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2011 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems

419 complaints (54% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 86,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
419
of this car's complaints
54%
typical mileage
86,000
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Cooling system
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
    1
  • Exhaust system
    1
  • Engine: oil/lubrication
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Equinox engine problems in other years

20052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 138Stalling 137Oil consumption 134Loss of power 55Engine failure 46Knocking 34Misfire 22Won't start 14

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2011 Chevrolet Equinox owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine · 117,000 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the mother was driving, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil pan and informed the contact that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption over a 14-month period. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 168,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the engine was rattling and vibrating abnormally. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were not yet contacted. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 168,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Engine · CA

Vehicle burns excessive oil. Have to put in a quart weekly. Check engine light comes on for camshaft sensor, they’ve already been replaced 3 times and the light won’t go off.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Engine · 165,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. While driving at various speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine while attempting to accelerate. The failure occurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that a shaft inside the engine had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced with a rebuilt engine; however, the failure reoccurred approximately 4 months after the engine was replaced. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the same failure had reoccurred. The engine valves and exhaust were cleaned; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that smoke was entering the cabin of the vehicle and out of the exhaust pipe while the heater was activated. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic, who then diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced another time. The vehicle was repaired again. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Filed Sep 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WI

While driving, the car wouldn't accelerate even though I was pressing the gas pedal to the floor. It made funny noises and was jerking. I was told not to drive because of the danger to my engine. The engine light did come on

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 90,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that once the fuel gauge displayed that 1/4 tank of gasoline was available, the vehicle jerked, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the pistons had failed, and the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed May 15, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

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

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · DE

It burns oil excessively Stalls out while driving Stability traction control comes on Timing chain has to be replaced now Fuel pump needs replacement All this happened at same time My cost is 2700.00

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Engine · IN

Oil burns, no leaks, no lights appear for low oil. I get the oil changed every 3000 miles. We put 3 quarts in and 200 miles later it's burned 1.5 qt.

Filed Nov 8, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · GA

Jerking between gears

Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox engine

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox have engine problems?

Owners have filed 419 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 54% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2011 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 86,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Equinox have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Equinox model years with the most engine complaints are 2013 (420 complaints), 2011 (419 complaints) and 2012 (361 complaints).

Other 2011 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Transmission 145Visibility 77Fuel system 75Electrical 74Driver assistance 57Airbags 52Acceleration 50Steering 43Brakes 27Body 15Seat belts 13Seats 9Suspension 6Wheels 6Tires 4Lights 2

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