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Comments
My 2011 Equinox is 13 months old and has ~17k miles on it. It has been well maintained. I live in a sub arctic climate, which means the vehicle sees temps as low as -40 or colder regularly in the winter but the car is parked in a garage at night an correctly winterized for the conditions. Other cars that I have had have not problems in this arrangement. I have had NO problems with the car up until now.
The Problem:
Last Monday I was leaving work (car had been sitting for about 3 hours, and I had let it warm up about 30 minutes before driving) I was about 30 minutes into my drive when my gauges zeroed, several service lights came on, and the screen behind my steering wheel displayed the message "Check Tire Monitor". My radio, however was working fine. Thinking this was very strange, I noted that I was only a couple miles from my dealership and changed my route to go straight there. I stopped at the next intersection and when I got going again I realized I had lost my power steering, my turn signals and head lights. This made me very nervous but I kept going.
Once I got to the dealership I parked the car and decided I would try restarting the car to see if things fix themselves. I couldn't even put the car in park! So sitting with my car stuck between park and neutral, I tried to open the door, which of course, due to the "safety features" of the wonderful Equinox, stayed locked while not in park. I couldn't override the lock with the center console unlock button either. Panicking, I called the dealership (thank you iphone!) and explained over the phone that what had happened and that I was now locked in my vehicle in their parking lot.
His first question for me was "Cobalt or Equinox?" second was "2005 or 2006?" He seemed very surprised when I told him it was a 2011. He told me to meet him at the vehicle (like I could go anywhere) and hung up. While waiting, I WAS able to get myself out using the peg next to the window (these don't seem to be meant to be used anymore, they go more of the way down into the door and aren't easy to grip). The service guy tried to jump the car and no success.
I sat in their waiting room for 3 hours to be told that a "control module" had "burned up" and that it was literally smoking when they took the cover off of it. They set me up with a rental and told me it would be less than a week.
Today, it has been a week. When I called, they told me it would now be more like mid week.
I think what they intend to do is simply drop a new module into place.
My question is...
Has this happened to anyone else?
Is there a chance there is another problem elsewhere in the car that could have precipitated this issue? I'm a Mechanical Engineer but I have no clue when it comes to electronics.
I drive 50 miles a day through un-populated areas to get to work. I need a reliable car. Do I need to worry about this happening again?
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Good luck with the new Nox!
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I see that you've made multiple trips in to the dealership, and can understand that the current "know about but no fix yet" you mentioned is frustrating. If I were able to look into progress with that I certainly would, but unfortunately I don't have access tho that information.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through this, and if we can assist further, please don't hesitate to contact us via email (I have two addresses posted in my profile here on the Forum).
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Good luck.
Hope this helps
Sonny
All seemed OK for a while; we even drove from NY to Raleigh, NC in Feb and enjoyed the car on a long ride. Then last week, on two different days, the car stalled while waiting at a light. Luckily, it started up again both times but now I have to get this checked out and dread having to hassle with the dealership again.
Understandably, my wife is now afraid to drive her new car and feels it would be irresponsible to drive the kids or their friends in it, potentially knowingly putting them in harms way.
I appreciate the advice from others dealing with similar issues: how do I go about getting the dealership to exchange this car? We very much liked it and chose the Equinox after extensive research and test-drives. Or should i just cut my losses, sell it and buy a Honda?
I've heard this line before....
My suggestion: Next time ASK to speak directly to the GM Rep they supposedly are talking to. I think this is a common pass the buck - appease the customer trick that is bogus! Nothing more than the old Good cop / bad cop ploy! Let's the dealer play the part of the good cop...
BTW While on vacation I rented a Kia, angered me to think I chose the Equinox because of the fake 32 mpg claims GM promotes. Over my 2 week comparison... the Kia was a better vehicle. Quiet, excellent ride, great visibility.
We'd be willing to look into this further with you! If you haven't already, please send us your name/Edmunds username, phone and address, the last 8 of your VIN and current mileage, a summary of your vehicle concern, and the name of your dealership to socialmedia@gm.com
My coworker Christina, who answers inbound emails from the forum, will assist you further.
Kind regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Regards,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I have the same problem like everyone else. Vehicle's engine stalled when i waiting for the traffic light. The same fault has occurred five times. Also the vehicle jumps and jerks often.
