2011 Chevrolet Equinox Problems, Recalls & Reliability
1,139 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, alongside 3 recall campaigns and 3 defect investigations. It scores 100/100 on the trouble index — one of the years to avoid for this model. Engine leads the reports, typically around 86,000 miles.
Avoid this year if you can. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox sits at the top of this model's complaint rankings. Quieter picks in the same family: 2009, 2021.
Avoid
Where 2011 sits among all Equinox years
What owners report
“Engine stalls while slowing or after coming to a stop. Restarts once placed into neutral.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2011 Equinox
“The transmission went out in the vehicle with only 85,xxx miles on it. Costing almost $3,000 to fix it.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2011 Equinox
“Stabilitrak light comes on then engine power reduced and vehicle dropped from 65 to 25 mph instantly driving on highway”— owner report to NHTSA, 2011 Equinox
“Driving in pouring down rain and windshield wipers stopped working. High safety concern.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2011 Equinox
“Car keeps dying while driving at low speeds, stop signs, stop lights ect. Idles very roughy, and is very loud. Check engine light is on.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2011 Equinox
“Gas is getting into the crankcase because the GDI Fuel pump is faulty and is causing check engine light and the stability Trax light and caused the reduce engine power light and shuts engine off”— owner report to NHTSA, 2011 Equinox
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 859 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 82,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 50,000 and 114,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (3)
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…
Fix: 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…
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…
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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,…
Federal defect investigations
Led to recall campaign 22V165000.
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox drew 1,139 complaints in federal safety records — one of the years to avoid for this model. Its trouble index is 100/100, scored against the model's worst year (2011).
What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
The top reported problems for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox are engine (419 complaints), transmission & drivetrain (145), and other (121).
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Equinox problems show up?
Owners most often report 2011 Chevrolet Equinox problems around 82,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 50,000 and 114,000 miles.
Does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?
3 recall campaigns apply to the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.