2006 Chevrolet Equinox problems
The Chevrolet Equinox is a crossover SUV introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. It was intended to be a replacement for the North American Chevrolet Tracker and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. The third-generation Equinox also replaced the first-generation Chevrolet Captiva.
An all-electric battery-powered, or BEV version called the Equinox EV was introduced in 2022 with sales starting in 2023 for the 2024 model year. It adopts a separate design and underpinnings from the internal combustion engine powered Equinox.
First generation (2005)
The Chevrolet Equinox was introduced in 2004 at the 2003 North American International Auto Show for the 2005 model year.
The Pontiac Torrent was introduced in 2005 at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2006 model year.
Riding on the GM Theta platform, the unibody is mechanically similar to the Saturn Vue and the Suzuki XL7. However, the Equinox and the Torrent are larger than the Vue, riding on a 112.5 in (2,858 mm) wheelbase, 5.9 in (150 mm) longer than the Vue. Front-wheel drive is standard, with optional all-wheel drive. They are not designed for off-roading unlike the truck-based Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
For the 2006 model year, GM updated the Equinox for the first time, adding GM badges on the front doors, as well as recoloring the dashboard panel from grey to black. For 2007, the instrument cluster got a redesign with a trip computer display, replacing the Saturn-sourced unit.
The first-generation Equinox and Torrent were produced exclusively at the CAMI Automotive GM/Suzuki joint venture plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. The 3.4 L LNJ V6 engine is made in China (by Shanghai GM), while the Aisin AF33 transmission is made in Japan. Starting with the 2008 model year, the Equinox Sport and Pontiac GXP were available with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that was made in the United States.
Production ended in May 2009.
The Chevrolet Equinox was not sold in Mexico during the 2009 model year.
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Common 2006 Chevrolet Equinox problems
The 2006 Chevrolet Equinox is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine, electrical system, and brakes.
One of the most prevalent issues is with the engine cooling system, with 60 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about overheating engines leading to related problems like antifreeze odors, engine stall, and ignition failure.
The electrical system is another problem area for the 2006 Equinox, with 141 complaints filed with the NHTSA about electrical issues in general. These complaints include reports of burning, overheated wires, and problems with the power windows, power locks, and power steering.
Braking is also a concern for the 2006 Equinox, with 63 complaints filed with the NHTSA about braking issues. Drivers have reported vibrating brake pedals and seizing front calipers due to overheating.
Other common problems with the 2006 Equinox include visibility issues, with more than one third of the Equinox’s 693 NHTSA complaints related to visibility, including failing defrosters.
It is important to note that while these problems are common, the 2006 Equinox has no recalls or investigations on file with the NHTSA, which is almost unheard of for a vehicle of this age. However, it is still recommended to check the brakes and take a look under the hood when test driving a used 2006 Equinox.
In terms of the engine, the 2006 Equinox comes with a 3.4L V6 engine delivering 185 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission in front or all-wheel drive.
Overall, while the 2006 Equinox has its share of common problems, it is still a reliable vehicle with a lifespan of typically 200,000 miles or more with decent maintenance.
How many miles can a 2006 Chevy Equinox last?
200,000 miles
So, how many miles can a Chevy Equinox last? Well taken care of Chevy Equinoxes can be expected to last 200,000 miles. For many drivers, that's over 20 years of use! Even if it's not in perfect condition, the Equinox is expected to reach over 150,000 miles—about 10 years of driving.
What is the main problem with Chevy Equinox?
Each year, the NHTSA receives hundreds of complaints about the engine in the Chevrolet Equinox; however, none of those complaints have resulted in a recall. Common complaints related to the Chevy Equinox engine include the smell of gasoline and smoke, fuel pump failure, and excessive oil consumption.
What are bad years for Equinox?
Q: Which Chevy Equinox years should be avoided? A: Potential buyers should be wary of the 2005, 2006, 2010-2013, and 2016 Chevy Equinox models. These years have been flagged for various issues, including engine problems, heating system malfunctions, and excessive oil consumption.
What year did Chevy Equinox have transmission problems?
The 2015 and 2016 Equinox — More Transmission Woes
The 2015 and 2016 Chevy Equinox models had their fair share of challenges, particularly with their transmissions. Many owners reported transmission failures, which led to costly repairs and safety concerns.
What is the main problem with Chevy Equinox?
Each year, the NHTSA receives hundreds of complaints about the engine in the Chevrolet Equinox; however, none of those complaints have resulted in a recall. Common complaints related to the Chevy Equinox engine include the smell of gasoline and smoke, fuel pump failure, and excessive oil consumption.
How many miles can a 2006 Chevy Equinox last?
