2006 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 68about this part
- Share
- 10%of 695 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 68 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 10% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“3.4l GM power plant used in untold amounts of vehicles blowing head gaskets, and intake gaskets since 1996. I design flaw that was never addressed. They should be held accountable for that. We cant keep allowing companies to take advantage of hard working people buy selling them junk. All of them need to be held to a higher standard.”
NHTSA complaint #11045609, filed 2017-11, 98,000 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“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“I was driving 55 MPH down a road, and my car was completely fine, then my car slowed to 40mph, then completely shut off. I was able to pull over on the side of the road. I turned the car off and tried to turn it back on but nothing happened. I waited about ten minutes and tried again and it worked and ran fine afterwards. I have seen many other similar complaints about this and I am concerned with the safety of my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10702756, filed 2015-03, 160,000 miles“My 2006 chevy eqinox has problem with starting since it was new ,I took it in GM service when it was 1 year old and told them the car starts hard sometime shuts off couple times before it turns over and GM service manager told me that everything is ok but now it is harder and harder to start it up I also know couple other people that having same problem and when I google the problem I found there is thousands same issues with problems like my with same car, please help. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #10821898, filed 2016-01, 5,000 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…
- 10173416Feb 28, 2020This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services (including Flushing Services and Additives) and the Proper use of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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…
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 | 101 | 33% |
| 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 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
280 complaintsElectrical system
141 complaintsBrakes
85 complaintsOther or unknown
64 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsEquipment
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsElectronic 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 28, 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