2016 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 396 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 14 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 22 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Equipment, other, labelsJun 21, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.
Campaign 16V449000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
209 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jun 16, 2024
On December 26, 2022, while driving home from work during a snowstorm, my 2016 Chevy Equinox suddenly lost power and began making unusual noises. Shortly after, a warning light indicated low oil pressure, and the engine shut off before I could safely pull over. Since then, the vehicle has been sitting in my driveway. Recently, I had it checked by a dealership, where the mechanics diagnosed a blown rear main seal and significant oil leakage. The dealership confirmed that the rear main seal failure was caused by a faulty PCV valve, a known issue in these models, which resulted in excessive pressure buildup and engine damage. Given the severity of the issue, the dealership mentioned that an engine replacement might be necessary. If it’s just the rear main seal that needs replacing, the estimated cost is $2,700. The vehicle was purchased used with 55,000 miles on it and had only one previous owner.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Jun 3, 2024
Severe oil consumption which could lead to damage to engine and vehicle failure when driving, which could cause an accident or worse. The dealer stated that the rear main seal could blow out and cause the vehicle failure. Defective parts that GM is aware of, but not addressing to the owners. There is a service bulletin (14882) that dealers are aware of concerning this issue, for an extended warranty of 120,000 or 10 years, no charge to customers to repair. Part#12591866.crankshaft real oil seal. The dealer refuses to honor it.
Engine, Jun 1, 2024
Vehicle began to run rough and jerk forward at slow speeds or when stopped. This unexpected jerking forward when stopped occurred several times almost causing the vehicle to strike the one in front of it No dashboard warning lights we observed. Check oil and found it was 3 quarts low despite being changed and topped off a few weeks earlier. Had a mechanic inspect the vehicle for signs of leaks and he found none. Added 3 quarts until read full on dipstick and began to monitor oil consumption. Vehicle is consuming approximately 1 quart of oil every 400 miles. This is a well maintained vehicle with only 83,000 miles and should not be consuming this much oil. A quick search shows this is a common problem with this model and year, but not recall has yet been issued
Engine, May 30, 2024
The vehicle burns oil causing engine failure. This issue occurs without warning (no oil light, and the check engine light appears moments before the vehicle dies). The vehicle burns oil and reaches engine failure even when regularly scheduled oil changes are completed. THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND RESULT IN A RECALL.
Engine, May 16, 2024
Excessive oil use. After 500 miles on a new oil change oil needs to be added. Usually 1 quart every 500 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH unintendedly and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner and retrieved several DTC codes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of piston rods failure and that the sensor shutdown the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
Exhaust manifold cracked leaking dangerous fumes into the cabin.
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
Timing chain tensioner broke. Fortunately, my wife stopped driving it so the engine didn't blow up.
Engine, Mar 25, 2024
Engine Oil had burned off, no notification of loss of engine oil to fill or maintain. engine is now required to be replaced.
Engine, Mar 25, 2024
This vehicle has a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor and/or an issue with the engine temperature gauge. The main issue is that the design of the 2.4 ecotec engine is defective in the opinion of many mechanics and equinox/terrain owners. The engine burns off more oil than is considered safe. I was advised not to run the oil consumption test by the DEALERSHIP. My experience is, I heard a sound in the engine and upon checking the oil, discovered NO OIL present!!! I had over 1000 miles left on my oil service sticker. There was no indication other than my own observation of a sound. No temperature change, the temperature gauge should have been reading hot, but was at normal. No oil light... like literally no oil sensor light present on the console. This was pretty upsetting to find out. The damage is done and I am out a vehicle over it as the damage is caused to the ENGINE/PISTONS. The timing chain is INSIDE the engine housing and THIS is the defect in the design. Oil splashes over into places it should not be, causing corrosion and combined with the fact that it is burning off this oil and causing damage because of lack of oil as well. The solution, is a nominal offer of 10% off this KNOWN issue and bill for a new engine. This is not ok. I am at 101k miles so just out of the zone for lemon laws, but this is a serious design issue and will cause severe hardship to those who own these vehicles. The recall is for previous years than my own, the issue is the same. The vehicle is NOT SAFE TO DRIVE without the proper indications that the oil is being burned off and damaging the engine.
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
I had just bought my vehicle, 2016 Chevy Equinox LT, as I was driving it home, not even 20 minutes, it had completely ran out of oil and the engine blew, according to the dealer he had just filled the oil before we bought it. I cannot fix the vehicle due to cost and it almost caused an accident when it suddenly stopped driving in the middle of the road.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 28, 2024
Oil burns at an alarming rate, no low oil warning. Engine blew up & was rebuilt. A month after engine rebuild, vehicle started to throw the same codes that led to engine failure. I can't keep oil in my vehicle, it has stalled numerous times on busy highway & once at an intersection with my kids in the vehicle. O2 sensors keep frying, catalytic converters keep clogging. Faulty rear main seal valve. Oil is leaking into combustion chamber which has caused manifold issues, spark plugs keep frying. Engine constantly misfires. Frequent engine knocking. My vehicle also seems to have no low oil warning light either. I remember getting an oil change, roughly a month in a half later i checked it again and my dip stick was bone dry. Chevy is aware of defects, but they refuse to do anything for the thousands of customers who have complained about the same exact things I am. There are numerous lawsuits for this exact issue, unfortunately not in my state. The value of my vehicle has dropped substantially to the point I am now upside down with my loan. I've looked into trading it in and my highest offer was $1,500 because of the issues that have been reported. There are so many people dealing with this same exact problem and we are all being ignored. I can't even go trade my vehicle in for something that will actually run without me having to dump hundreds of dollars into it every few months. Not only that, but these defects are extremely dangerous! My vehicle completely shut off while i was driving roughly 60-65mph in crazy/speeding traffic in the middle of rush hour & I had my two little girls with me. When help finally arrived, it was discovered that yet again, there was no oil in my vehicle even though I added roughly 2.5 quarts within a month in a half of this incident occurring. My vehicle over heated... this is absolutely uncalled for and isnt something that happens because of owners negligence. Someone please help!!!
Engine, Feb 20, 2024
The vehicle stopped middle of traffic, engine light came on. Took ti mechanic states need a new engine 100,000 2016. Diagnosed no oil, engine burning oil, it stutters.
Engine, Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to extremely low engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine oil was four quarts low. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the regularly scheduled oil changes were always performed on the vehicle and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000. The contact stated this could have been a VERY serious problem had the engine failed while her son was on the freeway traveling 70 MPH instead of only driving 20MPH. The contact had the engine rebuilt for over $8,000 and GM offered me a "Goodwill offering" of a little over $400, but contact declined the offer.
Engine, Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while inspecting under the hood, it was discovered that oil had leaked into the engine compartment. The contact discovered that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption and extra quarts of oil were required and added to the engine every two days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced a faulty sensor, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
Problem first appeared with the limp mode being initiated by the vehicles computer system. This occurred at 96,000 miles in July of 2021. After running numerous diagnostics with a OBD scanner, and removing VVT solenoids, came to the conclusion it was the problem. After replacing with new OEM Solenoids and restarting the computer from the battery. The problem seemed to be resolved. In March of 2021the vehicle started losing oil by the quart each week. January 2022 the computer link initiated the limp mode again at 100,000 miles. After trying to diagnose using OBD, the conclusion was not apparent. Followed up by taking the air box off and found oil in the vacuum line for the air box. Continue the investigation by removing the PCV valve and the VVT solenoids. Found large amounts of oil(more than Chevy engineers allowed). Then proceeded to reassemble and run compression tests. Found "blow by" to be so bad that the oil was blowing out of the valve cover and past the seal. Disassembled the intake manifold and found puddles of oil in the base of the intake manifold. The MAF system had large amounts of carbon build up. Cleaned intake components meticulously. Reassembled and problem went away only to reemerge with massive oil loss September of 2022. Took to the dealer and they kept vehicle an entire week to report they found no oil loss. We then decided to rebuild engine; seals, pistons, rings, bolts etc.. After removing engine (January 2023 113,000miles) completely and breaking it down to crankshaft, I came to the conclusion the Intake manifolds direct injection system has a major flaw (mainly due to a pinhole becoming clogged found in the middle of the intake valve system). Causing massive pressure issues that can lead to full engine failure. So much carbon build up on pistons with major ignition problems visible by piston damage. In February of 2024 (131,000miles). Problem has started to reoccur with much blow by continuing near valve seal. I have pics
