To Nox or not to Nox? Engine stalling issue common?

16806 Views 20 Replies 15 Participants Last post by RichardsonEquinox, Oct 9, 2011

vchizzle

Discussion Starter · Aug 8, 2011

Hi, newb and non-owner. I've been considering buying a Nox or Terrain. In doing some research I've come across people with engine stalling problems. 27 pages worth on the issue on an edmunds forum. I was heavily leaning towards one of these 2 vehicles, but this scares me...I had a ongoing problem with an Impala not starting for a long time. Really not interested in that kind of headache again. I'm looking at the 4 cyl. for fuel economy. Thanks for any input.

V

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

2011LT2

· #2 · Aug 8, 2011

I would expect the 2012 to have resolved the issues, and since probably only 3% of the engines are experiencing any problems and less than 1% have stalling issues it wouldnt be a bad vehicle to get. They are very comfortable, roomy, and handle well. Our mileage still is not near the 32mpg point, hoping it gets better with time.

From what I gather, the 2012 version has a different piston design with slightly lower compression ratio, which could end up making it much more reliable.

Its good to ask these kind of questions though, and have the information when shopping.

sumr616

· #3 · Aug 8, 2011

I still recommend the car, even after the issues I've had. I get fanTASTIC mileage with the 4cyl. Usually 22ish city, 32-34 at 55 mph and usually about 28 at normal hwy speeds of 65-70.

Most issues that come up can be fixed. And I would assume that the newer the build date, the less likely it will be that you have some of the same issues as others. The interior is, by far, the best in it's class and price range. You can get other vehicles with similar mileage, but the interior is what makes it stand out. The only add-on package I have is bluetooth. Love the car.

NoobNox

· #4 · Aug 8, 2011

I have a 2010 and have had none of the issues that I've read about here or elsewhere. I still recommend it to friends looking for a new car..

dishdude

· #5 · Aug 8, 2011

I have had zero issues with my 2011, I am very satisfied and would buy it again. I do have the V6, city mileage is low 20's, highway mileage is high 20's. Average 23-24 MPG.

Not bad for a heavy, extremely safe midsize SUV with a V6.

gwhaley262

· #6 · Aug 8, 2011

I've had mine just over a month and loving it. Vehicle is roomy, rides well, and gets good fuel economy for its size.

vchizzle

Discussion Starter · #7 · Aug 8, 2011

Thanks for the replies. Hopefully GM has resolved some of these issues. Maybe it's better luck that a lot of ones that were on lot that I looked at are sold and newer ones are rolling in?

NoobNox

· #8 · Aug 8, 2011

vchizzle said:
Thanks for the replies. Hopefully GM has resolved some of these issues. Maybe it's better luck that a lot of ones that were on lot that I looked at are sold and newer ones are rolling in?

I'm not really sure that newer is better or vice versa. I was a member of another forum dedicated to the Equinox (starting with the 05 model and onward) and nobody there reported stalling issues, and even the early days of this forum that wasn't something that was discussed. You have to keep in mind that whenever a new (or newly redesigned) vehicle hits the market, early posters of online forums are new owners entusiastic about their new rides...after a year or so you'll get people registering for the sole reason that they have some kind of issue.

tsduke

· #9 · Aug 8, 2011

NoobNox said:
I'm not really sure that newer is better or vice versa. I was a member of another forum dedicated to the Equinox and nobody there reported stalling issues, and even the early days of this forum that wasn't something that was discussed. You have to keep in mind that whenever a new (or newly redesigned) vehicle hits the market, early posters of online forums are new owners entusiastic about their new rides...after a year or so you'll get people registering for the sole reason that they have some kind of issue.

I can't agree more on that statement. Many of us are enthusiasts, but over the last few months I think we are seeing more traffic from those seeking out a place to complain about or research a problem.

vchizzle

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 8, 2011

Yes, lots of people show up to complain - I'm just doing research to try and find a reliable vehicle that won't have constant issues.

2011LT2

· #11 · Aug 8, 2011

There are some people that join looking for answers to problems, or to provide additional data on particular problems. I wouldnt say they are just complaining. I joined for only the reason I bought the vehicle, and was interested to read what people had to say about them. Then it became apparent there was a growing trend of issues. Those that join to contribute their experience adds to the validation of a problem, such that others can benefit.

We get about the same gas mileage as the V6 does on the highway/interstate, thats not good, and we are over 3000 miles on the 4 cylinder engine. Sure at 55mph it will show 33mpg, until we hit a slight incline or turn on the AC, but our main highways have 65mph speed limits. So if you use the AC a lot or drive 65+ mph most of the time, dont count on 32mpg. If 28mpg is still acceptable for you, then it will likley do at least that at 65-70mph.

