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
782 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, ENGINE POWER WAS SUDDENLY LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Oct 17, 2013
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHEVROLET (JULY 2013) EXPLAINING THAT THERE ARE ISSUES WITH NUMEROUS ENGINE PARTS, PARTICULARLY THE FUEL PUMP AND BALANCE CHAIN. CHEVROLET STATED THAT THEY ARE EXTENDING MY POWER TRAIN WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. I HAVE HAD THE BALANCE CHAIN REPLACE TWICE ALREADY. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE CONDITION WITH THE FUEL PUMP COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE. THE LETTER FROM CHEVROLET STATES: "IN ADDITION, THE FUEL PUMP PLUNGER SHAFT SEAL MAY WEAR AND ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE CRANKCASE, WHICH WOULD ILLUMINATE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. THIS CAN CAUSE RUN-ON AND/OR THE ENGINE TO RUN ROUGH". I WOULD ASSUME THAT THE ENGINE AND OIL IN THE EQUINOX WOULD REACH VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN OPERATED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. THE INTRODUCTION OF FUEL INTO THE CRANKCASE AND ENGINE COULD POSSIBLY IGNITE. ALSO THE FAILURE OF THE BALANCE CHAIN COULD CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE UNDER SOME DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT COULD LEAVE THE CAR INOPERABLE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE CHEVY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DEFECTIVE PARTS AND POTENTIAL DANGER THEIR FAILURE COULD CAUSE. CHEVROLET SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO ISSUE A RECALL TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE PARTS.. *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2013
I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH MY 2011 CHEVY EQUINOX THAT STARTED OCCURRING ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I PURCHASED IT. THE MAIN CONCERNS ARE THE ENGINE NOISE AND HOW ROUGH IT RUNS, FEELING AS THOUGH I AM BEING REAR-ENDED IN TRAFFIC (WHEN MOVING FORWARD FROM A COMPLETE STOP IT LURCHES FORWARD, GIVING THE FEELING OF BEING HIT), ROUGH START UP (SOUNDS LIKE AN OLD CAR AT TIMES) AND THE CAR STUTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING (ALMOST FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL OUT). I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR NOW AND HAVE READ THAT MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES. I HAVE TAKEN IT FOUR TIMES GIVING THEM THE SAME DESCRIPTION EACH TIME AT WHICH THEY STATE THAT THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THESE ISSUES. THEY KEEP MY CAR FOR HOURS AND DO NOTHING TO IT. I AM A SINGLE MOM SO I CAN'T LEAVE MY CAR WITHOUT IT CAUSING MAJOR ISSUES FOR ME AS I HAVE TO TAKE MY SON TO AND FROM SCHOOL. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GM STATING THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND ENGINE BALANCE CHAIN AND DESCRIBES WHAT MY VEHICLE IS DOING NOW-I BELIEVE I HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE AND I AM WORRIED THAT I WILL END UP BREAKING DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT SOME POINT OR WORSE STALL OUT AND END UP IN AN ACCIDENT! IN ADDITION TO THE ENGINE PROBLEMS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE DEFROSTER, IT JUST DOESN'T CLEAR THE WINDOWS FAST ENOUGH, ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEREO (MAKES A STATIC, DISTORTED SOUND WITH THE USB PORT) AND THE DRIVERS SIDE SQUEAKS BECAUSE IT RUBS UP AGAINST THE MIDDLE CONSOLE. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT. I AM HOPING THAT ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUES WITH REGARD TO THE ENGINE AND CAUSE GM TO DEAL WITH IT APPROPRIATELY! WE SHOULD NOT FEEL AFRAID THAT OUR NEW CAR WILL BREAK DOWN ON US, ESPECIALLY WITH OUR CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLES! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 20, 2013
RECEIVED NOTICE FROM CHEVROLET 2.4L ENGINE MAY CONTAIN 2 PARTS SUBJECT TO PREMATURE FAILURE DUE TO WEAR. FAILURE OF EITHER PART HAS POTENTIAL TO RENDER VEHICLE INOPERABLE AND CAUSE MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE. CHEVROLET'S PROPOSED FIX IS FOR OWNER TO DRIVE VEHICLE TO FAILURE AND THEN DELIVER IT TO A DEALER AND THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO CHARGE. OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECTED TO THE PERSONAL SAFETY RISK OF BEING STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD LATE AT NIGHT OR ON SOME DESERTED HIGHWAY. CHEVROLET'S PROPOSED SOLUTION IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE; THE DEFECTIVE PARTS SHOULD BE REPLACED BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT WHILE WAITING FOR HELP. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 17, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, MY VEHICLE TOOK A HARD SHARP RIGHT WHILE I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE. IF A CAR HAD BEEN BESIDE ME I WOULD OF CRASHED. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE SO, I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE TIRES AND ALL WERE FINE. AS I GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE MY VEHICLE KEPT PULLING RIGHT. WHEN I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN TO MAKE A LEFT I COULD BARELY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME AFTER MUCH " MAN HANDLING" WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD AND 3 YEAR OLD IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. MY CHILDREN WERE CRYING. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY READ ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET. I HOPE A RECALL WILL BE ISSUED SOON AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY ONE HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED THUS FAR. MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT THE EQUINOX BECAUSE WE PREVIOUSLY HAD A CAMRY THAT ACCELERATED ON ME WHILE MY CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO CAR SAFETY? I AM BEGINNING TO NOT FEEL SAFE IN ANY VEHICLE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 17, 2013
SO MY TRACTION CONTROL AN ABS LIGHT GOES OFF AN I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED, AND IT APPEARS MY LEFT WHEEL SENSOR IS FAULTY AND CAN CAUSE LOCK UP IN BREAKS AND DECREASED POWER. TURNS OUT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL CHEVY EQUINOX MODELS.THERE HAVE BEEN VARIOUS COMPLAINTS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT AS I SEE THIS AS A MAJOR ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN,PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION. *TR
Engine, Sep 5, 2013
VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD "TICKING" NOISE FROM THE ENGINE, SEEMS LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM TWO LOCATIONS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS LOW OCTANE GAS CAUSING THE LIFTERS TO TICK. I KEEP MY CAR METICULOUSLY AND ON THE NEXT REFUEL FILLED IT WITH 93 OCTANE, STILL THE TICKING CONTINUED, AND IN TIME BECAME LOUDER. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ONLY PUT A NOISE REDUCER OVER THE FUEL INJECTION AREA. THIS PROBLEM DIDN'T EXIST AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE NOR A YEAR AGO. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A FAULTY PART OF POOR ENGINE DESIGN. I HAVE READ OTHER POSTS OF INDIVIDUALS HAVING TO HAVE THEIR TIMING CHAIN REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP ONLY PLACED A REDUCER FOR THE NOISE BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. *JB
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHENEVER SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE A/C, IT WOULD BLOW HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONDENSER, EXPANSION VALVE AND THE COMPRESSOR WERE DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 11, 2013
EQUINOX WITH 4 CYLINDER ENGINE HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE PURCHASED IN JULY 2011. ENGINE MADE LOUD NOISE EACH TIME STARTED. RETURNED TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR PROBLEM WITH NO RESULTS. IN MAY 2013, ENGINE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CAM INTAKE BUT WILL NOT GUARANTEE THAT FUTURE PROBLEMS MAY OCCUR. ADDITIONALLY, THIS VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ANOTHER ISSUE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM - WHINING NOISE. DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED YET. WILL CONTINUE TO RETURN TO DEALERSHIP REPAIR SHOP. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Jul 2, 2013
