2005 Chevrolet Equinox Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 638 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,650miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 2% of the 638 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,650 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Went to start my car and the key would not turn. I jiggled it for a long time and it finally turned but the headlights wont work now. I looked on line and saw a few other have this issue. I cannot drive at night now.”
NHTSA complaint #10572804, filed 2014-03, 94,502 miles“Since we purchased this vehicle at nights on two lane highways we are continually flashed with brights, indicating our brights are turned on but they were not. We took the vehicle into the dealership to have the lights adjusted and were told they are not adjustable.”
NHTSA complaint #10102335, filed 2004-12, 7,000 miles“I bought my car brand new with 4 miles on it. I have been the only owner. Since I purchased my vehicle I have had to have the fuel pump replaced in 2007 ($1400). My car has been in the shop numerous times for costly repairs. My key comes out of the ignition while driving, and it is hard to start. I have to wiggle the key every other time I try to start my car. I've also had problems with my car starting. When I go to crank it up it sounds likes it tries to start then dies. This happens often. My car is not in the shop due to water leakage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10313082, filed 2010-02, 50,000 miles“The back floorboard of my car has been noticably wet for a few months. My car is out of warranty so I began researching online to see what might be the problem. The seals around the doors were fine. I did find 3 of water laying in my spare tire compartment. There is no drain hole for the water to be removed. The water is coming in from the tail lights. The dealership I purchased the Equinox from simply laughed at the problem and said it would cost over $200 to replace just the tail light. The smell inside of the vehicle is horrible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10211803, filed 2007-12, 45,000 miles“The key can be removed from the ignition while the car is running, the headlights only work on highbeam, the brake lights do not work except for the small one in the middle. The car will continue to try to start even after the key is removed. The car currently runs hot so the fan runs constantly and runs the battery down. I have parked the car and wont drive because of the safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10588575, filed 2014-05, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% |
| 2025 | 14 | 6% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 6 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 22 | 6% |
| 2007 | 17 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 15 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
159 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
114 complaintsEngine cooling
111 complaintsBrakes
105 complaintsSuspension
57 complaintsEngine
55 complaintsSteering
50 complaintsOther or unknown
48 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsFuel system
36 complaintsBody and structure
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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