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fast200

· #12 · Aug 8, 2011

vchizzle said:
Hi, newb and non-owner. I've been considering buying a Nox or Terrain. In doing some research I've come across people with engine stalling problems. 27 pages worth on the issue on an edmunds forum. I was heavily leaning towards one of these 2 vehicles, but this scares me...I had a ongoing problem with an Impala not starting for a long time. Really not interested in that kind of headache again. I'm looking at the 4 cyl. for fuel economy. Thanks for any input.

V

It depends on what you are looking for.

If fuel economy is your main concern, there are lighter, less problematic small SUV's on the market. Sure, this vehicle is EPA rated well but many people do not experience the sticker numbers. Even though the people with problems here are only a small percentage, it is a lot higher than a "random" part failure would warrant and the communication from GM has been terrible.

OTOH, if your main goal is to find a comfortable, quiet SUV, with nice features, the Equinox/Terrain may be your choice. But I'd opt for the V6 if i had to do it all over.

vchizzle

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 8, 2011

Well fuel economy is important but if I got 28mpg I'd be happy. I drive interstate mostly, a hair above 70 mostly. Interior space is important, which the equinox & terrain feel pretty roomy - that I like a lot. I've researched a few others but none look to do better than 28mpg and some are smaller. I was pretty much sold, but now a bit worried about the stalling issue.

cottonseed

· #14 · Aug 8, 2011

NoobNox said:
I have a 2010 and have had none of the issues that I've read about here or elsewhere. I still recommend it to friends looking for a new car..

+1 I dont have the majority of the major issues anyone else is having with my 2010. But that doesn't mean I do not have issues haha. So far it appears the early build 2010's were alot more stable then the 2011's for some reason.

IceMan

· #15 · Aug 8, 2011

My wife purchased a 2011 2.4 LTZ Equinox in August 2010. She has had no problems whatsoever...now with over 6,000 miles on the clock. 23-24 MPG in town...28.7 MPG hwy. Just returned from trip to Smoky Mountains..from mid Indiana. 70-80 MPH on interstate(hilly)...26.8 MPG. Steep mountain driving from Gatlinburg,Tenn to Cherokee,NC...24.3.

Peppermint47

· #16 · Aug 25, 2011

Despite the problem I had with the engine stalling & noise issue, I would recommend the Equinox. Bought mine in April and love the roominess, rideability, and not bad on mileage. We got a silver LT model (2.4L) and spent approx $1600 extra to replace upholstered seats to leather (recommendation from salesman which was $4000 cheaper than the next model up with existing leather seats)......this made the seats more comfortable and easier to clean.
The seats were black with silver webbing in middle / interior ebony & platinum. The seats we chose were Dove grey (platinum). Since they just replaced the material, the bottom & back of seats were original black. The two-tone seat matches the interior and makes it look custom. Since driving on SoCal freeways isn't true "highway", I've seen as much as 27 mpg so far. I expect better when we take vacation through Calif/Arizona interstates during mid-week. I expected this vehicle would be a little less in mpg's from our 2007 HHR. Still love the HHR, but love the room, ride & visability of our Nox.

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vince730

· #17 · Aug 25, 2011

Have a 2011 (delivered July 6th 2011) and, knock on wood, haven't had any of the issues reported. I love the car very much and would recommend it to anyone. Especially with the 2012 having a standard back-up camera (something I think should have been standard since 2010) there are almost no reservations I have against recommending it. The interior is way better than any of the competition, and the gas mileage is fantastic (21 in the city, 30 on the highway is what I have been getting).

vchizzle

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 25, 2011

I actually bought a 2012 1LT in black granite metallic. Really enjoying it so far. http://www.equinoxforum.net/index.php?topic=3303.new;topicseen#new
I'm averaging 26 mpg between city and hwy in the 1st 1000 miles.

Tdog

· #19 · Aug 25, 2011

The main thread about the issues with the I4 is now almost 1800 posts long, but the reality is that the stalling issue is not reported in large numbers. Many of the reports are of startup noise. Granted, left unrepaired this noise appears to progress to more serious issues, but in the past few weeks there seem to be repair strategies that are working. These are primarily 2011 models reporting issues. I know of one 2012 Terrain that has been put in rental/loaner service, and it has passed 1300 miles without any reports of problems. So I would continue to recommend these vehicles, and I encourage you to look at the feature sets of the Noxes and Terrains: depending upon what features you want, that may sway you toward one or the other.

Zequinox

· #20 · Aug 30, 2011

vchizzle said:
I actually bought a 2012 1LT in black granite metallic.

Congrats! I hope you enjoy it as much as we've enjoyed ours (so far).

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