Is the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2011 Chevrolet Equinox
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 781
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2011: 781 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	638
2006	695
2007	685
2008	370
2009	94
2010	784
2011	781
2012	684
2013	751
2014	547
2015	680
2016	398
2017	275
2018	408
2019	303
2020	308
2021	96
2022	174
2023	96
2024	79
2025	231
2026	74

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

49% · 386 reports

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a business parking lot.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-06

Also filed under Electrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-03

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline

Power train

19% · 145 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Electrical system

9% · 74 reports

Most commonly citing rear compartment/trunk and speedometer/odometer.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Visibility/wiper

9% · 69 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 61 reports

CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2011Complaint volume 781 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2011-01-18Seat belts10V623000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-12-26Seats14V447000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-10-14Electrical system, power train16V502000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-11-02Recall queryClosed 2019-12-19 Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
I
2019-12-13Engineering analysisClosed 2022-11-28 Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
I
2020-06-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-06-03 Momentary Increased Steering Effort

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 386 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 145 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 74 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 10V623000 · Seat belts
Recall 14V447000 · Seats
Recall 16V502000 · Electrical system, power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 49% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.