Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 231 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 231, in the owner's own words
Rear main seal has blown three times since I purchased my vehicle from Carvana. I’ve pulled the engine out myself as I cannot afford another $3,500 at the shop. I’m a single income household that makes too much for financial assistance. The Chevy Equinox was the only vehicle in our price range. That was prior to the seal blowing, again.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking abnormally before unintendedly decelerating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Burns Oil so bad I don't need to change oil. I put about a quart of oil in it a week. Car runs rough. Sometimes overheating and sounds loud when low on oil. This occurs on a consistent regular basis since aquiring in October 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling and ticking sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption, and the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine oil was topped off occasionally. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Car uses excessive amount of oil! We have had the timing replaced and now it’s stating the P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1.
According to our mechanic, our vehicle’s PCV system became clogged and it increased the pressure in our engine and caused the car’s rear main seal to rupture, leading to catastrophic oil loss, loss of power to the vehicle, and engine damage. In our case the entire engine needed to be replaced.
Noticed knocking in the engine and excessive oil usage. I keep my vehicle maintained. I went and had the values and seals replaced around engine for oil. Not even two to three weeks later knocking again. Took it back and engine is burning oil. Read about this make and model having defective pistons and rings causing oil to burn excessively. This has cost me thousands of dollars and it's still not fixed.
My daughter, the driver of this vehicle, noticed a noise. The check engine light came on. Over a short period, the noise from the engine progressively worsened. We brought the car to a certified mechanic. The mechanic's initial determination was that the engine would need to be replaced. It was determined that the engine was faulty, failing due to oil leakage that led to excessive oil consumption. As we were not ready to make that kind of financial commitment, we asked him if there was another option. We were instructed to check the oil frequently. We did so over the next couple of months, but the problem continued and worsened. As my daughter was driving, the engine would make a noise and lose power. Eventually, the vehicle started shaking and would shut down when stopped at red lights and stop signs, requiring the engine to be restarted each time. We then brought it back to the mechanic, and the engine was replaced with a new one.
Excessive oil consumption leading to a broken engine
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine has been reported to have excessive oil consumption due to several issues: Defective Piston Rings: The oil control rings are prone to sticking and clogging, leading to oil blowby and excessive consumption. PCV System Issues: Problems with the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system can create excessive vacuum in the crankcase, contributing to oil consumption. Timing Chain Problems: The timing chain can stretch over time, leading to misalignment and potential engine damage. Regular Maintenance: Owners are advised to monitor oil levels frequently and consider using synthetic oil for better performance and longevity. These issues can lead to significant engine wear if not addressed promptly. My vehicle is using too much oil. The 2.4L eco tec engine is installed in this vehicle. The Chevrolet dealership in Rockwall Texas texted me that the engine is bad and needs replacing. The vehicle is past is warranty, so the dealership is using that reason, to not fix this issue. The estimated cost to replace the engine is approximately $11000.00.
The 2.4 liter engine in my car has had excessive oil consumption. now the engine oil is like peanut butter and the blow by out the oil fill is strong.
My 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has a cracked exhaust manifold, a known issue affecting many vehicles of this model. When using the heat or air conditioning, gas fumes enter the cabin, creating a serious risk of carbon monoxide exposure. I regularly transport my two young children in this vehicle, and we are forced to drive with the windows down in cold weather to reduce the risk. The vehicle also consumes oil and is still being financed. Despite the manufacturer being aware that this is a widespread problem, I am being quoted nearly $2,000 for the repair. This poses an immediate and serious threat to the health and safety of my children and myself.
Timing chain tensioner lost tension and timing chain got so loose it would not turn the cams and catastrophic engine valve damage was done! This engine is notorious for this and there are class action lawsuits as a result but no recalls from GM as yet only TSB’s (Technician Service Bulletins). This is going to cost me thousands in repairs and I still owe $8500 on it. If this happens in traffic it could pose a serious safety risk in addition to the financial burden it is causing many people! Mine fortunately happened in my driveway and the vehicle had to be towed to my mechanic and has been there for 3 weeks. Have had rental vehicle costs as well. He had 3 other 2010-‘16 GM 4 cylinder 2.4L Ecotec engines in his small shop with the exact same issue! After doing research it is a common issue and GM has done nothing to solve it!
When I was driving down the street, I noticed smoke coming from the hood then flames . I parked off to the side of the road and open the door and took off running away from the vehicle. Loosing everything clothes, phones , jewelry important documents. I paid off the vehicle. Was happy that for once in my life I did something good until that happen so please help on what to do . I know I didn't pay off the SUV for nothing.
My vehicle has been cranking when trying to turn on. Sometimes when it does turn on, it will engage the anti theft system. It will also turn on my 4-ways, and windshield wipers other times without me triggering these buttons. Sometimes it will say that I don’t have power steering. Other times, my AC will not work. It puts me and my family at risk because if the system is continuously having issues, I worry that something bad will happen while we are driving! I saw that there are other similar complaints online for the 2015 Chevy equinox. I have no dashboard lights on, other than tire pressure light (which my tire pressure is fine, but the sensor for this has malfunctioned as well). This has been an ongoing and worsening issue since January 2024. I purchased the vehicle with no issues in December 2023.