I bring my car to the dealer today. They said it was a computer failure, then they reprogram engine module to fix it.
I just worry that the same thing will happen again.
Hopefully the reprogramming will have taken care of it. If you encounter any further difficulties,please send us an email at socialmedia@gm.com and we'd be happy to look into things further with you.
Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
Sending it to the dealership tomorrow, hopefully they can identify the problem and find the cause easily.
I have been truly happy with my Equinox and I am really hoping this won't cause my opinion to change.
Do not be offended but did you remember to 'punch' the control to turn on the A/C... it should be lit up... I remember a couple of times last year where I somehow bumped the A/C off by accident.... Couldn't figure it out until I saw the control light wasn't on...
Kind of the same topic... I have been quite displeased with the size and placement of the front dash vents. I can never seem to get them to actually blow on me for heat or cooling.
I agree with you also on the dash vents, for as large as they appear they don't seem to angle the air properly.
I bought it brand new from a Chevy Dealer in May 2009. Several months into driving it, the lumbar air bag in the drivers seat popped... while driving. I am a 31 year old female and weigh 130 pounds.... not big enough to be popping seats I would hope.
A few months later, I turned my car on and you would have thought a family of cats were screaming under my hood. It was a grinding sound that woke the neighbors. I have read some forums below that mention this. I did take it in and they found this error through GM and GM is aware of this, but does not have a fix for it yet. They were kind enough to put me on the recall list for when they do. I wanted to see this GM list of issues for myself, so I logged on to my computer and after 2 hours of searching and hacking, I finally found this secret list on a GM/dealer site. It is huge and GM has it well hidden. Now, I haven't read all of the posts on this forum, so I could be a little outdated on the progress. However, the dealer where my car sits now says it is still unresolved. If you like, I can find this list and post the link.
Now the fun part. About a month ago I was driving and all tire lights came on. Went immediately and had them checked and they were fine. Dealer blamed the weather. Later that day my engine light came on, then turned off, then on again. For about 2 weeks, my dash looked like a lit Christmas tree. Then it completely stopped. (I'm sure it was the weather, right??). Then, my remote starter quit. Having had enough, I made an appt to have it looked at by the dealer. However, this past Monday morning, I was getting onto the interstate when my gears decided not to shift. So my car would not go over 30mph. Had there been a car or semi coming, I would have been demolished... with my 4 year old in the back seat. I immediately took it to Auto Zone, Midas, everyone I could think of (for second and third opinions) to have a diagnostic check. I was pretty sure it wasn't the weather. My car has 40 code errors. My favorite being that it thinks it is stolen. I was told that they have NEVER seen this many errors and that I was driving a potential death trap. They were also kind enough to write these codes down for me and their description. It was towed to the dealer immediately and for 3 days now, I have had no update because they do not know where to even begin to diagnose the problem to the starting issue. GM is aware of this and I have a service ticket with them. The rep is very on top of calling me, gave me a free rental, and is treating me like royalty. This means they know they have a problem.
I write software and know enough about computer systems to know that 1 flaw in the system can pretty much have a domino effect on the entire system. I also know that these errors can and will eventually also cause problems with the hardware (engine, power windows, brakes, whatever).
I am sure that GM is smart enough to know that just because they fix a broken sensor, or computer flaw, that there is no guarantee that it is completely fixed. They also know (or should) that the computer system that has been installed into these cars are the same system built for the every 2010 Equinox. Doesn't mean that everyone will have this issue, but it does mean that everyone is at risk of this defect spurring up at anytime. I can understand 1 or 2 errors, but 40?
GM needs to suck it up, take this as a lesson learned, own up to this, fix it, and take responsibility that there are a lot of people out there driving what could potentially be a 'deathtrap'.
I am stating what I believe needs to be known. I am not telling you my theories... these are facts. Take what you want from it and good luck
Thanks,
Jaime
You will have to copy and paste the full link....
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=f9e3fed1e4d14127&id=F9E3FED1E4D14127!213#cid=F9- - E3FED1E4D14127&id=F9E3FED1E4D14127%21215&sc=documents
https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=f9e3fed1e4d14127&id=F9E3FED1E4D14127!213#cid=F9- - E3FED1E4D14127&id=F9E3FED1E4D14127%21216&sc=documents
Should I try the dealer another time? Feel like I was ripped off or have a lemon or something. I really need help with this engine.
