Chevrolet · Equinox · 2005
1
Recall
638
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox has 1 recall and 638 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: electrical system (79 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is electrical system with 79 reported complaints.
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
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 Status
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. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
The ABS and traction control light came on and the vehicle sometimes doesn’t want to stop. The ABS kicks in and it takes a while for it to stop. It’s been twice where the vehicle ends up stopping in the middle of the intersection. Luckily no one was in front of us or coming the o...
Preview excerpt
The front Uni body to front engine/ transmission subframe mount area on left front and right front has rusted away the front 2 subframe mounting points are not connected to the uni body structure anymore due to corrosion damage causing a clunking noise while driving
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...
Preview excerpt
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 ...
Preview excerpt
Upon purchasing the vehicle from a buy here pay here they did not enclose any possible or current failures or problems with the vehicle. It started with the battery and within 2 months of purchase the check engine light came on. I had previously taken the vehicle to the dealershi...
Preview excerpt
unknown replaced complete ac system/starter/new battery/ key inserted no response at all ingigtion seems to be a problem turn on key let go it was starting now nothing
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained in LIMP mode. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but they are all unable to identify th...
Preview excerpt
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...
Preview excerpt
WHILE DRIVING I CAN HEAR CLINKING NOISE IN REAR OF CAR. AND IT SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT'S DRAGGING MY SPEED DOWN. TO THE POINT WE'RE I CAN GO THREW $20 IN GAS IN 2 DAYS BARELY DRIVING IT. WHEN GOING TO STOP WHEN BREAKING IT PULSATE UNDER FOOT I HAVE BRAND NEW BREAKS ALL AROUND CA...
Preview excerpt
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SHE SAW FIRE EMERGING FROM BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRYING TO START EVEN WITH THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION. THERE WERE NO ...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 638 total
View Full Complaint LogThe strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2005 Chevrolet models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 638 owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox are electrical system (79 reports), engine and engine cooling (78 reports), power train (56 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.