139 complaints reported

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
139
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

Engine failure. There is a class action that has been filed for this exact make, model, and engine size. There were no lights indicating an issue and the car had recently been serviced with an oil change and oil filter change and was being regularly maintained on oil changes. When it was brought to a mechanic, they told me the entire engine had failed and there was no power to one of the spark plugs anymore. I reached out to GM regarding this and they acknowledged the failure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2023
Dec 2025

Clogged PCV caused engine pressure resulting in failure of rear main seal

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Dec 2025

I just got this used car in seemingly great shape, was told it was garage kept and well cared for. Dealer had oil changed before I drove it off the lot. I only had it about one month, had driven about 1,000 miles so far, I check the oil, and dipstick was nearly dry. I threw oil in it and took it for an oil change just in case. No oil leaks, etc. No indication, no oil light, nothing to alert me to low oil level. I saw here on NHTSA that these cars burn through excessive amounts of oil, and I definitely saw that firsthand. I’m wondering why no recalls exist when this is a well-known issue with these cars, and so many of them are dead at 50-70k miles…? The last two cars I had (Ford Escapes), had over 218k or 185k miles and they were still drivable when I got a replacement vehicle. Now I buy this used Equinox with almost 70k miles and I’m wondering if it is going to break down within the first year. I expect I will be buying lots of oil and checking/changing it often. This is not just an inconvenience, it can cause major safety concerns! I will not be a repeat Chevy customer!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Oct 2025

Vehicle has an oil consumption issues which lead to a blown engines. Have been up to date on oil changes, just had an oil change 1 month ago and today the engine blew

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2025
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and idled abnormally. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle jumped unintendedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The independent mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The failure became a recurring failure, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2025
Sep 2025

The high pressure fuel pump leaking into crankcase and leaking gasket the fuel in the oil was so much it lit on fire.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Sep 2025

oil consumption is bad. according to mechanic it has now caused problems with timing chain and tensioner. I have to get that replaced ASAP before engine ties up. There is a class action lawsuit in Missouri for same reason with cars like mine. My car has not even hit 114,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Aug 2025

1. Excessive oil consumption! Adding one quart of oil every two weeks! 2. Timing chain replaced (TWICE) within 2 years! 2022/2023 3. Rear main seal replaced! 2022 4. VVT solenoid replaced because of rapid oil consumption causing metal shavings from engine! 2025 No warning lights just loud ticking all of a sudden and then engine shaking! Camshaft locked up and would not start, had to be towed to repair shop! This is a very dangerous engine (EcoTec 2.4L 4 cylinder) to drive with, as it can lock up or just fail causing an accident!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that one and a half quarts of oil needed to be added every two days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the failure was caused by the timing belt sagging, and the piston being burned. The dealer stated that the gasket kit, timing chain, tensioner, sensor, guards, actuator, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
Jul 2025

The concern is the oil consumption. The car looses a quart of oil a month. I average only 620 miles per month. There is no leak. A mechanic has been keeping track of it every month since April 2025. No warning lights alerted me of the problem. This has been an ongoing problem with the Chevy Equinox. My last one had the same problem but it was fixed thru a recall. It is frustrating for me to have to bring my car in every month to have it checked, because I am a caregiver for my husband and its hard for me to get away. I also use the car for his doctor appointments. I need a dependable car and can't afford a different one.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2024
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started making a ticking noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic informed the contact that the engine was low by two quarts of engine oil. On another occasion, the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic for an oil change, and the engine was low by two quarts of engine oil. The following month the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, due to the vehicle hesitating to accelerate, the vehicle was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,690.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Aug 2024
May 2025

Engines rear main seal failed and was replaced Freezing weather-15 degrees car will not run GM dealer that car was towed too Just a shutter no dash or any lights ever came on Repair by GM dealer said pcv valve froze resulting in dramatically increased oil pressure

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,583.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that two weeks after the vehicle was purchased, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the engine was very low on oil. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle. Two weeks later, the contact took the vehicle back to be checked and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. However, no cause for the failure was found. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had to check the oil level weekly. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2025
Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil pump had failed and caused the engine to seize. The contact was advised that the engine and oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2024
Apr 2025

I was driving my vehicle on the highway when all of a sudden I started to lose speed and my car wouldn’t accelerate. When my vehicle wouldn’t accelerate it started to shake significantly and the check engine, abs, traction control, and service stabilitrak light came on all at once. I was able to pull over and get my car towed to the dealership. Once it was at the dealership it was diagnosed that my car had jumped time causing a misfire in cylinder 4. My dealership stated this was due to low oil and my piston had become warped due to making contact with my valve. My car had no check oil warnings or any indication that vehicle was low on oil prior to this happening. My vehicle drove perfectly fine until that point. My vehicle also had no oil leaks (confirmed by myself not seeing any leaks under my vehicle as well as the dealership when they did the diagnostics). Before I bought my vehicle I did research and knew this model vehicle had oil consumption issues, so I made sure to routinely check my oil levels. Even with getting oil changes approximately every 3,000 miles and checking my oil levels and topping off my oil whenever it got less then 5 quarts I still had to get a total engine replacement. This was a huge safely issue since there was no warning that my oil was low and my car lost speed on the highway and was trying to stall out before I had a chance to pull off to safe place.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving on a rural road at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact entered a nearby parking lot, where the vehicle was parked and inspected. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle had experienced engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Feb 2025

On January 21st,2025 (a day where temps did not exceed zero degrees driving this vehicle 3/4 of mile home from work, as pulling down my street, engine began to run rough. No warning lights came on. i pulled in my drive and garage and turned off, there was an oil trail up my drive. After about an hour i looked under car and a HUGE puddle of oil was there. I then had it towed to Chevy dealer. They said it was the 3rd car with this same engine brought in that week, and same issue, a blown rear seal, and in my case damaged the engine quickly. we were told by other dealers that fire could have happened. After doing research, models 2004-2015 have the same exact engine and same exact Defect. the PVC intake valve can develop condinsation (the design does not allow this to escape) and on extreme cold days this can freeze, causing the pressure to build quickly and without warning blow the seal and damage the engine. In 2015 GM put out a service bulliten to dealers warning of this issue and fixed at no charge and also extended the warranty to 10 year 125000 miles (we are currently 8 years , 90K) GM did not change the Defect in this engine until the 2018 model years, GM did not contact any owners of 2016-2027 with the same exact engine and defect to fix or make aware it existed. There are hundred if not thousands of these engines with this defect on the road. It is all over GM related forums, the dealership service departments are aware of the issue as well. GM is refusing to fix my vehicle which now needs a new engine at cost close to $10K, For last month I have had to rent a vehicle for $300 per week at my cost while I fight with GM They have offered me a $1500 coupon to buy a new car, and now today offered $2000 towards the fix this is not acceptable to me. They are aware of the issue and have fully paid for and fixed the SAME EXACT issue all except 2016-2017 we think there should be an urgency to this matter

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

There is a oil consumption issue with this vehicle and there are no warning indicators whatsoever that there is no-low oil If I hadn't caught it I would've blown my engine

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2025

This was the third time I have had my vehicle in the shop for the same exact issue - stalling while driving. This time we decided to take it to a Chevy Dealer who very quickly diagnosed the PCV System Freeze "causing the rear main seal to push out causing a major oil leak". Seeing as this issue is known in prior years, it is baffling why Chevy has not addressed this design flaw, which causes engine damage, nor have they chosen to included later models - such as my 2016 - in a recall. I am so very lucky that I started being aware of the warning signs and did not get on the highway to go home. It would have likely been a deadly incident in that case - I am not joking. This was a VERY expensive repair - especially considering this is the 3rd repair regarding the same issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2024
Dec 2024

We purchased a 2016 Chevy equinox with a 2.4 eco-tech engine in September 2023 for approximately $14,000 and 95,000 miles. In September 2024, our vehicle seemed to malfunction at a gas station. When my husband attempted to turn the car on, it sputtered and several different lights lit up the dashboard. The car wouldnt start and we had to have it towed. The shop informed us the next day that there was zero oil in the car and our engine had blown. This was extremely shocking to us as we had zero issues prior to this and had our oil and tires changed within the last month. Upon their inspection, they stated no oil in the car. We told them we had recently had it changed at an oil shop. A shop employee then informed us there were known issues with this type of engine and we should look into it. Upon further research, we discovered this engine had indeed experienced issues over the past several years. A lawsuit was apparently settled regarding the 2010-2013 vehicles and 2014-2017 were now also experiencing issues. There is a class action lawsuit going on in a southern state as well. I contacted the MN OIG office and they advised we file a complaint here. We still owed approximately 9,000$ when this happened. I contacted GM support at 866-366-2273 on 10/7 and spoke with rep Jasmine and supervisor Rochelle. They advised they cannot open a case for me unless I pay to have the car towed to a GM approved dealer and pay for a diagnostic. They stated it’s possible but not likely that I would receive any assistance due to the power train warranty am expiring at 60,000 miles. I advised I cannot afford to pay to have it towed a 3rd time and diagnosed again just in the hope they would be able to help. Prior to this happening, we did not experience any issues with the vehicle and it wasn’t indicating there were any issues (there were no lights on to show something wasn’t functioning properly).

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2024
Nov 2024

It appears the 2.4L engine is burning oil at a high rate, leading to engine stutters, stalling, and outright engine failure. Our mechanic says if we didn't catch this in time, an engine without the proper amount of oil as a lubricant could stall, seize, and/or cause enough damage to warrant an entire engine replacement. If the engine quit on the freeway around Houston, TX, my wife would have been at great bodily risk. The mechanic suggested that there may be an extended warranty issued to GM Dealers to cover the 2016 Equinox 2.4L engine until 2026. The warning lamp was on for tire sensors, but no indication was given for the oil issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Nov 2024

The 2.4L engine is burning oil at alarming rates, leading to consumers complaining about stutters, stalling, and outright engine failure. If not caught in time, an engine without the proper amount of oil as a lubricant can stall, seize, and/or cause enough damage to warrant an entire engine replacement. The engine is now blown. Chevy has known about this problem stemming since 2012 and has not addressed this with the American consumers.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2024
Oct 2024

Engine consumed all oil and seized up, complete engine failure. We had just had a full synthetic oil change (and regularly did so according to manufacturer recommendations) 2,000 miles prior. This failure was not due to negligence. It appears to be a part of the same oil consumption issues with the 2.4L ecotech engine.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Mar 2024

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Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has 139 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.