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 | 780 |
| 2012 | 682 |
| 2013 | 747 |
| 2014 | 543 |
| 2015 | 678 |
| 2016 | 391 |
| 2017 | 270 |
| 2018 | 388 |
| 2019 | 290 |
| 2020 | 291 |
| 2021 | 86 |
| 2022 | 153 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 206 |
| 2026 | 53 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: visibility — 150 distinct reports on file.
19% of complaints: electrical system — 130 distinct reports on file.
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: visibility — 86 distinct reports on file.
CRASH10% of complaints: engine — 68 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: service brakes — 63 distinct reports on file.
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
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (150 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (130 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (86 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:defroster/defogger/hvac system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.