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
- 638
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 638 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 638 |
| 2006 | 695 |
| 2007 | 685 |
| 2008 | 370 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 784 |
| 2011 | 781 |
| 2012 | 684 |
| 2013 | 751 |
| 2014 | 547 |
| 2015 | 680 |
| 2016 | 398 |
| 2017 | 275 |
| 2018 | 408 |
| 2019 | 303 |
| 2020 | 308 |
| 2021 | 96 |
| 2022 | 174 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2024 | 79 |
| 2025 | 231 |
| 2026 | 74 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
26% · 167 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and switch.
Show 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, 2017-12-29
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, 2012-06-21
Power train
18% · 117 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
Show 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, 2012-06-01
Engine and engine cooling
18% · 113 reportsMost commonly citing cooling system and engine.
Service brakes
17% · 108 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Suspension
9% · 59 reportsMost commonly citing rear and front.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2004-08-17Power train04V302000 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…
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.…
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2005Complaint volume 638 complaints filed for this model year.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 167 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 117 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 113 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V302000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.