Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve) problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox

I own a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox LS awd with roughly 86,000 miles. While driving back an appointment this morning, the vehicle began to sputter and the "engine reduced power"/"service stabilitrak system" lights turned on. I was on the interstate with morning traffic that was going 70mph (the speed limit) and higher. The vehicle's rpm reduced suddenly and drastically, and I was only able to sustain 40mph. I was alone. I coasted off the highway as quickly as I could, stopped at the multi-lane intersection, and the vehicle completely shut off. I could not restart it. It was 9 degrees outside with snow on the ground, and the heat stopped working in the vehicle, too. The power steering shut down. I had to wait outside to direct traffic so that I would not get hit. It was a frightening experience. After the tow to the dealership, the mechanic notified me that the entire engine needs to be replaced, quoting me between $2300 for a used engine and $6500 for a new one. Corporate has only offered 10% cost share for a new engine. This is unacceptable and a known issue based on consumer complaints I have read. The complaints are consistent and point to engine failure with total replacement in the range I was quoted. I do not have the money to replace the engine, and it is a shame that a vehicle with so few miles and years needs this type of repair! furthermore, I could have been severely injured or worse, as has happened to many others! this vehicle has had no collisions, no major damages, and I have kept up with all recommended maintenance. Now I have no vehicle, no possibility to recover its value, and I am devastated about the financial blow.

I was in city streets going 30 mph at most, 19 degrees in minnesota and it shows reduced engine power and stabiltrack off as traction control light comes on and check engine light is on. The engine starts shaking violently and I pull over, restart it and it goes for a few blocks and then the same warnings come on (engine light has gone off and on intermittently for a few months with no issues. ) as mentioned, speed reduction was stated on screen and I drive slowly and was only able to accelerate slowly. I just went through a Chevrolet forum and see that I'm not the only one who's had these same issues and lights and warnings pop up on the screen. Luckily I was not on a highway or under any other scarier conditions and was close to home. Many others have spent hundreds of dollars to try and remedy this issue and, per the forum, have only been able to do that after at least having the warranty to pay for it. . Read more...

1. While driving in nashville for work the first occurrence started with check engine light. Moments later check traction control warning popped up and immediately after a reduced engine power notification and vehicle lost power. Went from 55 to 30 mph in seconds. I have no clue how this did not cause a wreck in the heavy traffic. I took the vehicle to the dealership I purchased it from (james corlew in clarksville, TN) and they told me it was a loose timing chain and that they fixed it. 2. 4,000 miles later while working all the same messages popped up and the car completely stalled and would not restart on a busy bypass. Vehicle would not restart and I paid to have it towed. This time the dealership said they had to replace the entire timing chain assembly and a housing due to it being destroyed. It was covered by warranty again and they serviced it for free. 3. Vehicle ran great for 3600 miles and again the same message sequence occured. The car fortunately continued to run and I drove it straight to the dealership. I insisted it was a safety hazard and that I wanted to trade it in immediately. 2 hours later they offered me $7,000 under blue book because of engine problems. This was very funny of course since it is Chevrolet and the dealerships fault for selling such a lemon. I told them it was under warranty. To fix it again for free and I would pick it up. Dealership called next day. Said everything was fine. It was out of oil and that caused safeties to kick in and that created the problem. I ask how this is possible you changed my oil 3600 miles ago. 4. Last week (again 3800 miles later) the car produced all of the same messages and stalled on the same busy bypass. This time I had my 3 year old and 1 year old in the car. The speed limit is 55 so of course traffic regularly runs 60 mph. I was stranded with my children on 20 degree weather with no heat.