2006 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 4%of 695 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,788miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, 4% of the 695 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,788 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I am a owner of a 2006 Equinox, I have noticed the change in shifts when I am driving. It's like the transmission is shifting and jerks the car this has been an on going problem for a few weeks now. It stalled out on me one while I was in traffic and the key was stuck in the ignition hard for me to turn key to restart. I took it to a local dealership numerous times and they said nothing was wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10605804, filed 2014-06, 96,460 miles“I have a 2006 chevy Equinox 23,000 miles. During very heavy rain I lost all acceleration and the car slowed down. I was on the highway so I was very lucky to not die because traffic was light and there was room for me to get right (slowly...) the rain got lighter and acceleration resumed.”
NHTSA complaint #10316551, filed 2010-03, 23,000 miles“Herd a grinding noise and felt like the transmission was stuck in a gear. Brought the truck to ogden car care where I was told it's a wheel bearing on the left and that the car is pulling emissions codes bring it to chevy. So I brought the truck to sunrise Chevrolet were they confirmed a bad wheel bearing and no emissions codes were showing up. So I took it to my mechanic at route 66 tire and auto were he told me it has a broken axel and was only being held on by the cv boot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10556098, filed 2013-12, 61,000 miles“While driving at 55 MPH the bell started ringing, then the dash lights came on. Tc-ABS-brake, then the steering wheel stiffened up as like standard before power steering. I pulled over it scared the hell out of me, we could have been killed. I went to a GM authorized repair shop the said it was normal for this car to do???? I was talked into putting a new brain in the Equinox several thousand dollars $$$$$ and it still did the same thing. Went back to the dealer (chevy) they had the car for a few days, called and said they found the problem, yea a bent wire?? …”
NHTSA complaint #10761324, filed 2015-09, 60,000 miles“The center carrier baring in my 2006 chevy Equinox is completely rusted and falling apart. The part however is on backorder for 3-6 months wherever I call. I think since the piece is in such great demand it should be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10289406, filed 2009-10, 23,000 milesRelated 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 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
280 complaintsElectrical system
141 complaintsBrakes
85 complaintsEngine
68 complaintsOther or unknown
64 complaintsEngine cooling
60 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsEquipment
32 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 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