2015 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 679 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 24 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorMar 17, 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 21, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212352530.
Campaign 22V165000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowOct 16, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
Campaign 15V666000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
231 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Aug 30, 2022
Vehicle excessively burns oil.
Power train, Engine, Aug 20, 2022
Car won't start put in new camshaft timing solenoids and won't start. Defective engine
Engine, Aug 17, 2022
the timing chain went bad and had to be replaced before the break pads. Chevrolet wanted twice as much to repair as my mechanic did, and he used OEM parts and he replaced a few other things that *might* go out, since the entire engine had to be removed.
Engine, Aug 16, 2022
You must be aware of the problems that the 2.4 ECO-TEC engine has in relation to oil consumption and clogged PCV valve in cold weather. When the valve freezes it results in oil loss and engine failure which puts the driver and passengers in a very dangerous situation. I had to rebuild my motor for $3100 and I had to replace the valve 4 different times. Its all about the money and how much GM would have to pay to make this problem right. Instead the NHTSA turns a blind eye to the dangerous problem and instead investigates on why some wiper blades don't work. Do some real investigation by first Equinox oil consumption problems and read some real accounts of owners being put in dangerous situations.
Engine, Jul 18, 2022
The Ecotec 2.4L engine installed within this vehicle has been, at an increasing rate, burning oil. At the vehicles most recent change, it burned 2 quarts of oil, which is the most it has ever burned. I'm also concerned that the low oil pressure sensor warning did not come, since it was 2 quarts low on oil. Over the past 50,000 miles, about, the vehicle averaged burning about 1 to 1.5 quarts of oil. I believe there is something systemically wrong with this vehicles Ecotec 2.4L engine that is causes it to burn oil.
Engine, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. Additionally, there were rattling sounds coming from the vehicle, which alerted the contact that the engine oil level was low. The contact added a quart to two quarts of oil to the engine. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was a high-performance vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 26, 2022
My car had no advance warning as was supposed to for low oil levels. I was driving highway speed during rush hour when I hear a loud bang my car jolts to a stop and I’m left stranded. The car was only 5 years old and 100,000 miles. The bang was the engine that blew due to a major oil consumption or leak issue with the 2.4 and the transmission also burnt and needed replaced as well. I bought used and did not even make the first payment.
Engine, Jun 24, 2022
Timing chain components went out, causing massive engine failure.
Engine, Jun 16, 2022
My vehicles engine was destroyed when the timing chain snapped due to oil consumption problems with the engine. I started my vehicle up one day and there was a very loud sound for a few seconds and then the car shut off and wouldn't start again. I called many shops before taking it to be diagnosed and everyone of them including a Chevy dealer employee said that this unfortunately is a common problem with this vehicle . They have a terrible oil consumption problem which leads to the timing chain breaking and destroying the engine. I then took my car to a shop and they determined that it did snap and I needed a whole new engine. Chevy dealership didn't have any engines available and they still don't not because they are on back order still. So I had to take somewhere else and get a new engine put in. I got a zero mile engine put in the car with a warranty. But Chevy won't reimburse it because there is no recall associated with my vin Besides my vehicle I know of 2 other people who have the same make and model year who also had the timing chain snap and destroy the engine. One of which happened two weeks before mine. This problem has been detected in prior year models of the equinox. There was a class action lawsuit for year 2010-2013 They claimed to have fixed the problem but they clearly have not. I believe this engine needs inspected recalled and pulled from the market. This is a very costly problem that needs to be fixed. And Chevy should be held accountable for selling car's with faulty engines. I'm sure they're many more people affected besides myself and the two people I know . Luckily for myself I was in my driveway when it happened and not out with my kids in the car because total engine failure in the middle of traffic could have lead to serious injuries. Please look into this problem
Engine, Jun 2, 2022
Engine stopped working while advancing In turn lane to turn left at a busy intersection. It stopped moving. Required assistance from 3 other passerbys to push car through traffic and out of the intersection. It it had failed moments later the car would have been in the middle of the intersection. Then needed a tow truck to get the car to the service station. They diagnosed it to be a broken timing chain that damaged the cams and destroyed the engine. It was not inspected by anyone other than the sevice center. The car started rough 3 minutes earlier and was on the way to have it diagnosed at another service center. The check engine and system chassis lights came on after the timing chain failure.
Engine, May 10, 2022
My vehicle uses 2 quarts of oil everytime I fill up with gasoline. It is a safety issue that could cause the motor to fail in traffic putting my family and others who might be on the road at risk. When I purchased this vehicle it had 36,000 miles and it was low on oil and has used excessive amounts of oil since ever since. I have seen problems were addressed with other years of equinoxes with a 2.4 L ecotech motor and think this one should be added to the list also. Obviously GM is not going to address these issues so maybe some prodding from you all can help. thanks
Engine and engine cooling, May 5, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle's engine started making a loud humming sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into parking and observed what appeared to be steam issuing from under the hood. The contact raised the hood and saw that the engine compartment was on fire. The fire department was called and the fire was extinguished with chemical fire extinguishers. The police were also on the scene and wrote a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Engine, May 2, 2022
I don't understand on why there can be a recall on a windshield wipers and not a recall on a defect which results in total engine failure while driving. You must be aware of the problems that the 2.4 ECO-TEC engine has in relation to oil consumption and clogged PCV valve in cold weather. When the valve freezes it results in oil loss and engine failure which puts the driver and passengers in a very dangerous situation. Its all about the money and how much GM would have to pay to make this problem right. Instead the NHTSA turns a blind eye to the dangerous problem and instead investigates on why some wiper blades don't work. Do some real investigation by first going to the Facebook page titled Terrain Equinox oil consumption problems and read some real accounts of owners being put in dangerous situations.
