2006 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.
36% of complaints: visibility — 250 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and power window devices and controls.
CRASH21% of complaints: electrical system — 144 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and wiring.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE EMERGED FROM BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE BEGAN ON APRIL 1, 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190408
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR. ALSO, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING TURNED OFF AND THE RADIO SIGNAL WAS LOST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190117
12% of complaints: service brakes — 85 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
AT A LOW SPEED BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT STOPPING. IT SEEMED AS IF THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180718
10% of complaints: engine — 68 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (250 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (144 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (85 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.