Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
My 2006 Chevrolet Equinox blows cold air will not defrost windshield. And while driving I push the gas pedal and it's like surges and jumps. The car manufacturer knows about the issues and they don't vare
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. …
Vehicle no longer blows hot air when heat is on therefore the defroster will not blow hot air as well. This is a safety hazard! If windows are fogged or iced during inclement weather you can not see and could cause an accident resulting in fatalities. I found over 500 complaints about the same problem on the internet. Problem seems to be with a plastic temperature door valve (temperature blend door) that is broken. According to other customer complaints and the service dept manager at our local GM dealer, the cost to replace the faulty part is around $1300 for $50-$80 metal part. Furthermore, by replacing the plastic part previously used to a metal part in the newer vehicles clearly suggest GM knew there was a problem with the crappy plastic part previously installed. This is a safety hazard and GM need to step to the plate and recall this item before someone is killed. …
My heater only blows cold air. This is a major safety concern. When my windshield has a layer of frost or snow on it, I have no ability to clear it by way of utilizing my defrost. I drive with all of my windows down and windshield wipers moving constantly in attempts to see. Chevy is aware that they made a part that is defective. They extended a warranty on a cheap plastic part that tends to break at 60,000 that was covered until 2016 or 120,000 miles. I however did not have any issues until outside of the warranty. I don't scan recalls on my vehicle if I'm not experiencing issues at the time. My cheap defective part broke when under 58,000 miles and unfortunately in 2017. Chevy hides behind this and is not willing to fix a defective part and ultimately defective manufacturing. …
ABS activation at low speeds on dry pavement. This happens randomly and changes the vehicle breaking distance. It is also unknown how much it will change the distance. So it can potentially cause a low speed impact accident. This is due to not knowing where to break for proper stopping distance. Engine problem when starting vehicle. The vehicle turns over then stalls. Only way I have found to prevent it from happening is to press the gas pedal while turning it over. Wiper issue. My passenger side windshield wiper doesn't work. I live in an area where heavy snow fall happens. This is a danger to myself and others on the road. If my vehicle is on the road during a blizzard or heavy snow visibility is lost on half my windshield.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an intermittent electrical short in which the vent controls failed to work for heat or cold air. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V489000 (visibility). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician replaced the motor blower, resistor, blower and pit tail; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for further inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,480.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. After restarting the vehicle, the heater blower only blew out cold air and was unable to defrost the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (jim butler Chevrolet in fenton, mo) where it was diagnosed that the blower arm was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving various speeds, the check engine indicator illuminated, the heat in the vehicle did not work, and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who could not diagnosis the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Temp control door failed causing no defogging/defrosting in car. Chevy is aware of this problem which could cause driver inability to see thru windshield and has recalled some year models, but not 2006 models. I replaced at my expense for $1162.49. The part is not expensive, requires many hours of taking apart dashboard.
When pressing on the brake pedal you get constant vibration causing you to skid. It happens when your going straight or turning when you press on the brake pedal. It almost caused me to skid into the car in front of me. And also defrost is not working causing visibility issues especially in the cold and snow.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 126 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 18% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Equinox window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.