general problems of the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox

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.

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.

I bought my 2011 Equinox new then in 2013 the gas pedal went to the floor and stuck down on a two lane road and I could not control the speed as we react 90 I shut down the vechical took it to the dealership the next day the chevolet CO had the dealership dump the on board computer and then down load a new program this worked until the other day we were coming home from taking another couple to there dentist appointments on the way home the gas pedal sucked right to the floor again the speed rose to the 90 we were on a four lane I had cars behinde me but not in front I keep trying to get the foot up I was afraid if I shut it offf we would get rear ended every one was scared I told them what was going on as the speeds keeped increasing trying to hit the brakes to slow some down and taping on the gas pedal I tried prying the pedal up with my foot and after the third attemp it poped up. I call chevolet they said they were not going to do anything about it I told them this is a big safty issue there commet was the vechical is out of warranty and miles I ony have 103k on it and very well maintained with birdnow chevorlet great dealership Chevrolet is not taking these gas pedal sticking down serious I read were there are several vechical with this same problem and it will take people getting hurt or killed before something down thank you.

Accelerator became unresponsive. Had to place car in nutral and back to drive to regain control.

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!.

Transmission is slipping out of first gear to second, reverse sticks, hard shifts from first gear to second gear to third gear.

My car was purchased used at a Chevrolet dealership. I noticed right away that the carjerks when I accelerate, it also stalls when trying to accelerate when making a turn which cam cause an accident. The vehicle revs and slowly moves and then takes off. Its a dragging motion when driving its very slow. The steering wheel locks when turning as if I need power steering fluid. This car is a hazard, waiting to happen. When starting it, it makes this loud humming noise. I just had it inspected and the mechanic said the car was fine, but driving it is a different story.

Bought the Equinox used. Sure wish I would have researched better. It ran dry of oil. Dash read 55% oil life at the time. Car just cut off on me and after discovering a dry dipstick and replenishing oil, it sounded like a broken sewing machine, very loud rattling! car shakes so bad while stopped at traffic light, we are scared it is just going to die in traffic. Car will not idle to warm up. It cuts off. And once I get going, I almost have to pump gas pedal steadily to keep it running. Horrible!!! and money down the drain.

My repair stabiltrak light came on in the dash . The check engine light is illuminated, my traction control light , is on . My anti-lock brake light is on . All of sudden when I pull out into traffic my car loses power on acceleration and my anti-lock brakes engaged . I have to pull over so I'm not rear ended . This has happened to me driving on a city street and on highway . There is a serious problem with the stabiltrak/ traction control system. I only have 89,000 miles on my vehicle . I see this is a known problem on chevy Equinox . I'm worried about being killed in an accident since my vehicle loses power without warning . These vehicles need to be recalled !.

Stability control has come on the engine and it have reduce speed.

It keeps cutting off and the oil keeps going empty some say recall 11195a mite be the promblem but I dont know jus got the car and when I start it up the peddle gets stuck and starts rite back up in motion and soon as you back up and soon as you trun out it cuts off on the high way and on city street and turing.

My husband, newborn baby and I were driving on the highway when the vehicle suddenly slowed and then stalled in the middle of traffic. This occured every time my husband used the brakes. Luckily we managed to make it back home safely. The vehichle constantly needs oil and then it died for the last time about a month ago as we pulled into a family members driveway.

While driving, lights came on displaying "all wheel drive off", "traction control off", and service stabilitrak. Car dropped suddenly (on curve, on busy road) to 10mph. Shaking bad and brakes barely working. Car shakes worse when applying brakes. Dealer will not fix. Says lights are off when they see it so they can't diagnose problem. This same problem has happened several times. Always in cold weather. No ice or snow this time.

I was traveling on the service road when my car suddenly stalled without notice. I was almost hit by vehicles traveling behind me. The car started up right away and I was able to park safely. The check engine light is now on and it shows a code for a bad solenoid. This is a prominent problem with this car, I have seen numerous people complain on various websites about this issue. I just want to know why this car is still out on the road. It is unsafe. It will kill someone eventually. I am now scared to drive this vehicle and will trade this vehicle in.

Cat converter gone out, abs light on, brakes are making a knocking sound, when I get it fixed it's something wrong with it.

Timing belt failed within two years of the first time being fixed. First time was when vehicle was purchased used at approx 123k, second time it has failed is approx 179k. There is an ongoing oil consumption issue with the vehicle. I have heard that there is a recall on the oil issue that was not publically announced and I would like to find out why it wasnt if in fact this is an issue. Timing belt should not fail twice . Took vehicle in to shop after vehicle began shaking violently and jumping while stopped at a light, in drive with the breaks on. When I went to drive, vechicle would drive but had severe loss in poer and was vibrating the whole time. Upon taking to the shop and having an engine diagnostic test done, it was confirmed that the timing chain was indeed stretched out and would need to be repaired at a cost of $2500. This repair had been made two years prior as well , having had to replace the chains and such due to this recurring and ongoign oil issue.

