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, Jan 23, 2024
Motor is sucking oil, no leak, to the point where check engine light comes on and oil is empty within weeks of an oil change. Must drive with extra oil in car because it is constantly low. When this occurs, car tries to stall out when stopped and in Drive.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
The rear main seal on our 2016 Chevrolet Equinox blew a second time in January 2024. The vehicle was driven about 30 miles after startup after leaving it at an airport for five days when the rear main seal blew again leaking oil. The first time the rear main seal blew was in February 2020 when the engine had only 46,000 miles. Both incidences occurred when the temperatures were near zero degrees. The same issue occurred after the vehicle had an additional 54,000 miles or approximately 100,500 total miles on the odometer. Apparently, the PVC valve gets clogged during normal cold temperatures in Michigan and created too much pressure inside the engine. This engine should not be sensitive to normal winter climates. I believe this would not have occurred if the PVC valve was on the exterior of the engine. Our trust in our vehicle's engine is waning. We don't want other Equinox owners to experience this and we don't want this issue for a third time. Please help us as I believe it should have been a recall issue. The car dealership said this was the third Equinox brought into their shop this week. The estimate for repairs is $3,156.
Engine, Jan 22, 2024
Was driving home and without prior warning received a message on the dash to pull over low oil pressure. Vehicle was towed to the dealership and I am being told I that GM has a known issue of freezing PCV in cold temperatures which causes the rear main seal to blow and other internal issues. I know am told this will be a $5600 repair and no coverage. GM has lawsuits and other numerous complaints about this issue.
Engine, Jan 21, 2024
I was driving my teenage daughter’s car in negative temperatures in a snow storm. During the drive home from work I started to hear a tick noise and thought the wheel well must have snow built up in it and the tire was making the noise. I made it about two more miles down the road when it really started making a loud growling noise from the engine. I pulled over in the negative temperatures and looked under the hood and could see engine oil everywhere. I had no warning lights that were on , just oil everywhere and no oil on the dipstick. I had to wait along the highway in the negative freezing temperatures waiting for someone to come pick me up with a car I couldn’t run for any heat. I had the car towed to the nearest Chevy dealer and they said that the PVC port froze which created crankcase pressure and blew out the rear main seal. Luckily, I shut it off in time and it did not blow the engine. They told me on the 2.4L engine this is a common problem and they had three other ones in there for the same thing with the cold weather we were having. This is a flawed design that Chevy knows about that could put people’s safety at risk and they will not do anything about it. These engines need to have a recall on them, but Chevy won’t do it because it is such a money maker for them. It cost close to $3000 to have this fixed and wonder when it will happen again, because it will happen again in cold weather. I would stay away from Chevy products unless you have a big wallet for expensive repairs. I hope they get enough implants to force a recall on this well known problem on the 2.4L engines.
Engine, Jan 16, 2024
During cold weather my rear main seal failed and and I cannot drive the car my because it loses all of the oil in it. It will cost over $1900 to repair. This is a known issue of equinox’s and the equinox’s with this motor should be recalled for poor design. Three body shops in my town will not do this repair on this car because “it will just happen again”
Engine, Jan 3, 2024
The contact's uncle owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had an oil change performed; however, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined 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 110,000.
Engine, Dec 26, 2023
Was driving on the highway and the car lost power and shut down and wouldn’t start again. It was towed to a mechanic where I was told the timing jumped and I needed a new engine. I bought the car used in 2018 and not even 2 months after the car was burning oil the car started shaking and eventually stalled. At that point it was still cover under warranty
Engine, Dec 25, 2023
Had issue with it burning a TON of oil, solenoid ended up needing replaced. Replaced, and next day engine froze up and shot oil out of the back real seal, and now need replaced engine. Because the back real seal blew, is not being covered by my extended warranty, even though the damage was cause because of a covered part.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 20, 2023
My car is a 2016 chevy equinox - the check engine light never came on and I was driving it home from the store when it started bucking, showing "power to engine low" error message and barely moved when pressing the gas. I got the car home and my husband was checking the car only to find I have no oil when I never received any warning. I have done research and have seen this is an issue for many chevy equinox owners who all experienced this with their cars. I just had an oil change completed a few months ago in early Sept/Late August with very minimal driving in the 4 month window as I was out of work for 2 of those months. I do believe this is a defect in the car due to the fact that I was out of oil so quickly PLUS no alert informing me that the oil was low prior to the issue with the vehicle. now it will not start and the engine appears to be trash now.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 5, 2023
With no warning my 2016 equinox’s engine began to fail functioning, reduced engine power warning displayed, then the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Professional mechanical review has indicated excessive oil consumption and timing chain issues regardless of a regular documented maintenance and oil changes
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 3, 2023
I was driving home from work, all of sudden all the dash borad lights started flashing and the car stop. engine would not start back up. I had to have the car towed home and the next day it was towed to the dealership, I was told that there is a problems with the Chev Equinox's oil use, it burns fast and make the plastic parts in the engine break down. I was told that i will need timing chain and pitston replaced or new engine. i filed a complaint with GMC and they said that they don;t know of any problems with the type of car engine that i have. GMC said they will pay $600, toward cost of my repairs about $6500. dollars.
Engine, Nov 22, 2023
The engine has failed. This problem is known by Chevrolet Corporation. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk when my vehicle just shut down. This problem with the 2.4 Engine, is a known problem by GM.. About 2 years ago I noticed some oil spots. I then took it to a certified mechanic and had it inspected. They told me that the gaskets and seals of the engine were bad and they needed to be replaced. I had them replaced and it cost me almost $3000.00 out of my pocket. Now, once again, there are oil spots and now there is oil all over the right side (looking at the car from the front) (alternator side). I was driving back home from my daughter's (at night) and my car just quit on me. There were no warning lights nor any sounds. I am now out of a vehicle. I desperately need a vehicle for doctor appointments down state and I am a caregiver as well. I reached out to Chevrolet Support a bit ago. I have the case number. I am requesting for Chevrolet to make this right. I am requesting Chevrolet Manufacturer replace the engine in my vehicle. They know of this problem with the engine and oil consumption.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
Timing chain issues with 2016 Chevy equinox with the echo Tech engine problem with automobile stalling out and running rough at idle. Occasionally will stall out while stopped .
Engine, Nov 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that the engine had experienced oil consumption failure and engine oil was constantly being added to the engine. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine, Nov 4, 2023
This vehicle has no leaks and no console indicators to let me know of this issue. The vehicle burns more oil than is acceptable. Was empty with no indication and no oil change due. Dealership admits to faulty design that burns too much oil. Gm admits and agrees to pay a small amount of the cost. Nominal and honestly not acceptable either since I have on record keeping up to date with all maintenance.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
While driving my 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, it completely shut down. I was luckily not on a busy road, at the time, I was able to coast part way of the road. Had I been in traffic, and stopped so abruptly, I most likely would have caused an accident. I had it towed back to my house, and then I had to pay someone to haul to dealership to be looked at. Upon Inspection, was told almost completely out of oil, although no low oil, check engine oil indicator light came on. Was also told there were bent valves, and broken rocker arms. They said this is a common problem with this particular motor in similar vehicles. Burning excessive oil, causing major damage to the engine. After reading several complaints, it is easy to see the 2016 Equinox motor has major flaws. We have yet to give go ahead to fix, because price of repair is unknown. A new engine and install could be $8,000. My Equinox had 84,447 miles on it, when this happened. This should not be the life of a motor. Especially with regular oil changes, and maintenance, which it had. I would hate to see it take a fatality, for this engine to be recalled
Engine, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The contact was able to pull over near to the shoulder of the roadway. The Police assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was then towed to the residence and then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Engine, Oct 8, 2023
Always changed my oil every 3000-5000 miles. Almost Never had any check engine lights. Replaced a few sensors. A battery. Was a good vehicle until it died in the beginning of January. Stuck on the side of the road with oil coming out of my car According to the mechanic i took it to Engine failure due to "frozen" pcv valve causing front and rear main seals to blow. Lost all my oil. Also have a rod knock now. and they recommended whole engine replacement. For $6000-8000. Stuck with a crappy car and making payments on it. Way to go Chevrolet!
Engine, Oct 7, 2023
Despite not being due for an oil change, the low oil pressure light came on. Then there was a loud sound, smoke came out of the exhaust and the engine started smoking and rattling and then the engine stalled. I had it towed and the mechanic told me there was no oil in the engine, even though there had been earlier in the day. The mechanic told me that this is a known problem with the 2016 Equinox. They are known to burn oil and the engine will stop without warning. Luckily, I was at a place where I could safely pull over. But I was told the engine is blown and it is no longer drivable. I bought used less than two years ago with less than 70k miles on it. It currently has just over 103k miles on it. The fact that this is a known problem and such a huge problem is upsetting. The manufacturer needs to be held accountable.
Engine, Sep 27, 2023
Engine started with fuel injectors starting leaking out of injector. Then codes started popping up. Bad fuel rail - misfire - imbalanced below threshold catalyst system efficiency. All caused by crack on exhaust manifold. The cost was substantial. This is known on many equinox. Look on media to see.
Engine, Sep 22, 2023
Engine problems . Oil problems. Metal shavings in the oil and took to a mechanic and they said it needs a new engine. Also the heater isn’t working. Check engine light would go on and off. Had the oil changed beforehand. Says reduced engine power. Took daughter to work stopped at gas station and shut it off came back out and wouldn’t start had to have it towed home.
Engine, Sep 5, 2023
I purchased a 2016 Equinox in April of 2019 and had no problems until November of 2022. The check engine light came on and the car kept stalling out on me. I took it to my mechanic, and he told me I needed a new intake solenoid. I did purchase an extended warranty and called them immediately. They told me where to take the car for repair. I did and they repaired it under warranty, but they never explained why it was running rough. They just told me that I should get an oil treatment with my next 2 oil changes. Fast forward to August 2023. The engine light came on again. I was due for my oil change and went to my mechanic. He said the engine was burning up. The oil wasn't even showing on the dip stick. He had to replace the intake, exhaust solenoid and crank sensor, plus change the oil, but this didn't resolve the problem. Coming home from work, 3 days later, it started making loud noises and stalling when I stopped. The engine light and StabiliTrak light came on. The instrument cluster said engine working at 1/2 Power. I don't know how I made it home, but it did. I have a 7-year-old car with 64,000 miles on it and have a balance on my loan. The standard and extended warranties have expired. I did call GMAC and all I was told was that it was past the warranty period. After having it towed to a Chevy dealership, I was told that it would cost me over 5K to fix it, without any guarantee on parts & labor, or over 9K to replace the motor which would come with a 3 year, 100,000-mile warranty. GM would be willing to help me with 4K towards the new motor only. Unfortunately, I don't have enough to cover the rest, and I still have to pay the balance on my loan. It's very sad that one of the biggest Auto manufacturers won't stand behind their product. They sold these cars knowing that there was a problem with the engines, and no one is holding them accountable. They've had 3 class action lawsuits filed against them, but nothing has changed.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 13, 2023
Every single time I go for an oil change, my oil is empty, even though I go early. One time I went to my place and they refused to do in oil change because it is dry and I had to go buy oil and put it in before they would change it. This car burns oil quicker than I burn gas. I’m very concerned because there were a couple times where there was no oil and I now stop in mid oil change for top offs and come in a few hundred miles before I was out. The dates below are for now but this is insane and has been going on a very, vary long time.
Engine, Aug 10, 2023
Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles are plagued by a defect that causes the SUVs to burn or consume excessive amounts of oil, leading to a risk of catastrophic engine damage and serious safety concerns. This is a problem with certain Equinox, mine incldued. The recalls should not be by state, if there is a problem we should be able to take to dealer and get tested and if it fails they fix it. they know it's a problem but figure if we can get away with not paying that will be great for GM. Will definitely not by a Chevy again.
Engine, Jul 20, 2023
Exhaust Muffler/Resonator leaking causing loud exhaust. Need to replace resonator back with muffler and clamps.