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
396 reports, newest first.
Power train, Jun 21, 2021
While on the freeway, I was caught in “stop-and-go” traffic. I had previously (about 2 days) noticed that there was a very minuscule delay in between the time from when I pressed on the accelerator to when the car would speed up, but was less than 1 second, so didn’t think it was a big deal. During the traffic incident, all of the sudden, when I pressed on the accelerator to go from a mostly stopped position to advance forward, my Equinox completely stalled. It was like someone turned the car off, but still had the lights and stereo on. I had to put my car in park, turn the car totally off, and restart it, and place it into drive, in order for it to advance forward. The next time I had to slow down for traffic, I slowed almost to a stop, put my foot on the accelerator, and the car stalled again. Keep in mind, my car wasn’t completely stopped at any of these times, so the cars behind me were caught off guard when I had to suddenly stop, put my car in park, turn it off, and then back on again, in order to move forward. This is dangerous during rush hour, on the most congested freeway in my state (which is where I live and was located). I was almost rear-ended multiple times. This occurred around 20 times before I could pull to the side. I called Chevrolet and they directed me the nearest dealership. The problem was continuous until I arrived. The issue was: Intake Camshaft Solenoid Control Circuit - Solenoid Internal Failure and they replaced Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid (part #12679099). My car had 46,661 miles, and under warranty, but it appears to be a common problem. There were ZERO warning/dash lights that warned me that something was wrong, and when the car died, I only knew because I would push the accelerator and it wouldn’t move. The dealership confirmed the issue, and I have the receipt from the replacement (covered under warranty), as well as a video of it occurring. There are MANY forums that discuss this issue with 2016 Equinox models.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 14, 2021
While driving on the interstate through a heavy rain storm, with the windshield wipers on 'high', they suddenly stopped working. The view through the windshield was instantly obscured. I barely was able to pull into the left hand breakdown lane and out of the traffic lane, by rolling the driver side window down and looking out the side window. If I had been traveling in one of the middle lanes and had to navigate through traffic in the other lanes, I am not sure I would have been able to get out of the travel lanes without a crash. If I had been on I10 instead of I95, there would have been no breakdown lane to move to due to construction and lane closures. There was no warning prior to the failure. When I finally got home I found the plastic ball joint linkage had popped apart. The car has 66,240 miles on it.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2021
As I exit off of any freeway or go down any incline I tap the brakes to take the car down slowly and it cannot seem to grab the brakes? It shimmies as it’s going down although I’m trying to keep steering wheel completely straight. Chevy dealer has check this problem twice it is never the brakes but they cannot tell me what the problem is. Meanwhile I’m driving an unsafe vehicle. Also it has previous owner damage when I bought the car they stated the car has never been in an 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.
Visibility/wiper, May 28, 2021
Was driving on the highway and the wipers stopped working putting myself at risk of accident.
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.
Structure, May 11, 2021
THE ROOF OF MY 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX THE CLEAR COAT HAS STARTED TO BUBBLE AND LIFT IN BLOTCHES. THIS CAR IS THE TITANIUM COLOR (DARK GREY METALLIC) I'VE TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR. THIS IS MY FIRST GM VEHICLE THAT I'VE EVER PURCHASED NEW. MY CAR IS UNDER COVER IN A CAR PORT. THE VIN# INDICATES IT WAS BUILT IN CANADA. I BELIEVE GM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAINT DETERIORATING ON A 5 YEAR OLD CARIN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
Visibility/wiper, May 4, 2021
TRAVELING ON HWY 61 SOUTH DURING HEAVY RAIN WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING OUT OF THE BLUE. HAD TO BRAKE AND MOVE TO INSIDE LANE SHOULDER. WIPERS APPEARED TO HAVE OVER TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE DRIVER SIDE EDGE OF WINDSHIELD. HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP.
Visibility/wiper, May 1, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR. IT WAS POURING DOWN RAIN AND THERE WERE SEMI TRUCKS IN FRONT OF ME AND TO THE LEFT OF ME SPRAYING WATER. THERE WAS ALSO A SEMI BEHIND ME. MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS LITERALLY STOPPED WORKING. AFTER A NANOSECOND OF PANIC, I TURNED MY FLASHERS ON AND PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE. I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING. AFTER CONSIDERING FOR A FEW SECONDS, I DECIDED IT WAS NOT SAFE WHERE I WAS, SO I SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY DROVE SEVERAL MILES ON THE SHOULDER TO MAKE MY WAY TO THE NEXT EXIT. I THEN PULLED INTO A BUSINESS LOT. MY WIPERS WERE STOPPED ON MY WINDSHIELD.....THE LEFT ONE WAS PARTIALLY OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. I PICKED IT UP AND PLACED IT BACK TOWARD THE CENTER OF WINDSHIELD. BACK INSIDE THE CAR, I TRIED TO TURN THE WIPERS ON AGAIN. I COULD HEAR MECHANICAL NOISE THAT SOUND LIKE THEY SHOULD WORK, BUT THEY DID NOT MOVE. THE CAR IS NOW AT A DEALER FOR SERVICE.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 20, 2021
YESTERDAY, I WAS TRAVELING ON I-95 AT 75MPH WHEN MY WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING IN THE POURING DOWN RAIN. I COULDN'T SEE FIVE FEET IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS TERRIFIED. I PULLED OVER AT THE NEAREST EXIT, TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AND ALSO TRIED STARTING THE WIPERS BY HAND BUT TO NO AVAIL. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT CONTINUE MY TRIP WITH LITTLE VISIBILITY AS SEMI-TRUCKS PASSED ME SPLASHING EVEN MORE WATER ON MY WINDSHIELD. I READ THAT THIS WAS A RECALL ON 2013 MODELS, BUT APPARENTLY, IT IS ON OTHER MODELS AS WELL.
