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 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.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 12, 2022
The windshield wiper linkage disconnects when the windshield wipers are placed on the highest setting causing me to not be able to drive in the rain.
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2022
i was pulling out of a business in my town and the vehicle shut off several feet onto highway us 41 with traffic comeing both way towards me and i was stopped crossways and coasted into a vacant lot .i kept pushing the accelerator and it stated back up and stopped again ,then suddenly started and i made it home!i had it checked at my home by a licened mechanicand all codes read everything was w.orking as it should,no default error, i could have easily ben killed when it stopped,now what should i do?
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2022
The back hatchback will not stay open and has caused some minor injuries on accessing objects in back of car..
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.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 5, 2022
Driving on the highway while it was raining and I had my wipers on and all of a sudden they stopped working. Wipers aren’t moving at all but can hear the motor turning. Assuming it’s in the wiper trans/linkage assembly.
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.
Steering, Dec 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving in a parking lot, the steering became difficult to turn. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and the steering wheel started to operate as designed. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE20009 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2021
Windshield wiper linkage motor/ transmission. Replaced once already. Stopped working again. Bushings are crap. Having to replace the whole thing for bad bushings.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 24, 2021
Transmission is slipping out of first gear to second, reverse Sticks, hard shifts from first gear to second gear to third gear
Engine, Sep 18, 2021
The suv would not go in to drive when you change gears it only, goes in reverse.
Engine, Aug 14, 2021
has the bad problem of oil consumption now at 120k miles its want even run anymore
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 21, 2021
My car was purchased used at a Chevrolet dealership. I noticed right away that the carjerks when I accelerate, it also stalls when trying to accelerate when making a turn which cam cause an accident. The vehicle revs and slowly moves and then takes off. Its a dragging motion when driving its very slow. The steering wheel locks when turning as if I need power steering fluid. This car is a hazard, waiting to happen. When starting it, it makes this loud humming noise. I just had it inspected and the mechanic said the car was fine, but driving it is a different story.
Steering, Jul 13, 2021
Once on a while the power steering locks for approximately 3 or 4 seconds and a light that’s looks like some pliers lights up. It probably be a issue with the power steering motor.
Engine, Jul 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while checking the oil in the vehicle, he noticed that there was little to no oil on the dipstick. The contact stated that he changed the oil and that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle had been diagnosed with excessive oil consumption by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning while depressing the accelerator pedal. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the failure was a known issue however, the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The contact was then transferred to the NHTSA by the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 19, 2021
The engine oil rings are faulty ,it's a manufacturer issue but lawsuits have been the only outcome .it also has many environmental hazards involved as well as public safety as this vehicle spews massive amounts of oil and gas and other nasty things out onto the road behind it from the exhaust.
Air bags, May 12, 2021
THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ONE YESTERDAY 05/11/2021 BUT THEN TURNED OFF. IT WILL ALERT WHEN I START THE CAR AND INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, May 6, 2021
BOUGHT THE EQUINOX USED.SURE WISH I WOULD HAVE RESEARCHED BETTER. IT RAN DRY OF OIL. DASH READ 55% OIL LIFE AT THE TIME. CAR JUST CUT OFF ON ME AND AFTER DISCOVERING A DRY DIPSTICK AND REPLENISHING OIL, IT SOUNDED LIKE A BROKEN SEWING MACHINE, VERY LOUD RATTLING! CAR SHAKES SO BAD WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, WE ARE SCARED IT IS JUST GOING TO DIE IN TRAFFIC.CAR WILL NOT IDLE TO WARM UP. IT CUTS OFF.AND ONCE I GET GOING, I ALMOST HAVE TO PUMP GAS PEDAL STEADILY TO KEEP IT RUNNING. HORRIBLE!!! AND MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2021
THE CAR ALWAYS NEEDED OIL, AND WE DID KNOW WHY TIL THE TIMING BELT WENT AND THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED AND IT COST US OVER 2850.00 THEN WE FOUND OUT GM PUT A BAD SPRAY OILER FOR THE TIMING BELT AS FOR THE GOING THROUGH SO MUCH OIL WE ARE UNSURE. I DID HEAR OF A LAWSUIT WE JUST WOULD LIKE OUR MONEY BACK FOR THE MOTOR REPLACEMENT IT'S A VERY BAD LEMON GM ON THE 2.4 LITER ENGINE THEY MADE