11th Dec 2008, 15:56
I have a 2005 AWD Equinox with steering wheel controls and the steering wheel makes a continual "squeaky" noise when turning the wheel in cold weather. This problem was fixed under warranty but it has since come back at 40,000 miles. I read all the other complaints but didn't find this specific one listed.
12th Dec 2008, 22:14
I have had my Equinox for 3 1/2 years with 45,000 miles now. This is my list of problems.
* Paint has rubbed off the knobs in the car
* CD player stopped working 5 months ago
* Driver window vibrates and rolls down crooked since I had it, but never acts up at the dealership
* Key gets stuck in ignition (major problem). I have been stranded before
* Every once in a while, it takes a while to start (many diagnostics test have been done, but for 3 years no one could fine the cause at the dealership
* Check oil light comes on sometimes
I'm finding a new problem now that others have had with rotors, don't want to talk about it.
My last vehicle was Nissan. I didn't have these problems. I hate to trade it in since I'm so close to paying it off!
29th Jan 2009, 00:37
I bought my 2005 Equinox new in Nov 05 and I have some of the same issues.
* First thing and most annoying thing is the starting problem. It takes a few tries to get it started. I have found that if you press the gas pedal slightly while starting the car, it does start. I will have the fuel pumps checked out. Thanks to the person who posted that solution.
* Second is the brakes. I have 45k miles on it and already have to replace the pads twice now. I thought it was because I'm a heavy foot, But it seems I'm not the only one. I plan on upgrading the all the brake components this time.
* Before my warranty ran out I had to have the front struts and the water pump replaced. All the talk about the head gasket problem has me worried now, so I'm going to have that checked soon.
* I have had the the same problem with the panel buttons fading, mainly on the radio. But to be honest it really didn't bother me since I replaced the radio with an aftermarket one ind it sounds better then the stock one.
* Overall I love the Equinox and I'm still a loyal GM fan. This is my 4th GM vehicle and I plan on buying more in the future. Thanks for everyone for their help.
3rd Feb 2009, 16:51
We purchased a late 05 Equinox Lt. The car has been great (knock on wood) with the exception of extremely loud tires. This causes a phantom vibration at about 45mph. I plan to replace the stock 17 inch wheels with aftermarket 19's. Other than that a great car for the purchase price. P.S. routine maintenance and synthetic oil are a key to the life of a vehicle.
4th Feb 2009, 22:27
I too have a 2005 Chevy Equinox that I bought in March 2008, big mistake! The vehicle appeared to be well maintained both inside and out. I was really surprised at how "peppy" it was because I was use to driving a 2005 Mustang GT. As the old says goes "mother knows best", my mom was right on the money!!! She use to tell me that buying a used vehicle is basically like buying someelse's headache. I go through vehicles pretty quick. If something starts "acting up" I am ready to get rid of it. I think if it was under warranty I would not be panicking after reading all of the comments here.
Here is my list that I seem to keep adding to:
1. When I start the car the starter drags, put a new starter on, it is still dragging.
2. There is a horrible noise coming from the rear end, that I was hearing maybe once every 2 or 3 weeks. Now I would say I hear the noise a least once a day. Oh and of course up until a week ago I was the only person that heard it. It makes the noise no matter if the car is running or not. At first I thought it was the temporary tag flapping in the breeze, but that is not it. I would describe it a thump, thh-thump, thump. It sounds like something is going to fall off the rear end. Trying to describe the noise to a mechanic is a joke - especially being a female.
3. Not sure if the transmission is going out, but it seems to get stuck in a lower gear when driving. Not sure if this is related to that problem but it often feels like you almost have to push the accelerator to the floor to go faster. This problem could best be described as driving into high winds.
4. Driving over the slightest bump, the front end sounds as if it is literally going to fall out. Not trying to be funny, but I am always looking in my mirrors to make sure something didn't fall off.
5. New brakes pads were installed and the rotors were turned a few months ago. I first thought I needed an alignment due to the shaking of the steering wheel when I would press on the brake. This has started again along with the high pitch screeching noise of the brakes.
6. The drivers side window button is now extremely hard to push. Just waiting for it to stop working on a cold or rainy day.
7. Ticking noise when the engine is sitting idle.
8. The road noise is horrible! Geez don't try and carry on a conversation if you have the windows cracked. I am surprised I haven't blown my ear drums out due to the pressure it seems to create.
8. The silver color is rubbing off (almost completely worn off) the interior handles.
9. Occasionally the steering wheel has a grinding noise, again not sure what is causing this.
I am stuck between a rock and hard place. I haven't even had the car for a year yet and I feel if I don't get rid of it soon, I am just looking at more problems. I haven't put too much money into it because... well I don't have it. What to do now, trade it in, start fixing things and have a small fortune of parts and labor on the piece of crap?
4th Dec 2008, 09:05
I purchased a 2005 Chevy Equinox new in November, 2004. It currently has 80,000 miles. It also now has a blown head gasket for which the dealer has quoted $2,015 to repair. Two weeks ago, I spent $650 to replace both rear wheel bearings. Two months ago, I spent $700 repairing the ABS. The repair history on this vehicle goes back to 20,000 miles. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I understand that things can go wrong with a machine but these repairs are not normal wear and tear items. These are major defects that a buyer should not have to absorb. I change oil at 3,500 miles faithfully and take care of the car.
I have contacted Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center and started a claim file. If GM and Chevy provide financial assistance in this latest repair and prove that they will stand behind their product, I will write this vehicle off as an exception and consider purchasing another GM product. I will also stand up and spread the word that GM supports the customers when a problem occurs. If they will not stand be behind their product, I will never purchase another GM product again.