2011 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 782 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 30 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 41 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, power adjustJul 23, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Campaign 14V447000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyDec 15, 2010
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE NEAR THE SEAT ATTACHMENT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE PASSENGER AND/OR THE DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Campaign 10V623000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
419 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 3, 2023
Stalling and stopping completely while coming to a stop. New muffler put in, still stalling! - I drive daily with my two children under five and the risk of my truck stopping completely while driving is my biggest safety concern for both my children and I!
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 15, 2023
The key can be removed although drivetrain is not in Park? Also, a week ago while picking up my grandkids from school, my car would not start. It was parked. Everything was dead and the key could not be removed from the ignition which was quite odd even if it was a dead battery, the key should come out of the ignition? It was in Park. The key could be turned but not taken out of ignition?
Engine, Mar 3, 2023
Excessive oil usage
Engine, Jan 21, 2023
Excessive oil consumption
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 16, 2023
After purchasing the vehicle . The vehicle starting malfunctioning. From going into 0rmp to shutting back on after turn the vehicle off. Upon utilizing cruis control the vehicle automatically speeds without pressing the set miles .
Power train, Engine, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled while attempting to cross a bridge. The contact called a friend who assisted with towing the vehicle to her residence. The contact then drove the vehicle to two independent mechanics who attempted to retrieve fault codes but were unable to. The mechanics were unable to determine the cause of the failure. The sparks plugs were replaced, and an oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 106,697.
Engine, Nov 1, 2022
Good morning I bought a 2011 Chevy equinox it's still consuming lots of oil till finally the engine head gasket had to be repaired included are the , intake valves cylinder valves the rocket arms ,head bolts, timing belt kit had to removed and repair the cylinder head. The mechanic shop is in McAllen Texas.
Engine, Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had taken the vehicle multiple times to an independent mechanic where the catalytic converter had been replaced but the failure persisted. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the dealer who informed her that the failure was related to a defective timing chain. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and acknowledged the failure but stated there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 18, 2022
Engine Check Light On took in for diagnostic and was told nothing was wrong just over heated. Taken in multiple times. Finally on February 10, 2022 a visual inspection of leak was done to find rear main seal blew out and leaking oil! At which point it was recommended replacing engine. Through a search on 2011 Chevrolet Equinox it was found to be a common problem for this model. Also mentioned was transmission issues with jerky or slippage in gears ? in Automatic/Manual transmissions combination types! Plus having trouble with speed control revving up, going up and down hills as concerning with gas pedal sticking!
Engine, Oct 3, 2022
The motor is extremely bad for consuming oil. I replace oil every 2500 miles, and usually have to put 1-2 quarts in between changes. I replaced the motor about 5 months ago because the timing chain slapped a hole in the motor. I am currently experiencing the same issue now. The catalytic converter has also been replaced twice (900 each time) and is once again bad. This vehicle is a lemon and should not be sold.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2022
I purchased a 2011 Chevy Equinox LT from a used car dealer in April 2022 with 153,000 miles on it. The second day I had it the brake caliper completely fell off of my front passenger tire causing my wheels to lock. Couple days later I noticed that after an extended time of driving anything more than 10-15 minutes it. The RPMs would fluctuate sometimes dropping down to zero and the vehicle stalls. The excessive amount of oil used in this vehicle is ridiculous I literally got an oil change and a week later it said I was low but my oil notification on my Dash messages said oil life remaining 95% check engine light comes on and it's the p0042 for catalyst system not at threshold. This literally should be a class action lawsuit because this is ridiculous
Power train, Engine, Jun 4, 2022
This model with this VIN# was not listed for a recall, however, it burns oil excessively. The oil gets changed to only have to add oil numerous times before the next oil change. It is absolutely absurd that I have to purchase oil by the gallon. The second problem is the A/C. The check engine light comes on at times when the A/C is on, stays on for days or a week or so, go off, comes back on, and the cycle continues to repeat itself. The mass airflow sensor, oxygen sensors(upstream and down-stream) spark plugs, have all been replaced many times thinking the replacement parts were defected. It appears all of this has to do with a vehicle that was not well built. This car has had a lot of things to go wrong to include the transmission which was no good, and it does not appear that much else about the vehicle is good. It has taken a lot to keep this vehicle running! General Motors, please recall this vehicle? I do not have photos of the oil problem, because I am checking it approximately every two weeks, and more often if I must travel a long distance. I add oil as needed. The situation with the air resulted from getting the check engine light read at an auto parts store, and it is unnerving that it is always the same thing. I want to allow my grandson to take this car to college in August, but there is some uncertainty.
Engine, May 26, 2022
Was never informed of oil consumption issue. Consistently getting worse. Uses 1 quart every 1000 miles or less. No smoke, no leaking. No oil warning lights. No Check engine light. Was told by the dealer the recall has expired. Chevy said was due to oil consumption.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 15, 2022
stability control has come on the engine and it have reduce speed
Engine, Apr 27, 2022
While driving the vehicle, it stalled and the engine shut off in the middle of the road. After taking it into the respective vehicle's dealership, they came to find that the timing chain in the engine broke and the engine was no longer in running condition. I have two children under the age of 7 that were in the car that stalled in the middle of a busy road. I was able to make it into a median but if that had not been available we would have been left in a very dangerous situation. After looking into the issue, it is a known problem that the specific make and model of car has been experiencing, which the manufacturer GM had put an extended warranty on. The warranty is expired though and they are no longer willing to cover repair costs, even though it is a known problem that is ongoing. The check engine light was on for two weeks or so, but with this car, it usually would turn on when I needed to get the oil changed and would shut off after the change was made. That was my assumption was that the issue was this time as I would have no other reason to believe it wasn't the issue
Power train, Engine, Apr 26, 2022
Damages to my engine were caused solely as a direct result of excessive oil consumption caused by defective piston rings used by GM during manufacturing that caused piston ring wear. The repairs that are needed are the direct result of excessive oil consumption caused by defective piston ring wear causing time chain to stretch and break. I took very good care of my car and had the oil changed every 2,000 to 3,000 miles. I had the oil consumption test done at Thomas Chevrolet in Media, PA which proved my car was burning excessive oil which was supposed to be covered under multiple recalls from GM - SB 13-06-01-003F. I was told there was nothing wrong with my car and after driving only 2,605 miles, my engine failed. The guide broke off and was sheared into fragments, chain was roaming free, chain cut into top of valve cover, cracked formed in top of valve cover, oil was leaking out of hole, motor shavings all inside motor from internal parts, grinding was due to lack of lubrication from oil being lost, causing knocking noises. Dealer recommended engine replacement at a cost of $7,800. Also SB-10090101-2280-1 also concerns the oil consumption problem and timing chain.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
Excessive oil usage resulting in the need for a new engine. Car gave no warnings.. no engine light, no oil light, no issues previously starting up. Been looked at by the dealership and quoted $10k for a new engine. With only 150,000 miles, a 2 year old battery, a new water pump and alternator, and full synthetic regular oil changes; I do not believe there should be this significant engine damage to result in an engine replacement. I'm mostly upset that the car ran fine and then suddenly stopped with no warning and now there are such costly consequences that could not have been prevented if there are no signs of issues until it is at a point of no return. There is no oil leakage or any other fluid nor did the engine blow, smoke, or show any signs of failure.
Engine, Mar 16, 2022
Extreme oil usage. It is burning a little over one quart per 1,000 miles driven.
Engine, Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, the “Low Oil Pressure - Stop Engine” warning was displayed as the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact stated that her daughter stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator was depressed. The driver pulled over, turned off the vehicle and waited for a few minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure cause was diagnosed as excessive oil consumption. Additionally, the timing chain needed to be replaced. The contact stated that other engine parts also needed to be replaced. The unknown parts were replaced however, the failure continued. The vehicle was still at the independent mechanic waiting to be repaired. The contact stated that the failure first started three years ago. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as engine sludge and that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced due to the cost. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was opened. The contact stated that the case was denied. The approximate failure was 115,000
Engine, Mar 9, 2022
Was never informed of oil consumption issue. Consistently getting worse. Uses 1 quart every 1000 miles. No smoke, no leaking. No oil warning lights. Check engine light. Catalytic converter codes. Replaced under warranty. Chevy said was due to oil consumption.
Engine, Feb 23, 2022
Broke down on highway and had to coast off of highway causing a potential accident. Vehicle was purchased off private party. The vehicle shows no open recalls. According to GM service bulletin 15285D dated April 2017 GM acknowledges the issue with this engine. However, as the vehicle ages the problem only gets worse. After doing research, these defects are in many 2.4L ecotec engines, not just 2011 models. These defects will cause injury or death do to the sudden engine failure. In this case, oil got low and timing chain failed causing piston to brake cylinder head valves.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked outside of the dealership, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound coming from under the front hood of the vehicle. The contact notified the dealer of the issue and was informed that the noise would go eventually cease after driving the vehicle for a while. The issue persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was inspected and the contact was informed that the timing chain and assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that a year later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred and the vehicle shuddered and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was first towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by excessive oil consumption related to the timing chain assembly repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the instrument panel light, exterior headlights, and rear taillights were inoperable. The contact's cousin, an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle with timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 273,000.
Engine, Nov 23, 2021
Has 103,000 miles and is using a lot of oil. Will stop running in the middle of traffic. Must turn off engine and restart. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't. When restarted it will only run approximately 45 mph. Just purchased car one year ago.
Engine, Sep 18, 2021
The suv would not go in to drive when you change gears it only, goes in reverse.