VehicleVerdict

2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems

The 2005 Chevrolet Equinox has 117 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 12% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

117

Transmission complaints

12%

Share of year

6

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

04V302000TransmissionJune 30, 2004 · 132 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' AN IGNITION KEY PARK LOCK CABLE END FITTING WAS NOT FULLY SEATED ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER NAIL HEAD DURING INSTALLATION.

Consequence

THIS CAN PREVENT THE CABLE AUTO-SET FROM CORRECTLY ADJUSTING THE CABLE. AN INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED CABLE PREVENTS THE SHIFTER FROM LOCKING IN THE 'PARK' POSITION WHEN THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE KEY CYLINDER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR A PROPERLY FUNCTIONING SHIFT LOCK WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS REMOVED. DEALERS WILL REPAIR VEHICLES THAT EXHIBIT THE SUBJECT CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.

What owners report

PROBLEMS WITH CAR BEGAN IMMEDIATELY (TRANSMISSION, AIR CONDITIONER, ODOMETER, WINDOW MOTOR, CAR SHIFTING ABRUPTLY, AND SKIDDING ON ANY WET SERVICE.) FINALLY WENT INTO 20 FT SKID, WHEELS LOCKED, NO RESPONSE TO STEERING. CAR HIT POLE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK. CAR TOTALED. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 13, 2008 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox have?

NHTSA has 117 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission — 12% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 04V302000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.