I'm convinced GM makes the worst SUVs ever.... I originally bought a 2011 Equinox at 98,000 miles - had a 20 point inspection and everything was fine. In less than a year I've shelled out more $2000.00 to replace timing chains, pistons, camshafts etc. I had to replace the catalytic converter and now I'm hearing an awful rattling noise when I accelerate. Transmission is jerky when driving on 35 mph and overall a horrible experience.
ALL I WANTED WAS A NEW VEHICLE SO I WOULDN'T HAVE TO SPEND SO MUCH TIME AT A REPAIR SHOP. I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED MORE THAN ALL OTHERS COMBINED.
I've had the check engine light come on 9 times in the last two years (2016-2018). The problems started right around 77,000 miles. I've had numerous "fixes" to try to resolve the problems, but none of them have truly fixed it. So far, I've had the timing chain replaced twice, several sensors replaced numerous times, a new catalytic converter, a few new gaskets, and new piston rings. Luckily, much of this has been covered by the factory warranty/ safety recall, but I have had to put several hundred dollars into fixing what was not considered covered under the warranty. I love my Equinox, but I'm at my wit's end...
Bought a slightly-used 2011 Equinox in November of 2013 with 69k miles on it. I live in rural Nebraska, so there's a lot of driving every day. I worked as a journalist when I bought the car and used it for work, so the miles I would put on it in a day would vary greatly. Moved and got a different job. She's up to 118k now. The problems arose right around the time she hit 110k. I started it up one morning before work and there was a very noticeable change in the engine noise. I had my husband, and later my dad and father-in-law look at it. My father-in-law took it to a mechanic and after being gone a week, we found out that the manifold had not just cracked, but broke in half and came out in two pieces. The check engine light would come on periodically. Then once, when driving through a car wash, suddenly I got the "Engine power reduced" notification and the car sounded awful again. Then in the snowier months, I went to pull out of my driveway, and got the "service Stabilitrak" and my power steering was gone. My husband didn't believe me until he drove it and felt for himself. We had just gotten it fixed again. I had my father-in-law fix that for me (he works at a co-op). We've had numerous fixes, costing my husband and I about $2,500 in just a year and a half. We are currently looking for a new (older, more reliable) vehicle. We're done fixing this thing.
- Elissa W.,
Strang, NE, US
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Car was purchased new less than 6 years ago, less than 66,000 on it. Have had oil consumption issues. Three weeks ago, check engine, stabilitrak and loss of engine power lights started coming on while idling at stop signs and lights and experiencing stalls at same stop signs and lights. Husband checked and even though the check oil light was not on, there was virtually no oil in the car, added 2 quarts. Took car in for service Dealer said it was a stretched timing chain and fuel pump needed to be replaced. Take home and return the following Monday when parts are in. When they went to do the service, engine was found to have lots of metal in it and needed to be replaced at our cost as warranty is out. Dealer then offered a 10% discount on labor. The engine is still costing me $3,900 plus tax etc. I am appalled that GM is making me pay as this the car was regularly serviced. An engine should not fail at less than 66,000. Customer service has pretty much said suck it up. We will never purchase GM again. Four of our last 6 vehicles have been GM cars and I feel really stupid that we purchased a 2015 Chevy Equinox for our children's use last year.
We are going down the highway and it stopped and that's not bad enough engine light and stabilizers light and reduce speed all at once. Please recall the suv, it's in the dealership right now and I don't know what else to do. Thank you
So while driving back from a trip the check engine light came on randomly, this just after the vehicle last week started to stall when it was put in gear, that's a whole new complaint after receiving so many damn recalls over the past several months that tell me there are several problems with the vehicle but that the service centers aren't excepting the vehicles yet, so i guess i wait till my wife and kids are stranded somewhere or worse, pos!!!!
The "Check Engine light" has been on and off for the past month, there are 3 occurrences so far:
#1) First happened about 2 weeks ago. After coming back from a short drive about 10 miles, the "Check Engine light" was on steady after I completely stopped before entering the garage. The "Check Engine light" disappeared after a few days' driving.
#2) Second time happened last weekend, after driving 20 miles, the "Check engine light" was back on again while driving. It was a hot day with AC running. The "Check engine light" was off by itself a couple of days later.
#3) It happened today when I pulled out of gas station after filled up the tank. I stepped on the brake and stopped the car completely before STOP sign. Not rough stop, very slow speed since it was in gas station. When I tried to step on Gas and moved the car. The car failed to move forward. Engine is still idling, and the Shift is at "D", I pushed the gas, car stood still. After I restarted the engine, the car drives normal. And the "Check Engine light" is back on.
I will take the car to dealer next week. Any common experience? Thanks for sharing.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I'm convinced GM makes the worst SUVs ever.... I originally bought a 2011 Equinox at 98,000 miles - had a 20 point inspection and everything was fine. In less than a year I've shelled out more $2000.00 to replace timing chains, pistons, camshafts etc. I had to replace the catalytic converter and now I'm hearing an awful rattling noise when I accelerate. Transmission is jerky when driving on 35 mph and overall a horrible experience.
Will never purchase anything from GM every again!
- Drew D., New York, US