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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
82,426 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Chevrolet Equinox brakes problems

brakes problem

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2005 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #25

Aug 282014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2005 Equinox, I have only 80K miles on it, - key will not start ignition normal. Gets stuck and have to shake key forward for about 20+ minutes before it finally turns on. And when the car is on and running at any speed, the key will just come out of ignition. Map lights leak water when it rains. Car smells like mold. Fuel gauge always says empty and I get less than 16 mpg. Got in a car accident Apr 2014, seat belt did not lock when I was rear-ended, my face almost hit the radio (initial reason for my call to GM-Chevy line posted on their website today, looking for an answer as to why my ignition won't work properly and found out about faulty ignitions on my car) GM stated, after giving them my VIN that my car is not included in the recall!!! what's really going on"?!! after being accused of "blaming GM for my car problems", I asked for a supervisor and was hung up on. No joke. She also stated nhtsb was at fault. I'm sure they record all the calls. I ended up just calling the dealership and they scheduled my car for diagnostics for tue, 9/2/14. But they also told me that my vehicle is not included in the recall. Well.....I'll pull my key out to show them how easily the key just comes out at any position, and then when the tech tries to start my car and can't, and is stuck in their garage, will my car be added then GM?? ?!!! I have so many issues I could go on and I see that so many others have reported numerous times and this is what is done to us" now I'm angry and afraid.

- Ham Lake, MN, USA

problem #24

Oct 102012

Equinox

  • 54,543 miles
Tried to come to a stop approaching an intersection, ABS pulsated at brake pedal. Brakes almost let my coast into the car ahead of me. Symptoms continue to this day after many repairs. Pulled ABS fuse to disable ABS to keep it from interfering with braking action.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #23

Aug 032014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 104,000 miles
While driving at various speeds, we experience severe resistance in the brake pedal, pedal would pulsate and then braking system would make a noise, but you could not stop unless you stood on the pedal with all you body weight. Then the ABS and traction control light would illuminate stating that the systems were disengaged and the braking system would work normally. Unfortunately, every time you start the car you experience the same thing, until the system disengages you cannot stop quickly. This happens at any speed. The dealership seems to have no solution to this problem.

- Macedonia, OH, USA

problem #22

Jul 152009

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 78,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Front and back windows fog up and defrost does nothing. Visibility is severely limited and this creates very dangerous driving conditions. Nothing helps to alleviate the issue. I have tried wiping the windshield, cleaning it, alcohol, rain X, defrost, hot air, cold air, windows down, windows up, sunroof halfway open, doing back flips and nothing helps. Been happening for years. Had numerous repairs under warranty starting 3 months, 3,500 miles after I drove it off the lot in 2005 and have spent close to $8,500 on repairs after warranty expired at 50,000. Transmission dropped, A/C repaired 2X, solenoids & sensors replaced, windshield wiper leak, radiator replaced 2X, struts, calipers, now, amongst all the other issues I've had with this vehicle, the A/C-heat knob no longer turns, glove box lid just fell down one day B/C the latch suddenly broke, have to get my brake calipers & another wheel hub replaced for the 4th time, water still leaks through the map lights, I could go on.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #21

Jun 232014

Equinox 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 146,645 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning light continuously illuminated. The contact also mentioned that the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when engaged and the emergency brake was needed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the ABS sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,645. Updated 9/4/14 updated 12/18/2014

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #20

Sep 172012

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
Water seeped in under sun roof, down front driver side roof pillar and then into car behind dashboard then dripped down into computer control device (where obdii unit hooks up) where it shorted out entire electrical system. I was going down a hill into town where speed is 45 mph and my sister in law was in car and we were heading to airport however engine just shut down. Brakes and steering became really much more difficult to control. We coasted to a stop and after 15 mins car started up but with significantly diminished power so I drove into a service station where car stayed for next 2-days. I discovered what shut car down when I started squirting water onto roof at a car wash and water started dripping down onto carpet flooring but first it seeped into computer control unit. I waited out drying of unit and then drove home and applied a lot caulk to sunroof where glass meet metal/rubber. Car exterior roof now looks terrible as caulk dried sort of a brown crud color (car is white) but no more (knock on wood) engine stalling when it rains or I go through a car wash. Makes me very nervous when on road and in rain.

