2011 Chevrolet Equinox: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed May 13, 2024 · Electrical · MS

Trouble code p2138. Replaced accelerator pedal with OEM. Trouble code still persists. Car goes into limp mode while driving posing a safety concern. There is a TSB 07-06-04-019F. Other codes include p0301 and p0697. After limp mode I have to pull over and turn car completely off and crank it up again to get out of it.

Filed Nov 14, 2020 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · NY

I've been having problems with my transmission since forever but now it's worse. This vehicle needs to have an open recall. It is not fair that we purchase these vehicles and have to put so much money into them because they come faulty. Anytime I hit my brakes with a heavy foot my car will stay stuck in first gear. I've been on the high way and in busy streets. I can't go faster then 10 MPH. I stay stuck and have to leave the vehicle off for about 10 mins to get it to run again. It's constantly shuttering as well. This is ridiculous that everyone has the same complaints. Something has to be done.

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 110,000 miles · MI

First equinox owned - gm replaced engine at no cost to me. Thought it was safe to purchase another equinox. Own a 2011 chevrolet equinox fwd 2.4 liter engine. Excessive oil consumption; stalling while at stoplights, etc.; engine light comes on frequently; multiple wheel hub assemblies replaced; wiper transmission replaced; clattering noise within engine that cannot be fixed per mechanic; stablitrak and ABS lights on; limp mode several times. Have spent many hundreds of dollars to fix. Going to gm for complete engine replacement. 126,600 miles at present. Purchased 9/8/2016 with 80,437 miles.

Filed Dec 21, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 106,000 miles · IL

Pcv system freezes causing the low power mode (limp mode) and check engine light to come on. Its a known issue, and gm covered it on a few cars. Next time I may be in heavy traffic.

Filed Nov 20, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 152,000 miles · KY

3 complaints contained within - complaint #1 - I have had multiple issues with cam shaft actuators and exhaust issues in this vehicle. This has caused my vehicle to stall in busy intersections and to also go into "limp" mode on the interstate. Going 70mph and the engine going into limp mode is dangerous. Thankfully there were alert driver around me that were able to help me get to the emergency lanes safely. There were recalls for this vehilce for some of these issues - but conveniently - my vehicle was not recalled. Three different gm/chevrolet dealerships have worked on my vehicle and have contacted gm on my behalf - but gm has covered no fixes and I have been out over $2000 on these fixes that were covered under recalls - but not on my vehicle. 2nd complaint - I now have fuel pump issues. Again, a recall was issued in july 2016 for fuel pump issues. The recall is for the same year, make and engine as mine....but my vehicle is not covered under recall.....even my vehicle will stall out while idling at intersections and again - safety issue. I have children and do not feel safe with this happening. Gm seems to not be concerned. 3rd issue - takata recall - my air bag alert light will come on - but I have not received a recall for this issue - yet again - my vehicle seems to not be on the list. Safety issue - yes. I have had an open case number with gm corporate for at least 3 years - but suggestions always seem to be on my dime....not theirs. At this point - my vehicle is a "lemon" in my eyes...and if me or my family get injured because of these issues...well.....

Filed Nov 8, 2017 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · GA

I was driving on a city road and the car jerked and would not shift out of first gear. I tried to push it, but it would not go. I slowed down to a stop light and my car would not go. Once I managed to get it into a parking lot, all gears totally locked up and I could not even get it in neutral. The chevy dealership says I need a new transmission. I only have 76k miles on this one before it went up.

Filed Jun 15, 2017 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · VA

I was driving home after work. The transmission didn't shift when it should have, then jerked into gear, did it again then the check engine light came on. I was able to pull over safely and then had it towed to my nearest chevrolet dealership.

Filed Mar 7, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 67,000 miles · MD

This is a fwd model with 2.4l engine. The transmission 3-5-r plate failed at 67,000 miles and the transmission was ruined. When it failed it caused acceleration and speed problems while the vehicle was on a major highway but there was no check engine light initially. The car limped a few miles home stalling out completely once a block from home, it would not go into reverse and had to be towed to the dealer for diagnosis and repairs. I was the original owner of the vehicle it was purchased 06/11/2011. The vehicle also had oil consumption issues and rough idle at this time. The vehicle had its cam shaft actuators replaced in august 2011 after the engine made very loud noises with about 2000 miles on the car. I traded the car in 3 days after the dealership replaced the transmission because I did not trust the car.

Filed Mar 21, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

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.

Filed Mar 16, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 50,750 miles · MD

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.

Filed Jul 6, 2012 · Transmission · 37,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox lt. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH with the vehicle speed control activated, the gear disengaged itself and would not shift into another gear. This caused the engine to rev. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who ran a diagnostic test and could not diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to file a complaint and contact the federal safety agency. They offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 37,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2011 · Transmission · 3,200 miles · PA

Transmission does not shift properly. It will either hang up in the last gear or shift hard with a clunk into the next gear. Have returned the vehicle to the dealer twice and have been told this is normal for a 6 speed transmission. My 2007 equinox also had a 6 speed transmission and never shifted like this 2011 does. This is the 6th chevrolet I've bought since 2000. Think they would try to determine what the problem is before I opt for another auto maker.