2011 Chevrolet Equinox: jerking or lurching

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 Jul 14, 2025 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked, and an abnormal sound was heard coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed 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 100,000.

Filed Nov 8, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · GA

Jerking between gears

Filed Oct 18, 2022 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

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!

Filed Oct 20, 2020 · 118,000 miles · NY

My transmission has been replaced 3 different times. Have had my viechle for almost 2 years and my transmission is messed up again oil is burning and they car shops have no idea where its going. Jerking car when foot is on break whirring noise when accelerate or turning

Filed Jul 21, 2020 · Transmission · 123,700 miles · GA

I was driving on our cities bypass and all of a sudden my car began to jerk and not want to accelerate. After getting to a place that I could safely pull over, I placed the car in park and listened. The car seemed to be running fine. I thought may be it was bad gas but I was on a half tank and had been driving with the same gas for almost a week with no issues. I tried to drive home and when I put the car in drive and went to press the gas, nothing happened. The car would not move. I could hear acceleration, but the car did not budge. I put it in reverse and the same thing occurred. I am reading that transmission failure has been a problem with many 2011 chevy equinox owners. I have a little under 124,000 miles. Its too many people with this same issue for it not to be recalled by gm. This is not a inexpensive fix and is not fair to consumers.

Filed Jul 18, 2020 · Engine · 135,000 miles · IL

My vehicle is dying when stopping and running rough when cold started. It jerks and turns off at a stop, but turns on immediately after. It used to occasionally happen, now it's every time I stop.

Filed Feb 24, 2020 · Transmission · MI

Vehicle won't reverse, RPM surging during acceleration causing hard shifting/jerking or no shift at all. Googling the issues brought up many other 2011 equinox's with same issues.

Filed Feb 25, 2019 · Engine · 15 miles · MD

I got a check engine light and I went to get it tested and it says that it is a exhaust position timing issue. No mechanic can fix it because it was a design issue by the manufacturer. I noticed that the car has been jerking around when I drive, it won't back up and it backfires and I'm terrified of driving it.

Filed Jan 23, 2019 · 115,000 miles · ID

Since I bought the car I have had to take it in every other week. The first time I took it in they said it was the head gasket and replaced it. After they repaired it the car continued to have problems. When I'm at highway speeds the car drives rough like a jerking sensation and then the check engine light flashes. This car has had nothing but problems.

Filed Aug 6, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 124,000 miles · TX

Going down the road the AC started blowing hot air so we have no air in this SUV not fair and it started to jerk like it was losing power scary