Ignition problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her key became stuck in the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The current mileage was 146,000.

Driving down the highway at about 55-60mph when the car dies. Started running again a few seconds later but then died again. Pulled over could not get it started, but started to smell something burning. Popped the hood to find the main fuse box bellowing smoke, thankfully it was raining so I let the rain cool it down. I figured this was better than it eventually catching the entire vehicle on fire as my wife and 3 kids were in the car. After the smoke stopped, the car repeatedly tried to start itself without the key being present in the ignition. It eventually stopped doing this but the dash lights would randomly flicker in unison. All electrical components were still operational (radio, lights, signals, wipers, etc. . . ) but again no key was present in the ignition.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact had to turn the key in the ignition several times in order to start the vehicle. Additionally, while driving various speeds, the key would detach from the ignition. The failure occurred daily. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer made a new ignition key, but the failure recurred six months later. The failure mileage was 90,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle independently steered to the extreme right. The failure caused the contact to drive through a ditch, across traffic, and through another ditch. The contact had no control of the vehicle, but did not crash the vehicle. The failure occurred twice in one day. The contact also stated that the key became stuck in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the ignition and middle drive shaft carrier bearing were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

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. There a large collection of water with my spare tire, and the floor in the back seat is soaked. I was told from the gm service department they see this often in my model vehicle but no recall for it at this time so it's out of my own pocket. Also I have taken my vehicle to the dealer several times for my steering wheel. It makes a loud sound every time the wheel is turned and they cannot seem to fix the problem. I have had to replace my headlights and brake lights very often.

I bought a new 2005 Equinox back in March of '05. Over this year-2008- I have problems just getting my key to turn in the ignition. I have to wiggle it back and forth for a few minutes until it catches and turns over. I can't get in and just start my car. I can turn my key maybe an inch and I have to turn it back and keep wiggling it until it "gives" for me to turn all the way. Of course, my warranty was up at 36,000 miles which I have surpassed a few thousand miles ago. I am trying to get some $$ together (things are very tight as everyone knows!) to get it looked out. I don't know if the lock is misaligned or what? I feel there should be a recall on this to be fixed because I have seen a lot of feedback on internet from people that have same issue with this type of car. I am not taking it to the dealer because I don't want to pay hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars. I will take it to a local reputable mechanic who is very trustworthy and reasonable.

2005 chevy Equinox w/45,000 miles - had the smell of burnt plastic, and smoke rising from the steering column, while the vehicle was started and moving. Radio pre-program button on the steering wheel lost function, and the ignition keeps turning over despite the key being returned to the neutral position.

At times of start up of ignition, the vehicle seems to have a problem catching. It used to only happen maybe every 15th start up but has increasingly happened more frequently. It is still intermittent but seems to be about every 3rd or 4th startup. Incident date is estimated.

Bought the car used with 20,000 and it was having problems a week later. Passenger window would not roll up,grinding and clicking at slow turns. They replaced rotors ,clutch and suspension and the problem was solved. Then came the air condition not blowing cold air and the ignition sticking on start up. The final straw was the transmission slipping and dropping into lower gears,the car will be in the shop in the morning. Last chevy I will ever buy back to Nissan.

Have to wiggle key when taking it out of ignition or it will get stuck. Starting doing this shortly after buying it in 2005.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 70 mph on the highway, the contact noticed the key was detaching from the ignition. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04v302000 (power train). While driving 35 mph, the contact was involved in a crash and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact was injured and received medical attention. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 70.