I lost power in the middle of a clover leaf intersection without any previous indicator lights. I was barely able to get to a small shoulder and almost got hit by other vehicles. I was able to restart the car and get to a safer location. The timing chain was failing amd the engine oil was gummy according to the mechanic. I was barely over 100,000 miles. Vehicle oil had been regularly maintained with Mobil 1 15,000 mile oil and never showed as low during checks. Throttle body was covered with carbon and the codes came back for the VVT. Timing chain was replaced but the engine lost compression a few months later. All known issues with this engine and I lost tens of thousands on GM’s negligence. Not to mention the dangerous driving situation I was put in with absolutely no warning.I have been sick over the situation for a fee years but thought maybe the information could help others avoid the same fate. Repair total was $9000 plus because so many of the same model was having problems and there was a shortage of replacement engines. Auto part stores started selling crate engines because of the know issues with this engine.
The incident except for by my 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has major electrical faulty ends in and timing belt changes which causes the vehicle to stall on a consumer at any time for me I was driving on a major highway or five Lanes going to work and the car decided to slow down and started shedding off thank God that I made it to the far right side on a media strip and was able get the car to safety on the knee issue but she did slow down and shut off identity media call the triple A for help and roadside assistance they came as soon as they could and then test the car to see if it was the battery or the alternator which I had put in two brand new batteries and two brand new alternators and still have both he test them all and said no he's been pulling cars off major highways that are Equinox and terrain class action lawsuit against General motors in Chevrolet due to faulty issues in the engine and they recently One cases from 2010 to 2014 although my car is a 2015 the same issue still arise my car has 85,000 miles on it when this happens and I kept up the oil change and the maintenance on the car I then in turn had the car towed to a Chevrolet dealer and turned it a diagnostic test on my car vehicle and this is what they said in my car has the same issue that is from the previous lawsuit of Equinox 2010 to 2014. Have the results are as is fun the Chevrolet GMC dealer the vehicle will not start, the problem and issues extend from the timing belt chain, valves, blown gasket, fuel pump,this is causing many major issues along with all the recalls with the 2010 and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and Terrain. The only thing that they recommend is that the car engine needs to replacement to make consumers feel safe in their vehicles. Although my car is a 2015 I only have 85,000 miles and I continue to do all the maintenance and I was told by another mechanic that it does not have nothing to do so much as the oil change they knew that there were faulty issues with timingbelt
The timing chain went down i only have 95000 miles on it is heard these timing chains went down on. Certain equinox i feel this should of been on a recall since chevy knew this was happening 3 000 dollars later
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and jerked violently. The contact stated that the failure recurred consistently while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, and the contact was informed that fuel was not reaching the engine. The dealer determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that upon towing the vehicle back to the dealer, the dealer replaced the fuel pump. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal loud sound. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact sent an email to the CEO of GM, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
excessive oil consumption 1qt per 600 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. 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 dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
AS I WAS DRIVING, AN ERROR CAME ON MY DASHBOARD STATING, "REDUCED ENGINE POWER". THE FASTEST I COULD DRIVE WAS 25 MPH, THEN YOU COULDN'T DRIVE AT ALL. I TOOK THE VECHILE TO THE MECHANIC AND HE STATED THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY OIL PUMP AND MOTOR.
I just purchased the vehicle she hadn't even driven it 2 months when it started to shut off on it's on. Causing very dangerous situations. Then the oil consumption problem that's been well known and heavily documented time after time. Without warning lights or low oil pressure light or even a check engine light to give any type of warning the front seal blew out causing heavy oil loose that caused the engine bay and over the bottom of the vehicle drenching areas that have really high temperatures that could have caused the oil to possibly ignite at any time from the high heated areas that was covered in oil. Also with front seal blown out without warning led to timming chain becoming faulty and then breaking leading to my valves impacting with pistons because this is a interference engine. The impact caused every valve to bend which led to no compression and without compression no engine will start without compression. All this consumption issue is due to piston rings that are under sized which allows blow by leading to consumption. After all that the price of everything to be fixed at home by myself cost almost $1000 and many man hours not including all the time I have a vehicle that's new to me that I haven't been able to drive but just a few months after purchasing. Checker knows these problems exists and how dangerous these problems can be. You would think a car manufacturer as big as Chevrolet and GMC would do something to help there customers rather than not even showing any kind of care really in the world. I thought these companies stand by there products.
On [XXX], I was en route to Montgomery, Alabama, from Canton, Georgia, driving my 2015 Chevrolet Equinox on the highway at approximately 55 miles per hour. Suddenly, my truck began to decelerate rapidly on its own. A warning message appeared on my dashboard stating, “Engine reduced power to protect the engine.” I had to skillfully steer my truck over to the right shoulder to avoid a potential accident and escape the flow of traffic. It was extremely perilous to be on the highway as my truck nearly came to a complete stop. I had to have my truck towed to Chevrolet in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition, I had to get an uber because my truck would not start at all. I had to spend money on ubers and a hotel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, which I purchased used approximately one year ago. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced severe and excessive oil consumption as well as ongoing fuel injector problems. Specifically, the vehicle requires additional oil every 100 to 200 miles, which is far beyond what is considered normal or acceptable for a properly functioning engine. I have not noticed any external oil leaks, and there are no warning indicators until the oil levels are dangerously low. This not only puts the engine at risk of damage, but also presents a potential safety hazard while driving. In addition to the oil issue, I have experienced fuel injector malfunctions which affect the car’s performance and reliability. This has resulted in rough idling, reduced fuel efficiency, and difficulty accelerating at times. I have come to learn that many other owners of the 2015 Chevy Equinox are reporting the same issues, particularly with excessive oil consumption related to engine design flaws. I believe this is a manufacturing defect that should be addressed by GM and reported as a recall or service campaign due to its widespread impact and potential risk to drivers. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this matter further to determine whether a recall is warranted and to encourage General Motors to take responsibility for this recurring issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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