- Silver City, NM, USA

problem #19

Oct 232013

Equinox

  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At approximately 10-30 mph the cars ABS system engages on its own, both while stepping on the brake peddle and while just driving within that speed range. While trying to come to a stop, the ABS system will engage and will not allow me to stop safely. In one instance I had to yank on the emergency brake and drop the car to a lower get just to avoid hitting the car in front of me. The system will keep engaging until the system times itself out. Then the ABS and tc lights on the dashboard illuminate. I am approximate $1500 into this issue at the dealership and still no solution. I have taken the car to my local Chevy dealer and they can't seem to figure out the problem. They have replaced the cars fl hub assembly, multiple speed sensors, and the E.B.C.M. through changing all thing parts still no success. The car is currently there now for further diagnosing.

- Concord, CA, USA

problem #18

Jun 072014

Equinox

  • 34,788 miles
This is my second time reporting a complaint about our 2005 Equinox. The ABS and tc, traction control lights are coming on and our anti lock brake system is engaging in and out, and then disengaging totally leaving us with no anti lock brakes.we had new brakes and rotors put on in Oct of 2013, plus a battery. My husband has a pa. State inspection mechanics license. So he went to the garage to check the brakes along with another state inspection mechanic. They took the wheels off and the front hubs for the ABS are bad this vehicle only has 34,790 miles on it to date. Plus this will be the 5th set of front brakes and rotors that have to be replaced again.. and now, the ABS system, or hubs. What ever is found when it gets taken apart. " nice " here we go again !!!

- Wilkes Barre Twp, PA, USA

problem #17

Sep 232010

Equinox

  • 20,400 miles
I to own a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox which I purchased brand new, with only 34,400 miles on it to date. Our car is very well taken care of and it looks as good as the day we took it off the car lot. I have the same problem with my car, you could remove the key without turning the ignition off and the motor is still running, also around the ignition there is metal shavings.I now have worn out the second key and the ignition does not lock and when it does you cannot open it to start. So, I made a mark on the ignition where to turn the key off so I can start it the next time.the vehicle's both remotes do not work. I paid $65 for a new one at the dealership and now it does not work all the time. I lock the doors then, they won't open we have to use the key and hurry up to start the vehicle before the alarm goes off.I to had to replace the battery, but I chalk that up to age, also 4 sets of front brakes and rotors, 4 sets of tires and my vehicle only has 34,400 miles on it. Being a pa. State inspection mechanie I concurr there is a problem with the ingnition switch and in my opinion a possible defect in the front braking system.I hope GM looks into the problem...updated 06/09/14 updated 06/11/2014

- Wilkes Barre, PA, USA

problem #16

Oct 052013

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 108,000 miles
Experienced ABS brakes kicking in at very low speeds (10 miles or less). Brought into dealer who replaced front two wheel sensors. Worked fine for 2 months and it started to happen again. Only this time, the truck was not stopping suddenly and almost caused numerous accidents. Brought into dealer a second time who had the truck for 3 days only to tell me they found nothing wrong. I brought the truck to another mechanic who replaced my front drivers side wheel bearing. Drove home from there with the same problem. Truck was brought to a 3rd and 4th mechanic who both admitted that there was a problem but nothing was being identified when scanned. Called Chevy who contacted the original dealer. We played phone tag for several days with no final response. The truck has not been driven for 2 months as I'm concerned for my safety and others after many near misses. Was even pulled over by an officer who escorted me home. I cant continue to dump money into this vehicle that is almost 10 years old. I also cant understand why this has not been investigated when there are numerous complaints for the same thing through your website and a number of others. Literally thousands of complaints. Funny though that the recent Malibu recall is having somewhat similar issues as I started to lose my taillights on a regular basis at the same time the ABS system started acting up. Could just be a coincidence but should still be investigated just based on the number of complaints and the trial and error fixes we are all receiving.

- Kenmore, NY, USA

problem #15

Jun 032013

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 125,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The key can be removed from the ignition while the car is running, the headlights only work on highbeam, the brake lights do not work except for the small one in the middle. The car will continue to try to start even after the key is removed. The car currently runs hot so the fan runs constantly and runs the battery down. I have parked the car and wont drive because of the safety issue.

