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. After researching the internet and speaking with local mechanics, it has been noted that multiple equinox drivers have had this issue and it always occurs between 50,000-60,000 miles. Frankly the vehicle is unsafe and chevrolet does not care. Something should be done to either include this faulty part in a 100,000 mile power train warranty (as the engine will not operate without it) or a recall should be established. In the event that an equinox is traveling at higher speeds (such as on a highway) the situation could potentially cause a fatal injury. Video of this occurring will be provided upon request.
2011 Chevrolet Equinox engine complaints
Page 13 of 15: complaints 341 to 370 of 419, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and the engine light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off of the road and shook constantly. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the timing chain, fuel pump, and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle restarted after numerous attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new cam shaft sensor. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 63,996.
I tried to put the heater on and cold air came out. I replaced the thermostat and still had the same problem.
This vehicle uses about 1 quart of oil per 1000 miles. With no warning from manufacturer or dealer and the recommended oil change at every 4 to 5 thousand miles, the oil level is gone by the time the oil change is due. This repeated action causes the cam position sensor to sludge up and become faulty. This in turn causes the motor to stall. There have been many complaints of the engine stalling on the highway. Mine has stalled many times in city traffic. Due to my driving skills I have avoided any accidents. It is only a matter of time before there are deaths attributed to this issue. Although the manufacturer has been aware of this problem since 2007, it has not even gone as far as installing a low oil level sensor to help prevent this from happening.
My 2011 chevy equinox started having trouble when starting the engine. I would start the car and all my emergency lights would start flashing. Emergency blinkers, airbag service light, stability track and check engine light. I would start to drive and the car would just stall out. If I am driving below 10 miles an hour, the car will turn off. I was making a left turn and my car stalled out in the oncoming lanes almost causing an accident. I have been trying to get my car serviced for a while but all the chevy dealerships are booked solid around me. Reading the other reviews it looks like this is a common problem. I feel very unsafe driving this vehicle and for a car to only be a couple years old, this should not be happening.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated several times and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure progressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
I was turning left on a green light at the corner of argyle and oakleaf suntrust bank when the car slipped into neutral and I was stuck in oneway opposite traffic until I turned off the engine and restarted it and then was a ble to go into drive, I was almost in a serious accident with several cars. Then I was traveling north on hwy 295 and I had it in cruise control and I could not get it to quit until I turned off the engine. The power train was slipping after I had taken it to the chevy dealer and they said it was fixed but less than a year later it started doing the same thing as before, slipping, making loud scratching noises.rubbing noises and it smelled funny like it was burning but there was no fire.
My wife purchased a 2011 chevy equinox with a window sticker stating a four cylinder engine. It had 1800 miles on the vehicle when purchased. We took the vehicle in to have the oil changed and found it has a six cylinder engine. How is this possible and who should I speak with at gm. I'm very concerned because of the terrible gas mileage and a six cyl engine was not shown on the paper work?
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shook. The vehicle was restarted and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The diagnosis was that the intake cam shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,724.
Sept.09,2014 while driving with my 11 year grandson the engine turned off! We fear for our lives.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and all the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The contact discovered that oil dissipated rapidly. The dealer diagnosed that an oil consumption test needed to be done and was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
While driving the 2011 equinox will jerk or jump as if being hit from behind while attempting to accelerate between 2nd and 3rd gear. The check engine light will not turn off. The stability track light comes on and off periodically while in motion. When the car is being turned off it shakes as if the motor is going to fall out. I have to turn off the AC before turning the ignition switch to off position to decrease some of the shaking, yet it does not prevent it. Furthermore while driving at approx.. 30-35mphs, the car jumps to 5th gear without allowing to accelerate any faster in the mist of traffic.the 2011 chevrolet equinox shakes and makes a wining noise while idling. It does so to the point where the hood is shaking. The car only has 54000 miles on it. Also I have to constantly adjust the seatbelt while driving because it cuts into my neck which is very uncomfortable and a huge distraction. This car will now go forward in drive but it will not reverse.
