2005 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 114about this part
- Share
- 18%of 638 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 114 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, 18% of the 638 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I heard a rattling coming from under the car, so I took it my repair shop. He said it was a broken carrier bearing, and ordered the part. Said it would be $550 for parts and labor. The next day he called and said he wouldn't be able to replace just the one part, but that the entire drive shaft might have to be replaced, for around $1200. Very consistent with other owners' issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10499726, filed 2013-02, 110,000 miles“Ignition switch won't turn unless you wiggle it sometimes for 10 minutes. Dealer says needs ignition cylinder replaced I have 5 keys none work. Will cost $300-$400 to replace. I have had many vehicles 15 _ 25 years old and have never had this issue. It seems chevy will only be held accountable if someone dies. I am very dissatisfied with their accountability. I have read many of the same complaints but no help.”
NHTSA complaint #10643424, filed 2014-10, 100,000 miles“The center carrier bearing has pulled away from the axel on my 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The repair shop (tire center) told me that this is very common and have seen it on this model many times. A chevy mechanic told me it is a known issue. There is a ton of information on the internet about this problem. I was told the vehicle is not safe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10322508, filed 2010-03, 98,000 miles“2005 Equinox bought used in 2007at 35000 miles-I was confused why someone would trade such a new car in-brakes continue to wear down-ignition had to be replaced,car would just die going down the highway-car almost feels like brakes are being applied when I take my foot off of the gas-tires that I bought 1 year ago are wearing out-”
NHTSA complaint #10360246, filed 2010-10, 43,000 miles“The center bearing on my driveshaft broke. I bought the car used but in good condition. I did not hit anything with my vehicle to cause the bearing to break. I simply made a turn and that is when I noticed the noise and that it was driving horribly. As I traveled a few more feet down the road it just got worse. I took it into a chevy dealer and I am currently awaiting on repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10302895, filed 2010-01, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V302000Jun 30, 2004Certain sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, 'theft protection.' an ignition key park…Covers: Chevrolet Equinox 2005
Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10234619Apr 6, 2023This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10228863Dec 13, 2022This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10227241Nov 18, 2022This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 22% |
| 2025 | 35 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 13% |
| 2023 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 13% |
| 2019 | 37 | 12% |
| 2018 | 66 | 16% |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% |
| 2016 | 27 | 7% |
| 2015 | 63 | 9% |
| 2014 | 40 | 7% |
| 2013 | 80 | 11% |
| 2012 | 84 | 12% |
| 2011 | 145 | 19% |
| 2010 | 182 | 23% |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 4% |
| 2005 | 114 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
159 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 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 31, 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