Engine, Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at the drive-thru, the engine made a knocking sound. The vehicle then lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, after the vehicle had an oil change at the dealer, the engine started consuming an excessive amount of oil, causing frequent oil changes every 3,000 miles. The oil life monitor system displayed 60% of oil remaining; however, when the vehicle was taken to Walmart for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle also jerked while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Engine, Feb 9, 2024
Due to an oil consumption issue the engine failed while there was still 1000+ miles before the next oil change was due. There was no warning light indication that the vehicle needed oil. Needed to replace the entire engine. After engine was replaced we were required to monitor the oil consumption consistently. The issue continued and oil had to be monitored and changed more often than manufacturer recommendations. The vehicle was brought to an independent service center who then performed the work to replace the engine. Before the vehicle was brought to an independent service center we went directly to the Chevy Dealer that we bought the vehicle from. They wanted nothing to do with it and did not even offer to inspect the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Occasionally the vehicle would surge forward while stopped at a stop light. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who discovered that the engine oil was extremely low. Engine oil was added to the engine however, after retrieving the vehicle the contact discovered that engine oil had leaked from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Engine, Feb 1, 2024
[XXX] I drove to work 9.8 miles. It was very cold that week, Zero temps. During my drive I experience intermittent power surges/loss, horrible exhaust filled the vehicle to the point I had to open windows. NO ENGINE LIGHTS ever came on. I called repair shop and scheduled to bring it in after work. They notified me that the main rear engine seal had blown and caused the oil to leak all out and ruined my engine. The cost to repair/replace engine is going to be $6k. This was a very dangerous situation. I often drive with my daughters and grandchildren in my vehicle. We could have been in a serious accident if I had lost power on the freeway. Or, could have been stranded on the side of the road in zero temps. Upon researching this issue, there is an ongoing lawsuit, , et al.,[XXX] v. General Motors LLC.Case [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed the local mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Engine, Jan 28, 2024
According to the GM Certified Technician our 2016 Chevy Equinox had frozen PCV valves. On the day this happened temperatures were in the single digits. This caused the rear seal to blow and drain the oil from the engine while being driven. Engine shut off completely while driving (after driving 30+ miles) on the highway. We had to have the car towed. The technician said this is a known issue with the ecotech 2.4 liter engine, “but good luck getting Chevy to do anything for you.” The engine has to be replaced at a cost of $9200. More than the blue book value, and I still owe on it.
Engine, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact drove the vehicle to the destination. The contact parked the vehicle and checked the engine oil level. The contact became aware of a pasty substance on the end of the dipstick. The contact was taken to get oil to top off the engine oil. The contact stated that while driving, the low oil pressure and stop engine warning lights illuminated. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed PCV valve. The contact was informed that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 24, 2024
My car blew out the rear main oil seal due to a faulty pcv valve that froze over in zero degree weather. The car lost all of its engine oil. There were no engine warning lights on before or after this happened. It has been diagnosed at the used dealer ship I got the vehicle from. It's currently at the shop but can be inspected if need be. My personal safety was at risk because it happened on the way to work and could have left me stranded. I also have had to rent a car for the last few weeks due to this issue. The car showed no warning signs of having prior issues of any sort before this happened.
Engine, Jan 24, 2024
WHILE DRIVING DURING A SHORT SPELL OF TEMPERTAURES AROUND 0 DEGREES THE REAR MAIN SEAL ON THE ENGINE BLEW OUT. THIS WAS DUE TO CONDENSATION FREEZING IN PVC PORT OF ENGINE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I GUESS THAT CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF ON THE 2.4 LITER ECO TECK ENGINE. IF I HAD KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM, I WOULD NOT HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR IN THESE CONDITIONS. WHEN IT DUMPED THE OIL, I WAS ABLE TO GET STOPPED BEFORE MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURED. THERE WAS NEVER ANY WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR AFTER THE INCIDENT. WHY HAVEN'T THE OWNERS BEEN MADE AWARE IF THIS PROBLEM? WHY DOESN'T CHEVROLET COVER THE COST OF THIS DESIGN FLAW?