2011 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 386about this part
- Share
- 49%of 782 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 386 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 49% of the 782 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 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“Oil consumption - have just received the warning oil pressure low - stop engine. Come to find out it is only covered before 120,000 miles or by september of this year. I received no notification of this issue. I have documented all service charges and timing of additional oil used. Talked with GM and they will not offer to reimburse for charges incurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11061477, filed 2018-01, 145,000 miles“My vehicle has been diagnosed and the timing chain and belt tensioners have gone bad and need replaced but my VIN is not listed under the recall. It's a 2011 chevy Equinox under the 120,000 mile specification. Knowing my vehicle's history before I came into ownership this was already replaced in 2015 but needs it again already so there's clearly a manufacturer's issue going on”
NHTSA complaint #11244128, filed 2019-08, 90,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 9% |
| 2025 | 24 | 10% |
| 2024 | 14 | 17% |
| 2023 | 18 | 18% |
| 2022 | 28 | 15% |
| 2021 | 16 | 16% |
| 2020 | 93 | 29% |
| 2019 | 100 | 32% |
| 2018 | 86 | 21% |
| 2017 | 180 | 65% |
| 2016 | 203 | 51% |
| 2015 | 227 | 33% |
| 2014 | 219 | 40% |
| 2013 | 412 | 55% |
| 2012 | 355 | 52% |
| 2011 | 386 | 49% |
| 2010 | 271 | 35% |
| 2009 | 18 | 19% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 37 | 5% |
| 2006 | 68 | 10% |
| 2005 | 55 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
145 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
76 complaintsFuel system
75 complaintsElectrical system
74 complaintsOther or unknown
58 complaintsElectronic stability control
55 complaintsAir bags
52 complaintsVehicle speed control
50 complaintsSteering
43 complaintsEngine cooling
34 complaintsBrakes
27 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology