2005 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 9%of 638 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,630miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the engine of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 9% of the 638 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,630 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have been having major overheating in my vvehical. I have only been using it for short distances due to the issue but now have been letting it sit still after reading that the 2005 Equinox had head gasket problems before. And after a uncle just looking it over I believe that is what's wrong. There is oil up in my antifreeze and running horrible. I like to see if there was ever a recall on this and what to do about it if so”
NHTSA complaint #11386306, filed 2021-01, 150,000 miles“I purchased a 2005 chevy Equinox in may 2015, I have had my normal or changes, every couple of months I have to put 5 quarts of oil is in, the low oil indicator never came on. So now my engine has locked up and I have to get a new engine. I didn't know that they had so many issues with the oil consumption with the used chevy vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10864009, filed 2016-05, 82,000 miles“Blown head gasket at 101,000 miles. I noticed that coolant was disappearing and temperature gauge was slightly above normal. I mentioned this to the technician when I took the car in for an oil change. The technician indicated that the coolant was mixing with the oil and I should have it checked out by a mechanic immediately. I brought the car to my mechanic who diagnosed it as blown head gasket.”
NHTSA complaint #10513366, filed 2013-05, 101,261 miles“With only 36,212 miles on this vehicle, there is now a rear head gasket leaking. Now, as a senior citizen with a fixed income, I need to pay for this repair. It seems to me with this low mileage an engine should last longer!! Poor workmanship!!!! I sincerely hope this information is shared with the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10484991, filed 2012-11, 36,212 miles“My Equinox has trouble starting and it will turn over until you give it some gas, I've been reading on consumer reports and this is a common occurrence with most Equinox's. I was at the grocery store the other day and heard the same problem with another that was parked some what close to mine as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10475320, filed 2012-09, 107,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 9% |
| 2025 | 24 | 10% |
| 2024 | 14 | 17% |
| 2023 | 18 | 18% |
| 2022 | 28 | 15% |
| 2021 | 16 | 16% |
| 2020 | 93 | 29% |
| 2019 | 100 | 32% |
| 2018 | 86 | 21% |
| 2017 | 180 | 65% |
| 2016 | 203 | 51% |
| 2015 | 227 | 33% |
| 2014 | 219 | 40% |
| 2013 | 412 | 55% |
| 2012 | 355 | 52% |
| 2011 | 386 | 49% |
| 2010 | 271 | 35% |
| 2009 | 18 | 19% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 37 | 5% |
| 2006 | 68 | 10% |
| 2005 | 55 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
159 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
114 complaintsEngine cooling
111 complaintsBrakes
105 complaintsSuspension
57 complaintsSteering
50 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsFuel system
36 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology