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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Equinox is plagued by a heating problem, as in the heater only blows cold air.

The reported cause of this problem is a small door, known as the air temperature blend door, which allows air to flow past the heater core. This door has a plastic connecting shaft to an electric motor and the shaft is prone to breaking after a few years. The problem has a typical repair cost of over $800.

The 2006 Equinox also has a number of reported problems ranging from the key getting stuck in the ignition, to failing speed sensors, and trouble starting the engine. All in all, this car sounds like one worth avoiding.

8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,740
Average Mileage:
103,650 miles
Total Complaints:
19 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace both head gaskets in engine (14 reports)
  2. not sure (5 reports)
2006 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments

problem #19

Feb 202017

Equinox LS 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

I bought the car from a used dealer with a leaking head gasket, but I didn’t know because it wasn’t overheating. It only had 90k miles on it. I heard sloshing in the dash area, and a slight noise of liquid when accelerating. I later found out that noise was due to air in the system, and although the car passed a pressure test, it failed a hydrocarbon test. I got the head gaskets replaced. I change my oil regularly and take decent care of my cars. Well at 150k miles, again I saw symptoms of the head gasket leak (noise and running slightly over the quarter mark on temp gauge when it was running right at a quarter after the fix at 90k miles). It’s a ticking time bomb of a car.

- Y Y., Sacramento, US

problem #18

Aug 172016

Equinox 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Common problem with these engine since the DAY they were put into production. GM never Fixed the problem. Forcing customer to pay for repairs another car wouldn't have needed.

- Adam P., New London, US

problem #17

Oct 232015

Equinox 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

I have taken such good care of this car. I had it serviced regularly and maintained it well. I have had problems with the engine light coming on all the time in the past year. I took it in each time, and when put on the scanner, was told it was this or that, and I had to pay for it. Most of the time - it was ''misfiring". I am totally ticked! I am not buying another GM car in my life. This is the second one that has blown an engine.

Obviously, many others have had the same thing happen to their Equinox, as I can see from reading the other complaints on this website. GM should have recalled them but of course that didn't happen and won't happen anytime soon.

I am not getting it repaired. I have had it. I am getting rid of it and buying a Toyota or Honda. Never thought I would do that, but I am.

- peregrina15, Bathurst, NB, Canada

problem #16

Dec 012015

Equinox LS 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

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

My Equinox problems began with no heat being emitted. After replacing the thermostat and flushing the coolant system, I took it to a local shop for better diagnosis. Much to my disappointment I was told the head gaskets needed to be replaced. I believe this is General Motors way of creating more revenue. I have had several vehicles with over 113,000 miles and never a head gasket problem. This is the second GM vehicle I have owned with gasket trouble. I mean really maybe you folks need to reevaluate your choice of coolant or gasket material.

- upjhoult, Marquette, MI, US

problem #15

Aug 142015

Equinox LT 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

Purchased car in 2007 with 7000 miles on it. Was used as a demonstrator. I changed the oil on schedule and had all other maintenance done at the proper time. I absolutely loved this car. It was perfect for me. The problem started when it overheated as I was in line to get it inspected. I quickly got out of line and parked my car and called a tow to take it to dealership. At the dealership they said they would have to tear it down to see if heads were cracked. It would cost me 2300.00 to get fixed. I decided to get fixed. I decided to talk to general manager to see if GM would pay for any of the 2300.00. Of course he said no. He suggested I sell it after getting fixed so I would avoid further problems. Well I traded it in for a Nission Rogue. I just can't trust another Chevy. I think GM knows there is a problem with these engines but won't acknowledge it.

- Elizabeth B., Spring Hill, TN, US

problem #14

Oct 162015

Equinox LT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

My car started to over heat during the traffic jam in NYC, I stopped to get cool and brought it to the CHEVY dealer next day. The problem was diagnosed as failing thermostat and was replaced, costed around $500. After almost 4 months my car stated to over heat waiting for some one at the airport. brought to the same dealer this time it was diagnosed Head-gasket causing coolant leaking to the exhaust estimated cost $4200., in November of 2005 I bought this car new for $28000 from the Chevy Dealer, wish I bout HONDA PILOT instead.

- Hassan A., Ashburn, VA, US

problem #13

Jul 062015

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

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

We keep up with all the oil changes and everything else and can't believe GM hasn't issued a recall on this....never thought I would say this but don't buy American....obviously they just want your vehicle to not last so you can go back and buy another just to have that one break down when you finish paying it off.

- babbie, Sterling Heights, MI, US

problem #12

Apr 252015

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,000 miles

Just bought this 2006 Equinox after having it looked at by a mechanic before purchase at a dealership. All was ok with the car four months ago. In 4 months I have blown head gaskets, and stabilizers needing replacement. Blown head gaskets $2700.

Think dealership I bought it from used Bar's and water in the radiator fluid pump to decrease internal vent smell to get away with head gasket problem. No way to pin it on them though. You would think with all the head gasket problems Chevy would do a recall. Never buy another Chevy again.

- lmmi, HOlly, MI, US

problem #11

Mar 022015

Equinox LS 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,678 miles

BOUGHT 18 MONTHS AGO. BULLSHIT! CHEVY KNEW! SMUMBAGS

- Matt G., Ocean Grove, NJ, US

problem #10

Nov 032014

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

Had no heat. Thought it was the air temp blend door that many others seem to have problems with. Took it to the dealer for repair- was pissed it was going to be $1000 repair, then got the call that the head gasket is leaking coolant. Possibly a $3000 repair. Decided to get rid of the car then and there.

