Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Electrical system recall
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Seat belts recall
THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT(S) AS DESIGNED AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
527
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 6 mention a crash, 6 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760362 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
40
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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. The contact stated that he opened the hood and noticed the engine compartment had caught fire. Additionally, the contact stated that the battery was burned and was bubbly. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water bottles. A fire department report and a police report were not filed. The contact sustained a minor burn on the right hand and did not receive medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's parents. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11558777 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
21
Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 7 mention a crash, 14 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
I purchased a 2011 Chevy Equinox LT from a used car dealer in April 2022 with 153,000 miles on it. The second day I had it the brake caliper completely fell off of my front passenger tire causing my wheels to lock. Couple days later I noticed that after an extended time of driving anything more than 10-15 minutes it. The RPMs would fluctuate sometimes dropping down to zero and the vehicle stalls. The excessive amount of oil used in this vehicle is ridiculous I literally got an oil change and a week later it said I was low but my oil notification on my Dash messages said oil life remaining 95% check engine light comes on and it's the p0042 for catalyst system not at threshold. This literally should be a class action lawsuit because this is ridiculous
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11482709 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
32
Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash.
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who observed a small amount of fluid within the engine compartment. The dealer later determined that the fluid was power steering fluid. However, the dealer was unable to determine the exact location of the leak. The contact was advised to continue driving the vehicle for 1 week then return for a follow-up inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11646752 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
49
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 13 mention a crash, 11 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11738139 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
77
Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11714145 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
36
Most reports here involve fluid leaks. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11746040 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 782 complaints on file, fewer than the 2010 (784) and more than the 2012 (683). Of the 17 model years of the Chevrolet Equinox we cover, the 2010 has the most (784). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.