2011 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 782 complaints with NHTSA, including 30 crashes, 3 fires, 41 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (386 reports).

NHTSA rates it up to 4 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.

3Recalls
782Owner complaints
30Crashes reported
4/5NHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Equinox?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox recalls

Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway

Recall 16V502Jul 5, 20168,367 vehicles affected

The electronic park lock lever on these vehicles may allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is not in PARK.

Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust

Recall 14V447Jul 23, 2014414,333 vehicles affected

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Recall 10V623Dec 15, 201097,843 vehicles affected

Most common 2011 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Problem areas named in the 782 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine386
Power Train145
Electrical System74
Visibility/Wiper69
Fuel/Propulsion System61
Unknown Or Other57
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)55
Air Bags52
Vehicle Speed Control50
Steering43

What owners report

2026-08-28, Engine And Engine Cooling
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.
2026-08-03, Engine
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. During the failure, there was no warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were not yet contacted. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 168,000.
2026-06-23, Electrical System
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.
2026-05-15, Structure
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.
2026-02-23, Engine
Vehicle burns excessive oil. Have to put in a quart weekly. Check engine light comes on for camshaft sensor, they’ve already been replaced 3 times and the light won’t go off.

2011 Chevrolet Equinox safety rating

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2011 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD★★★★ 4-star454 (17.4% rollover risk)
2011 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD★★★★ 4-star454 (19.1% rollover risk)

2011 Chevrolet Equinox questions

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox: Key Can Be Removed Before Park Is Engaged, Risking Rollaway; Seats:Front Assembly:Power Adjust; Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 782 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (386), Power Train (145), Electrical System (74).

How safe is the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox up to 4 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.

How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Chevrolet Equinox has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Chevrolet Equinox years

Other 2011 Chevrolet models