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
679 reports, newest first.
Engine, Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the was vehicle parked, it was discovered that engine oil had leaked from the vehicle and the engine oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear main seal had failed due to the positive crankcase ventilation system being clogged. The rear main seal was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,963.
Power train, Feb 20, 2024
The transfer case blew out. (2) in seven months. Every mechanic that has looked at it says that the bearings sheered and caused metal fragments into the gears causing the transfer case to fail. There was no warning when this happened, no dash lights, just severe grinding and I parked the car. The mechanic pulled it into the bay to further investigate and that is when it blew out and all of the fluid poured out. In July, the same thing happened. Had it replaced and 7 months later it happened again. I had only driven the car 15k miles in 7 months when the transfer case blew out again. After reading forums there are many people that have been effected by the transfer case blowing out.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2024
My car received an oil changed recently and then shortly after my engine went completely out due to having no oil. My timing chain stretched out and broke resulting in no compression to my engine. The light didn’t even come on to indicate that there was an issue until after the car completely broke down.
Engine, Feb 19, 2024
severe engine knocking and oil consumption
Engine, Jan 24, 2024
This vehicle kept throwing a code for timing chain. After further investigation through different garages and money spent, the equinox needs a new engine.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 23, 2024
Pcv valve is bad which caused my rear main valve to fail. I have always kept up on my maintenance, paid on my car for 6 years. It was paid off for 2 months and this all happened.
Engine, Jan 23, 2024
Oil started leaking bad underneath engine. I did some research and seen with this make and model that it is common issue. That the Pcbank valve freezes up and blows out rear seal. I took to a local certified repair shop and they verified that is the problem and just so happens that they have another one in their shop with exactly the same issue,. So, not only am I seeing multiple complaints online, I’m experiencing first hand.
Engine, Jan 21, 2024
I have always kept up on oil changes. Just recently it started burning through more oil than normal. Now my rear main seal is leaking and it is pushing out oil.
Engine, Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact observed a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to the PCV valve failure due to oil being forced into the manifold. Additionally, there were metal shavings throughout the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2024
I was driving down interstate and engine failed due to manufacturer malfunction Excessive Oil consumption Defect. I safely pulled off interstate to avoid injury to myself or others due to engine malfunction. There were not any pre warning lamps only post warning lamps.GM dealer determined catastrophic engine failure #2 cylinder misfire. Engine needs replaced.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 7, 2024
My windshield wipers suddenly stopped working and will not work.
Forward collision avoidance, Dec 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged while there were no vehicles or objects in front of the vehicle. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact temporarily released the accelerator pedal and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Dec 23, 2023
GM has long known about the oil consumption problem of the 2015 and settle a lawsuit for the 2013. Car issues including engine shutdowns and stalls, spark plug fouling, engine misfires, unexpected loss of power, vehicle “jerking”. Other people had the same issues included fires per blogs about the issues with the 2014-2015.
Air bags, Dec 16, 2023, crash
Car received a front impact and airbags did not deploy despite the alert on the dash saying “service airbags” immediately after collision. Seat belts engaged though.
Power train, Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving at various speeds, she observed a loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine, Dec 9, 2023
PCV valve failed causing the rear main seal to leak. Vehicle is available for inspection. The potential to be stranded in cold weather. While has been inspected by mechanic No warning lights
Engine, Nov 16, 2023
Exhaust manifold is leaking exhaust inside the car. It is extremely strong smelling and produces nausea. It is coming into the interior cabin from the engine compartment by way of the hvac/ventilation system. It is a daily occurrence. It was not noticeable when I purchased this car used in 2021, but has become increasingly noticable more and more each day/week/month. This is not occurring because of any incident or accident.
Engine, Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, upon coming to a complete stop, the vehicle briefly sputtered and nearly stalled before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the intake camshaft actuator was stuck in the open position or had short-circuited in bank one. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the tire pressure monitor warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the thermostat, and head gasket needed to be replaced. Additionally, there were other mechanical issues with the front and rear brake pads, rotors, calipers, drive belt, and the lower control arms. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Visibility, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 70 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers became inoperable. The contact's wife pulled to the side of the road for a while and then continued driving. The contact stated that he was an independent mechanic and had diagnosed that the windshield wipers ball joints were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V165000 (Visibility) which he related to the failure. The dealer was notified of the repair that was performed prior to the safety recall and sent a claim along with the part receipt to the manufacturer for reimbursement. The contact later followed up with the dealer, who referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 22, 2023
My car has been parked due to problems starting. I have had mechanics look at it and it is a timing chain issue or engine replacement issue. Oil has been a consistent problem with my car even though I routinely get oil changes and there are no leaks beneath the car. I have to keep oil and a funnel in my car to add as necessary. The console never indicates low oil.
Electrical system, Engine, Visibility/wiper, Oct 20, 2023
EXCESSIVE Oil Consumption after 87,000 miles. Always had regular/up-to-date oil changes and took care of the vehicle. Had an oil change in June 2023 and in August (not may miles driven in that time frame), while driving I noticed the vehicle started to jerk...after arriving at work I checked under the hood and noticed there was NO OIL on the stick. I also added some antifreeze since I was there and it needed just a little. Purchased oil and filled it up. Two weeks later...again, no OIL on the stick. Less than 200 miles driven during this time. Now checking my oil every 3 days. October 2023, check engine light came on--took it to get checked and was told I was out of antifreeze. This was the only issue they could locate...no blown gaskets, etc. The AutoZone put antifreeze in to the level it should be and the next day I was almost empty again. This was well under 90 miles driven. There are NO WARNINGS, EXPENSIVE TO KEEP BUYING OIL AND ANTIFREEZE--RISK OF ENGINE BLOWING, BREAKING DOWN-GOD FORBID I HAVE MY CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. Two years ago the wipers went...heavy storm and they just all of a sudden stopped. Couldnt even see to pull over. Had my three kids with me and had to put the window down to try to see how I could pull over. I didnt know until a while later there was a recall. Numerous electrical issues....radio stops working when it wants too. Backup camera sometimes stays on while driving down the road, the driver side rear door won't unlock all the time.
Engine, Oct 10, 2023
Timing chain broke in 2020. Engine was replaced with a remanned engine with the approved upgraded timing chain. October 2023, upgraded timing chain broke again causing the need for a 2nd new engine with less than 75,000 miles on the remanned motor.
Engine, Oct 6, 2023
Vehicle began to lightly shake during idling and then over the course of a week, started making a loud noise. Appointment was made with shop and vehicle parked until time to take to shop. Timing chain/belt broke while driving and had to be towed into shop. Engine found to be completely ruined because it was 4 quarts low on oil after only 5600 miles. Vehicle was not leaking oil and it was determined that the engine burned through it. No warning lights, low oil sensors or any other indication that anything was wrong until the timing belt broke. Engine had to be completely replaced.
Tires, Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Sure Drive All Season, Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Numbers: 1K2EJYA6V0223 and 1K2EJYA6V0123. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the TPMS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the contact observed that the passenger’s side rear tire was flat. The contact stated that Roadside Assistance plugged the rear passenger's side tire and noticed that the passenger’s side front tire was also flat. The tires were replacement tires. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.