My 2006 Chevy Equinox had four problems that were fixed by replacing the steering column and motor: * several incidents where I could not turn the key in the ignition until I jerked the steering wheel back and forth (out of frustration). * several incidents where I could not move the steering wheel after starting the engine on a hot day. Turning engine off and restarting a few times finally engaged power steering assist. * several incidents where I lost power steering assist while turning corners and required assistance from the passenger to turn the steering wheel. * several incidents where I completely lost power steering and engine power while driving in rain. Steering column was smoking, shaking side to side and up and down, and felt like the whole steering column was falling apart under my hands. The car slowed down and did not respond to the gas pedal, even though the engine was running. Three times the escondido dealer said nothing was wrong because there were no failure codes. I thought it was wrong that I almost died and there is no error code for that, but realized I was talking to a wall. My problems continued and I went to the poway dealer who said the overheated steering motor was forcing the engine into protective mode. They asked me to leave my car and replaced the entire steering column and motor on GM warranty. None of the described incidents have recurred since replacing the steering column and motor. My problems seem similar to those stated in these complaint ODI numbers: 10168607, 10181373, 10195505, 10207818, 10210502, 10245868, 10248789, 10250004, 10321311, 10364217, 10383115, 10383313, 10410417, 10419886, 10440553. These are very dangerous problems. I could have died several times and could have killed people in other cars on the road with me. I bought this car B/C my dad was a lifelong Chevy fan. This is not my father's Chevy.

- San Diego, CA, USA

I've had three incidents while driving that I completely lost control of my steering. After turning the car off a mechanic started it up to check it out and it did not have a problem. It seems that after I turn the ignition off it resets itself. It has happened this way several times now that I was in a safe area but I do not feel safe driving it far from home..

- New Freedom, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact drove over an uneven road surface and a popping sound was heard in the steering column. The steering wheel became loose and difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic stated that the components in the steering column failed. The mechanic advised that the steering column would have to replace. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while parking the vehicle the steering wheel malfunctioned, and the contact was unable to move the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated the steering column disconnected from the steering rack. The dealer stated the vehicle needed a new steering rack. The contact stated if the vehicle was driving at high speeds the vehicle could have caused a crash. The failure mileage as 76.670..... updated 09/15/11 updated 2/23/12

- Morgan Hill, CA, USA

2006 Chevy Equinox has steering column shudder, noise, vibration while turning and slowing from 45-5 mph. Feels as if the entire steering column will fall apart in your hands. I have heard this may be a carrier bearing/intermediate shaft/steering column replacement issue.

- Dudley, MA, USA

I took my 2006 Chevy Equinox to dealership for power steering failure. We were losing steering functionality while driving. Dealer did not find anything wrong. Problem continued and after 2nd visit I was informed the entire steering column and motor needs to be replaced. I see from internet message boards this is a common problem with this vehicle. Dealer and GM does not consider this a safety issue and requires auto owners to repair the vehicle at our cost.

- Park Ridge, NJ, USA

The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the steering column wiring began to smoke which caused the steering to fail. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the entire steering column. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 107,147.

- Louisville, KY, USA

2006 Chevy Equinox. Upon turning on the car, in cool weather(25degreesf),the power steering failed to provide power assist. Drove approximately 5 miles like this. Later that evening around 1 hour later, went out and power steering worked properly. First and only time it happened to date. Went to dealer to have it checked and they found nothing wrong, no failure or codes. Warranty expires in 2 weeks.

- Lancaster, NY, USA

2006 Chevy Equinox problem with front end. Consumer stated that the vehicle is making a noise in the front end. She states that the engine revs. The consumer stated the steering froze twice.

- Burgaw, NC, USA

I nearly ran off the road at 70 mph as I reached to turn on the defroster. I was saved by the sleep strip, which slowed the car down enough to regain control. This car has very loose and erratic steering and wobbles when changing lanes. I must slow down significantly to go around curves, even on the interstate. I had taken it in for warranty repairs 3 times prior to the incident. The dealer states that it is the electronic steering on this model car. After the incident, I took it in again and was told it was a "characteristic of front wheel drive vehicles". I feel that the electronic steering in this car is not safe.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA