2005 Chevrolet Equinox
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 638 |
| 2006 | 695 |
| 2007 | 685 |
| 2008 | 370 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 784 |
| 2011 | 781 |
| 2012 | 682 |
| 2013 | 749 |
| 2014 | 546 |
| 2015 | 679 |
| 2016 | 395 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 401 |
| 2019 | 300 |
| 2020 | 303 |
| 2021 | 91 |
| 2022 | 164 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2024 | 73 |
| 2025 | 217 |
| 2026 | 63 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
26% of complaints: electrical system — 167 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DROVE VEHICLE TO A STORE, WHILE INSIDE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH FUSE BOX WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. FIRE MEN STATED VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO START ITSELF WITHOUT KEYS AND WITHOUT BEING ON.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171229
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 55-60MPH WHEN THE CAR DIES. STARTED RUNNING AGAIN A FEW SECONDS LATER BUT THEN DIED AGAIN. PULLED OVER COULD NOT GET IT STARTED, BUT STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120621
18% of complaints: power train — 117 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120601
18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 113 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.
FIRE17% of complaints: service brakes — 108 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: suspension — 59 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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 SEAT
Remedy: 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. OWNER
Campaign 04V302000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (167 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (117 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (113 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V302000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.