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, Feb 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the contact continued driving to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine and that the PCV valve was damaged and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,500. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PCV FAILS WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE REACHES 0 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A PERCENTAGE OF THE REPAIR COST.
Engine, Feb 10, 2022
Entered vehicle and smelled exhaust inside. Checked tail pipe and it was clear and blowing out exhaust. Pulled out of driveway and got sudden smell of oil. About 200 feet down the street smelled burning oil. Turned around and went home, car was dying and would not start after. Had to be towed to be checked and was told engine was flooded along with other issues from driving that short distance the way it was. NOT ONE ALERT SHOWED OR IS NOW SHOWING ON DASH OR DISPLAY. Nothing about oil, no check engine, no warnings of any issues. Has been maintained and just had an oil change. Is driven daily and had no alerts or issues. Now we are stuck paying over $6k to replace the entire block when there was no notification that any maintenance was needed. Any notification that pops up, we check and fix immediately. In the shop still and techs say no lights or warnings are coming on still when they turn the car on. Not even check engine when it’s blown! We bought a newer vehicle to avoid these issues and now we are stuck dropping that much or more to replace engine block or buy a new suv all together. Seeing as the economy is horrible right now, we really can’t afford to do either!!
Engine, Feb 3, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 32 MPH, the contact was veering off the highway exit ramp and noticed in the rear-view mirror that there was black smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact got off the exit ramp and became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact activated the hazard light and drove to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the engine oil was extremely low. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear main seal had blown out and that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 3, 2022
Problems with oil leaking on rear seal. No notice given until light came on that said stop engine now. Upon inspection all oil was gone. My mechanic said this is an unfortunate issue with this engine because the pressure release hole is so small that any dirt can block it and but a lot of pressure on the back seal until it bursts and leaks out oil. This could have blown my engine and it only has 67000 miles. Definitely a manufacturers defect.
Power train, Engine, Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds and then stalled. The warning message “Low Engine Pressure” was displayed. The contact’s daughter was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The contact’s husband, a Ford mechanic diagnosed that the PCM valve had frozen, built-up pressure in the engine, and blew out the pressure which ruptured the rear main seal. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact’s husband that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2022
Drove to work 1/26/22 and heard my engine knocking. During my 10 minute commute there were no warnings, messages or any active dashboard light(s), especially none regarding the engine or oil pressure . Once I parked, my engine seized and began leaking/smoking. The engine needs replaced due to excessive oil consumption and a faulty oil pressure warning.
Engine, Jan 24, 2022
Our car was parked outside for the weekend and we were planning to return home. It was around 14°F outside and starting to snow. Approximately 10 minutes into the trip home, the 2016 Chevy Equinox started to make some faint abnormal sounds. Shortly after the instrument cluster displayed a Stabilitrak Warning. I presumed an issue with the traction control and continued to drive. Shortly after the Equinox went into a failsafe/power limiting mode. We (my wife and young daughters were with me) were within a few miles of a gas station so we decided to try to drive there to not be in the cold weather. Before reaching a gas station, the car stalled and needed to be towed to a service shop. The car was diagnosed with a blown rear main seal causing catastrophic engine failure. It was determined the PCV valve froze causing excess crankcase pressure, blowing the rear main seal. The Equinox had 89,277 miles on it at the time. "Tow" costs: $149.18 Engine Replacement Cost: $6504.30 At no point did any oil related (level, pressure) indicator appear.
Air bags, Engine, Oct 2, 2021
The air bag light keeps coming on intermittently as I’m driving saying service airbag but when you check the code nothing specific comes up. I’ve had mechanics look at the car and for them to guess it will cost me Thousands. And I noticed my truck is also hesitating to drive and almost feels like it’s going to shut down as I’m driving with a constant check engine light the light came on about a day after the service air bag light
Engine, Sep 10, 2021
2016 Chevy equinox Engine has to be rebuilt due to a faulty 2.4 GM motor with excessive oil consumption which led to timing chain breaking which caused other internal damage to engine! Known issue for this vehicle
Engine, Jul 27, 2021
I filed an complaint about my Equinox stalling when it stops. I had the oil changed on 07/16/2021 not 07/23/2021(I went in on a separate matter on that date.) But I'm still worried about the car stalling so many times. Because it can be a danger with stalling out on the road and at stoplights.
Engine, Jul 27, 2021
I went to pick up my child from school and when we were leaving my check engine light came on and my car stalled out. I got it started and drove about 20 feet and it stalled again. Got it started again and drove another 20 feet, stalled again. I made it to the stoplight at the school and it stalled again. I had to stop for gas and as I was leaving from the gas pump it stalled in front of an oncoming car. I made it to the stop light and it stalled at the light. I managed to make it home. I just had an oil change on 07/23/2021. I'm regular with maintenance and at the dealership but the reason I file a complaint is because I'm finding out this is an issue Chevrolet has known about for awhile. And people are talking about how its an expensive fix that is short term before returning. Plus, it can't its not safe stalling on the road. I have around 66000 miles on it. I mainly drive locally. I hasn't been inspect yet. I called and I'm waiting to hear from the dealership as I type. I had to wait almost 2 weeks to get in for the oil change. The only thing I've notice was the check engine light before it stalls. I have had issue with air conditioning going in and out and it does accelerate that well but neither does my 2008 Equinox. You can reach me at (cell) [XXX] or (home) [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 5, 2021, crash, fire
My 2016 Chevrolet Equinox caught on fire about 10 minutes after my accident. I rear ended a pickup truck going about 5-10 miles an hour. Although nobody was hurt, I don't think SUVs should catch on fire. I'm unaware if this problem is frequent in 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, but there wasn't any warning of the sudden fire that appeared from the engine, i.e. sirens, sounds from within the car. I'm unaware if Chevrolet, law enforcement or the insurance company has inspected the vehicle after the accident?
