2011 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Equinox years
More complaints than typical for this model
81/100 2.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.1× that of a typical Chevrolet Equinox year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 110 of its 782 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: Timing chain noise, stalling and engine damage (271 complaints, median 78,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2008, 2009, 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 782filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles, 628 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox most often write about excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.4L four-cylinder, which in many complaints progressed to timing chain noise, stalling, or engine replacement. Transmission failures — sudden loss of drive or reverse gears — are the second most common theme, and windshield wiper failures in rain are reported repeatedly at higher mileages.
- Engine
Excessive engine oil consumption (2.4L)
- 176 complaints (23%)
- median 97,700 mi at 7.7 yrs old (133 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $3,200 (median of 19 quotes)
- filed 2011–2026
Owners describe the engine using oil quickly between changes, often finding the dipstick dry while the oil-life monitor still showed remaining life and no low-oil warning appeared. Complaints commonly link this to piston ring wear, and some say dealers or independent shops attributed the consumption to the Ecotec 2.4L design and recommended ring or engine work. Several describe a ticking or knocking sound on acceleration that worsened as oil ran low. Reported across a wide range, most often between roughly 65,000 and 160,000 miles, sometimes developing over many months of gradually rising oil use.
What to check: Ask for oil change records and check the dipstick level yourself, ideally after the car has been driven; a low reading with no visible leak is the pattern owners describe. A service bulletin covers oil consumption diagnostics, so ask whether any consumption testing was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car was using excess amounts of oil yet the oil light never came on. I had all regularly scheduled oil changes. It had begun make a clanking/rattling noise during acceleration. When I took it to the dealer to have it looked at, it was completely empty of oil and no oil leak. It was stated that my car had an oil consumption issue per service bulletin 15285c.”
NHTSA complaint #11404650, filed 2021-03, 106,000 miles“I have had constant high oil consumption, have had to replace vvt solenoids twice, timing and balance shaft chains had to be replaced, engine misfiring. Can barely go 2 months without any issues. Always something wrong. I've looked this up and many people have had similar issues with this engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11402858, filed 2021-03, 124,000 miles - Engine
Timing chain noise, stalling and engine damage
- 271 complaints (35%)
- median 78,000 mi at 6.4 yrs old (229 state mileage)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,500 (median of 29 quotes)
- filed 2011–2026
Complaints describe rattling, ticking or knocking from the engine, rough idle, misfires and loss of power or stalling at speed, sometimes with the check engine light on. Mechanics in the complaints diagnosed stretched or failed timing chains, damaged valves or internal engine damage, and several owners were told the engine needed replacement. Some connect the damage to running low on oil. Mostly reported between about 75,000 and 150,000 miles, often after a period of oil consumption.
What to check: Listen for a rattle or tick at cold start and on light acceleration, and ask whether the timing chain, tensioner or related components have been replaced. A service bulletin addresses intake manifold replacement after severe internal engine damage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My engine was making noise so I took it to the shop. They said a bolt broke by the timing chain. Then they said it messed up the block and the engine needs replaced. I would start up my car and I head a rattling noise like something was loose. I would hear the vibration noise”
NHTSA complaint #11361452, filed 2020-09, 135,450 miles“I am currently experiencing issue with my 2011 chevy Equinox. Vehicle stalled while driving, idle's rough, and sounds like a rough. My vehicle has shut down multiple times while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11408151, filed 2021-04, 70,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers stop working in rain
- 54 complaints (7%)
- median 120,000 mi at 8.1 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2026
Complaints describe the wipers stopping mid-cycle, sometimes with a pop or snapping noise, while driving in heavy rain, and occasionally a wiper arm detaching or bending against the mirror. Owners report the motor can still be heard but the arms do not move, and dealers in the complaints diagnosed a failed wiper transmission or a worn bushing. Mostly reported above about 100,000 miles and almost always in wet weather.
What to check: Run the wipers at every speed setting, including with a wet windshield, and watch for hesitation, noise or a wiper that stops short of its travel. Ask whether the wiper transmission or linkage has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving in heavy rain on a highway my front windshield wipers simply stopped functioning in the up position causing an inability to see where I was going. They did not respond to repeated attempts to try to turn them back on. This created a very dangerous situation where I had to do my best to safely pull off to the side of the highway. My hazard lights also failed to work making the situation even more dangerous. Both wipers and hazards where previously working.”
NHTSA complaint #11323931, filed 2020-05, 141,000 miles“I heard a pop and then my wipers stopped working while I was driving at night completely in the rain. I could hear the motor but the wipers wouldn't move. I had no visability whatsoever. I was on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11309981, filed 2020-02, 127,633 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission loss of drive or reverse
- 90 complaints (12%)
- median 81,292 mi at 6.2 yrs old (80 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,250 (median of 12 quotes)
- filed 2011–2024
Owners describe the transmission slipping, hesitating or jerking, then suddenly losing forward or reverse gears while driving. Several complaints say the vehicle would rev but not move and had to be towed, with shops recommending a rebuild or replacement transmission. Some owners note a clunk or slight movement while in Park at start-up as well. Often reported between about 75,000 and 140,000 miles, with several failures described as sudden rather than gradual.