200,000 miles
So, how many miles can a Chevy Equinox last? Well taken care of Chevy Equinoxes can be expected to last 200,000 miles. For many drivers, that's over 20 years of use! Even if it's not in perfect condition, the Equinox is expected to reach over 150,000 miles—about 10 years of driving.
What was a bad year for Equinox?
A: Potential buyers should be wary of the 2005, 2006, 2010-2013, and 2016 Chevy Equinox models. These years have been flagged for various issues, including engine problems, heating system malfunctions, and excessive oil consumption.
Is Chevy Equinox a reliable car?
Space. So what does that mean for you as a driver. Well it means you can rest assured that you're getting a high quality reliable. And safe vehicle when you choose Equinox.
2006 Chevrolet Equinox car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Equinox problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Engine problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Chevrolet Equinox vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
The NHTSA has received 694 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2006 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- VIN: 2CNDL23F166
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: Bent driveshaft
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-05
- VIN: 2CNDL13F466
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Unknown
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-01
- VIN: 2CNDL73F666
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Both front frame mounts that hold the engine suspension crossmember rusted away. What is even worse GM discontinued the replacement parts. I had to use components from a similar platform. This is a safety related rusting problem that is life threating as vehicle can become unstable and uncontrollable at highway speeds.
STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-03
- VIN: 2CNDL73FX66
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I just got the car on Thursday, 11/3/2022. around 1:00 pm. On 11/3/2022 around 3:30 pm, the following happened: The equinox started wobbling as I reached the speed of approximately 40 mph. Then I had a red light. After it turned green and I began driving, the vehicle started wobbling and it was hard to control my position in the traffic lane. Other drivers avoided me, and slowed down to prevent an accident. At this point, I reached a reduced speed construction area. When I drove at about 20 mph, the vehicle wobbled even worse. The driver’s side wheel started going clunk, clunk., so I pulled into a gas station. The left front tire was low, but nowhere near flat. A man put some air in the tire and it held the air. At that point, I recognized that it was too dangerous to drive the vehicle again. Chevy roadside assistance took it to the nearest dealer, Mills Chevrolet. They will look at it on Monday 11/4/2022.
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-19
- VIN: 2cndl63f966
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: My 2006 Chevrolet Equinox blows cold air will not defrost windshield. And while driving I push the gas pedal and it’s like surges and jumps. The car manufacturer knows about the issues and they don’t vare
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-06
- VIN: 2CNDL73F866
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Vehicle keeps over heating fixed everything that can cause it to overheat and the problem still consists read many complaints over 700 with the same issue even when the problem get temporarily fixed it starts overheating again in a couple month car will mainly over heat at idle the heat won’t work it’s a bad antifreeze smell it’s a problem that has many complaints but still nothing is being done I have 5 children I didn’t think I would be driving with my children wondering if my car was going to over heat and us having to pull over on a free way or a street being stranded bc of a problem that’s happening with these vehicles and nothing is being done
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-01
- VIN: 2CNDL73F766
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE PEDAL STARTED VIBRATING ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP SO I HAD BRAKE PADS REPLACED. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR THE TECHNICIAN TOLD ME MY PADS WERE STILL GOOD AND HADN'T NEEDED CHANGING BUT THEY CHANGED ANYWAY. THE NEXT SHOP RESURFACED MY ROTORS BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. IT STOPPED ON IT'S OWN BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE IT WILL DO IT STILL.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-11
- VIN: 2CNDL13F866
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: CAR WAS IN MOTION TRIED TO STOP AT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN REALLY HAD TO PUMP BRAKE LIGHT WENT ON TC / TBS. IF CARS WERE CLOSE BY THEY WOULD HAVE HIT ME OR I HIT THEM.HAVE CLEANED MODULE, CHANGED BRAKES, CHANGED OTHER PARTS IN WHEELS. WORK A LITTLE WHILE THEN GOES BACK TO LIGHTS TURNING ON TC / TBS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-25
- VIN: 2CNDL63FX66
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL YOU GET CONSTANT VIBRATION CAUSING YOU TO SKID. IT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR GOING STRAIGHT OR TURNING WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO SKID INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. AND ALSO DEFROST IS NOT WORKING CAUSING VISIBILITY ISSUES ESPECIALLY IN THE COLD AND SNOW.