LET ME TAKE 5 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO TELL YOU A STORY THAT MIGHT BE ALSO EXPERIENCED BY OTHER EQUINOX DRIVERS. ABOUT 18 MONTHS AGO, EVERY TIME I WOULD GET INTO MY WIFE'S EQUINOX, WHICH IS UNDER MY NAME, I WOULD START A FIGHT WITH HER, BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD SMELL HUMID AND WILL PROMPT ASTHMA ATTACKS. ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE WOULD PICK ME UP FROM THE AIRPORT, THE CAR WOULD SMELL LIKE AN OLD WET-RUG. I WOULD TURN THE AIR CONDITIONER HIGHER AND THE SMALL WOULD BE WORST, SO I WOULD GET MAD AT HER AND ASKED HER TO SEND THE CAR TO THE CLEANING AND ALSO ASKED THE ORALLY CHEVROLET TO CHANGE THE AIR FILTERS. FOR 18 MONTHS MY WIFE AND KIDS WOULD SMELL THE SAME CHEMICAL, NOT KNOWING THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A LEAK FROM THE AIR COMPRESSOR, WHICH WAS LETTING POISON FREON GAS INTO THE SUV. PLUS I WOULD GET SO ANGRY AT MY WIFE FOR THE HUMID SMELL NOT KNOWING THAT IT WAS NOT HER FAULT. I HARDLY WOULD DRIVE THE EQUINOX, BECAUSE THE MOMENT I WOULD TURN THE AIR, I WOULD STOP BREATHING AS THE GAS WILL SPARK AN ASTHMA ATTACK. FINALLY, OUR AIR-SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING AND WE TOOK THE SUV TO THE SHOP WHERE THE CONDENSER HAS BEEN REPLACE AND THE SMELL AS AN OLD-RUG AND ASTHMA ATTACKS ARE NOT GONE. MY WORRY, FOR 18 MONTHS, MY KIDS AND WIFE GO TO BREATHE FREON A HIGHLY TOXIC GAS, WHICH GAVE ME ASTHMA ATTACKS. I WOULD LIKE IF MORE DRIVERS ARE SENDING COMPLAINTS ABOUT FREON GETTING INSIDE THEIR EQUINOX. THIS IS A HEALTH ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPENED TO CONSUMERS. *TR
Engine, Jun 27, 2013
I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM WORK BACK IN JANUARY 2013 AND I STOPPED MY CAR AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I BEGAN TO DRIVE AGAIN, BUT THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. RESTARTED THE ENGINE, STOPPED AT THE NEXT TRAFFIC LIGHT, AND THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSIS AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING, BUT RECOMMENDED ME TO DO THE FUEL INDUCTION AND FUEL INJECTION SERVICE BECAUSE OF THE CARBON BUILT UP. I QUESTIONED THEM WHY THE CARBON BUILT UP SO QUICKLY (25K MILES) FOR THIS CAR WHILE THE OTHER CARS I HAD OWNED DO NOT HAVE THE CARBON BUILT UP UNTIL MUCH LATER TIME AND MILEAGE. THE DEAL TOLD ME THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE CARBON BUILT UP THAT EARLY. I END UP HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND LEFT THE DEALER. SINCE 5/27/13, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. AFTER IT OCCURRED AT LEAST ONCE EVERY WEEK FOR THREE WEEKS, I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, A CODE OF P0011 INTAKE CAMSHAFT POSITION PERFORMANCE: FOUND OIL LEVEL (THE PRINT OUT WAS CUT SHORT). I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE OIL WAS 2&1/2 QUARTS SHORT, BUT COULD NOT FIND ANY LEAKING. I ASKED IF IT MIGHT BE AN INTERNAL OIL COMBUSTION, AND WAS ADVISED TO CHANGE THE OIL, COME BACK AFTER 1000 MILES TO PERFORM OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I QUESTIONED THE SERVICE REP WHY THE ENGINE OIL IS SO LOW AFTER 5 MONTH AND 6K MILES. HE SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL. I AGREED TO CHANGE THE OIL AND DO THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I CALLED THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR ADVISE, SHE TALKED WITH ME AND THE SERVICE REP IN THE DEALERSHIP, AND ADVISED ME TO WAIT AFTER THE 1000 MILE TEST. I AM NERVOUS BECAUSE THIS IS A REPEATED PROBLEM. I NEED THE CAR TO GO TO WORK EVERYDAY AND THE ENGINE MIGHT STOP AGAIN AND AN ACCIDENT MAY HAPPEN, IN THE MEAN TIME, ALL I CAN DO IS TAKING THE RISK AND HOPE NOTHING DANGEROUS WILL HAPPEN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 20, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR INTERSTATE DECREASING MY SPEED FROM 55 TO 40. THE CAR CONTINUED TO DECREASE THE SPEED WITHOUT INTERVENTION FROM ME. I APPLIED GAS TO INCREASE THE SPEED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT GO ABOVE 5 MILES ALTHOUGH THE GAS PEDAL WAS PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. I COASTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF ROAD WAITED TO CLEAR TRAFFIC AND CHANGED SEVERAL LANES GOING 5 MILES AN HOUR. IT WAS FRIGHTENING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND AFTER THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THEIR ANALYSIS STATED IT NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE. YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING!! HOW STUPID DOES THIS DEALERSHIP THINK I AM - JUST BRUSHING OFF THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. THE ENGINE RUNS VERY ROUGH AND LOUD. TODAY, IN ANOTHER LOCATION THERE WAS A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WITH A CAR AND 2 TRACTOR TRAILERS. THE NEWS PERSON STATED THE CAR JUST BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WITHOUT ANY APPARENT CAUSE AND STOPPED. THIS SOUNDS WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. CHEVY NEEDS TO EXPLAIN AND FIX THE PROBLEM. I DON'T TRUST THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Engine, Jun 15, 2013
