12th Sep 2008, 22:56
I purchased my 2005 Equinox in September 2004. I have been, in general, happy with my Equinox. Specific problems that I have encountered have been:
May 2007: A 'triple failure' consisting of the thermostat, water pump and head gasket. I lost all Dex-cool in the reservoir. I had only had the car for 2 1/2 years at the time.
September 2008: Again, I lost all Dex-cool in my reservoir for reasons unknown. A pressure test revealed no leaks. I did need all 4 tires replaced and front brakes and rotors done at this time.
September 2008: 6 days after my car was returned from the dealer, the check engine light comes on. Once it is on, it is on for the duration of the trip. This usually happens after a cold start. I am afraid to have this looked at because, quite frankly, another car repair cannot be absorbed in our budget.
Ongoing: Every once in a while my key sticks in the ignition and I feel as if I am going to break the key in half trying to get it out.
Although I have loved Chevy in the past, we are thinking that other auto makers provide better warranties for our future purchases.
24th Sep 2008, 11:56
Anyone who has had a check engine light come on: I had ours (2005) checked at Auto Zone and they said the gas tank cover was worn and fumes were able to leak out. He sold me a $12 cover and I switched them out... problem solved. He said that was the problem 90% of the time when a check engine light comes on on an Equinox. Hope that helps others as well!
14th Oct 2008, 15:16
I bought our 2005 Chevy Equinox in April 2005. It has 104k miles on it and so far no major issues until today, starting problem everyone is talking about will lead to having to replace one of two fuel pumps = $1,260. If both replaced $1,700.
The car has been very dependable, however all of the minor issues listed above we've experienced too.
Will definitely do more research prior to buying another car.
20th Oct 2008, 09:15
I have had my 2006 equinox for 3 and a half years. For the most part I have not had any problems except the rotor issue. That was until this weekend when me and my small children were getting on the highway, and the gas pedal dropped to the floor. My foot was no longer on the pedal, both of my feet were jamming on the brake pedal. Nothing would stop it or even slow it down, and the speed got all the way up to 95mph. I was terrified at the last second just before I had to choose to roll it over off the side of the highway, or run into several cars, I jammed my brakes one last time and you could hear the gas pedal break free. This was the worst experience of my life, and I have 19 months left on my lease. I am horrified to think I may have to put my kids back in this car again. So far there are no answers for why the car did this. But to everyone out there, please be safe.
Sincerely,
Mother of 2 small children.
22nd Oct 2008, 07:51
I have a 2005 Equinox. This thing is the biggest piece of junk! The plastic that covers the dashboard cracked for some reason. The brakes are horrible! And now I think I have a blown head gasket at 80,000.00 miles. I've always done the scheduled maintenance on this piece of junk and now this. I do have an extended warranty, but its says it is only covered if its caused by the failure of an internally lubricated part. I have no idea what that means! I would never buy another Chevy based on this one. I should have kept my Rendezvous!
24th Oct 2008, 11:45
Purchased the 2005 Equinox LT AWD in July of 2008 with 91k miles on it. The buttons on the radio were worn off and the paint was chipped away on the console, but for 10k what can you expect.
Was previously owned as a company car and had all maintenance records on Car Fax.
The #1 issue I have with this car is the TURNING RADIUS STINKS! It is by far the most ridiculous turning radius I've ever had to endure, and when you're driving in Chicago traffic, parallel parking, and getting into and out of tight spots, it's a REAL PAIN!
Other issues:
#2) The key gets stuck in the ignition all of the time.
#3) The car continues to start itself for about 2-3 seconds after you release the key from the start position.
#4) The headlights have both just gone out with the right one flickering on and off.
#5) The brakes are VERY squeaky when there is any moisture at all on them.
This is a very comfortable car and it drives well, although I've yet to experience it in the winter. The leather is very luxurious and I love the feel of the car. I wish it had a little more umph when I floor it, but it's an SUV, so I don't expect much. The few parts in the car that are fabric are very easily stained.
Overall, this car gets a 7 out of 10 from me. Mostly because of that stupid turning radius. I'm cursing it on a daily basis.
26th Nov 2008, 13:34
I have a 2005 Chevy Equinox with 60, 000 miles on it. It has had some of the similar problems listed above, not starting, key getting stuck, check engine light on, etc. Now I have to replace the head gasket and who know how much that will cost, somewhere between $1500-2000. I will not buy a Chevy again.
27th Nov 2008, 12:15
We own an 05 Equinox LT AWD with 67500 since new.
Yesterday on a long drive to the beach we had a slight whiff of smoke coming from the steering wheel. This happened three times during the 150 miles trip. On the first restart smoke came out again but much more than before. Disconnected the battery. Have any other Equinox owners had this problem?
11th Sep 2008, 16:50
I bought a 2005 LT in December of 2005. I instantly heard the thumping noise that everyone else has stated, and brought it in a couple times for a service, and always mentioned it, but they never got it to make the noise, so I decided to just deal with it as I did not have any other problems the first 1-2 years of owning the car.
I finally heard something about how it was a muffler problem, and that it is a cited problem with the car, so when I brought it into the dealer, I had to tell them the problem, they gave me a new muffler and the noise went away for a while, and now I hear it only on a rare occasion.
I also noticed shaking of the wheel when I apply the brakes when traveling faster than 30 mph; on my last service it only had 28,000 and I had to completely replace the front pads and rotors.
Now, 1,000 miles later the check engine light is on and after reading all these reviews, I am very scared to get it checked as I did not extend my warranty, since I have not had too many problems with it.
Overall I am okay with the car, but we will see after the latest check. Again for the people having the thumping noise, ask your dealer about the muffler. I hope that helps some of you!