MYRModel Year Report

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2011 Chevrolet Equinox
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Equinox Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2011 highlighted. 2005: 638 complaints 2005 2006: 695 complaints 2007: 685 complaints 2008: 370 complaints 2008 2009: 94 complaints 2010: 784 complaints 2011: 781 complaints 2011 2012: 682 complaints 2013: 749 complaints 2014: 546 complaints 2014 2015: 679 complaints 2016: 395 complaints 2017: 271 complaints 2017 2018: 401 complaints 2019: 300 complaints 2020: 303 complaints 2020 2021: 91 complaints 2022: 164 complaints 2023: 94 complaints 2023 2024: 73 complaints 2025: 217 complaints 2026: 63 complaints 2026
2011: 781 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2005638
2006695
2007685
2008370
200994
2010784
2011781
2012682
2013749
2014546
2015679
2016395
2017271
2018401
2019300
2020303
202191
2022164
202394
202473
2025217
202663

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 49%

49% of complaints: engine — 386 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH
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, 20231206

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, 20260803

Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

POWER TRAIN 19%

19% of complaints: power train — 145 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 74 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear compartment/trunk and speedometer/odometer.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VISIBILITY/WIPER 9%

9% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 69 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 61 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2011 — complaint volume: 781
R 20110118 — seat belts

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 NE

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, 2

Campaign 10V623000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20141226 — seats

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.

Campaign 14V447000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20161014 — electrical system, power train

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.

Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20181102 — RQ (closed 20191219)

Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure

I 20191213 — EA (closed 20221128)

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

I 20200601 — PE (closed 20220603)

Momentary Increased Steering Effort

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2011 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (386 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (145 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (74 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V623000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V447000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2026 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2013 ◆ 2006

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.