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As to gas mileage per EPA ratings those claims have had caveats for many years and if you feel that you are going to get better mileage with the V6 you may be in for a rude awakening. I am not trying to flame you here but just to point out some realistic basis for the mileage you now get.
With regard to the other problems you wrote about, I wish you good luck in your dealings with the dealer/GM on these issues. The state where I live has a lemon law that allows for 3 repair attempts on the same problem and if not fixed you can invoke the law and move forward to dump the car.
Good luck.
However, in replacement of my Equinox, I purchased a 2011 Kia Sorento and I must say that 2,000 miles in, my average MPG's in this car is an incredible 28.8. Same routes, same driver, the only thing that has changed is the vehicle itself. The Kia is rated up to 32...pretty accurate i'de say which leads me to believe even further that there is TRUELY something wrong with the engines in the Equinox.
The estimated milage is 32 HWY and 22 CTY. I would expect to get a good mix here. We purchased the car on April 6, 2011.
My beef is that with the car having 5000 miles on it and with my wife driving to work 70 miles per day for a total of 51 days that would be 3570 miles on the vehicle, just driving to work. Her parents live over 38 (roundtrip 76 miles) miles away so that is a trip every weekend meaning that is another 836 miles. That means 88% of the miles on this vehicle are HWY. In my estimation, I should be around 28-29 MPG. I'm at 23!!! More than 20% less than my estimation. FALSE ADVERTISING!!!
You can always sell if you are willing to lie to your customers. It's going to bite Chevy in the butt soon! A few days ago the CEO of GM said he would like to see a $1 increase in the gas tax, that's just so his UNION and GOVERNMENT owned company can reduce the amount of future R&D investment. I'm fed up with this crap!!!
The car makers can then advertise that their cars get an EPA rated XX miles per gallon, because they tested the mileage using the federal rules and the results were vouched for by the EPA. Look at the disclaimers on the official Equinox page from Chevy - footnotes 5 and 8 specifically refer to EPA estimates.
And then they'll say your mileage may vary.
The gas mileage isn't the only issue here....The car does not work, so it opened the door for me to bring this other disappointment to their attention. My wife is 7 months pregnant. I don't have time to deal with GM fiddiling around with a POS car. I want it fixed and right now!!!
Found one where someone lost their hearing because their mpg was within the "EPA legal range", whatever that means. (link)
This will be GM's response if you open a case with them:
gmcustsvc, "GMC Acadia Real World MPG" #101, 12 May 2011 8:33 am
That said, contacting the rep may result in a regional engineer taking a ride in your 'Nox and checking it out.
This Edmunds Answer may help too.
Going to the dealer is a huge pita, but if you think you'll qualify under your state's lemon law for the mpg or your other issues, you'll have to go at least three times, often more, and document every visit and the result. More fun to enjoy the new kiddo, but you know what they say about the squeaky wheel.
In order to be covered by the Illinois Lemon Law, a vehicle must:
•have a nonconformity that both substantially impairs the use , market value or safety of the vehicle and is not repairable by the dealer or manufacturer in at least four attempts for the same repair, or
•be out of service for a total of 30 or more business days.
The Lemon Law DOES Cover: New Cars (purchased or leased)
Light Trucks and vans under 8,000 pounds
Recreational vehicles (excluding trailers)
Vehicles in their first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first
Vehicles purchased in Illinois
I'm in the shop on attempt #3 to solve car stalling issue. The gas mileage complaint is separtate and irritating.
There's other warranty provisions that may apply and may not be superseded by the lemon law so you may want to check into that.
Today the Nox failed to start twice on the first try. Both times a extended run of the knocking noise and then it did not start.
It restarted on the second try but with the noise... That's how I got the video.
Appt with dealer Tuesday.
They got the problem to repeat for them today and so they decided to tear into the engine. What he found sounded a bit odd and his explanation was very general and vague. He said they found a broken part/spring on a valve and some clogging in a cover plate that channels oil to the valves.
They are waiting on a 'bunch' of parts that will come in tomorrow but they may or may not be able to finish it up until Friday.
I really want to see the detailed write up when it is done. I hope that they will share it.
My receipt states the following:
Cause: RECALL
V2443 11195 Reprogram ECM
54 WMC4
Hope this fix holds up and the info will help someone else. I will update.
I am now at the point of truly regretting this vehicle purchase. I thought I did good research and comparison shopping, but now I feel embarressed and a complete fool for choosing an Equinox. I wonder who is enjoying my old reliable 2001 Altima now?
The service manager has been in contact with Chevy's Engineering about the problem and Chevy stated that they will have new software for the computer soon.
