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Engine & cooling

Chevrolet Equinox Engine problems by year

1,427 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Equinox's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20271000
20267000
202527000
2016211260
2015231210
2014230110
2013420180
2010300310

Latest Equinox engine complaints

2025 Chevrolet EquinoxElectrical systemEngine & cooling

My 2025 Chevrolet Equinox AWD would not start, and the wheels were locked, preventing the vehicle from being moved normally. Message on HUB screen stated "System Error. See dealership to restore operating system." The vehicle had a little over 14,000 miles at the time. Had to be towed in. When the vehicle first went to the dealership, they found that the battery had critically low voltage. After consulting with GM Technical Assistance, the dealership replaced the battery. Even with the new battery, the vehicle...

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still would not start and the wheels remained locked. The dealership then replaced the brake control module per TAC guidance. The dealership told me the vehicle started after the module was replaced and the locked wheel issue was resolved. The vehicle was at the dealership for more than 30 days. In a separate earlier incident, while I was driving on the freeway at approximately 75mph with my young child in the vehicle, the Equinox downshifted extremely hard and lost all electronic functions. This incident happened twice in one trip. I am including this incident as a prior safety history. I am asking NHTSA to review the no-start and locked wheel incident and the dealership's repair findings for a possible safety defect.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11776888
2027 Chevrolet EquinoxSteeringEngine & cooling

New 2027 ran out of gas in the middle of the road which was a huge safety issue. The car does not allow it to be shifted to neutral to move the car to the side of the road. Even after putting on the 4-ways, I was almost hit several times before another car pulled behind me and put their 4-ways on as well. The shifter is electronic only and no longer connected to a cable directly that would allow to shift to neutral and move the car safely to the side of the road. I had the car for only 5 days and was...

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completely surprised to find out this huge safety issue. Look how dangerous this would have been if I was on the interstate in [[redacted]] or some other really big city, and yet unable to move my car out of the line of traffic. As I had the car for only a week, I was shocked when this happened and knowing this will happen not just you run out of gas, but also when the engine shuts off and won't restart. This needs addressed! Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 11776321
2025 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

Roughly 6 months ago, the check engine light came on in my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS, which had under 20,000 miles on it at the time. I purchased an OBD scanner to run a diagnostic test, which came back with error code P04FB (Crankcase Ventilation Hose Connection Pressure Sensor Issue). I called the dealership that sold me the vehicle, and they ran their own diagnostics. They encountered the same error code, and ended up replacing the "faulty" crankcase ventilation pressure sensor, which was covered under warranty....

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Less than a week after they replaced the sensor, the check engine light came back on. I re-ran my OBD scanner, and it showed the same exact error code as before. Basically, the sensor was replaced, but the issue has not been resolved. I've been keeping tabs on GM's bulletin regarding this issue (which is apparently a known issue), and I'm concerned about the fact that there haven't been any recent updates regarding a fix. GM's own recommendation to dealerships is to simply clear the error code and return the vehicle to the customer... I can clear the code myself, but that certainly does not prevent it from coming back. At this point, the error code has been cleared at least 10 times, and it always comes back within a few days of clearing. This becomes a safety issue because we are quickly approaching the Winter months again, and the temperatures get very cold where I live. When the check engine light is on, my car fully prevents me from using the remote-start feature. I'm unable to remotely start the car from both my key FOB, and from the MyChevrolet app. Thank you for your attention to this matter. My hope is that GM's engineers find a real solution to this problem, and quickly! Because, as I said before, this has been an ongoing issue for many months, and I've yet to see any meaningful movement from GM on this issue.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11773279
2014 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

The piston rings or something in the engine is wrong as to where there is massive oil consumption. When this is happening and my car gets empty quickly it is stalling while I am driving and it's hard to get acceleration which is dangerous when I'm on the road in one of the biggest cities in my state.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11772998
2016 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

I am filing this complaint regarding a safety-related engine problem with my 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. My vehicle is currently experiencing excessive crankcase pressure associated with the PCV system. The vehicle requires PCV service, and I have been advised that the excessive crankcase pressure has contributed to multiple engine oil leaks, including a timing cover leak and front main seal leak. I am concerned that the underlying PCV/crankcase-pressure problem is causing or contributing to these failures rather...

