2011 Chevrolet Equinox: engine failure

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Visibility · 200,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the windshield wipers failed to function as intended. The contact stated that there was a sound coming from the windshield wiper motor; however, the wiper arms had seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while it was raining on a busy highway. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

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 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 Dec 4, 2023 · Engine · NJ

I purchased the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox 5 months ago from a dealership name The Automaxx group in Morrisville, PA. Two weeks after, the check engine light came on, I took it back to the dealership and it was in the shop for 3 days or more. I got it back and every week it was back in the shop for the last four months. I was very hesitant about driving it, but I need to get to my doctor appointments and then I park it. I had to constantly put oil in it and not knowing why or where the oil is going. It started smoking black thick smoke under the hood and cut off, then cut back on and I took it to the shop near my home, and let the mechanic diagnose the problem and he said the vehicle is not safe to drive at all, it's engine failure due to excessive oil consumption and that the vehicle could possibly catch on fire and that it's a defect with the engine from general Motors. I just would like to recoup the money back that I paid for the vehicle. I was totally unaware of the harm that I was in with this vehicle. I am not sure if the dealership was aware of the faulty engine or the dangerous vehicle that they sold, but thank God I wasn't hurt and that I don't have to inhale the smoke from that vehicle. The check engine light has been on for awhile and I was told that they weren't sure why it would not go off, that was a red flag for me. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance company.

Filed Jun 9, 2023 · Engine · ME

The vehicle started rocking during regular errands but displayed no error codes. Turned it off and left for a few minutes, when returned it would not start just the engine spinning. Had it towed to a local mechanic chain where they said it was likely a major issue and that there was no compression. They wouldn't be able to fix it so towed it to a dealer. Once the dealer had a look they determined the piston ring was blown/etc and the Equinox would need a whole new engine to get working again. The dealer also stated there was little to no oil in the system, and no light or warning of any sign had alerted. The vehicle had under 3000mi since the last oil change and only 69000mi in total use. Apparently there is TSB/warranty and major known issue in regards to oil consumption but not that I was made aware of before looking into since this issue. I have also been told that there are no active recalls on my vehicle and the VIN says everything that needed to be addressed has been.

Filed May 7, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CO

The vehicle’s engine had been stalling shortly after ignition and when idling. I had it in a repair shop three separate times and was told that it was a problem with the solenoids. The first two times, they were cleaned. They were replaced on the third. I was also told that the vehicle was using an excessive amount of oil, and to bring it in every 3000 miles for an oil change. On the date of the incident, I was traveling home. I took exit 363 off of I-70 onto US-287. While traveling down the off-ramp, the engine stalled. I was unable to brake properly. By the time the vehicle came to a complete stop, I was the middle of a busy crossroads. This particular area sees a lot of traffic, especially semitrailer trucks. When I was next able to get it into be looked at, I chose a different shop because the first had clearly missed something. It was this shop that told me my engine was ruined because it had been being driven without oil, despite not being at the 3000 mile mark yet. The vehicle has not been driven since, as I have not had the $7000 it would cost to replace the engine. Please, if there is any advice or help you can give me, I’d so appreciate words of wisdom. Thank you for your time.

Filed May 2, 2023 · Engine · 143,822 miles · NE

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to provide notification whenever the oil level was low. The vehicle was hesitating and shuddering before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,822.

Filed Apr 26, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · PA

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. The guide broke off and was sheared into fragments, chain was roaming free, chain cut into top of valve cover, cracked formed in top of valve cover, oil was leaking out of hole, motor shavings all inside motor from internal parts, grinding was due to lack of lubrication from oil being lost, causing knocking noises. Dealer recommended engine replacement at a cost of $7,800. Also SB-10090101-2280-1 also concerns the oil consumption problem and timing chain.

Filed Mar 21, 2022 · Engine · CO

Excessive oil usage resulting in the need for a new engine. Car gave no warnings.. no engine light, no oil light, no issues previously starting up. Been looked at by the dealership and quoted $10k for a new engine. With only 150,000 miles, a 2 year old battery, a new water pump and alternator, and full synthetic regular oil changes; I do not believe there should be this significant engine damage to result in an engine replacement. I'm mostly upset that the car ran fine and then suddenly stopped with no warning and now there are such costly consequences that could not have been prevented if there are no signs of issues until it is at a point of no return. There is no oil leakage or any other fluid nor did the engine blow, smoke, or show any signs of failure.

Filed Feb 23, 2022 · Engine · MI

Broke down on highway and had to coast off of highway causing a potential accident. Vehicle was purchased off private party. The vehicle shows no open recalls. According to GM service bulletin 15285D dated April 2017 GM acknowledges the issue with this engine. However, as the vehicle ages the problem only gets worse. After doing research, these defects are in many 2.4L ecotec engines, not just 2011 models. These defects will cause injury or death do to the sudden engine failure. In this case, oil got low and timing chain failed causing piston to brake cylinder head valves.

Filed Apr 19, 2021 · Engine · 116,000 miles · WV

Not long after my last oil change, my 2011 chevy equinox started a ticking sound upon acceleration which worsened to a loud knocking. I took it to a repair garage and told the mechanic what was happening. After hearing the engine knocking, he shut the car off and proceeded to check the oil. It was bone dry. The mechanic told me that the chevy equinox was notorious for its oil consumption causing the engines to blow, and that he was afraid my engine was ruined & would need replaced. He put four quarts of oil in the engine & the knocking stopped. Luckily, the engine continued to run and I was still able to drive it. But the mechanic told me it was a time bomb, and that because of its oil consumption the engine could blow at any time. When I got home I researched online regarding the equinox and was shocked to find more and more people with the same problems with their equinox and having to replace the engines. I also read about the recall on the equinox for its oil consumption, and that most people were having great difficulty getting gm to do repairs, denying claims and giving them "the run-around". Now I am trying to figure out how to get a different vehicle because I used all my money to buy this equinox. I can't afford to replace an engine either. I am at a great loss being stuck with this "time bomb" that gm is responsible for but won't fix. I purchased this car used less than a year ago & it has 116,000 miles. I never received a recall notice or any papers from gm.

Filed Feb 9, 2021 · Engine · 158 miles · WI

Oil wear out in two weeks n engine blew up.in the city street.