2011 Chevrolet Equinox Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 23 Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, about 3% of all complaints filed for the year, out of 782 total. Five crashes and 10 injuries are tied to this category, with median mileage at failure of 20,000. A related recall (campaign 14V447000) covers power seat height adjuster shoulder bolts.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 23
- 3% of 782
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 10
- Median mileage
- 20,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Some owners report the power lift gate closing unexpectedly and striking them, in one case causing a concussion, with no audible warning chime while the gate was in motion.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side-impact and frontal collisions, including a t-bone crash and a rear-end collision, sometimes with the seat belt failing to lock.
- Owners describe the rear passenger windows causing the entire vehicle to shake excessively when opened together, with dealers saying this was normal operation.
- One owner reported the door trim material was sharp enough to cut skin, requiring stitches after contact with the driver's door trim.
- A brake failure was reported while stopped in traffic, resulting in a multi-vehicle sideswipe crash.
- Owners also mention seat height adjuster components tied to the related recall, along with radio controls that were not accessible while driving.
When 2011 Chevrolet Equinox body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 9, 2010, latest May 15, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
- NHTSA 14V447000Jul 23, 2014Structure & Body414,333 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:power adjust
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk: 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.
Structure & Body complaints by Equinox model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?
- NHTSA lists 23 Structure & Body complaints for the 2011 Equinox, roughly 3% of the 782 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2011 Equinox?
- Yes. Campaign 14V447000 covers 2011-2012 Equinox and related GM models, addressing power seat height adjuster shoulder bolts; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- Did the 2011 Equinox Structure & Body complaints involve crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 5 crashes and 10 injuries associated with the 23 Structure & Body complaints for this model year.
- At what mileage do Structure & Body problems typically show up on the 2011 Equinox?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this category is 20,000 miles.
- What kind of Structure & Body problems do owners describe?
- Owners describe airbags not deploying in crashes, a power lift gate striking occupants, excessive vehicle shake when opening rear windows, and sharp door trim causing injury.