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Electrical systemPart report

2006 Chevrolet Equinox Electrical system Problems

Complaints
141about this part
Share
20%of 695 total for the year
Median mileage
81,300miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 141 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 20% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,300 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Driver seat is having a shortage. Seat moved all the way back and does not move anymore. The motor on the bottom of the seat is extremely hot and the seat is hot. It makes a non stop noise from the shortage. I am scared to drive the vehicle because of the hot seat. It is my only vehicle to get to work and my kids to school.”

NHTSA complaint #11254563, filed 2019-09, 155,000 miles

“Vehicle randomly shuts off completely at different speeds while driving. It has happened once every three days up to 6 times in 20 minutes. It has occurred on the freeway and city streets. Had PCM reprogrammed, no luck. I have been testing different fixes. While doing so I noticed I am able to pull the key out at any ignition position.”

NHTSA complaint #10873462, filed 2016-06, 118,000 miles

“I bought a 2006 in feb ..it was running fine then all a sudden the heater started blowing cold air..a month later it just started running hot pour water in coolant level it cumes back out in a puddle on driver side. ..temp gauge hits red when idle up...smoke out tail pipe...coolant smell around car...I need my car now im.walking!!!!”

NHTSA complaint #10906208, filed 2016-09, 17,745 miles

“I purchased my 2006 chevy Equinox new. At 53k miles my ignition switch failed. I was able to remove my key from my running car. There was no recall and I had to pay the dealer last year in 2015. Now it is hard to start and after turning off the car I have to open another door besides the driver door to disable power to the dash instruments, interior lighting and radio.”

NHTSA complaint #10821585, filed 2016-01, 50,000 miles

“In april of 2015 I purchased a 2006 chevy Equinox from sid dillion chevy dealership. Approximately 1 month after having the vehicle it rained and water had leaked into driver side floor board. When I started the vehicle it started but there was no acleration and the car wouldn't drive when put in gear. I informed the dealership and was instructed to bring the vechical back out the dealership to be looked at. …”

NHTSA complaint #11101380, filed 2018-06, 118,350 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20261418%
20257933%
20241721%
20231313%
20222212%
20211818%
20204314%
20194515%
20186115%
2017197%
2016246%
2015457%
2014468%
2013699%
20127010%
2011749%
20108110%
20092324%
20086518%
200710215%
200614120%
200515925%

Other parts of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
280 complaints
Brakes
85 complaints
Engine
68 complaints
Other or unknown
64 complaints
Engine cooling
60 complaints
Steering
34 complaints
Equipment
32 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
31 complaints
Body and structure
22 complaints
Fuel system
19 complaints
Suspension
18 complaints
Electronic stability control
14 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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