2014 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems

Component Failure & Availability: A GM remanufactured 2.4L engine block, installed as a replacement in July 2025, suffered a catastrophic internal failure (blown head gasket) within 11 months of installation. The vehicle and the component are currently in the owner's possession and are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: A blown head gasket with an internal coolant leak into Cylinder #3 causes immediate engine overheating, severe engine misfires, and a loss of motive power. If this defect causes the engine to stall while the vehicle is in motion, the driver suddenly loses power steering and acceleration, directly compromising the safe operation of the vehicle in traffic. Confirmation by Service Centers: The catastrophic failure was formally reproduced, pressure-tested, and confirmed by an independent service center. Inspection by Manufacturer/Others: Following the independent confirmation, the vehicle was inspected by an authorized manufacturer dealership. During this inspection, the authorized dealership executed an unauthorized teardown of the engine block and sublet the engine head to a third-party machine shop, physically altering the failed component prior to manufacturer review. Warning Lamps & Symptoms: A check engine light illuminated shortly after the engine's initial installation. The authorized dealership evaluated the vehicle, reset the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and released the vehicle back onto the roadway without properly diagnosing the warranted engine block. This allowed a defective and degrading powertrain component to remain in operation until failure occurred.

NHTSA ID

11753411

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and shut off on several occasions. The contact turned the ignition key, and the vehicle restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was determined that the oil level was low. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing chain had failed. The dealer determined that the timing chain, the tensioner, and the tensioner guide needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that only the timing chain was covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 86,678.

NHTSA ID

11742322

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

Mileage

86,678 mi

purchased a 2014 Chevy Equinox from Direct Auto Sales on 03/07/26, and I am currently experiencing serious issues with the vehicle after only 2 months of purchase I noticed the vehicle is making a clicking and grinding sound the vehicle powers down when driving. The problem still exists even after multiple oil changes.

NHTSA ID

11741693

Incident

May 27, 2026

Had to get engine replaced 2 months after I bought it in May 2022, warranty covered the replacement. Ongoing issues with catalytic converters, O2 sensors, check engine light coming on due to those reasons for approximately almost 2 years now. Powertrain (Stablitrak, ABS & ECO) stopped working 6 months after purchase - stablitrak warning light came on, took to dealer that I bought it from, quoted almost $900 to fix it, then took it to a private shop then had them fix it due to affordable cost, but somewhat still having some issues. Now Equinox is burning through oil fast. I can bring it in upon request via TEXT ONLY as that I'M DEAF. Those issues have put my children's and my safety at risk because the powertrain caused my Equinox to shut off in the middle of the highway going uphill and other times as I was driving with my kids. All of those need to be fixed by the manufacturer or totaled and I get reimbursed for it. Can provide receipts of repairs & quotes to repair upon request via email.

NHTSA ID

11738390

Incident

Jun 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started driving sluggishly and failed to accelerate properly. Additionally, the contact reported excessive oil consumption, although there were no external leaks found. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a timing chain failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11728071

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Mileage

102,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, shuddered, and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The engine had been replaced approximately two years prior due to a similar failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11725202

Incident

Jun 18, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

Engine went into limp mode with now warning. I recieved a reduced engine power warning and the vehicle lost acceleration on the highway almost leading to an accident. I had the car towed to Coggin GM for diagnostic and was told that my throttle body has to be replaced. I was advised that this is common issue with this engine and notify due to a recall of older equinoxes

NHTSA ID

11719449

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11718844

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

Safety Complaint – Sudden Oil Loss and Engine Failure – 2014 Chevy Equinox Hello, I am reporting a serious safety issue involving my 2014 Chevrolet Equinox with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. My vehicle began consuming oil at an abnormal rate without any dashboard warnings in early 2025. The oil level would drop dangerously low between regular oil changes, and the problem escalated quickly. I had to carry oil and a funnel at all times to avoid engine damage. Despite proper maintenance, the engine failed and required replacement on March 27, 2025, at a cost of $11,879.28. The replacement engine includes a 3‑year or 100,000‑mile warranty, but it is the same Ecotec design. Approximately one month after the replacement engine was installed, I experienced another incident requiring service. This occurred despite the engine being brand new and under warranty, raising concerns that the defect may still be present and that the vehicle may remain at risk of sudden failure. This sudden oil loss and subsequent incident created a safety hazard, as the engine could have seized while driving. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can track the defect and evaluate whether further investigation or recall expansion is needed.

NHTSA ID

11717974

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

The most noticeable things wrong are the RPMs and the oil consumption. The RMPs fluctuate at idle, hinting at a misfiring of the pistons, which you can hear when it sits at idle. The second thing is I top off the oil with a quart of oil every gas fill up. The engine light keeps popping on even after engine repairs are done. The exhaust manifold and catalytic converter had to be fixed and that didn't solve the problem. The pistons' psi was tested and one piston had a psi of 70 while the other 3 tested to 125 psi. This is low for all the pistons with a possible broken seal on the one or something else. Chevy recommended 7500 miles between oil changes, but it should be 3000 to 5000. I think in the car's early life, oil changes were not as frequent as they should have been causing damage to the engine that is showing problems now. Having to add a quart of oil at every gas fill up can cause serious damage to the engine and other parts of the car as well, and already has. I will attach a recent repair at Chevy and screenshots of what Google said Chevy recommended for these cars at first. Now realizing that 7500 miles is more than twice as long as it should be for an oil change, Chevy will say 3,000-5,000 for an oil change. But now the range is 3,000 to 7,500. This is not reliable information for these cars. I don't trust my vehicle to go over 3,000 miles due to the oil consumption. The RPMs still fluctuate and the engine light came back on. I suspect something deeper in the engine is wrong, which if it is not fixed, more damage to the engine and car is inevitable.

