NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 782 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2011 Chevrolet Equinox owner complaints

Owners have filed 782 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, describing incidents dated March 1, 2010 to June 20, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 419 complaints
Power Train 145 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 76 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 75 complaints
Electrical System 74 complaints
Unknown or Other 57 complaints

Of the 782 complaints on file, 30 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 782 complaints, owners report 41 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11760362 · Filed August 28, 2026
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…
ODI #11754526 · Filed August 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the engine was rattling and vibrating abnormally. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure…
ODI #11746040 · Filed June 23, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 119,000, and at the time of a Carfax report check, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,000.

Read all 782 complaints

Owner-reported

2011 Chevrolet Equinox mileage at failure

617 of the 782 complaints on file for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Engine	Median 90,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–115,000 miles	Based on 329 complaints
Power Train	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 40,000–95,000 miles	Based on 117 complaints
Visibility/Wiper	Median 115,000 miles	Middle half 80,000–130,000 miles	Based on 67 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 85,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–110,000 miles	Based on 50 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA19-005: Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
Closed November 28, 2022
- Recall 22V-165
Preliminary Evaluation PE20-009: Momentary Increased Steering Effort
Closed June 3, 2022
Recall Query RQ18-002: Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
Closed December 19, 2019

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114

NHTSA #16V502000 · Electrical System — Ignition · NHTSA notice

Reported July 5, 2016 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 8,367 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.87% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 50490, 50491 · Owners notified October 14, 2016 · Vehicles built September 28, 2009 – May 31, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Safety consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Seat Height Adjuster Bolt may Fall out

NHTSA #14V447000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Power Adjust · NHTSA notice

Reported July 23, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 414,333 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14271 · Owners notified December 26, 2014 · Vehicles built August 2, 2010 – July 17, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Safety consequence

If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ANCHOR

NHTSA #10V623000 · Seat Belts — Front — Buckle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported December 15, 2010 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 97,843 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 100370 · Owners notified January 18, 2011 · Vehicles built March 29, 2010 – November 29, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE PASSENGER AND/OR THE DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AS NECESSARY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes

GM SAFETY RECALL NO. 100370.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2011 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 investigations

2011 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

17% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

3 investigations

782 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11760362

Incident: August 28, 2025 · Filed: August 28, 2026

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine

ODI #11754526

Incident: February 1, 2026 · Filed: August 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the engine was rattling and vibrating abnormally. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were not yet contacted. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 168,000.

Electrical System

ODI #11746040

Incident: June 20, 2026 · Filed: June 23, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 119,000, and at the time of a Carfax report check, it was discovered that the mileage was 175,000.

Air Bags; Structure; Unknown or Other

ODI #11738139

Crash 1 injury

Incident: May 14, 2026 · Filed: May 15, 2026

I was in a rear end collision on May 14th 2026 the impact of the speed totaled my car in my airbags did not deploy and from my understanding where the sensors are on my vehicle they should have I ended up getting a concussion and soft tissue damage because my head hit the steering wheel my seat belt did not lock either.

Engine

ODI #11719991

Incident: February 12, 2025 · Filed: February 23, 2026

Vehicle burns excessive oil. Have to put in a quart weekly. Check engine light comes on for camshaft sensor, they’ve already been replaced 3 times and the light won’t go off.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11714145

Incident: January 6, 2026 · Filed: January 29, 2026

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

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11712022

Incident: April 20, 2025 · Filed: January 20, 2026

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.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #11709949

Incident: January 6, 2026 · Filed: January 9, 2026

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.

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11688729

Incident: June 6, 2024 · Filed: September 21, 2025

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

Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine

ODI #11673817

Incident: November 15, 2024 · Filed: July 15, 2025

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.

Other Chevrolet Equinox model years

Check your 2011 Chevrolet Equinox VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Equinox at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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