- Angie S., Oregon, WI, US

problem #9

Mar 212014

Equinox V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

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

2006 Equinox overheated causing car to quit on interstate, had to be towed, rent a car, rent a motel room, had my car towed to Chevrolet Service Tallahassee, was told that had head gasket problem estimated cost $2400.00 if no other problems. So I had car towed home, had to pay for trailer and gas, took to local mechanic and he verified what Chevrolet Dealer had said estimated cost at this point $2000.00, may be more if other damages found.

Researched online, found there are multiple complaints regarding this problem for this year Equinox. Called GMC and was told had I took it to Chev. dealership they might/could have helped me get discount but could not help me because I took it to a local mechanic. This car is a big danger for me and my grand kids. I could have been killed, we barely made it off the interstate. GMC needs to step up to the plate and take responsibility.

- bonnien, Milton, FL, US

problem #8

Jan 032014

Equinox V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

As a proud owner our 2006 Equinox (we brought new) we went in for what we thought was a simple repair with a rough idle in the morning. We were Shocked to learn our engine needs to be broken down to inspect the block and cylinder . We service our vehicle on a regular base and is very saddening to learn your engine components fail at 100,000 miles. I'm sure after making automobiles for almost 100 yrs this must be a defect part of some type. Please help us with this situation because we don't have $2,000.00 for this repair cost on our vehicle.

Making cars for almost 100 years how come the foreign automobile makers can get it right and their engine double the life of an American car? Whats wrong with this picture?

- geeque, Lake Elsinore, CA, US

problem #7

Oct 042013

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

Car was really shaky first thing in the morning...head was cracked.

- Patti F., New Baden, IL, US

problem #6

Aug 092012

Equinox LS 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

It is now June of 2013 and the head gasket has started leaking for the second time. I cannot afford to spend another $1000.00 to repair this vehicle. I have been a Chevrolet customer for 46 years. I currently own three. A 96 pickup, 03 pickup and the Equinox. I have been driving the 03 pickup with no working speedometer for almost three years. Chevy issued a notice that they would fix the problem but waited until they were sure that 90% of the vehicles were past there 75,000 mile restriction on the repair. Chevrolet just chooses to ignore all of the customers that bought the 06 Equinox. I replaced wheel bearings at 37,000 miles and the air conditioner has not work correctly since the vehicle had 20,000 miles on it, and now the head gaskets are blown again. I simply can no longer afford General Motors. I will never have another new General Motors vehicle in my driveway. I have always stressed Buy American but Japan here I come, along with all of my family and anyone else I have an opportunity to talk to.

- Larry M., Kountze, TX, US

problem #5

Mar 072012

Equinox LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

I BOUGHT THIS EQUINOX IN THE HOPES IT WOULD BE A RELIABLE VEHICLE DURING MY RETIREMENT. I WAS SAVING IT FOR MY RETIREMENT CAR. MY 2002 CAVALIER WAS A GOOD CAR,

SO CHEVROLET HAD GAINED MY TRUST. MY DAUGHTER AWAY FROM HOME HAD A NEED FRO A CAR, SO I LOANED HER MY CAVALIER, BECAUSE I HAD THIS EQUINOX TO USE. IT SEEMS THAT

IT STARTED WITH A BAD GAS CAP AND LIGHT, AND WENT TO THE ENGINE ACTING SLUGGISH, TO

A CAR HAVING

FUEL OR ELECTRICAL HICCUP . I HAVE WENT TO DEALER TO DEALER, I NEED GM MOTORS TO HELP ME!

- Linda S., Wedowee, AL, US

problem #4

Oct 012012

Equinox LS 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

Mechanic says head gasket, tears it apart and says he can't tell where the gasket went bad. So he decided to send out the head for pressure testing without telling me of the additional 400 dollars. They said it was good and did some machine work to the head. the 1200 estimate ended at 1900 after a new water pump and head testing.

- dmagalich, Avonmore, PA, US

problem #3

Jun 292012

Equinox LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

This is the second time this has happened. I had the head gasket replaced less than a year ago. Now the vehicle is doing the same thing. It is idling rough and now getting hotter than normal. Chevy really has to do something about this.

- Jack A., San Diego, CA, US

problem #2

Aug 122011

Equinox LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

The vehicle would start rough after sitting for a while (coolant going into the piston). And after it burned it off, it would run fine. Did know about the problem until the vehicle starting running hotter than normal. Then I find out that the head gasket bad, after reading some post about Chevy's V6's having the head gasket problem. Hopefully Chevy would at least offer discounted head gaskets to customers.

- Jack A., San Diego, CA, US

problem #1

Mar 302011

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I bought a used 2006 Chevy Equinox about 3 years ago. Started having problems with: losing antifreeze, milky substance on oil cap, temperature gauge would spike up to the red when idling or in park, heater would only blow cold air. It only has 75,000 miles and just found out that I had a blown head gasket. After doing lots of research online, it seems like there is a problem with GM's engines and blown head gaskets. Cost of the repair, $1700.00 and out of warranty!!! Tried talking to GM headquarters and did not get any help. I was told by a family owned mechanic that a dealership would replace it with the same parts that caused it to go wrong in the first place. I will never buy another GM car again... they were not willing to do anything to help with the problem!!! And they definitely know that there is a problem with the gaskets!!! Wish I would of known that when I bought the car!

- chevyequinox, Cottage Grove, MN, US

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