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-12
- VIN: 2CNDL63FX66
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZED UP. OVER-HEATING DUE TO EXCESSIVE FRICTION FROM BRAKES LOCKING. FRONT END STARTED SHAKING DUE TO FRONT END BRAKES SEIZING WHILE IN MOTION. FRONT CALIPERS SMOKING DUE TO EXCESSIVE FRICTION BUILD UP. I WAS ON US 265 IN NEW ALBANY, IN. SHAKING SEEMED TO SUBSIDE A BIT WHILE TURNING.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-01
- VIN: 2CNDL23F866
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: CAR STALLS NO MATTER IF I'M AM NOT MOVING OR GOIN 65 MILE AN HOUR,WITHOUT WARNING, I LIVE IN RURAL AREA LOT OF CURVY ROADS, KEY WILL NOT WORK AT TIMES IN IGNITION, WHY WAS THERE NO RECALL ON 06 EQUINOX IGNITION SWITCH ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS, I AM PETRIFIED TO DRIVE IT , BUT NEED TO WORK,IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE OR HOW FAST YOUR GOING CAR STALLS WITHOUT WARNING,HAVE HAD CAR SINCE 2013 OR SO AND ALWAYS BEEN KEY PROBLEM BUT NEVER STALLED. *TR
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-10
- VIN: 2CNDL73F866
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: BOUGHT THIS CAR ON 11/3/19, WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK THERE WAS A HORRIBLE THUMPING AND VIBRATING WHILE DRIVING OR TURNING THE WHEEL. SO I TOOK IT BACK, THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD REPLACE MY WHEEL HUB ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, I RETURN TO PICK UP MY CAR, THE SAME ISSUE IS THERE JUST NOT AS BAD, HE CLAIMED HE STILL REPLACED THE WHEEL HUB. SO I TAKE THE TIRE OFF MYSELF AND INSPECT THE WHEEL HUB AND TIRES, AND THEY IN FACT DIDNT REPLACE THE HUB, THEY JUST SILICONED THE WHEEL HUB TO THE END OF THE AXLE SHAFT, WHICH NOW HAS CAUSED OTHER DAMAGE TO MY TRANS AND OR SUSPENSION. I CALL TO LET THEM KNOW AND THE OWNER FIRST PLAYED STUPID AS IF HE DIDNT KNOW IF THEY REPLACED IT, SO I TOLD THEM ID CALL BACK. I WAITED A WEEK CALLED BACK, LET HIM KNOW WHAT I FOUND ON THE WHEEL HUB THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REPLACED.. THEN HE GETS NASTY AND SAYS ITS OUT OF THEIR HANDS ECT, AND THEY DID REPLACE IT.. WELL NO WHEEL HUB IS GONG TO GO BAD IN LESS THEN A MONTH WITH NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND THERE IS NO REASON AT ALL SILICONE SHOULD BE USED TO HOLD ANYTHING TO AN AXLE OR WHEEL HUB. I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND WIFE, AND I AM SUPPOSE TO CONTINUE TO PAY ANOTHER 2700 DOLLARS ON A CAR THEY LIED ABOUT DURING MY WARRANTY.
STEERING,WHEELS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-02
- VIN: 2CNDL73F566
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS,ENGINE
- Summary: CAR KEEPS OVERHEATING REPLACED EVERYTHING STILL OVERHEATING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2CNDL63F366
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOORS LOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE WINDOWS FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. A WINDOW WAS SHATTERED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO BE EXTRICATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR LOCAL DEALER WERE INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-01
- VIN: 2CNDL63F666
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: I BOUGHT THIS CAR ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO FROM A USED DEALER SHIP AFTER THE CAR TURNED 12 MONTHS THE CAR STARTED SAYING IT WAS OVER HEATING BUT WHEN LOOKING AT THE VEHICLE IT WAS NOT HOT AT ALL THE SENSOR JUST SAID OVERHEATING ALL THE WAY TO THE RED WHEN THE CAR READ OVERHEATING THE RADIATOR FLUID OVERFLOWED WITH OUT BEING HOT WHEN OPENING THE LID THERE WHERE AIR BUBBLES WITH NO HEAT. I HAVE SPENT OVER $1000 DOLLARS TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH STILL NO SUCCESS WHEN IT SAID OVER HEATING THE CAR STARTS SLOWING DOWN AND THEN IT STOPS WHERE EVER YOU ARE AT RIGHT AWAY SOMETIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. WHEN AT TIME IT SAID OVER HEATING THE HEATER STOPS WORKING. I HAVE HAD TO LET THE AIR OUT SEVERAL TIME A DAY AND NOW IT SAID OVERHEATING AS SOON AS I LEAVE MY HOME. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING OTHERS HAVE SUGGESTED BUT NOTHING WORKS. I HAVE GOT A NEW RADIATOR, WATER PUMP, TEMPERATURE SENSOR ,THERMOSTAT, FILTER AND STILL NOTHING. I TOOK IT TO GET IT CHECKED WITH THE COMPUTER AND 18 SENSORS WENT OFF AND 8 WHERE FAILED SENSORS. I WANTED TO BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION IT HAS HAPPENED TO A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE JUST GOOGLE IT AND YOU WILL SEE. I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO BE SAFE AND THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE I HAVE CHILDREN AND I LIVE IN A AREA THAT HAS COLD WEATHER FOR 3 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THAT CAR WHEN IT READ OVER HEATING WHEN IT WAS NOT. I HAVE BOUGHT ABOUT OVER 39 BOTTLES OF RADIATOR FLUID TO KEEP IT FULL BUT ONE BOTTLE LAST ME LESS THE A DAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LETTING ME INFORM YOU OF THIS CONCERN. I HAVE GOTTEN STUCK ON HE HIGHWAY AND STREET WITH MY KIDS. THE CAR IS NOW JUST SEATING IN MY DRIVE WAY.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-01
- VIN: 2CNDL63F266
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: EVER SINCE I GOT THIS VEHICLE I HAVE ALWAYS HEARD WHAT SOUNDS LIKE WATER IN THE DASH WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL. I'M CONSTANTLY REFILLING THE ANTIFREEZE DAILY, I'VE BEEN READING THAT IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND IT CONTRIBUTES TO THE ANTIFREEZE WHICH IN SOME CASES LEAKED OUT OF THE AIR VENTS INTO THE VEHICLE. LEAKING ANTIFREEZE SOME WHERE IN THE ENGINE. I'VE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE HEADS DUE TO THE LEAKAGE. ANTIFREEZE LEAKS INTO THE ENGINE OIL CAUSE WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I'VE ALREADY FLUSHED THE COOLING SYSTEM AND THEY ALSO DID A REVERSE FLUSH AND THE WATER GUSHING NOICE IS STILL THERE. GM NEEDS TO GET THIS FIXED...
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-21
- VIN: 2CNDL73F966
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: THE PLASTIC BLEND ARM FOR THE HEATER SELECTOR MOTOR BROKE, WHICH SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING ON THE EQUINOX CARS. IT CAUSES THE HEATER TO BLOW COLD AIR ONLY. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET WHILE TRAVELING TO THE STORE. WHEN I TURNED THE HEATER ON IT MADE A FUNNY NOISE LIKE IT WASN'T ENGAGING. THE WINDOWS WOULDN'T DEFROST WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-10
- VIN: 2CNDL73F266
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-26
- VIN: 2CNDL23F766
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE KEY SLIDES OUT THE IGNITION & THE IGNITION CAN SLIP FROM THE "RUN" TO THE "ACCESSORY" OR "OFF" POSITION WHILE I'M DRIVING, CUTTING POWER AND CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-09
- VIN: 2CNDL73F166
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE FRAME IS RUSTING WHERE THE SUBFRAME CONNECT TO THE CAR TO THE POINT WHERE THE SUBFRAME ISN'T REALLY CONNECTED ANYMORE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-01
- VIN: 2CNDL63F666
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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!
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-28
- VIN: 2CNDL63F566
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2CNDL63F866
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-06
- VIN: 2CNDL23F166
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MIST FROM THE HEATER BLEW INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND CREATED AN ABNORMAL ODOR. IN ADDITION, THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE MIST PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM SEEING OUT OF THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW WATER PUMP WAS NEEDED. THE MECHANIC FLUSHED OUT THE SYSTEM AND PLACED A NEW HEAT SYSTEM IN THE ENGINE WITH NEW ANTI-FREEZE. THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER THE SAME WEEK. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-24
- VIN: 2CNDL13F766
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. WHEN YOU DRIVE THE CAR LONGER THEN 5 MINUTES IT OVER HEATS AND YOU LET IT COOL DOWN AND START TO DRIVE THEN OVER HEATS AGAIN BUT IT HAS ENOUGH COOLANT IN IT AND YOU FIX THE THERMOSTAT AND FLUSH THE SYSTEM. AND THERE IS NO HEAT IN THE CAR WHAT SO EVER.
Negative 2006 Chevrolet Equinox car reviews
Positive 2006 Chevrolet Equinox car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that your Equinox is running like a dream! It's great to know that you've only had to spend $800 on maintenance since you've owned it, and that it's been so reliable on trips to the mountains and the ocean. It sounds like you're one of the lucky ones, especially considering some of the reviews you've read. Your LT model is getting some pretty impressive gas mileage too, with 22 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the highway. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us!
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Very reliable, practical vehicle. No fancy BS. This will get the job done. My commute is through heavy traffic and the car is super reliable, gas mileage is good, not great. I ideally need more room, but due to a rough commute, this was the best choice. I have had many Chevy's over the years and they have all gone over 200k with regular maintenance.
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I've had this vehicle for 5 years now, and it has been wonderfully reliable. Other than standard repairs due to age, it has been a great ride. The gas mileage is great, and the leg room in both the front and back seats is awesome.
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I've owned my 06 Equinox LT2 for 3 years and it's been great. I bought it used with all the records and it had less than 100k on it. Now it has 142k and still runs well. My husband is an ASE Certified technician, so he always does a thorough assessment of any vehicle we may buy, as well as any repairs. The 2006 model has some issues with the air conditioning, but thankfully my husband knows how to fix it. Dealerships will try all sorts of parts and not even think of the evaporator core - which is behind the dash. The ac freezes up in these models, and replacing the evap core is what's needed for a permanent fix. The steering is the only downside, as it can feel like there's no power steering. However, I still love my little SUV. It gets good gas mileage, looks great, is comfortable, and parts aren't overly expensive. I've done some research and found that the 4cyl model isn't the best option. I would never get a 4 cyl vehicle - they lack the power and acceleration that I need. This SUV picks up and goes quite well. You can even pull a trailer or pop-up camper easily. Overall, it's a great SUV if you get the LT model and not the LS. As with any vehicle, make sure to have an experienced auto technician check it out for you.
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The car performed well during the first year of ownership, but subsequently developed issues with overheating. After taking it to the dealership for diagnosis, they identified a problem with the cooling fans, which were replaced along with the thermostat at a cost of $872.29. However, the car continued to experience overheating issues, and upon further inspection, it was determined that the head gasket was blown. It is unclear whether there is a recall for this type of car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 Chevrolet Equinox problems:
2006 Chevrolet Equinox Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
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2006 Chevrolet Equinox Problems | Kelley Blue Book
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Are you having problems with your 2006 Chevrolet Equinox?
Harvey Halvorson 2025-09-07
The dealer recommended this car to me as I needed a vehicle to carry my stuff and my 70lb husky. While it served its purpose, my car has 80000 miles on it and the repairs are now more than the car's worth. All I wanted was a reliable car to get me from point A to point B, but unfortunately, it overheats about every 20 minutes of driving. I understand why the dealer wanted to sell it so badly, and I don't think I'll be purchasing a similar car again. The non-standard tires and difficulty changing the headlights are a pain, and it takes a while to heat up in the winter due to the smaller tire size.
Camryn Douglas 2025-09-04
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my vehicle. For the first 8 years, I absolutely loved it! The AWD is amazing and it never once had a problem in the snow. While it didn't have a lot of fancy bells and whistles, it had good basics as far as technology goes. However, after hitting 100K, little things started to tear up, which I kinda expected. Then on year 7, it started to overheat. I had it worked on a handful of times and everything we tried ended up not working. Finally, after several new fans, the problem was solved. Unfortunately, all the electrical issues started after that. All the lights on the panels would light up and blink randomly. Then the buttons on the radio stopped working. Then it started stalling at red lights. Finally, the motor locked up at 10 years old. Apparently, the oil pump went out. Overall, it wasn't a long-lasting vehicle, but I still have fond memories of it.
Evert Kunze 2025-08-28
My car has had several issues, including the heater regulator door going out at 30k miles, rear shocks at 36k miles, front shocks at 40k miles, and starting issues since the day I bought it brand new. Additionally, I have had to replace the rotors four times and the calipers twice. Despite changing the oil every 3-5k miles and putting new tires on at 45k miles, these problems persist. It is important to note that I have never experienced these types of issues with my previous Honda or current Hyundai vehicles.
Leone Vandervort 2025-08-19
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my vehicle purchase. I bought it on 12/29/11 and it was such a beautiful day, 70 degrees in December is quite rare for DC! Unfortunately, the next day I realized that the heat wasn't working when the temperature dropped below 40 degrees. I took it back to the dealership and they have been working on it since. Even though my first auto payment is due on 2/1/12, I still don't have my car back. The mechanics have been trying their best to fix it and have replaced several parts, but it seems like the issue is still persisting. They even sent it to Chevy/GM for further inspection. Unfortunately, the car is still not fixed and the mechanic called me this morning to let me know that it's overheating now. I'm hoping for a resolution soon and I appreciate the dealership's efforts to fix the issue.
Kole Homenick 2025-08-05
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with your SUV. It sounds like you've had a tough time with it, especially with all the electrical issues. I appreciate you warning others to stay away from this particular model. It's always helpful to hear from someone who has firsthand experience with a vehicle. Thank you again for sharing!