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AT SLOW-MID SPEEDS (LESS THAN 30 MPH), IT LOSES POWER. IT APPEARS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN GEAR AND ENGINE BOGS DOWN. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF, AND RESTARTED. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND THE DEALER HAS MADE 3 REPAIRS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, HOWEVER IT STILL OCCURS. LAST SERVICE WAS 6-5-13, PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN 6-14-13. OVERALL THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 10 TIMES SINCE BUYING THE VEHICLE IN FEB. 2011. *TR
Air bags, Jun 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE BACK, NECK AND FINGERS FROM THE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Engine, May 12, 2013
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SHAKING, AND RATTLING WHILE DRIVING, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. EVENTUALLY THE ENGINE STALLED AND STALLED SEVERAL TIMES UPON RESTARTING THE ENGINE. THE SERVICE TEAM SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE AN O2 SENSOR. SINCE THEN THE CAR IS STILL STALLING AND RIDING ROUGH BUT DOES NOT HAPPEN AS OFTEN. SERVICE DEPARTMENT KEEPS TELLING ME THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO ?REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM?. SO FAR THE CAR HAS STALLED ON ME 4 TIMES IN LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER BEING THE IN SHOP TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. A CAR WITH LESS THAN 45,000 MILES SHOULD NOT BE DOING THIS !! THIS POSES A DANGER TO THE PUBLIC AND MY FAMILY IF IT STALLS AND I AM UNABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD IN TIME TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Power train, May 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEIZED IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES CONTINUOUSLY SLIPPED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHENEVER MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 700 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,500. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED BY A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING GASOLINE INTO THE MOTOR OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DETAILS OF THE REPAIR WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,100. UPDATED 7/15/13 *CN
Air bags, Apr 22, 2013
I DROVE THE 2011 EQUINOX TO THE GYM PARKING LOT, FROM UNPAVED TO A PAVED PARKING LOT. I DROVE SLOWLY WITH THE SPEED ABOUT 5-8 MPH, WHILE LOOKING FOR A PARKING SPACE . SUDDENLY, THE AIR BAG IN FRONT OF ME, AND THE OTHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH A BAD SMELL. MY RIGHT ARM AND HAND WERE INJURED AND BLEEDING, AND MY INDEX FINGER WAS HURTING. THE NEXT DAY, I FOUND MORE BLUENESS IN BOTH ARMS, AND THEY WERE SWOLLEN, AND MY INDEX FINGER WAS STILL HURTING. THE POLICE OFFICER TOLD ME THIS WAS NOT A CAR ACCIDENT, AND HE WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO GIVE A REPORT. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET THE SAME DAY, 04/02/13. A THIRD PARTY INSPECTOR DID AN INSPECTION ON 04/08/13 AND SENT THE REPORT TO THE COMPANY. THE REASON I BOUGHT THIS CAR WAS FOR ITS SIZE THAT SEEMED MORE SAFE THAN A SMALL CAR. I DON'T UNDERSTAND. 1. HOW AND WHY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO CAR ACCIDENT? 2. WHY ALL THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH ONLY THE DRIVER IN THE CAR AND NO ONE IN THE BACK SEAT? 3. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, THE AIR BAGS ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT PEOPLE IN A CAR ACCIDENT, NOT INJURE THE DRIVER WITHOUT A CAR ACCIDENT. 4. IN THIS SITUATION, THE AIR BAG HURT THE DRIVER, WOULD I BE ABLE TO USE THIS CAR TO DRIVE ON A ROUGH ROAD OR A COUNTRY ROAD? I WAS INFORMED TO CALL A NUMBER. I CALLED THE NUMBER TWICE AND LEFT MESSAGES. VOICE MESSAGE STATED, I WOULD BE CONTACTED BY A CASE MANAGER WITHIN 24 HOURS. BUT, MORE THAN 24 HOURS HAD PASSED, AND NO ONE CONTACTED ME. MY CAR IS STILL AT THE CHEVROLET DEALER. PLEASE HELP ME, AND ALSO HELP THE COMPANY TO MAKE SAFE CARS FOR CONSUMERS.
