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.
Engine, Mar 3, 2023
Excessive oil usage
Tires, Jan 31, 2023
Sidewall of tire blew while traveling at about 70 MPR on 4 month old tire. 225/65R17
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 .
Visibility/wiper, Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact pulled over and waited until the rain stopped falling before continuing to drive. The dealer was contacted and stated that an unstated bushing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 114,000.
Steering, Jan 2, 2023
Power steering malfunction and stop working while driving. Reported on many of these models.
Steering, Nov 22, 2022
Sometimes the past 2 half years the power steering goes out, a few years ago i took it to a dealer they did not find anything but its dangerous. I just seen on like that you all have a recall for it but its not showing on my VIN number,
Steering, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2022
purchased the car from some that passed away and did not get these items fixed before I got it. coverter/ lossing/using oil, and electric power steering system problem
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
Air bags, Aug 31, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated was driving at approximately 35 MPH when another vehicle cut in front of the contact's vehicle and the contact crashed into the passenger's front side door. The contact stated that she was unable to depress the brakes and her vehicle began to climb the side of the other person's vehicle. The contact stated that the driver and passenger air bags and side air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the vehicle disengaged from the other contact's vehicle and rolled off the roadway onto a grassy shoulder and stopped. The contact had lacerations and bruises on her neck, and neck vertebrae injuries. Also, she had bruises on both arms and wrists and lower back pain. The contact did not know what injuries the other driver suffered. The contact was taken to the ER by ambulance. The contact's vehicle was towed to her residence where the other driver's insurance adjuster inspected the contact's vehicle and declared it a total loss. The vehicle had not been repaired, however, the contact purchased the vehicle back from the other person's insurance provider. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and had assigned an investigator to check the air bags. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Seats, Aug 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated when entering the vehicle and sitting on the driver's seat, the seat dropped impairing the contact's access to visibility and ability to steer safely. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V447000 (Seats). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
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.
Air bags, May 21, 2022
The airbag light stays on. It’s a known problem with this vehicle. Hundreds of owners online with complaints. I believe it has to do with faulty wiring under drivers seat. I’m scared the bag will intermittently inflate. GMC has to know about it. It’s happening on all the equinox vehicles. Thank you
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.
Visibility, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH during a rainstorm, the contact heard the driver's side windshield wiper making a snapping noise before with the windshield wiper ceased operation. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
Seat belts, Apr 3, 2022
The driver's side seat belt was released, evidently striking a hard object, and damaged so that it is not operable. The plastic on the closure was shattered and the spring is gone. I have been to the dealer, Chevy Exchange in Lake Bluff, IL., and was told by the service advisor, Rick Eggan, that it will cost over $400. to repair and replace the entire mechanism. Meanwhile, I cannot use the seat belt since I cannot release it once it is locked in place.
Suspension, Electrical system, Service brakes, Mar 31, 2022
My brakes went to the floor going 55 then they got really hard to press almost wrecked had to get towed! Then after that the suspension felt really loose