NHTSA ID

11708674

Incident

Jul 22, 2025

OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE ALREADY PAID $2,500 TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP WHERE I LIVE TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN, AND IT'S DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. I'M HAVING TO CONTINUOUSLY PUT UP TO THREE QUARTS OF OIL IN IT EVERY 2 TO 3 WEEKS. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NO BULLETIN ON MY VIN NUMBER. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR A YEAR AND A HALF AND BARELY PUT 4,000 MI ON IT. I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. MY NEXT STEP IS TO SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY.

NHTSA ID

11707575

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

THE ENGINE FAILED. MY SAFETY WAS NOT AT RISK. THE PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED BY AND AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THE CAR WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A MANUFACTER OR THE POLICE. AND THERE WAS NO WARNING LAMP OR MESSAGES.

NHTSA ID

11696882

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

The vehicles electrical system failed or faulted while operating. Engine went into a slow mode while operating in traffic. After stopping vehicle would not restart. very dangerous for an elderly person operating the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11683933

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

The engines in the 2014 equinox has a defect just like The Silverados.. they should have had a class action suit against that as well I've spoke with many ppl who had issues with their 2.4 eco tech engine it bucks at the stop signs cuts off and high fuel consumption

NHTSA ID

11659844

Incident

May 1, 2025

I used to go to Chevy for service and was seeing the same issue and got frustrated.  Starting going to Meineke and they found out that I had an ongoing oil consumption issue.  I contacted Chevy and GM.  They said the vehicle had too much mileage and I tried to explain the issue.  I went back to the Chevy dealership and they didn't find an oil consumption issue.  There was a major lawsuit in other states regarding this as well.  I didn't have all these issues brought to my attention until I went to Meineke and performed my own research.

NHTSA ID

11659548

Incident

Apr 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The blank warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Valve. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 17-NA-098; but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA ID

11648780

Incident

Mar 17, 2025

Mileage

135,000 mi

Two weeks of zero degree weather caused the rear main seal to fail causing a large oil leak that could have resulted in the engine locking up if I had not noticed oil running down the driveway. Repair shop advised this was a common problem with the 2.4 liter engine caused by a failure of the PCV system and there is a service bulletin on this problem. GM has not recalled these engines to correct the known problem.

NHTSA ID

11643556

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

PVC value defect blowing rear main seal out ! Paid $3100.00 2 years ago . Went out again defected!!!

NHTSA ID

11643094

Incident

Feb 13, 2025

I got to work and my check engine light came on. As I was parking I received an error message that said decreased engine power. I turned off the car and the car would no turn back on. I had it towed to my mechanic and he told me today that the engine was low on oil. That caused the timing chain tensioner to relax the chain and the timing jumped. When that happens in those engines it damages the cylinder head. The engine will need a new cylinder head and a rebuild of the timing system etc. That would include new pistons as well. That would be about 5500 to do or I’d need to buy a new engine would be about 7k or just over installed. I was well within the oil change guidance on the sticker as well as the oil change guidance in the car menu.

NHTSA ID

11641968

Incident

Feb 7, 2025

While my daughter was driving in very cold weather ...she here a pop sound and ALL warning lites fir low oil came on...she stopped immediately..the car was towed and a blocked frozen PCV vent caused the rear seal to blow...GM is aware of this defect with no intention to reimburse for repairs

NHTSA ID

11638195

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

Rear oil seal leaking the connecter piece burst and is causing the oil to leak all out and making the car die. It is a know issue and recall but my vin number does not match. The vehicle is un drivable at this time.

NHTSA ID

11637581

Incident

Jan 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle was shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the work garage, where the contact noticed that a significant amount of oil had leaked onto the ground. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the main crankshaft seal had failed because the PCV system had frozen. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in covering the repair under Technical Service Bulletin: Bulletin No: PIP5093B. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ID

11636263

Incident

Jan 14, 2025

Mileage

86,000 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact became aware of smoke in the rearview mirror and heard a loud thud. The contact exited the highway and drove to a gas station where the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact stated there was oil dripping from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 176,014.

NHTSA ID

11634564

Incident

Jan 4, 2025

Mileage

176,014 mi

My car is equipped with the 2.4L ecotec engine and has insane levels of oil consumption. Since my last oil change 2000miles ago I've added 5 quarts of oil. A few days ago the car started making a ticking sound while driving, the car then began surging and tried to take off while i had my foot on the break, and started to overheat and then shut off at a light. I was able to restart the vehicle and had no per on the rest of the drive. When I got home I checked the oil and the dipstick was dry. I received no warning light or indication that this was the case.

NHTSA ID

11632392

Incident

Dec 24, 2024

I was driving in busy traffic with no warning signs, no check engine lights when all of a sudden my engine lost power an would not restart. I had to get a tow from Kentucky to Michigan to a near by Mechanic where he ran a boroscope. The timing chain failed which then valves hit the pistons. I know this has been a big problem for this year equinox.

NHTSA ID

11632358

Incident

Dec 2, 2024