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than these being isolated gasket or seal failures. Excessive crankcase pressure can force engine oil past seals and gaskets, resulting in significant oil loss. This creates a safety concern because an engine oil leak can worsen suddenly and result in substantial loss of engine oil, potentially causing engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. Oil contamination of the serpentine belt is also concerning because it can affect the belt's ability to operate properly and may result in belt failure and loss of engine-driven components. I believe the PCV/crankcase ventilation issue should be investigated as a potential underlying defect in the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether there is a recurring safety defect involving the PCV system, excessive crankcase pressure, resulting oil-seal/gasket failures, and associated oil contamination in these vehicles. I am also concerned that owners may be required to pay for multiple repairs to correct the consequences of an underlying PCV/crankcase pressure problem. The vehicle is currently in need of repair for the PCV system, excessive crankcase pressure, front main seal, timing cover gasket, and oil-contaminated serpentine belt. The timing chain may also require replacement depending on the inspection and extent of damage. Documents are included.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768923
2016 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

Timing chain guide broke and caused catastropic engine failure while driving 70 miles an hour on the highway causing steering, brakes etc to lock up putting me and my family at risk of accident and great bodily harm. Vehicle is available for inspection. No prior knowledge of mechanic problems due to only having purchased the vehicle from Mac's Chevrolet 4 months prior. Have since learned of the oil consumption issue associated with this year equinox which likely contributed to the timing chain failure. Vehicle has been inspected by two independent mechanics. This vehicle completely locking up on the highway at this speed could have killed us all if near another vehicle or semi.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768744
2014 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

My 2014 Chevy Equnoix burns oil I have service this vehicle with 3 Catalytic converters also 3 intake manifold caskets it's consuming oil and after oil change must keep checking the oil to add oil also fuel pump I have replace the fuel pump did not know or was every notified about any class action on this vehicle I have spent so much on this vechil6 repairs and oil changes . My Name is [[redacted]] is it to let to get some compensation on all my repairs and oil changes . [redacted] this dates catalytic converts ,fuel pump ,intake manifold gaskets, I have tons of oil changes receipts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11766600
2025 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered violently. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer several times to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via the phone. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11766102
2025 Chevrolet EquinoxBrakesEngine & coolingDriver assistance

On 3 occasions, the last happening today ([redacted]) traveling north on [redacted] toward [[redacted]] at approximately 14:05, the vehicle has stopped abruptly and hard, and will then release. Today, it took it longer to release. When it occurred this time, it braked just as hard but longer, so I had to cross two lanes so the cars behind me would not hit me. The cars swerved around me and the car eventually let go and I was able to accelerate from that dangerous position on the side of the highway. The first time...

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it happened, someone was pretty close behind me. The car stopped hard, real hard, but let go quickly enough to accelerate before a collision. The second time, there was no one in front or behind us, and we were safe. It hadn't happened in a while, today. We've downloaded 2 or 3 software update, and I was hoping it fixed the issue. It did not. Today the car stumbled and the rpm's jumped. I feel like the car momentarily braked while I was accelerating. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Service brakes · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11761939
2013 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

We changed the external fuel pump, we changed the oil cap to the vented oil cap, We changed the oil 2x within 2 days, once trying to get it by until we could get the new fuel pump on,and once directly after and still had issues. Losing power and getting stranded while trying to cross a busy highway is terrifying, 100% -it is an extreme, life-threatening safety risk.I returned the vehicle and took a heavy financial loss, The fact that this dangerous car is back with a seller means someone else is going to buy it,...

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This report could prevent a fatal accident. We have seen multiple of these same vehicles all over places like facebook marketplace and on the side of the road. They are dangerous vehicles and I've heard multiple accounts in which even your dealerships dont know how to fix it. I believe you have a responsibility to consumers to pull these cars from use and make it right to all who have not gotten what they paid you for buying this car from you. Thank you for your consideration, [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11761531
2016 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

In February of 2025, while driving my 2016 Chevy Equinox home from work, I heard a loud pop and loss of engine power a block from home. The weather conditions at the time were below freezing and light snow. After getting my vehicle home, my neighbor, who works for GM looked under my Equinox and discovered the rear main oil seal had blown and informed me this was a known issue with the GM 2.4L Ecotec engine. The GM 2.4L Ecotec engine contains a non-serviceable Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system that uses...

