Problems · by component
2005 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
55 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox cite engine, 9% of all 638 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
55
9% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 the issue. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000. My 2005 Chevrolet Equinox has been going into limp mode after it's rained for the past 6 to 8 months, with flooding to the floor boards.”
“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 if the lights would go off, but it didn't. I was able to get it home safely. It doesn't take off right away when you gas the pedal. When I stop at the stop sign, it takes a minute before it starts moving again. This is not safe to drive, especially when making a turn, pulling off to traffic. If it doesn't take off in time, it could be an accident due this problem. I hope there's a solution this problem. Thank you in advance.”
“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”
“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 CRASH OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FIRE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACT AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE STATUS OF THE POLICE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE CONTACT HAD NOT NOTIFIED LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.”
“I HAVE BEEN HAVING MAJOR OVERHEATING IN MY VVEHICAL. I HAVE ONLY BEEN USING IT FOR SHORT DISTANCES DUE TO THE ISSUE BUT NOW HAVE BEEN LETTING IT SIT STILL AFTER READING THAT THE 2005 EQUINOX HAD HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS BEFORE. AND AFTER A UNCLE JUST LOOKING IT OVER I BELIEVE THAT IS WHAT'S WRONG. THERE IS OIL UP IN MY ANTIFREEZE AND RUNNING HORRIBLE. I LIKE TO SEE IF THERE WAS EVER A RECALL ON THIS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT IF SO”
“TAKATA RECALL: I BOUGHT MY CHEVY EQUINOX IN AUGUST OF 2017, SINCE TAKING IT HOME IT HAS HAD A LURCHING PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. IT LURCHES FORWARD AND BACKWARDS LIKE A BULL TRYING TO THROW YOU OFF. I PUT NEW BRAKES ON EVERY 3 MONTHS BECAUSE MY BRAKES DO NOT WORK EVEN WHEN BRAND NEW, AND WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE THE CAR WON'T STOP, OR THE BRAKE PULSES AND VIBRATES. THE CARS GEAR SHIFT SOMETIMES GETS STUCK IN DRIVE WHEN TRYING TO PUT IT IN PARK. WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE AND THE GAS IS PRESSED YOU HEAR A GRINDING, AND THE GAS VIBRATES. I'VE HAD TO ABS SENSOR REPLACED 4X, O2 SENSOR 3X NEW BRAKES EVERY 3 MONTHS, NEW TIRES EVERY 6 MONTHS, REGULAR OIL CHANGES, IT'S HAD IT'S VALVES REPLACED, IT'S HAD NEW BRAKE LINES, NEW SHOCKS, REGULAR ALIGNMENTS, IT'S HAD A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER PUT IN. THE CARS RPM SPIKES TO 8000 WHEN DOING 30 MILES AN HOUR THROUGH A SMALL TOWN. THE WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN ON A HIGHWAY ABS LIGHT NEVER COMES OFF. T/C TURNS OFF ANYTIME I MAKE A TURN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS I SWEAR PERMANTLY ON. . I'VE BEEN TOLD THIS CAN BE A TRANSMISSION AND GEAR SHIFT PROBLEM, BUT THAT ALL 3 OF MY REGULAR MECHANICS CALL THIS PROBLEM THE GHOST…”
Showing 6 of 55 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.