Read to put in Mobil 1. No help. I have been treating this by going to an oil change center that will fill it up when low. I have to drive in all the time.
The dealer rep said that there were some Equinox's that were assembled incorrectly, but GM does not know which (not sure how this is possible) & mine was one of them. Timing belt issues, serpentine belt a bolt that was broken off in the engine.
Somewhat irritated that I was charged for a $44 tire rotation that they had to do in coorespondance with engine noise, but that is all they charged for. Also, provided a rental.
My car is still at dealer as they are "checking into the problem"! This forum is filled with the same complaints and nothing it being done!!! Whats Up GM...bet you wouldn't put one of your wives or children in this dangerous car?? Looking into my next options with the dealer and GM.
I'm sorry to read how you've had to make so many trips in to your dealership on this issue. If we can look into this further for you, please send the following information to socialmedia@gm.com : your name and Edmunds username, phone and address, the last 8 digits of your VIN and current mileage, and the name of your dealership with a description of recent visits you have made in for this concern.
Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
brought to the dealer 6 times and the cannot fix. I've been getting the run around from gm for months what a great way to treat a long time customer that currently owns to chevy vehicles.
gm will contact me after several messages only to say the person handling my case has changed or there waiting for a response from the gm rep that i could never speak to. today they
call me and say they are offering me a trade to purchase and to go to the dealer. she stated that
i would get my msrp minus mileage and would have to pay taxes title and fees. when i asked her what does that mean would i get back the tax and fees i paid on my original purchase she
said i dont know and just go to the dealer. wow really your offering me something that you
have no idea about. It sounds like im going to the dealer it will cost me thousands to replace a
vehicle that never worked right, was scared to drive and cost me renal fees Not to mention
it doesn't get the gas mileage it advertised. ill let you know how this nightmare continues when i take a trip to the dealer .
In fact, the problem has become steadily more noticeable. There's a lag or loss of power between gears in the lower numbers (1-3 or 4) most notably at gear 3 or 4. When accelerating, there's a sudden drop or loss in the gearing then a sudden engagement a moment later. It's not caused any accidents as I give myself plenty of lead time before pulling out; however, this isn't good. I don't know about mechanics, but I do know that this is NOT normal and it's not safe.
The car is just over a year old now and I've reported this to the dealer/service shop. Will be going in to see what they can do to resolve the issue. I see others have had some similar issues. If there's a defect, I hope it can be addressed quickly. I am rather quite pleased with my car otherwise. It's comfortable and secure and while not a sports car, it's a pleasure to drive on long trips.
My 2011 Equinox is my first American car in decades, so of course I'm a little grumbly that this issue is happening. I was a Honda consumer for years because of their excellent quality and I never once had a problem. With all the economic chaos of the last 5 years, I wanted to give a US car company a chance again. I'd heard good things about the Equinox and when I test drove it, I was sold on the comfort, leg room and safety. I am counting on GM to help me through this - I took a big leap of faith and I'm crossing my fingers!
I am hopeful that your with upcoming visit to your dealership service department they will resolve the concern you're having with your transmission. Please keep us posted on how everything goes, and if we can be of further assistance don't hesitate to get in touch with us via email: socialmedia@gm.com
Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
We'll see if this solves the issue. The Equinox seemed to drive nicely on the return, both on city streets and freeway. Shifting was smooth, even and I did notice a difference in the rpms since the repgrogram. They seem to rev a little higher before shifting and the process is smoother.
Crossing my fingers this is all that is/was needed. Since it refers to bulletin, I'm assuming GM is aware of this issue and has crafted a fix via software for the onboard systems? I'd prefer some more specific information on this if it's available. I'm a network technician so the concept of software/hardware integration is not foreign to me.
I hope that the reprogramming of the TCM continues to leave you satisfied! If something should come up, we're available to look into this situation further.
Many happy miles,
Sarah
GM Customer Service
I didn't purchase equinox for this low mpg. Also, I am having gear changing issue on low speed driving. It jerks like a hell when it shifts gear. Is this with you too? (Is this normal?) What should I do?? Horrible experience. First very low mpg and second gear shifting problem. I would had bought RAV4 or Highlander which gives way better mpg and very durable and reliable.
Thanks!!