My problem is: If there is debris in the oil, doesn't it cause internal damage to the engine? I may be a dumb girl but I know that if something is dirty and you keep running it dirty, it will eventually do damage. I was told not to worry as no damage will be done to the internal engine. What are your opinions?
Also, I hope that the mileage improves. It gets nothing like it's rated at. The best on the road has been 24.7mpg and round town on an average of about 14mpg. I should have kept my '98 Blazer! I just thought that having a 4cyl. would be great on gas - WRONG!!
Well, debris in your oil is definitely a problem. Hopefully there is little to no damage at this point though. All I can say is to have it all documented by warranty, no matter what. Most of the time, as long as it happens within warranty period, they'll still cover it after the warranty is up. Just make sure they document every single little thing. The copy that they turn in for the warranty usually varies slightly from the customer copy, more detailed info about the parts/work, etc. I always read the warranty copy and make sure that it shows the important information. In this case, make sure that it shows debris in oil, and see if they'll make a note of this being your first oil change, etc. They may or may not, not sure.
WHATEVER they say to you, make ABSOLUTELY SURE that they write up the service visit properly so that it will all be recorded/noted on your warranty. This will cover you later on down the road.
The important part is just to have it noted on your warranty. Whenever a new fix comes out, you'll certainly hear about it on this forum (and other forums as well). The original repair was to replace the "cam phase actuators" and to check for debris in oil, however it has not worked on almost all cars that have gotten that repair done. Word is that GM is now thinking it's an issue with the software, so they are working on a software update. Stuff like that will just take time to work it's way through the system, but nobody knows for sure yet what's going on- GM is being pretty vague bout it right now. But I would absolutely makes sure they see that PIP4716a bulletin, let them try what they can/are able to, and remember they may or may not try the repair, but as long as a full write-up is done for your warranty, you should be okay for now. Good luck, check back here every few days.
Well, having gotten nowhere with GM I have now made a complaint with the BBB Auto Line division. I suggest to everyone still having problems and being told "there's nothing we can do." to just keep pushing the issue. Whether that means continuing to take your vehicles to the dealership (different dealer to perhaps get better perspective from other service men), filing a complaint with the BBB (after trying directly with GM) or hiring an attorney it is up to you but do not give up! Everyone has legitimate issues and GM needs to address them, not shrug them off because in many cases (mine included) they will if you let them. All this is a pain and very time consuming but important. We bought these vehicles with hard earned money and they should function correctly.....period! GM needs to stand by its customers who are supporting them with their patronage. I only speak for myself but I am feeling very pushed to the wayside by GM. Good luck all! Don't give up!
#1 - The Memory Seat seems to have a mind of its own. There is no rhyme or reason as to when it decides to adjust automatically to the driver. My wife will exit the car and the seat will go full back (as it is programmed to do). I'll enter the car and the seat will not move forward or sometimes it will move to my wifes position. I will exit the car and the next seat adjustment will go back to my wife's setting. I thought it would return to the last drivers setting automatically.
#2 - The Climate Control must be manually engaged (hit the Auto button) each time the car is re-started. My thinking is.....if it's Auto Climate Controlled, why should I have to turn it on everytime I use the car. My other car stays at its last setting so I don't have to fiddle with it unless I want to change the tempuature or another setting.
3# - When I travel the interstate highway where I live, the transmission shifts @ the slightest hint of an incline in the road. Our highway is relatively flat, but if the road rises slightly, the transmission shifts to 5th gear until it flattens again. It seems like the shift points are too close together between 5th and 6th.
Has anyone else noticed this and thanks for your response.
For #2- I don't have "auto" climate. Do you mean you set the temp, and it adjusts periodically to maintain that temp? I don't have that feature....lol....My AC settings stay the same all the time. Every once in a while I do notice that I have to push the recycle button again, but it's like, once a month that it resets to the other and I'll have to repress the recycle air button. If you have "auto climate" then you might also be able to change that through the infotainment center- just like how you change whether or not you want the doors to unlock automatically when put into park...
Haven't experienced #3 either.
I am having other drive train concerns so I did a lot of reading online about the engines and transmission this past weekend. I least from that I am able to answer your concern... my concern is still a mystery.
Thanks for your reply. It's not the temp that needs re-adjusting. There is a button on the dash that turns the Auto Climate Ctrl on & off. Whenever you shut the vehicle down and start it again it resets the Ctrl (turns it off) and you have to push the "Auto" button again to engage the Climate Ctrl. You would think it would always go back to the last setting (ON). My thought is, if you have Automatic Climate Ctrl, you shouldn't have to do anything other than adjust the temp. If I had it ON today, then chances are I'll want it ON tomorrow and the next day.
Thanks for the tip. I will check the manual again and look to the Ctrl / Info Center for answers.
You have a good point on the seat. I'll check that too. And she is #1....just ask her.
Thanks.
Good luck resolving your problem. I apprciate the reply. At least I know there's no trouble and I'll just live with it It seems to be a good vehicle. Just need to get used to it. The wife likes it a lot. That's important 8-&
One week later, we were on the way to my daughter's birthday party when the engine light came on. On Star ran a diagnostic and said we needed to take it in within 24 hours. The service department at Chevy said the power to the engine and transmission was off and the computer was reset. We were concerned that this happened after one week of owning the car.
Two weeks later, we were driving down the street and the car died in the middle of the road. I had my infant and 3-year-old in the car and was thankful we we were not on the highway. I restarted the car and then it died in the driveway. It was towed away and is at the shop now. They are not sure what is wrong but the check engine light is on again.
The dealer would not give us a rental because it was towed on Saturday night and the enterprise is closed on Sunday. We asked if we could bill them and they said we could try GM but they didn't know if they'd pay.
We are very, very frustrated that the car is 29 days old, has 900 miles, and has been in the shop twice. My wife doesn't want to drive our children around in the car for fear it will die on the highway with two small kids in carseats.
Obviously, this seems like a bad omen for the car and we have the feeling there will be continuing problems on this possible lemon. We will never buy a Chevrolet again.
As for your rental/loaner problem: Call GM Customer Service. Talk to a rep and tell them your problem with the dealer and not having a loaner. I have never had a problem with getting a loaner car from any dealer that I have dealt with. This dealer must be a winner and really wants business - NOT! I'm sure GM Customer Service will help you resolve your problem. Good Luck!!
I got a phone call this afternoon and Chevy agreed to buy back my Nox! I'm in shock. I had help from the Service Mgr and the owner of the dealer too. I think they are tired of seeing me and getting my phone calls. The owner drives a Nox and I've had it the last week plus - no problems with it so, I'm buying it in a straight trade. They get mine and I get his. Don't ask me how it works but I'm happy to have a car that runs and I don't have to worry everytime I get into it. I go tomorrow to do the paperwork.
I still would phone GM Customer Service and see what they can do about the loaner and paying for the rental. I'm sure that someone there will see you are ligit and not trying to rip them off. Gee, you do have a "new"? car - you thought. That's terrible to do something like that to a family. Please keep me informed. Good Luck and stay safe!
I thought I had done my homework on my Equinox and it's terrible! I don't know how it was "top rated." I do not want to put my family in my truck but like most people buying another vehicle (since I literally just bought this one) is not an option. A money tree does not grow in my back yard. It's sickening that GM is being allowed to give their customers the run around and that we are left with malfunctioning vehicles. It's very sad and frusterating! Good luck and keep complaining until they listen. They are in business because of us, the consumer. Keep the faith and keep us posted!
btw, I have a 4cyl. I am praying that GM will do something to help us. We feel cheated that the car broke down before we even purchased it (with 100 miles) and the dealer did not disclose this information. But, I am not holding my breath.
A dealer traded the car and the one we purchased it from did not disclose its history. I am not sure when it died (at the original dealer or the one we got it from). Then, it broke down twice more. GM confirmed that the dealer we purchsed the car from was aware of the problem before we bought it.
I have had two diagnostic trips to the dealer and now I am waiting for parts to come in and them schedule another trip to the dealer for the work to be done. I am crossing my fingers that I am one of the lucky ones to get a permanent fix.
As I'm in the market for a new vehicle and have been looking seriously at the Equinox, could a few of you reply to let me know whether these issues (startup noise, stalling, metal debris in the oil, etc.) are occurring only with the 4 cyl engines?
Has anyone with a 2011 6 cyl Equinox has experienced any issues as well?
All replies greatly appreciated!
This SUV has saved me money on fuel expenses and I have not had to put one dime in it since driving off the GM dealers lot nearly 2 years ago. I have 32000 miles on Nox today and still very happy with the performance and reliability.
If you'll nose around the forum, you'll find "Problems" threads for every make and model. And every brand has full service bays at their dealers, and those cars aren't all getting oil changes.
There's not enough "I love my ride" discussions, but that's human nature I think. You can find some of the happy camper posts in the 2011 Chevy Equinox discussion.
At the current time, engine wise, I have heard the clatter noise once in each car but could not get it repeated for the dealer, both are serviced by the same dealership, but I feel the case is on file should something severe happen.
Never would I disrespect or flame those who are having myriad issues with thier vehicles but I do feel that for the price and value in these cars, they are a good choice and should be looked at with a serious eye by would be purcharses.
Thanks for your time.