealer replaced battery and stereo. Now having trouble starting again. Have replaced brake pads and rotors twice on rear wheels and front once. Car makes grinding noise still when backing with foot on the brake. ABS and tc lights came on May of 2017. Had checked out and needed front right wheel speed sensor replaced. Replaced it and light stayed on. Had it rechecked and it still reads the same. No brakes. Pedal stutters on the way down and then has to be forced down the rest of the way to stop the car. Had mechanic look at it and was told to replace ABS module. We did and I finally have brakes again but now my break light is on along with the ABS/tc lights. Car has sunroof. Had car 2 years and all of a sudden my back floor is flooded. …
Vehicle runs fine, shut it off it won't start. Sometimes it will take 2 or 3 turns to start it other times 10 to 15 minutes to start it. Replaced ignition cylinder, switch and tumblers, thinking this was it. No. No one can fine problem. This is a problem with other 2006 Equinox from the forums I read. This is a safety issue, because it leaves people like me stranded. I have emailed Chevrolet once already and told them if anything happens to me when I get stranded for my family to sue them. Chevrolet told me to take my car to a dealer, I called and the person I talked to told me to bring it in and if the problem didn't happen while the car was there , they would charge me $ 85.00 per hr. , it doesn't happen every day , it might go a month without doing it and then it might do it 3 times in one day. I just bought this car January 2014. …
The heating system suddenly failed and blows cold air affecting the vehicles windshield defrosting ability. This is a manufacturer's defect. The problem impacts the ability of the car to defrost. As noted in a letter from GM's director of product investigations and safety to the NHTSA on December 23, 2009, the 2010 Equinox was recalled since a manufacturer?s defect resulted in non-operational defrost systems that was a safety concern, could result in a crash, and violated federal motor vehicle safety standard 103. In other words, GM has admitted on another vehicle that manufacturer?s defects that cause in-operable defrost systems are their responsibility to replace. Chevrolet Equinox drivers are at stake. Not having the ability to defrost your windshield could lead to traffic accidents vehicle damage, injury and possible death. …
While driving at 55 MPH the bell started ringing, then the dash lights came on. Tc-ABS-brake, then the steering wheel stiffened up as like standard before power steering. I pulled over it scared the hell out of me, we could have been killed. I went to a GM authorized repair shop the said it was normal for this car to do???? I was talked into putting a new brain in the Equinox several thousand dollars $$$$$ and it still did the same thing. Went back to the dealer (Chevy) they had the car for a few days, called and said they found the problem, yea a bent wire?? Worked fine for a few months and now its doing the same thing again. Oh by the way I was informed that I did not need to put a new brain in the car the old one was very good. GM is a realy bad place to buy any car any more, they do not care about the customer only the $$$ they sold me a car they new full well had problems.
I was traveling down the road and vehicle shut off causing lost of steering,brakes etc...got truck pulled to side of the road tried to restart it took 6 tries before restarting,then on the same day stopped at store cut off truck returned and truck would not start again taking 6 tries it made no noise when trying to start and the instrument cluster lit up with all the several warnings then it would make a clicking noise and everything flashed on the cluster..this has happened four other times and I am very concerned cause it happens with no notice.on aug 17 2015 I went to start the truck and it would start and repeated the same things listed above. After about six hrs I went to start it again it started..this is problem cause I never know when it will shut down if ii am driving in town or the highway.
Electrical complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 141 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 20% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. 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 2006 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.