2011 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 145about this part
- Share
- 19%of 782 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 145 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 19% of the 782 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“I was driving on a city road and the car jerked and would not shift out of first gear. I tried to push it, but it would not go. I slowed down to a stop light and my car would not go. Once I managed to get it into a parking lot, all gears totally locked up and I could not even get it in neutral. The chevy dealership says I need a new transmission. I only have 76k miles on this one before it went up.”
NHTSA complaint #11044567, filed 2017-11, 76,000 miles“While driving car trembled a little a minute or so before it seemingly lost power, no accelerstion, steering wheel locked. Lights remained on dash but no power. No warning lights. Nothing. Thankfully was able to safely stop near side of the road and turned thebkey and car started like nothing happened. Thankful I was exiting a parking lot, and wasnt on the highway like I was just a few hours prior. I couldve been killed”
NHTSA complaint #11124466, filed 2018-09, 115,000 miles“This vehicle has never gotten anywhere near the advertised epa estimated gas mileage. I have over 20000 miles on it now and have only averaged around 23 mpg on the highway in eco mode. This really should be considered false advertising. I bought the vehicle mainly because of the estimated 30 mpg. Really disappointed in GM at this point.”
NHTSA complaint #10574022, filed 2014-03, 50 miles“While driving on the freeway it would shut off during low speeds. Issue happened 20+ time during one 15 minute drive. I would need to put the car in neutral to start it again, but once I slowed down it would shut off. This also happened when stopped at a light, once I pressed on the accelerator to begin moving, the vehicle would stall out, powering off and requiring me to place in neutral to start again.”
NHTSA complaint #10908392, filed 2016-09, 89,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 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…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 22% |
| 2025 | 35 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 13% |
| 2023 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 13% |
| 2019 | 37 | 12% |
| 2018 | 66 | 16% |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% |
| 2016 | 27 | 7% |
| 2015 | 63 | 9% |
| 2014 | 40 | 7% |
| 2013 | 80 | 11% |
| 2012 | 84 | 12% |
| 2011 | 145 | 19% |
| 2010 | 182 | 23% |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 4% |
| 2005 | 114 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
386 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 31, 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