CHEVROLET EQUINOX · model year

2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

1132 NHTSA complaints, 52 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011CHEVROLETEQUINOX carries 1132 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 52 crashes, 5 fires, 63 injuries, and 6 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 EQUINOX is engine with 384 filings, followed by power train (139) and visibility/wiper (69). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2011 EQUINOX, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1132
Complaints
52
Crashes
5
Fires
63
Injuries
6
Deaths
2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

1132 filings

Crashes Reported

52 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE384
POWER TRAIN139
VISIBILITY/WIPER69
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM68
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM61
UNKNOWN OR OTHER56
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)55
AIR BAGS51
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL49
STEERING43
SERVICE BRAKES24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING23
SEAT BELTS13
SEATS9
STRUCTURE:BODY9

Recalls (3)

14V44700023/07/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt t

10V62300015/12/2010

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC SRX, CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES. THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR MAY FRACTURE AND SEPARATE NEAR THE SEAT ATTACHMENT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

16V50200005/07/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 201

Recent Complaints

20260129VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wipers have stopped working, have had it repaired twice and they keep quitting.

20260120ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 e

Mileage: 165,000

20260109VISIBILITY/WIPER

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the windshield wiper was activated, the windshield wiper arms detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20250921FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

20250921ENGINE

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

20250921ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20250715FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20250715ENGINE

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 NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20250714FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20250619ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I BOUGHT THIS OFF OF A PRIVATE PERSON ,SHORTLY AFTER IT STARTED NOT TAKEN ITS GAS AND DYING OUT ON THE HIGHWAY OR SHORT ERRANDS ,I STARTED PUTTING A BUNCH OF MONEY IN IT IVE REPLACED ALL I KNOW TO DO AND IT STILL WONT TAKES ITS GAS ,I HAVE BEEN STALLED IN AN INTERSECTION BEFORE BECAUSE I HAD NO PEDAL IF YOU TURN IT OFF IT STARTS BUT JUST WONT TAKE THE GAS ,I HEARD THIS VEHICAL WAS RECALLED AND I DONT KNOW IF ITS NEVER BEEN FIXED OR WHATS GOING ON WITH IT ,IVE HAD IT TO MANY MECHANICS AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT ,CAN YOU TELL ME IF ANY OF THIS IS ON THE RECALL LIST AND IF ITS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF IT ? I CANT DRIVE IT LIKE THIS ITS TOO DANGEROUS . I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 24 , AND ITS NEVER RAN SINCE WITH OUT ISSUES THAT NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM OF FIX IT THE RIGHT WAY ,THANK YOU

20250619FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I BOUGHT THIS OFF OF A PRIVATE PERSON ,SHORTLY AFTER IT STARTED NOT TAKEN ITS GAS AND DYING OUT ON THE HIGHWAY OR SHORT ERRANDS ,I STARTED PUTTING A BUNCH OF MONEY IN IT IVE REPLACED ALL I KNOW TO DO AND IT STILL WONT TAKES ITS GAS ,I HAVE BEEN STALLED IN AN INTERSECTION BEFORE BECAUSE I HAD NO PEDAL IF YOU TURN IT OFF IT STARTS BUT JUST WONT TAKE THE GAS ,I HEARD THIS VEHICAL WAS RECALLED AND I DONT KNOW IF ITS NEVER BEEN FIXED OR WHATS GOING ON WITH IT ,IVE HAD IT TO MANY MECHANICS AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT ,CAN YOU TELL ME IF ANY OF THIS IS ON THE RECALL LIST AND IF ITS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF IT ? I CANT DRIVE IT LIKE THIS ITS TOO DANGEROUS . I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 24 , AND ITS NEVER RAN SINCE WITH OUT ISSUES THAT NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM OF FIX IT THE RIGHT WAY ,THANK YOU

20250619UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I BOUGHT THIS OFF OF A PRIVATE PERSON ,SHORTLY AFTER IT STARTED NOT TAKEN ITS GAS AND DYING OUT ON THE HIGHWAY OR SHORT ERRANDS ,I STARTED PUTTING A BUNCH OF MONEY IN IT IVE REPLACED ALL I KNOW TO DO AND IT STILL WONT TAKES ITS GAS ,I HAVE BEEN STALLED IN AN INTERSECTION BEFORE BECAUSE I HAD NO PEDAL IF YOU TURN IT OFF IT STARTS BUT JUST WONT TAKE THE GAS ,I HEARD THIS VEHICAL WAS RECALLED AND I DONT KNOW IF ITS NEVER BEEN FIXED OR WHATS GOING ON WITH IT ,IVE HAD IT TO MANY MECHANICS AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT ,CAN YOU TELL ME IF ANY OF THIS IS ON THE RECALL LIST AND IF ITS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF IT ? I CANT DRIVE IT LIKE THIS ITS TOO DANGEROUS . I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 24 , AND ITS NEVER RAN SINCE WITH OUT ISSUES THAT NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM OF FIX IT THE RIGHT WAY ,THANK YOU

20250523VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

three times now my gas pedal has stuck down to the floor and had unsafe speeds reaching 95mph this is unsafe for us and others on the road wrote GM several times now with no help from them this needs to be checked out for everyone out there how many wrecks and rear end collision happened because of this acceleration issue mine seem to happen when you take it off cruise control and then accelerate the gas pedal but he dealerships can't find an answer I am asking for your help before someone get killed because no one wants to take action

20250523UNKNOWN OR OTHER

three times now my gas pedal has stuck down to the floor and had unsafe speeds reaching 95mph this is unsafe for us and others on the road wrote GM several times now with no help from them this needs to be checked out for everyone out there how many wrecks and rear end collision happened because of this acceleration issue mine seem to happen when you take it off cruise control and then accelerate the gas pedal but he dealerships can't find an answer I am asking for your help before someone get killed because no one wants to take action

20250515VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

To whom it may concern: I am writing to notify you that I own a 2011 Chevy Equinox and take very good care of my vehicles. But I wanted to let you know that I have had three incidents in which the gas pedal sticks, and the vehicle goes up to 95 miles an hour. I have contacted the dealership and GM to let them know of this. They cannot explain why this is happening. GM just said trade it in. Well, that's a possibility and who says if the next person purchases it that this could happen to them. So far, we have been able to avoid an accident. I am wondering if anyone else has had this complaint because GM says no., I feel it has something to do with the cruise control that it has a computer glitz. Can you investigate this if anyone else has had this problem.

20250515FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

To whom it may concern: I am writing to notify you that I own a 2011 Chevy Equinox and take very good care of my vehicles. But I wanted to let you know that I have had three incidents in which the gas pedal sticks, and the vehicle goes up to 95 miles an hour. I have contacted the dealership and GM to let them know of this. They cannot explain why this is happening. GM just said trade it in. Well, that's a possibility and who says if the next person purchases it that this could happen to them. So far, we have been able to avoid an accident. I am wondering if anyone else has had this complaint because GM says no., I feel it has something to do with the cruise control that it has a computer glitz. Can you investigate this if anyone else has had this problem.

20250515FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

20250515ENGINE

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

20250306STEERING

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who observed a small amount of fluid within the engine compartment. The dealer later determined that the fluid was power steering fluid. However, the dealer was unable to determine the exact location of the leak. The contact was advised to continue driving the vehicle for 1 week then return for a follow-up inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.

Mileage: 149,000

20250218FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

Compare 2011CHEVROLETEQUINOX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX have?
The 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 1132 NHTSA complaints, 52 crashes, 5 fires, 63 injuries, and 6 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
Yes, the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The most-complained component for the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX is ENGINE with 384 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and VISIBILITY/WIPER.
Is the 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.