Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop the following day, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
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! …
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. …
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!
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.
Just got a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox from a dealership that I trusted. Only had a few weeks and it just stalled on me while driving in traffic!!! Would not start back ! It was terrifying!!! Thank God it wasn't rush hour! A nice man helped push it out of road into a parking lot! Now I find out there are safety issues and recalls that I was not aware of! Faulty oil piston rings caused it to jump time! They want over 7,000$ to fix but I do not have that kind of money!!!Its a death trap and shouldn't have been allowed to re sale!!!
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.
When you are driving the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox ltz and the vehicle goes into "engine power is reduced" mode the vehicle comes to a complete stop within 10 feet. You are unable to turn the steering wheel or continue to move forward in any way with the phrase service stabilitrack appearing right after. You can be driving slowly at 20-25 miles per hour or faster at 35-40 miles per hour and this is able to happen at any moment. Total control of the vehicle is lost and the engine is unusable. Chevrolet informed us that this is caused by a bad sensor in the throttle body. The sensor is unable to be replaced without replacing the entire throttle body. The vehicle is unusable without replacing the throttle body and the throttle body is not covered after the emissions warranty of 24,000 miles. From years 2006-2009 the throttle body was covered under the powertrain warranty at 100,000 miles. …
Returned to hubler Chevy for strange noise at a cold start. Rough idle. Already a bulletin for balancing chain. Balance chain replaced per extended warranty. Received a call that the timing chain needs replaced $198. Not on a bulletin. Also, now doing engine oil consumption test because oil was low as well as engine coolant was low. After doing research at home, thousands of 2.4l engines for Equinox are having to pay for bad timing chain when they have balancing chain replaced. Most of these complaints are coming at the 30,000 mile mark on the odometer. It seems to me that NHTSA should look into why the timing chain issue is not addressed when replacing the balancing chain? If the timing chain stretches or breaks it will blow up the engine (safety issue). My vehicle just turned 29,0000 miles. …
Transmission complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 145 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 19% of the model year's 782 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.