general problems of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox - part 1

78 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox based on all problems reported for the 2006 Equinox.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2020

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while idling smoke suddenly was present coming from under the hood and through the air vents of the vehicle and the doors locked and the windows would not open entrapping occupants inside. The window was broken in order to extract the occupants from the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer was not notified. No further info was available. The failure mileage was 140,000. Jft.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/10/2019

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.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2019

I recently bought a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox and the floorboard is staying wet, like standing water. I've researched the issue and it appears this is an ongoing issue with them. This is a safety hazard as it makes it feet wet and slip off the break and gas peddles. Why hasnt gm fixed this? not to count the electrical part involved! can we say fire hazard?? come on gm, do your job!.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/28/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke emerging from the vents on the dashboard. Afterwards, smoke started to emerge from the switch on the steering column. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact started the vehicle and smoke emerged from behind the steering wheel. The failure began on April 1, 2019. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 171,045.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/11/2018

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. In finding they informed me that it was sunroof drain that backup and leaked water into my driver side floor board, also leaking water on to the throttle sensor which is located on the gas pedal. They informed me that drain had been blown out and the error code was reset and the vechical ran again. This problem happened again a few months later and I was again instructed to bring the vehicle back to the dealership, this the same procedure was done as before and I asked what can be done to fix this problem and was informed that due to the design of the sunroofs drain, when it rains I will have water that leaks into vechical if there is large amounts of rain and that because there are no broken parts the problem can not be fixed. I informed Chevrolet main center of the issue and was informed that there has never been any recalls on the vechical and to take it to the dealership to have the problem fixed. I've taken preventive measures but keeping the drian cleared and when the problem happens resetting the error codes, but last week 06-07-18 I had the line cleared and the following day it rained and the throttle sensor errored reset the code and vechical ran. Yesterday while driving I got caught in heavy rainfall the vechical completely stopped in the middle of a 4 lane busy road and would not move, water began leaking into the driver side and also from the pedal and intior lights. I'm very fearful of driving the vechical. This problem is very dangerous and unsafe.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/06/2018

One wiper blade quit functioning and causes severe danger to the driver. Heater quit working causing fogging issues and keeping my kids & wife in danger. Apparently these issues are very common according to the 2009 report gm recalled 59,000 vehicles for this issue but our vehicle was not included in the recall.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/17/2017

Within the last month while I am driving my truck would just cut off with out any warning in the middle of traffic. I have had a tune up, the left wheel barring changed, front struts done and I have just brought a pcm. My abs and tc lights stays on and my mechanic can not explain why it keeps cutting off. I have checked for recalls for this year and there are none listed; however, I have seen some on the NHTSA service bulletin. Can someone please assist me this is very dangerous!!!!.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2017

A few weeks ago while driving my vehicles abs and traction control lights came on, right after that the brakes have started making a loud grinding noise or lock up altogether to where I can't stop. I have done plenty of research over this and it seems to be a recurring thing with these vehicles. If everyone of them is having this issue and the brakes are that dangerous, how has there not been a recall. This happens everytime I drive, whether going down an interstate and having to hot my brakes to just driving in a small town, then when I try and go again they make the grinding noise while driving for a minute.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2017

The key can be removed from the ignition while the vehicle is running or while in any other position. There was a recall on other models for this exact same issue, but no recall was made for my vehicle.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2016

My 2006 chevy Equinox heater start blowing cold air on December 1, 2016. Per the chevy dealer the heater blend door is broken it cost me over $2,300 to fix the heater . There are too many 2006 chevy Equinox with the me problem. This is s defect and a recall should be done. Gm need to pay for this part and labor defect.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2016

What is happening: the heater blend door is stuck blowing only cold air. This is after the engine is warm and working properly. In northern minnesota this is a huge problem. From a quick search this is happening far too often for it to be anything other than a manufacture defect. It is a very poor design which I believe should be recalled.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2016

The key is hanging up in the ignition after turning vehicle off. It is often difficult to put the key back in the ignition to then start it again. The vehicle now stalls while running without notice. When it does, all power cuts off (power brakes, traction control, lights radio, breaks - anything electric shuts off. Have been able to pull the vehicle over and restart it almost immediately. Happens on the street as well as freeway. I wonder whether this is covered by a recall or something. Please let me know as this does not seem to be very safe.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2016

Hvac blower motor inoperable while moving on highway. Blower motor resistor burned because blower motor drawing too many amps.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2016

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!!!!.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2016

Ignition. When key is inserted in ignition it is very difficult. . . Takes a numerous amount of tries to get it to turn on.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/12/2016

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.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/30/2016

My cars engine light and low engine power light came on while crossing an intersection reducing my speed and nearly causing an accident! when it rains, snows or goes through a car wash this happens. This has happened on multiple occasions and no mechanic has been able to resolve the issue.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/08/2015

My heater is only blowing out a little better than cool air I would say it is right below warm and I have a 14 month old child the fix is 750. 00 dollars and a lot of people have the same issue maybe a recall is what needs to happen ??.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/14/2015

I was traveling down the road and vehicle shut off causing lost of steering,brakes etc. . . Got truck pulled to side of the road tried to restart it took 6 tries before restarting,then on the same day stopped at store cut off truck returned and truck would not start again taking 6 tries it made no noise when trying to start and the instrument cluster lit up with all the several warnings then it would make a clicking noise and everything flashed on the cluster. . This has happened four other times and I am very concerned cause it happens with no notice. On Aug 17 2015 I went to start the truck and it would start and repeated the same things listed above. After about six hrs I went to start it again it started. . This is problem cause I never know when it will shut down if ii am driving in town or the highway.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/26/2015

Having problems starting sub. New battery, all lights and radio works, key slides out when care is on. Engine and fan come on for no reason.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2015

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, there was smoke coming from the top of the steering column and a burning odor emitted inside the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred on three different occasions. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the dimmer switch module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2015

Driving down the road with the heat on and it wouldnt go higher then low and about 5 miles later I went higher on its own. About 1 minute later the heat started blowing and then stopped and now will not blow hot or cold air.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2015

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an intermittent electrical short in which the vent controls failed to work for heat or cold air. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 09v489000 (visibility). The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who replaced the motor blower, resistor, blower, pit tail and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for further inspection, diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,480. Dyd.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/29/2015

When I turn on my turn signal either way, the high-beams come on. I though it might have been my doing, but I payed attention many times and it will always do it.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/31/2014

Once the vehicle was put into park the key got stuck in the ignition.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2014

The switch hangs up when trying to crank the auto. It keeps trying to crank the engine when you release the switch.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2014

The heating system suddenly failed and blows cold air affecting the vehicles windshield defrosting ability. This is a manufacturer's defect. The problem impacts the ability of the car to defrost. As noted in a letter from gm's director of product investigations and safety to the NHTSA on December 23, 2009, the 2010 Equinox was recalled since a manufacturer’s defect resulted in non-operational defrost systems that was a safety concern, could result in a crash, and violated federal motor vehicle safety standard 103. In other words, gm has admitted on another vehicle that manufacturer’s defects that cause in-operable defrost systems are their responsibility to replace. Chevrolet Equinox drivers are at stake. Not having the ability to defrost your windshield could lead to traffic accidents vehicle damage, injury and possible death. I am requesting the nhsta to investigate this and order gm to replace the defected part / parts and refund repair cost to those of us who have or will have to pay for these expensive repairs.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2014

We purchased this vehicle used for our college student. We bought this vehicle from seeker Toyota in st. Robert mo. Two days after purchase the. Brake system on the front passenger side locked up. This was supposedly inspected by the dealership. We replaced the calipers, rotors, brakes pads, and thought the problem was fixed, less than 2 months later it locked up again and tried to catch fire. Now have to fix again. The heater stopped working about a week after purchase, the cd player stopped working the day after purchase. We were told there was no warranty after spending nearly $5000 for this vehicle. We feel like we were ripped off and why isn't the brake problems and heat issues not on the recall list.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2014

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 $$$$$ and it still did the same thing. Went back to the dealer (chevy) they had the car for a few days, called and said they found the problem, yea a bent wire?? worked fine for a few months and now its doing the same thing again. Oh by the way I was informed that I did not need to put a new brain in the car the old one was very good. Gm is a realy bad place to buy any car any more, they do not care about the customer only the $$$ they sold me a car they new full well had problems.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2014

I had left work, driven about 6 miles, shut engine off to fill with gas, got back in to crank engine and nothing - no lights on instrument panel. Had hauled to garage, battery was put on slow charge over night, showed little low but would crank car, mfg replaced battery but 2 months later it would not crank again. Put battery on charge overnight again. Hasn't occurred again but found out someone else has same problem with trailblazer, he has to carry a jump box around with him. . Local gm dealer has not found his problem either. . What do we do trade in with dealer then let it become their problem?.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/21/2014

Was driving home after driving student to high school and smoke started coming from the area of the ignition/steering column and it smelled like something was burning. I am leaving it at chevy dealers for investigation into what is causing the issue. I have had starting problems in the past month on occasion.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/28/2014

The blend door on the heated is broken. I see there have been numerous complaints concerning this. Is there a recall on this? if not why isn't there? I see you issused a recall on the 2010 Equinox for this problem. My daughter who is a college students drives this car and can't afford the $1000+ to repair it.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2014

All interior and exterior lights will flicker when started and will sometimes do it when breaks are applied. Does not start on first try sometimes. Sounds like it is starting but just stops.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/28/2014

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact had shut off the vehicle and exited when the vehicle independently restarted without the key being in the ignition. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was awaiting diagnosis of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 99,000.



Safety Ratings of Equinox Cars
Fuel Economy of Equinox Vehicles
Equinox Service Bulletins
Equinox Safety Recalls
Equinox Defect Investigations