In the middle of accelerating out of a parking lot into two way traffic,vehicle was in drive and in motion, the vehicle quit accelerating to a stop and acted as though it was in neutral even though it was in drive. No engine revving sound (engine sounded "normal") when accelerator was pushed (to the floor), and vehicle began to roll backwards (due to slope nature of parking lot) even though the vehicle was in drive. I put the vehicle in park, hoping it would "reset" , then put back into drive with no forward motion or engine revving when accelerator was pressed. I then put the vehicle back into park and turned off the engine. After restarting the vehicle I was able to appropriately accelerate the vehicle in drive.

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox I own started to idle really high then really low and made the car speed up and then the idle speed would drop to a point where the engine would die. You would have no pedal control at all just rolling along on a city street. It happened out of the blue and was very scary in busy traffic. I brought the car to the Chevrolet dealership and was informed that they had special coverages on the vehicle that I was never notified about. (even though I owned the car at the time the special coverages were released). The dealership told me that Chevrolet was well aware that this car has a problem with excessive oil consumption. (I already new that with oil changes and having to add a quart of oil every 1000 miles). The dealership also informed me that Chevrolet, new that the timing chain on this vehicle would break and be very dangerous to the engine. The dealership said they would also fix that on special coverages. I told them to go ahead and fix these two issues. They took the engine apart, and informed me that because of these 2 issues that gm and Chevrolet were well aware of, it had scoring in my cylinders. The vehicle was extremely dangerous to be driving because it would idle out of control and shut itself off out of nowhere. The dealership was confident that the scoring on the cylinders was a direct result of the two issues that were covered under the special coverages. I was never notified of any of these special coverages from gm or Chevrolet. Chevrolet customer service told me they had my address correct but could not confirm that the notices were sent to me for the special coverages. My family and I were in danger driving this vehicle, and Chevrolet new all about the dangers in driving this vehicle. I now have a car sitting at the dealership with a blown engine and Chevrolet won't do anything for me. There should have been recalls.

Had to replace the catalytic converter due to over heating of the engine/exhaust as a result of the excessive oil consumption (sept 2017). Stabilitrak service light came on and reduction of engine power and speed while driving (Jan 2018).

Takata inflators.

Purchased my 2011 chevy Equinox in March 2014 at 36,000 miles. At this moment I have 63,000 miles. Past couple months or so I have had many issues with my vehicle. There was a ticking for a period of time after parking and shutting off the vehicle, a rough/loud running of the engine, inconsistent times of knocking type sound, and a hesistant during accelerating and so rough. When we inquired about these things from the dealer we purchased from we were told that everything was 'normal' and that's what a chevy sounds like. Today I was driving up a 30 mph road and could not accelerate over 20 mph going straight up the road. There was a hesistation then it stopped in the middle of the road. I turned the ignition off. Waited a few seconds and it started back up. I drove fast home and turned onto my street and it started to slow down and not accelerate. It was still running but didnt go anywhere. I turned it off again for a few minutes. It started up I drove it into my driveway. The engine light came on and it shutoff. This appears to be a consistent problem in this type of vehicle from what I have now found and something that should not happen with only 63,000 miles on it. I do not drive long distance. Work, school and home. I am extremely frustrated with the entire situation. I have always bought chevy and this is the first major issue. They need a recall on this. Can someone help. I do not have a warranty anymore. Im a single mom of 2 and can not afford this. The crazy thing is. I received a notice in the mail about this issue a few months back. I chuckled and said not my car and threw it away now look at me.

I was driving to get my 3 small kids from after school and my 2011 chevy Equinox started losing power. Could not go over 35 mph. Check engine light turned on, then the stabilitrak light followed by reduce engine and it had vibration. The car was in motion. I got to the stop sign and it vibrated. I pulled over and was scared to cut it off. Then after about 2 mins I was able to pull of slowly by the car stalled. And I still couldn't go over 35mph. Slowly made it to my kids school and I could here clunky noises. I cut off, after 5 mins I was able to crank, the only light that was on was the check engine light and its stil on. I was able to drive regular but still had a little vibration. I do not have warranty and im a single mother of 3 small kids from age 18months - 9years old. I dont know what to do. I cant afford any repairs. I just got this vehicle January 30, 2015.

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...

Transmission shifting issues causing car to jerk and not accelerate. Has been an on going issues for the last 13 month brought in to be looked at multiple time. Dealer is stating that's how the transmission were made.

Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle did restart, however, the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The contact also stated that while stopped at a stop sign and depressed the gas pedal, the vehicle accelerated and immediately stopped responding to the gas pedal while the contact was in the middle of an intersection. The contact stated that he continued to depress the gas pedal, the vehicle jerked and began to accelerate. The contact stated that after that incident the vehicle would no longer reverse while shifted into reverse and the vehicle would no longer shift from third to fourth gear. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000. Sw.

When I was out running errands on 5/2/15 with my 5 year old, as I was arriving closer to my destination my car started shaking the check engine light came on, the the stabilitrak light came one and I started to accelerate the car and the pedal was all the way to the floor and the car hesitated for a min or so then it started to rev up and I was able to pull off. Then when I got to where I was going I turned the car off and according to the manual the stabilitrak should go off and it usually activates due to check engine light coming on. I can honestly say that when you are in traffic at a stop and trying to pull off this is a very dangerous situation. After being in the store for at least 30mins or more when I come back out the check engine light is still on but the stabilitrak light is off. I am no more than 20 mins away from my home but on the way back home it took at least 45 mins because three times while in traffic waiting for the light to turn green the card started having the soldered acceleration problems again. I am just relieved that the drivers behind me in each occurrence which would be a total of 4 was very patient. I did do a diagnostic report with onstar after the second incident and I was informed that there were 3 codes on my car now and the loss of power can be an issue for these code and to get the car to the dealer within 7 days. This seems to be an issue that has been listed on this site more than once. I am no longer under the warranty for this vehicle and from what I have read is a very expensive repair. I am not sure why chevy/gm is not acknowledging this issue from what I have seen on this site and edmunds. Com, car complaints. Com and you tube this a very real and serious issue. This issue needs to be addressed soon than later. I don't understand why there hasn't been anything done about this. I am scared to drive my car now.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle decelerated without warning and the vehicle vibrated as the reduce speed warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the diagnosis was unknown by the contact. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

I was driving in the snow at approximately 40 mph when the car decelerated to approx 20 mph, the check engine light came on, the traction control light came on, the SUV started shaking and the reduced engine performance pop up was displayed. The dealer is replacing the throttle sensor due to a short. Luckily I was not on the highway at the time as going from 65 to 20 would have been very dangerous. This limp home/fallback mode seems sort of ill conceived especially on roads above 30 mph.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, there was a sudden loss of acceleration as the wrench warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the throttle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

I was stopped at stoplight at 8pm the car shook as I started to turn left and the stability control light came on then low power engine light came on in my 2011 Equinox. The car powered down to 2 mph, it would not accelerate so I turned into a parking lot, shut the car off and turned it back on same thing happened again. I called onstar and had the car towed to phillips Chevrolet (great service) in frankfort, IL. The service manager called and told me that the throttle body had to be replaced. I had the extended warranty so the cost was $100. 00 to me, without the warranty it would have been $600. 00 to fix. I asked if he has replaced many throttle bodies in this model car he said quite a few. The car was fixed. I emailed Chevrolet and asked how many throttle bodies have been replaced in all cars, they said no recalls on this car. I was unsatisfied with their answer, that was not my question. Chevrolet called me back and said that a person would call me about my concern. They called and told me the same story, no recalls and the dealer could have been lying to me, which made me upset. I asked to speak with a supervisor and he told there were no records kept of how many throttle bodies have been replaced, which I do not believe. He also told me about a fuel pump problem that chevy would fix only if my car had a problem and a chain belt problem that could a cause serious problem to the engine if the car showed symptoms. I was not happy with that answer either. I will take my car in for a chain belt and fuel pump check now that I am aware of the potential problem. The supervisor told me that I would have to contact your agency about my concern. I would like an answer to my original question, how many throttle bodies have been replaced in Chevrolet cars? why did this happen and will a recall be issued? thank you.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an unknown warning light illuminated stating the vehicle was reducing power then the vehicle reduced speed independently and would not go faster than 20 mph. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was on backorder . The manufacturer was notified and stated they were looking for a part to repair her vehicle but offered no other assistance. The failure and current mileage was 83,000.

Vechile will shake back and forth everytime im about to come to a stop it will not allow me to press gas. Car odometer goes to 0 and I have no power to the vechile, the vechile just dies in the middle of traffic has been to the dealership twice already over issue this will be the third time.

When trying to merge into traffic at a low speed I had to stop due to the car in front of me stopping. When I applied the brakes, the brakes started pulsing and I had no stopping abilities until I hit the car infront of me. Again the same situation occurred, I was merging into traffic at a low speed when the car infront of me slams their brakes and I follow my applying my brakes. Again the brakes pulsed and the car did not stop. The second time I had more than two car spaces between myself and the other car when the brakes were applied. The road conditions for both incidents were clear and no visible liquid on the road. Each time the brakes were applied when the vehicle was shifting through the gears.

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, engine power was suddenly lost. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available.