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a fixed orifice built into the intake manifold instead of a replaceable PCV valve. In cold weather, moisture and vapor inside the crankcase can freeze or accumulate as sludge within this orifice. When the orifice becomes obstructed, the PCV system can no longer vent crankcase gases properly, causing internal pressure to rise significantly. This condition is most common in sub-freezing temperatures and is documented in multiple GM technical bulletins. When crankcase pressure increases beyond normal operating limits, the pressure seeks the weakest escape point, which is often the rear main seal. As pressure builds, the rear main seal can rupture suddenly, resulting in an immediate and severe oil leak. This failure can occur without warning and may lead to rapid oil loss, environmental contamination, and potential engine damage if the vehicle continues to operate. The defect is inherent to the PCV system design and is not related to owner maintenance practices. General Motors has been aware of PCV system obstruction issues in the 2.4L Ecotec engine since at least 2013, when internal service bulletins first documented rear main seal failures caused by crankcase over-pressurization in cold weather. GM issued additional bulletins in 2014, 2016, and 2019, each reiterating the same failure mechanism. In 2014, GM created Special Coverage Adjustment 14882 but many vehicles equipped with the same engine and PCV design were not added, including mine.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11758784
2014 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

Oil consumption, took to dealer and dealer replaced parts with manufacturers replacement parts, 1 and a half year later oil consumption happened again, dealer checked 2nd time and said manufacturer will not cover 2nd time for same issue.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11756787
2014 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

Component Failure & Availability: A GM remanufactured 2.4L engine block, installed as a replacement in July 2025, suffered a catastrophic internal failure (blown head gasket) within 11 months of installation. The vehicle and the component are currently in the owner's possession and are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: A blown head gasket with an internal coolant leak into Cylinder #3 causes immediate engine overheating, severe engine misfires, and a loss of motive power. If this defect causes the...

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engine to stall while the vehicle is in motion, the driver suddenly loses power steering and acceleration, directly compromising the safe operation of the vehicle in traffic. Confirmation by Service Centers: The catastrophic failure was formally reproduced, pressure-tested, and confirmed by an independent service center. Inspection by Manufacturer/Others: Following the independent confirmation, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized manufacturer dealership. During this inspection, the authorized dealership executed an unauthorized teardown of the engine block and sublet the engine head to a third-party machine shop, physically altering the failed component prior to manufacturer review. Warning Lamps & Symptoms: A check engine light illuminated shortly after the engine's initial installation. The authorized dealership evaluated the vehicle, reset the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and released the vehicle back onto the roadway without properly diagnosing the warranted engine block. This allowed a defective and degrading powertrain component to remain in operation until failure occurred.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11753411
2016 Chevrolet EquinoxEngine & cooling

: "I live in my car. The 2016 Equinox 2.4L burned all its oil in 2 weeks with no leaks, failed to give a dashboard warning, and the engine is now knocking, threatening to leave me unsheltered." This ties my vehicle's specific failure to the federal database for future legal payouts.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11750405
2026 Chevrolet EquinoxBrakesEngine & coolingVisibility & wipers

No warning messages or check engine lights. However, I am concerned for my safety as my 2026 equinox I bought last year in may of 2025 from motion chevy in hackettstown NJ with 21k miles (as of now, bought it brand new last year) has a windshield distortion that when looking to the passenger side of the windshield, it's very wavy and distorted and I already had a Chevy dealership named Mcguire's Chevy in newton dismiss it saying others on the lot had the same issue (which they did as I saw but still unacceptable!!)...

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I also noticed many other owners of my vehicle have the same complaint via online forums and even after several replacements from GM the issue persists which is unacceptable. The next issue are the rotors. They most likely are warped as when I step on the brakes the steering wheel vibrates slightly and the car shakes slightly which is not safe. Again, McGuire Chevy in newton dismissed it saying normal. And lastly, the front end of the car shakes when starting vehicle with or without the air conditioner on. It shakes for 10-30 seconds and you can feel it strongly in the brake pedal area as well as rest of the front end of vehicle before going away which seems unsafe, yet the first dealer Mcguire's said it's normal. I am having these issues looked at by a local GMC dealer and hope they rectify the issue or else GM may need to do a buyback if they can't fix the issues and keep saying it's "normal". They opened a case with GM for the shaking so far not the other issues yet so we will see. Honorable mention is the blend door actuator making a noise (another known issue) on this car via online forums making a noise every time you go from hot to cold and vice versa. Mine is affected to just not severely but enough to where it's very irritating and it's had this issue since new and the McGuire dealer said it's normal..... at this point GM needs to issue recalls instead of dismissing customers.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Engine · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11748677

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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