Columbia, sc-at least twice a month my ignition switch will not turn to the off position so that the key can be removed. I have to turn it back to on (it's not necessary to restart the car) and then back to off in order to remove the key. This began happening within a month after purchasing my new 2011 equinox. I took it to the dealer april 19, 2011, and they could not find the problem--"unable to duplicate." the problem continues, last occurring 6/25/14. Also, during that same visit, I had reported that the A/C smelled like mold when I first turned it on. 6/27/14, it still smells like mold. As with the ignition, the dealer's service dept. Could not determine the cause of the problem. The latest issue started around 21,000 miles. The engine, which had always run rough (I attributed this to the 4-cylinder engine) began shutting down when I slowed or stopped for traffic lights. I called my dealer and was asked where I purchased my gas and told to get some injector cleaner! I then googled my problem and learned that many others were experiencing the same situation with their 2011 equinoxes. I then called roadside assistance for a pickup and rode in the wrecker to the dealer, where I was greeted with disdain. I told the service advisor to google "equinox recall" and read the posts, and he said there was no recall (not yet, anyway!) I told him I knew that, but he should look at the many complaints similar to mine. The next morning he called to say that they had found a problem, the solenoid valve. He was a lot friendlier when I picked up my vehicle, his main concern being that I gave the service dept. A good review! No apology for treating me like I was crazy. I predict that the ignition and engine problems with the equinox will be gm's next recalls. Maybe they need to advise their service advisors to read the online posts regarding their vehicles!
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a sudden loss of acceleration as the wrench warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the throttle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 10/24/14*lj updated 4/20/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the repairs were unknown. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 6,000 and the current mileage was 48,000.
This has occurred multiple times ant infrequent and unexpected intervals. It has been presented to dealerships multiple times without resolution. When trying to accelerate from a stop at an intersection, the motor will lag and/or drop in RPM similar to a manual transmission car. The lag creates a 1-2 second delay in the transmission propelling the vehicle forward or doing so at a speed that is constantly increasing. This occurs without regard to the amount that the accelerator peddle is depressed. This delay creates a significant delay that poses a safety hazard and has nearly resulted in multiple intersection collisions.
2011 chevrolet equinox. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle suddenly stopped dead while driving and would not restart. *smd the consumer stated it took him 20 minutes, to get the vehicle started again.
Vehicle has had inordinate transmission noise since around 10k mileage. While vehicle was idling, went into incredibly rough idle, vehicle shaking with warning message about stabilitrack error and vehicle shut down. While this initially happened while idling, it also happened numerous times at speeds from 20-50 MPH as reported by spouse. After multiple trips to the dealer for unacceptable engine noise, engine shutting off and cel illumination (separate issue that has also never been remedied), an issue with the timing chain and fuel pump was alluded to and that a "fix" for this would be available in late spring of 2013. Fuel pump and timing chain replaced at no charge that summer, but similar symptoms continued. Loud, rough idle, intermittent vehicle shutdowns. Eventually took to another dealer who stated it was a throttle body issue and that this somehow was not covered by powertrain warranty even though this "used" to be part of the transmission, it somehow no longer is on newer models. After a $500+ repair, issue hasn't recurred in last 3 months (so far), but cel still illuminates during wet conditions (which both dealers cannot seem to fix). I feel this vehicle has been a lemon since about 10k miles and continues to be so. We only own chevy's but between this vehicle and our apparently dangerous '05 cobalt, we can no longer afford to put our trust in chevy and will need to seek out other vehicle manufacturers. It is apparent chevy only cares about the money we can funnel to them for buying american. That will stop with the next vehicle purchase this summer when we turn in the cobalt (for probably next to nothing due to its new safety reputation). I mention this info as we really want to put our faith, trust and money into an american car corportation like chevy and have been overly patient with them. No longer...others need to know about these issues.
On numerous occasions this winter, the vehicle displayed the message "engine powering down" & "service stabilitrak" while I was driving 65 MPH at night on a very busy highway during rush hour commutes. When this happens, engine slows and the vehicle comes to a crawl within minutes - barely enough time to find a place to pull off the highway. When I shut off the engine, all electrical ceased, and emergency flashers would not work. Allowing the vehicle a 5 minute break then restarting (resetting the computer) fixes the problem. I researched this on the internet, and there are many equinox owners complaining about this very thing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle began shaking violently as the entire instrument panel illuminated followed by the vehicle stalling. The failure was recurring however, the contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were performed. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. Updated 05/27/14*lj updated 7/29/17 *cn updated 08/22/2017
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.
Engine loss of power, with service engine light illumination and reduced engine power message while driving on interstate highway when under 5 deg. F at night.. Onstar advised to stop driving the vehicle due to engine damage concern and potential fire. Drove vehicle in "limp mode" direct to servicing dealership, dealer advised of engine code p2135 and stated vehicle required a "throttle body" replacement (same as onstar), at a full parts & labor cost of almost 500.00 dollars. Dealer stated that this repair is no longer covered under gm's powertrain warranty (yet is a p-code and is obviously powertrain related as it is the throttle body) or the emissions warranty. Not only is the failure mode dangerous, so is the vehicle response to the condition (reduced power). Not having the issue covered by warranty of some type makes it even worse.