Engine, Apr 4, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY 2011 CHEVY EQUINOX JUST STALLED ON ME. IT RESTARTED AND RAN FINE. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT DID THE SAME THING. IN JANUARY 2013 IT STALLED ON ME 6 TIMES WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED MY CAMSHAFT ACTUATORS. WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF HAVING THOSE REPLACED, THE CAR STARTED STALLING ON ME AGAIN. AGAIN I TOOK THE EQUINOX TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY REPLACED THE SOLENOID VALVES. THE CAR HAS NOT STALLED ON ME SINCE THAT TIME, BUT IT DOES RUN ROUGH AND THE ENGINE MISSES WHEN I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. I BELIEVE IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL IT BEGINS TO STALL AGAIN. THE CRUISE HAS ACTUALLY TURNED OFF BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE MISSING. I FEEL THE CAR IS UNSAFE BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO STALL. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BE REAR-ENDED WHEN IT STALLS OR IT WILL STALL WHEN I PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE THE CAR VERY FAR FROM HOME FOR FEAR OF GETTING STRANDED. I FEEL THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Service brakes, Mar 6, 2013, crash
WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AT A LOW SPEED I HAD TO STOP DUE TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPING. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES STARTED PULSING AND I HAD NO STOPPING ABILITIES UNTIL I HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. AGAIN THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED, I WAS MERGING INTO TRAFFIC AT A LOW SPEED WHEN THE CAR INFRONT OF ME SLAMS THEIR BRAKES AND I FOLLOW MY APPLYING MY BRAKES. AGAIN THE BRAKES PULSED AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP. THE SECOND TIME I HAD MORE THAN TWO CAR SPACES BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE OTHER CAR WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE ROAD CONDITIONS FOR BOTH INCIDENTS WERE CLEAR AND NO VISIBLE LIQUID ON THE ROAD. EACH TIME THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTING THROUGH THE GEARS. *TR
Engine, Feb 28, 2013
I BOUGHT MY 2011 EQUINOX LATE 2011. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS ON AND OFF WITH THE ENGINE. FIRST IT STARTED MAKING AN AWFUL RACKET WHENEVER IT WAS FIRST STARTED. SOMETIMES ONLY ONCE A WEEK OR SO, SOMETIMES 2-3 TIMES A DAY. CHRISTMAS DAY 2012, WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE WITH GIFTS AND SUCH I HAD STARTED IT SO THAT IT WOULD BE WARM WHEN WE WERE DONE. BUT BEFORE WE WERE DONE THE CAR STARTED TO SPUTTER AND ACT LIKE IT WAS OUT OF FUEL. I TURNED IT OFF AND AFTER I RESTARTED IT RAN FINE BUT ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. LIGHT WENT OFF AFTER ABOUT 50 MILES. FROM CHRISTMAS 2012 TO FEBRUARY 20, 2013 THAT SPUTTERING HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY AND THEN TURNED INTO A LITTLE WORSE OF AN ISSUE AND MY ENGINE POWER REDUCED MESSAGE STARTED COMING ON AND I'D HAVE TO STOP AND RESTART THE CAR BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT.THE CAR WOULD BE 'SPUTTERING' OR FEEL AS THOUGH I WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS. IT GOT TO WHERE WHEN THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED MESSAGE CAME ON, BEFORE I COULD EVEN PULL OVER TO SHUT IT OFF THE 'SPUTTERING' WAS SO