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2011 Chevrolet Equinox complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2011 record →

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 2023OH

Excessive oil usage

Tires
Filed Jan 31, 2023OH

Sidewall of tire blew while traveling at about 70 MPR on 4 month old tire. 225/65R17

Engine
Filed Jan 21, 2023TN

Excessive oil consumption

Electrical System
Filed Jan 16, 2023FL

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
Filed Jan 12, 2023114,000 milesMA

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
Filed Jan 2, 2023VA

Power steering malfunction and stop working while driving. Reported on many of these models.

Steering
Filed Nov 22, 2022MD

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
Filed Nov 9, 2022WI

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

Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2022TX

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.

Power Train
Filed Nov 1, 2022106,697 milesIL

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
Filed Oct 26, 2022145,000 milesWI

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.

Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2022MI

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
Filed Oct 3, 2022WV

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.

Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2022AZ

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 BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 31, 202289,000 milesFL

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
Filed Aug 10, 2022150,000 milesIL

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.

Engine
Filed Jun 4, 2022AL

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
Filed May 26, 2022IA

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
Filed May 21, 2022MI

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

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 15, 2022MA

Stability control has come on the engine and it have reduce speed

Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2022IL

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

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 26, 2022156,000 milesMA

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.

Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2022PA

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.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 3, 2022IL

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
Filed Mar 31, 2022TX

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

Engine
Filed Mar 21, 2022CO

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
Filed Mar 16, 2022IL

Extreme oil usage. It is burning a little over one quart per 1,000 miles driven.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 12, 2022FL

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
Filed Mar 9, 2022NJ

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
Filed Mar 9, 2022115,000 milesOH

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 2, 2022FL

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
Filed Feb 23, 2022MI

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 17, 2022TX

The back hatchback will not stay open and has caused some minor injuries on accessing objects in back of car..

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Feb 9, 2022107,000 milesGA

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
Filed Feb 5, 2022OH

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
Filed Feb 1, 2022273,000 milesIL

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
Filed Dec 15, 2021114,000 milesWA

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
Filed Nov 23, 2021MD

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 13, 2021MI

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
Filed Oct 24, 2021VA

Transmission is slipping out of first gear to second, reverse Sticks, hard shifts from first gear to second gear to third gear

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2021IL

The suv would not go in to drive when you change gears it only, goes in reverse.

Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2021TN

Has the bad problem of oil consumption now at 120k miles its want even run anymore

Steering
Filed Jul 21, 2021PA

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 13, 202175,000 milesMN

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.

Steering
Filed Jul 13, 2021AZ

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 and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication
Filed Jun 3, 2021110,000 milesIN

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

Engine
Filed May 19, 2021FL

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
Filed May 12, 2021OK

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.

Engine
Filed May 6, 2021154,000 milesNC

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

Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2021114,279 milesNY

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

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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