- West Frankfort, IL, USA

problem #14

Jun 092010

Equinox

  • 32,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the power steering and brakes failed. The contact crashed into a median and rolled over. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact and the power windows failed to open. A police report was filed. The driver sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 32,000.

- Warsaw, VA, USA

problem #13

Oct 042011

Equinox 6-cyl

  • miles
It been in Chevy dealer for repair hub replace wind in dealer refund cost.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

problem #12

Sep 012011

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 109,000 miles
I was on the freeway merging into the slow lane when the car in front of me slowed so I put my foot on the brake and all I heard was grinding clunking no brakes suddenly my ABS light came on and I had brakes. Since then I have taken it to 5 different places, spent 300 + dollars to replace the sensors, 700+ dollars to replace all of the brakes and systems (the guy felt bad because the computer says nothing is wrong but he himself almost hit the wall because no brakes) clearly something is wrong over 2 years I have spent over 2 thousand dollars but still the problem persists. There have been numerous complaints on here and the dealers response to me "bring it in and for $105 we will hook it up and see what's wrong" so what I spend another thousand with the dealer and no solution. It has to be something the models on here have in common. Why hasn't anybody looked into this. Is it going to take someone being killed and channel 7 looking into this before something is done? last night my husband almost went into an intersection because he couldn't stop. I can't afford a new car if I could I would have gotten rid of it in 2011.

- Fontana, CA, USA

problem #11

May 072013

Equinox

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while accelerating, the front passenger's brake caliper seized and caused the vehicle to become inoperable. The contact had the vehicle towed a dealer, who stated that the a pinch in the brake hose caused the caliper to lock. The dealer replaced the caliper and the ABS system. After the repair, the driver's side brake caliper seized. The contact did not take the vehicle back to the dealer nor call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 94,000.

- Marshall, NC, USA

problem #10

May 022013

Equinox

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 mph over a speed bump, the brake pedal was depressed and the brakes began to pulsate with the illumination of the ABS and traction control warning indicators. The vehicle failed to slow down after repeatedly applying the brakes. The emergency brake was engaged in order for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was able to resume normally and had been taken to four independent mechanics for diagnosis, all of which were unable to locate the cause of the failure. The front brakes, ABS sensors and ABS module were replaced. The problem persisted after the repair was performed. Most recently, a technician informed the contact that problem could possibly be caused by an electrical issue. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #9

Jul 292013

Equinox

  • 167,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the brakes began grinding and pulsating when applied. The ABS and traction control warning lamps illuminated simultaneously. The vehicle was not taken for inspection. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.

- Olean, NY, USA

problem #8

Mar 242006

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 13,418 miles
I purchased a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox lt on 7/20/2005 from graff Chevrolet in grand prairie, Texas and have never been notified of recalls ! I spents hours on the phone with GM's customer service trying to get assistance to no avail.. the gmpp didn't help me, just money I paid for nothing!

- Grand Prairie, TX, USA

problem #7

Sep 132011

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 54,402 miles
Vehicle developed a shutter when stopping and ABS light would come on. This caused the car to take longer to stop. Took the car to ase certified repair shops and they replaced the wheel hub and speed sensor. This did not fix the problem. What finally fixed it was replacing the jumper harness #15773652. I spent over $700 on this issue, because it was a safety problem. The mechanics did not even know to look for this problem, because there was not a bulletin issued by GM on this. The harness and install is only a $68 fix and I have had no more problems in over a year. I have read enough reports on the internet to know this is a common problem with the 2005 Equinox.

- Fremont, OH, USA

problem #6

Mar 182013

Equinox 6-cyl

  • 132,715 miles
I was driving at approx 35 mph approaching a curve in the road. I applied the brakes, the car fishtailed and slid sideways off the road, down an embankment. The car then turned heading in the opposite direction, I hit a mailbox, then a phone pole. The entire time my foot was on the brake but the car was not slowing and continued to accelerate. The car then went back up the embankment, hit another mailbox and continued down the road for a very long distance without slowing while my foot was on the brake. Steering was not responding, the car kept accelerating. I put it in neutral, no help, then finally slammed it in park and put the emergency brake on to stop the car.

- Harrison, OH, USA

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