Engine, Jun 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle had the timing chain replaced at 50,000 miles and was relating the failure to a faulty timing chain. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. Additionally, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, May 28, 2021
My Equinox was knocking. It had very little oil in the engine and no oil light ever came on. And in between oil changes it uses more than usual oil.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 6, 2021
IN EARLY NOVEMBER OF 2020 MY CHEVROLET EQUINOX ENGINE FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND BURNING OIL. MY LOW OIL LIGHT NEVER WENT ON AND WE DID REGULAR OIL CHANGES WHICH STILL DIDNT MATTER. WE WERE PUTTING OIL IN IT EVERY FEW DAYS UNTIL FINALLY IT WOULDNT START ANYMORE. I HAD IT THEN TOWED TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT FIXED AS IT IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO TAKE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION RESULTING IN A BILL OF OVER $2,200. THEY NEVER FIXED THE LOW OIL LIGHT, AND WE HAVE FOUND THAT NOW EVEN THOUGH IT HAD BEEN FIXED IT IS STILL USING OIL EXCESSIVELY SO I AM CONSTANTLY CHECKING IT. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET TO DISPUTE THE MATTER BUT THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM THAT I BELIEVE IT TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS I HAVE RESEARCHED THAT MANY CHEVY EQUINOXES HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES RESULTING IN ENGINE DAMAGE, YET THEY STILL HAVE REFUSED TO LOOK INTO IT AND SAID TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH YOU HENCE THIS EMAIL. I AM SEEKING A RECALL ON THE 2016 EQUINOX REGARDING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND DEFECTIVE LOW OIL LIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE AN ENGINE TO DIE ON A HIGHWAY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD APPRECIATE THIS BEING LOOKED INTO AND BE KEPT INFORMED ON ITS STATUS. THANK YOU
Engine, Mar 24, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION AN OIL LEAK WAS DISCOVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 2237 W. 1ST ST, SPRINGFIELD, OH 45504, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE PCV AND REAR MAIN SEAL WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Engine, Jan 19, 2021
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE METAL SOUND. I DIDN'T THINK IT COULD BE MY VEHICLE, AS IT IS FAIRLY NEW. I STOPPED AT A STORE AND IT WOULDN'T RESTART. HAD TO TOW IT TO A SHOP. TIMING CHAIN BROKE. WHEN BREAKING IT BENT PARKS OF THE ENGINE.
Engine, Dec 25, 2020
EQUINOX SMELLS LIKE BURNING OIL AND NOW IT'S BEGUN TO STALL AT RANDOM TIMES USUALLY WHILE BACKING UP OR FOWARD AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOPPED. HAD THIS VEHICLE 6 MONTHS AND HAVEN'T EVEN PUT 4,000 MILES ON IT. ODOMETER SHOWS 36,645 MILES.
Engine, Visibility/wiper, Dec 21, 2020
WIPER LINKAGE HAS FAILED AND PCV VALVE FROZE AND CAUSED REAR MAIN SEAL FAILURE
Engine, Dec 16, 2020
WE BOUGHT THIS 2016 EQUINOX ABOUT A MONTH AGO. IT HAS USED 2.5 GUARTS OF OIL IN LESS THAN 4 THOUSAND MILES. I HAVE SEEN ON INTERNET SITES THAT THERE ARE A TON OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM
Engine, Dec 7, 2020
MONDAY, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS A STEADY LIGHT. DROVE APPROX. 60 MILES (TO/FROM WORK). 2 DAYS LATER (MONDAY) TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP WHERE VEHICLE CUT-OFF IN FRONT OF DEALERSHIP WHILE GOING STRAIGHT AFTER PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT (ALL LIGHTS WERE STILL ON; HIT GAS AND REALIZED IT WAS OFF). RESTARTED VEHICLE, HIT GAS AND IT CUT OFF AGAIN. RESTARTED AND PULLED INTO GARAGE AND WAS TOLD TO LEAVE CAR RUNNING IN DEALERSHIP. PERSON WHO MOVED VEHICLE SAID IT CUT-OFF 4 MORE TIMES WHILE GOING APPROX. 20FT.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2020
THE CAR STALLS AFTER BEING STARTED AND TRYING TO GO. PUT HOME DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER ON THE VEHICLE AND IT POINTS TO THE CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATOR SOLENOID VALVE FAILING. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE EQUINOX AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR IT.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2020
DRIVER REPORTS CAR STALLS WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL, CAR HAS SMELL OF GAS. THIS STALLING HAPPENS AT LOW AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Engine, Jul 31, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. KILLS WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. HARD TO ACCELERATE. OIL WAS CHANGED TWO WEEKS AGO BUT THAT DID NOT HELP. FOUND CODE P0010 FOR THE INTAKE CAMSHAFT SOLENOID PERFORMANCE. TESTED THE INTAKE SOLENOID AND IT HAD 1.4K OHMS. SHOULD BE BETWEEN 8-13OHMS. REPLACED THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ACTUATOR SOLENOIDS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2020
CAR STALLS WHEN STOPPED AT RED LIGHT