The Lemon IndexThe variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be. Full P0011 page
20 owner complaints · the #2 code Chevrolet Equinox owners name · 11% of Chevrolet Equinox complaints that name a code (every car: 0.8%)
Middle of 52,000 miles · most between 35,000 and 78,000 (19 owners gave it)
Chevrolet Equinox owners named P0011 in 20 complaints to the U.S. government (NHTSA), most often on the 2014, 2011 and 2015 model years, at a middle of 52,000 miles. The part they name most is the timing chain, tensioner or cam phaser (2 complaints). Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Chevrolet Equinox model years that report P0011
Owner complaints naming P0011, by model year. Raw counts: years that sold more get more complaints, so this is each model year's record, not a failure rate.
Mileage when it happened
52,000 miles is the middle of what 19 owners entered. Half were between 35,000 and 78,000 miles.
The mileage on the complaint form, when the owner gave one.
What owners say caused it or fixed it
The most-named part is the timing chain, tensioner or cam phaser, in 2 of the 20 complaints (10%). 1 of those mention it being replaced or repaired, and 1 say the problem came back afterwards.
- Timing chain, tensioner or cam phaser2 complaints1 mentions a repair or replacement, 1 of them says the problem came back · what Chevrolet Equinox owners paid
5 complaints mention a recall and 5 mention a warranty.
Counted from the owners' own words: a part counts when a sentence names it with a cause or repair word. What owners wrote, not a diagnosis. A shop should confirm the cause before replacing parts.
Symptoms owners describe with P0011
50% of these complaints say the check engine light came on.
- Stalls or shuts off85%17 of 20 complaints
- Loses power or goes into limp mode15%3 of 20 complaints
- Uses or leaks oil15%3 of 20 complaints
- Shakes, runs rough or misfires10%2 of 20 complaints
Share of the complaints naming P0011 whose text also describes each problem. A complaint can describe more than one.
Codes owners report with it
P0010 7 P0014 3 P0017 2 P0089 2
Other codes named in the same Chevrolet Equinox complaints, and in how many.
Repair costs
Chevrolet Equinox timing chain replacement cost
Recalls on these Chevrolet Equinox years
- Fuel system, gasoline · 2018 · issued 2018
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line. NHTSA 18V358000
1 recall for the same systems (engine and fuel) on the Chevrolet Equinox model years above. A recall for the same system isn't proof it's behind P0011. Recall work is free at any dealer: check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with our VIN check.
Keep going
- P0011: meaning, causes and every car that reports it
- Chevrolet Equinox reliability by year
- 2014 Chevrolet Equinox problems and recalls
Other codes Chevrolet Equinox owners report
P0010 P0017 P0014 P0089 P129F P0700
The details
How we count
We read every owner complaint in the NHTSA file whose text names this trouble code, and count the ones filed about this model (matched by the make, model and model year on the complaint). Mileage is what the owner entered on the form.
Parts: a complaint counts for a part when one of the owner's own sentences names that part together with a cause word (failed, bad, diagnosed, caused by, leaking ...) or a repair word (replaced, repaired, new, reprogrammed ...). "Came back" means the same complaint also says the problem returned or the repair didn't fix it. These are counts of what owners wrote, not a diagnosis, and one complaint can name several parts.
Complaints are reports, not proof of a defect, and most owners never file one. Popular models get more complaints, so the counts are not a failure rate. The code meaning is the standard SAE J2012 definition in our own words, or the carmaker's meaning where we verified it for that make.
What P0011 means
The variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be. The engine can idle rough, lose power or use more fuel. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger, because oil pressure moves the timing.
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
- Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil
- Sticking oil control (VVT) solenoid
- Worn or stretched timing chain
- Faulty cam phaser
Check the complaints yourself
NHTSA complaint numbers (search them at nhtsa.gov): 11632552, 11546771, 11317860, 11242387, 11229117, 11217745, 11183476, 11150787, 11141048, 11120487, 11105007, 11103899 and 8 more.
Quick answers
What does P0011 mean on a Chevrolet Equinox?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Intake, Bank 1). The variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be. The engine can idle rough, lose power or use more fuel. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger, because oil pressure moves the timing.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years have the most P0011 complaints?
In complaints to NHTSA, owners of the 2014 (5), 2011 (4), 2015 (3) Chevrolet Equinox named P0011 most (20 complaints in all, 2010–2018). Raw counts, not a failure rate.
What fixes P0011 on a Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners most often name the timing chain, tensioner or cam phaser (2 of 20 complaints). That's what owners wrote, not a diagnosis: have a shop confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
At what mileage does P0011 show up on a Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners who gave their mileage reported a middle of 52,000 miles; half were between 35,000 and 78,000 (19 owners).
Can I drive my Chevrolet Equinox with P0011?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
Sources: NHTSA owner complaints that name P0011 on the Chevrolet Equinox, counted by The Lemon Index; NHTSA recalls; repair bills owners named. Meanings: SAE J2012 in our own words. Owner reports, not a diagnosis or repair advice for your car.