What to check: Drive the car through all gears including reverse from a cold start and check for slipping, delayed engagement or clunks. Ask whether the transmission fluid was serviced and whether a clunk-while-in-Park condition has been diagnosed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving down the road an I stopped. Tried giving it gas an rpms just went up. I was able to get it in 1st gear an go about 20mph for about 2 miles an then lost all gears. It is at the shop now an I just got the diagnosis. Need a new transmission. I believe it is time for GM to take all of this seriously an fix the problem there are to many complaints for the same thing with nothing being done. I cant afford this an most people can't but yet we are forced to pay for it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11318225, filed 2020-03, 138,900 miles“Vehicle has about 109,000 miles and suddenly, the transmission went out while driving. I figured out that it was able to drive in reverse only, so I moved it to a safe location. I had to have it towed into the dealer (out of warranty) and it was determined that since it was a closed system that there were a few options. In the end, I went to replace with a new transmission and have the warranties...the cost was about $2000 for minimal warranties or over $5000 for full warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11324185, filed 2020-05, 109,000 miles - Other or unknown
Power steering assist cuts out
- 37 complaints (5%)
- median 79,000 mi at 6.7 yrs old (31 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2025
Owners describe the power steering warning appearing and steering effort suddenly increasing, at both low and highway speeds, sometimes resolving after a restart. Some complaints say the assist failed intermittently over months or years, and some report a dealer diagnosis of an inoperative power steering motor or a fluid leak. Reported from roughly 65,000 to 160,000 miles, in both hot and cold weather and at a range of speeds.
What to check: Steer the car at parking-lot speeds and listen for assist noise, and ask whether the power steering warning has ever appeared or the steering motor or column has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have experienced at least 6 power steering failures while driving in the past 6 months (july 2020 thru jan 2021) that are extremely dangerous. Failures have happened from 15 MPH to 60 MPH. Electric assist shuts off and warning indicator for power steering service comes on. Do not need to be turning in any significant way or in any particular direction to trigger it. Happened on hot day in july and cold day in january and times in between. Steering, especially at low speeds, becomes very difficult. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389459, filed 2021-01, 65,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11637702, filed 2025-01, 78,000 miles
Buying note. These are high-mileage vehicles, so the condition of the 2.4L engine and the transmission matters more than the odometer alone — check oil level and service records carefully and drive the car through all gears. Also confirm the wiper linkage and power steering have been checked, and verify any open recall work was completed by VIN.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 782 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. 628 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 80,000 miles. Of all complaints, 30 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 41 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,768 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Equinox model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 81 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine386 49%
- Transmission and drivetrain145 19%
- Fuel system75 9.6%
- Electrical system74 9.5%
- Other or unknown58 7.4%
- Electronic stability control55 7.0%
- Air bags52 6.7%
- Vehicle speed control50 6.4%
- Steering43 5.5%
Also reported: Engine cooling (34), Brakes (27), Body and structure (15), Seat belts (13), Seats (9), Suspension (6), Wheels (6), Equipment (5), Tires (4), Exterior lighting (2), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “My husband, newborn baby and I were driving on the highway when the vehicle suddenly slowed and then stalled in the middle of traffic. This occured every time my husband used the brakes. Luckily we managed to make it back home safely. The vehichle constantly needs oil and then it died for the last time about a month ago as we pulled into a family members driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #11229105, filed 2019-07, 110,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The car has began using ridiculous amounts of oil, I have to put a quart of oil in every couple of weeks, the other issue is the transmission has started having issues it literally just passed the 100k mileage mark and this started, as if it was timed by the warranty, I see tons of people with this issue”
NHTSA complaint #11180087, filed 2019-02, 103,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I was driving down the road traveling at 65mph in the rain when my windshield wipers stopped working. The motor was working, stating that it was heard. The wiper transmission on the other hand had stopped. The plastic bushings were loose and snapped off. This will be the 3rd time replacing them in the last two months. Going to change the whole system now.”
NHTSA complaint #11204138, filed 2019-04, 119,000 milesFuel system: “I have had my SUV worked on 6 different times due stalling, loosing power, cutting out,and not wanting to accelerate . They replaced the throttle body updated the computer replaced air filter, etc. Worked for 2 weeks and now is still having this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11204719, filed 2019-04, 134,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 628 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 46,000 and 113,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Equinox · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Chevrolet Equinox version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Equinox FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 16V502000Jul 5, 2016Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2013, Cruze 2011–2016, Malibu 2013–2016 +4 more
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…
- 14V447000Jul 23, 2014Seats › Front assembly › Power adjustCovers: Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2012, GMC Terrain 2010–2012, Cadillac SRX 2010–2012 +3 more
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…
- 10V623000Dec 15, 2010Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Chevrolet Equinox 2011, Cadillac SRX 2011, GMC Terrain 2011
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.
Recall details for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE20009Momentary Increased Steering EffortClosed · Jun 1, 2020
- EA19005Front Wiper Transmission InoperativeClosed · Dec 13, 2019
- RQ18002Windshield Wiper Transmission FailureClosed · Nov 2, 2018
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,768 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11032947May 19, 2026Other or unknown. This document provides the technician with a diagnostic tip if the vehicle stalls and set diagnostic trouble code P0191 and may also set P0172. The diagnostic tip has the technician inspect the high…
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Equinox
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 78 | 2,839 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 241 | 8,300 | 0 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 82 | 13,494 | 1 | — | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 99 | 22,001 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 47 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 186 | 20,925 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 100 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 318 | 13,990 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 92 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 310 | 9,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 83 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 410 | 22,250 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 94 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 276 | 68,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 3 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 399 | 65,000 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 680 | 74,500 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 549 | 79,250 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 751 | 80,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 685 | 81,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 782 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 784 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 94 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 370 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 685 | 75,738 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 695 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 638 | 69,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Chevrolet Equinox model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox most often write about excessive engine oil consumption on the 2.4L four-cylinder, which in many complaints progressed to timing chain noise, stalling, or engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Excessive engine oil consumption (2.4L); Timing chain noise, stalling and engine damage; Windshield wipers stop working in rain.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA recorded 782 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 386 complaints (49% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 145.
Has the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox (Equinox FWD, 3.0L 6-cyl · flex-fuel) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox reported?
Among the 628 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 80,000 miles and the middle half falls between 46,000 and 113,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.