Engine, May 2, 2022
Engine Rear main seal leaks oil.
Engine, Apr 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started making a loud tapping sound. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine rods needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine, Apr 26, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed the engine revved, a burning odor was detected with the check engine warning light illuminating The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys where the failure was diagnosed as an oil leak and a smell of burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as an oil leak in the transfer case. The mechanic stated that the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold needed replacement. The catalytic converter and exhaust manifold were replaced. The contact stated that she picked up the vehicle however, the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic who stated that there was an excessive oil consumption failure and the fuel intake sensor needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance as there were no recalls open. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a run-on. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was cracked, causing fuel to leak onto the engine compartment. The dealer informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the dealer inspected and diagnosed that there was a leak near the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) main seal. The dealer replaced the PCV main seal and intake. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no open recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Feb 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle started to leak engine oil. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear main seal was leaking due to positive pressure building up in the PCV system however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, Jan 20, 2022
While driving on I-96 in Michigan, the vehicle began to shake, and act like it was going to stall out. The check engine light came on, the no power to engine and check oil level messages appeared, disappeared, and reappeared again. After getting off at the nearest exit ramp, the vehicle did eventually stall out and would not start again. I checked the oil, the dipstick indicated that there was no oil, the dipstick was dry. I was confused because I had just had oil changed approximately 3-4 weeks prior to this incident. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic where it was inspected and concluded that the engine was damaged and the vehicle would need a new engine. The mechanic indicated to me that there was a known issue with the Equinox 2.4L, 4 cylinder engines, where the engine burns excessive oil internally, leading to engine failure. He had just had another equinox in his shop with the same issue. The mechanic contacted Jasper motors, a company that rebuilds engines, they could get me a new engine, but not until mid-march because there were 40 of this engine on backorder. I conducted an internet search to see how widespread the issue is. Websites such as carbrain.com, chevroletproblems.com, motorreviewer.com, vehiclehistory.com, and wvdot.com, all say the same thing; the 2.4L engine "burns excessive oil". I guess on one hand, you could say buyer beware, you have to know what you are purchasing, but on the other hand, the Chevrolet dealer that I purchased this vehicle from did no disclose to me that there was a know issue with these engines and I should continually check the oil levels. Had that been disclosed, I would have likely purchased a different vehicle, or, at least had the necessary knowledge to prevent this from occurring. If there is a know issue with this engine burning excessive oil, why hasn't it been recalled and fixed?
Engine, Jan 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The driver pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rear main seal replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 17, 2022
I have a 2015 Chevy Equinox LT, I had my car repair engine light came on all lights on dash lite service warning for ABS, Traction control, StabiliTrak and steering wheel, and when I would stop the car would stall. I took to Chevy dealership and had serviced. The intake valve was replaced covered under warranty, and the ECM (engine control module) replaced. Car seemed fine after 1 1/2 years service StabiliTrak came on and off , I had issues with low fuel mileage, only check engine light came on once and then right off again after I had the spark plugs replaced the outtake valve replaced no check engine light , regular oil changes. One day the Service StabiliTrak light came on and did not come off. This has been going on for 6 months I was driving and my car started jumping when I came to a stop, no lights came on. I continued to drive and when I parked my car sounded like a mac truck and was shaking and had the smell of burning oil or gas. I parked a 2 hours later I started it the same sound and smell along with the check engine light I looked under my car and there was oil dripping, I stopped and add oil and was able to drive home slowly. I parked over night I started it and drove around the block I turned off and then waited a minute turned back on opened the hood and the engine was shaking loud and reduced engine power message came up. I am at a loss I do not have money to fix this it is a 2015 no warranties are even covered over this issue if they are able to figure out what this is. I looked all over the internet and so many people have this problem I don't understand why it is not recalled or there is no class action against GM for this
Engine, Jan 11, 2022
Engine started burning excess oil and then Engine failed. This occurred quite quickly and did not notice any low oil indicator. Needed to replace Engine
Engine, Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, a message to turn off the vehicle was displayed. The vehicle was restarted and moved to a different parking lot where the contact noticed that oil was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Jan 2, 2022
On December 29, 2021 my 2015 Chevy Equinox did not start (couple days prior vehicle would jerk when coming to a stop - no dash lights came on). Had my Equinox towed to the dealship where I bought the vehicle and where I had every oil change completed. The service department stated I needed a new engine (not given a reason on exact issue), it is currently sitting at the dealership as I dont have 8K to replace engine!