Engine loss of power, with service engine light illumination and service traction control message. Drove vehicle home in "limp mode" before taking to servicing dealership, the following tuesday. Dealer performed balance chain repair under manufacturer special warranty letter. Afterwards, dealer advised of engine code p2135 and stated vehicle required a "throttle body" replacement, at a full parts & labor cost of $583.00. Dealer stated that this repair is no longer covered under gm's powertrain warranty. Multiple online posts indicate that this same loss of engine power issue has occurred with vehicles traveling at freeway speeds, which will be mush more dangerous.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that the engine stalled while driving 70 MPH. The dealer replaced the camshaft position sensor and the electronic control module; however, the contact was concerned that the failure might recur. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was not available.
Bought the equinox new in april 11 for my daughter. Had it about 6 +/- months and started having problems with it. It would loose power all of a sudden and engine light would come on and steering would become extremely hard to do. Have taken it to the dealership many many times since then all for the same reasons. The vehicle stalls while driving and looses power. I have been lucky so far with no accidents. I am having to take it to the dealer again for the same reasons. Now there is a problem with the vehicle using a lot of oil. The dealership has replaced the transmission once, replaced alot of fuses and worked on the engine several times. There are still problems. I think, gm needs to do something about fixing this vehicle and all the others that are having the same problems. From what I have read on the internet, there are a lot of owners out there having the same problems. The federal safety agency, how many complaints does it take to have a recall done...?
I have had problems with my 2011 chevrolet equinox since the day I got it but yesterday was the worst. The engine all of a sudden stalled on the highway and I had to pull off the road. I just had it in the shop last week and had the fuel pump and timing chain replaced. I was able to get my car home only able to drive 40 MPH. This morning I was going to try to get it to work to be closer to someone who could check the code out on it but as I was going down the road it completely stalled out and I barely got off the road before the engine cut out all together. I have read numerous forums of customer with the same vehicle having the same problem. This is a safety issue and gm needs to address it. The shop is saying that if it's the fuel throttle body which is what I suspect they will not cover it under warranty. From what I understand there was a bulletin put out on this issue and it was covered for awhile on the powertrain warranty but they pulled the bulletin and no longer cover it. I need help. Gm knows they have issues with this vehicle but they will not do anything about it.
First off, sometimes my vehicle when in park acts like it may turn off, but doesn't. Can hear/feel the vibrations like its about to. Secondly, the main reason I'm on this page, the A/C. It just stopped working out of the blue and making a noise. I take it in and told the condenser has a leak and needs replaced as well as the condenser which is making the noise. Wow, quoted from one place $1,084 the other place I only got a quote on the condenser of $424.. No telling what the compressor will be. After looking online and seeing so many equinox vehicles having AC issues I hoped there was a recall on the parts, unfortunately not the case. 2011 and need a new condenser and compressor for A/C wow!! Car shaking like its gonna die... Wow!! This vehicle was purchased about a year and half ago.. And having to sink in over $1000 for these replacements! No telling what the engine vibration during idle is from, going to have that checked out soon. Oh and one other thing, when a tire is low, it appears to shows up backwards on the screen.
Cruising along at 65 MPH on highway when service stabilitrak light along with reduce engine power came up on the dash. I lost engine power and went from 65 MPH to 15 MPH. I was able to pull onto an exit ramp. I quickly pulled over & parked the car. Shut the car off & waited about 1 min & turned the car back on. The stabilitrak & the reduce engine power cleared off my dash but the check engine light stayed on. Then was able to merge back into traffic & pick up the 65 MPH speed. I was worried that it would happen again when I had to cross oncoming traffic. When I got in my car later, the service engine light had even turned off, but on the way home it happened again. Took it to the shop and was told it was a throttle body/solenoid issue & that it needs replaced. They told me it isn't covered under the pt warranty. As others have also said, I'm seeing a number of people with this same issue & wondering why this isn't a recall? It's very unsafe especially cause you don't know when its going to happen. If your doing 65-70 MPH on a highway & there are cars close to you & the vehicle decides to do this, you and your family are going to get killed.
I was driving on a residential street going 30 MPH. All of a sudden there was a engine clunk ( 4 cyl) and then rapid deceleration with the engine running very rough. Of course the warning lights came on. The next day I drove to the dealership several miles away and was lucky to get there as the vehicle was running so badly. The dealership will make the throttle body repair, change some sensors and fool with the timing belt, but the bottom line is the safety issue. Reviewing the prior complaints, it was scary hearing about those having problems on the interstates. Yes, something needs to be done by general motors. Recalled these vehicles for inspection. Someone is going to get killed. The lady at the dealership had the gaul to say, "didn't you have the throttle body cleaned when you got your oil changed".I said lady, I have no idea what a throttle body is and if it is so important, then the dealer should do it automatically. Good luck, it will cost me $400.00, they said today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.
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