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
Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2021
MY CAR STARTED ON ITS OWN WHILE I WAS STANDING OUTSIDE TALKING TO MY PARENTS ON THANKSGIVING DAY OF LAST YEAR. MY KEYS AND MY CELL PHONE BOTH WERE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME, SO I AM CERTAIN THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT I MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY STARTED MY CAR MYSELF AND AM CONFUSED AS TO WHY IT CRANKED ON ITS OWN. I AM WONDERING IF MY MYCHEVY APP WAS HACKED OR MALFUNCTIONED ON MY PHONE OR IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT IT. CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS FOR ME?
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.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 18, 2021
DRIVING IN THE RAIN HOME FROM NEAR BY TOWN AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE ON THEY MADE A STRANGE NOISE AND SUDDENLY STOP WORKING. HAD TO PULL OVER COULD NOT SEE. VERY SCARY. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT ON HIGHWAY LIKE THE DAY BEFORE. IT COULD OF CAUSED A ACCIDENT
Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY DURING A STORM MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING, THEY STOPPED RIGHT IN THE CENTER OF MY WINDSHIELD, MY HEART STOPPED AS I HAD MY KIDS WITH ME. I HAD TO PULL OVER!!!! CALL FOR HELP. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED
Visibility/wiper, Mar 1, 2021
THE WIPERS WERE WORKING PERFECTLY FINE. WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES AN HOUR AND DURING A POURING RAIN STORM AND THEY IMMEDIATELY STOPPED WORKING. THEY ACTUALLY VIOLENTLY JERKED OUT OF POSITION TO WHERE ONE WIPER WAS ACTUALLY HANGING OFF THE WINDSHIELD BY ABOUT A FOOT. THEY ARE NOT OPERATING NOW
Visibility/wiper, Feb 15, 2021
THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS WITH CHEVROLET EQUINOX'S WIPER COMPONENTS IN RECENT YEARS DUE TO THE WIPER BALL JOINT BUSHINGS CORRODING. AS I WAS DRIVING WITH MY YOUNG SON IN THE MIDDLE OF A TERRIBLE STORM, MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING PUTTING US IN DANGER ON A HIGHWAY WITH CARS TRAVELING AROUND US IN SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH. I TOOK MY EQUINOX TO THE LOCAL SHOP AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE ~$500 TO FIX BECAUSE CHEVY DOESN'T ALLOW FOR THE BUSHINGS TO BE PURCHASED. YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LINKAGE. THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS AND IT IS UNFAIR FOR MY CAR TO NOT BE APART OF THIS RECALL WHEN IT IS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE THAT OTHERS WERE EXPERIENCING IN THE RECALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CHEVY NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS FOR ALL CARS IN THE 2010-2016 RANGE, NOT JUST SOME. PLEASE HELP!!!!
Visibility/wiper, Jan 26, 2021
A PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE BROKE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS PIECE HAS BROKEN WITHIN TWO YEARS. ONCE WAS IN A THUNDERSTORM WITH WIPERS ON HIGH. THIS TIME IT WAS IN SNOW BUT THE WINDOW WAS ALREADY CLEARED OFF BY HAND. THERE'S A LOUD POP AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. THANKFULLY THIS HAPPENED IN THE DRIVEWAY BUT DOES CAUSE PROBLEMS TRYING TO GET TO A REPAIR SHOP.THIS IS ESPECIALLY TROUBLESOME IN THE WINTER WHEN YOU HAVE ROAD SPRAY.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 22, 2020
STEADY OIL LEAK THAT CONTINUES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. POOLS OF OIL FORM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS STATIONARY. OIL MAY ALSO BE LEAKING WHILE IN MOTION. MECHANIC THINKS THAT IT IS THE REAR MAIN SEAL. THE LEAK WAS FIRST ADDRESSED AT 51,000 MILES, WITHOUT SUCCESS.
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.