BAD THAT MY CHECK STABILITRAC MESSAGE WOULD COME ON TOO. I NOTICED THAT MY MPG HAD WENT DOWN ALSO. 2-20-13, I PARKED THE CAR AND DIDN'T DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP COULD LOOK AT IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 2-26-13 AND I GOT IT BACK TODAY 2-28-13. THEY REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AND SOME OF THE WIRING FOR THE THROTTLE BODY AND IT RUNS LIKE A DREAM (SO FAR ANYWAY). IN FACT, I'M NOT SURE THAT IT EVER RAN THIS WELL THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE OWNED IT. *TR
Power train, Engine, Feb 22, 2013
ON 18 DEC 2012 THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD WHILE EXITING A PARKING LOT. TEN MINUTES LATER THE CAR LOST ALL POWER ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. . . . THE CAR WAS DEAD. POLICE ARRIVED TO WARN ME OF BEING IN A VERY DANGEROUS SPOT. I WAS TOWED BY AAA TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP = OIL/FILTER CHANGE. ODOMETER - 9778. THE OLD PROBLEM RECURRED TODAY 22 FEB 2013. ODOMETER 10329 SLUGGISHNESS, SLOW RESPONSE TO ACCELERATION, DIED TWICE IN REVERSE, AND GENERAL UNDEPENDABLE. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT IS A HAZARD ON THE ROAD. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 03/20/13*LJ UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ UPDATED 04/19/2013 *JS
Power train, Feb 20, 2013
2011 CHEVY EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON TWO OCCASION, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO RE-ENGAGE WHILE MAKING A SLOW ROLLING TURN FROM A CENTER TURNING LANE INTO A DRIVEWAY. IN BOTH SITUATION, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT ENGAGE LEAVING THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE PATH OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IN EACH SITUATION, THE VEHICLE NEED TO BE PLACED IN PARK, SHUT OF AND THEN RE-STARTED IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE TRAFFIC LANE. THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED IN SEPTEMBER 2012 AND THE SECOND OCCURRENCE HAPPENED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2013. THE DEALER EXAMINED AND TESTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO PROBLEM.
Engine, Feb 18, 2013
PURCHASED THIS 2011 EQUINOX LT 4 CY ON 4/25/2011. AFTER A FEW MONTHS IT STARTED HESITATING AND STALLING AND A CHECK ENGINE CODE P0011. SO ON 7/15/2011 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE INTAKE CAM SOLENOID AND OIL. SEEMED BETTER BUT STILL HESITATED ONCE IN A WHILE SO I BROUGHT BACK ON 9/27/2011 AND THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE.WE LIVED WITH THE HESITATION UNTIL 2/11/2013 WHEN IT STARTING RUNNING BAD AND STALLED A COUPLE TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH A P0011 CODE AGAIN. THIS TIME I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT WAS CLOSER AND THEY TEST BOTH ACTUATOR SOLENOIDS AND AT THE TIME OF THE TEST THEY WHERE BOTH WORKING. THEY CHECKED THE DEBRIS SCREENS AND THERE WAS NO DEBRIS TO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE ACTUATOR. SO WITH NO OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROBLEM THEY SAID THE OIL WAS DIRTY, EVEN THOUGH THE OIL HAD LESS THAN 2500 MILES AND THE COMPUTER LIFE OIL SENSOR SAID I WAS AT 64%. AND THEY STATED THAT THE OIL DID NOT READ ON THE DIP STICK. MY SUV WITH 24K MILES AND LESS THAN 2500 MILES ON SINCE A OIL CHANGE HAD BURNED OVER A QUART AND A HALF OF OIL. *TR