2016 Chevrolet Equinox Engine

Maintained vehicle with regular oil changes, tire rotations and inspections. Last oil change was June of 2024. Minimal driving throughout summer as both drivers are teachers and home most of the summer. Vehicle engine light illuminated on 9/12/24 with no prior issues or lights illuminating. Vehicle then went into what felt like "limp mode." Vehicle was taken to certified Chevy dealership service center. Initial diagnosis indicated there was little to no oil left in the engine. No visible leaks were seen on driveway where it has been parked, no smell of burning oil occurred prior to engine light illuminating. Oil life monitor stated 65.89% remaining. Visible leak diagnosis passed inspection. Diagnosis of misfire/engine related concerns. While on phone with mechanic it was stated that pistons and rings were malfunctioning. Upon researching issues, I discovered that there is a well known issues within GM of this exact problem existing in which around roughly 90,000 miles (my vehicle is currently at 91,000+) this specific engine starts consuming oil at a massive rate without indicating any leaks or smells of burning oil. Service center quoted between $6500-$10000 to repair. After I provided feedback about what I had discovered, I was told by mechanic that this is a well known problem with this vehicle. Extended warranties for this issue has been issued however, I am being asked to cover the cost to repair a known problem within the 2011-2017 GM engines in the Equinox and Terrain models.

Timing chain issue same as 2015 and earlier current recalls. Happened aroun 68,000 miles. May stall pulling out from stop light. Mechanic diagnosed problem Car ran bad at idle and stopped in drive or reverse. Often stalled. Repaired 9/13/24 approx 3,500 bill.Stony Creek Auto Center, Reading, PA did repair. The timing chain kit and oil pump were replaced inpected by mechanic. Warning sign code P0017 and P0012. Yellow warning light.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at the drive-thru, the engine made a knocking sound. The vehicle then lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. Additionally, after the vehicle had an oil change at the dealer, the engine started consuming an excessive amount of oil, causing frequent oil changes every 3,000 miles. The oil life monitor system displayed 60% of oil remaining; however, when the vehicle was taken to Walmart for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle also jerked while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Due to an oil consumption issue the engine failed while there was still 1000+ miles before the next oil change was due. There was no warning light indication that the vehicle needed oil. Needed to replace the entire engine. After engine was replaced we were required to monitor the oil consumption consistently. The issue continued and oil had to be monitored and changed more often than manufacturer recommendations. The vehicle was brought to an independent service center who then performed the work to replace the engine. Before the vehicle was brought to an independent service center we went directly to the Chevy Dealer that we bought the vehicle from. They wanted nothing to do with it and did not even offer to inspect the vehicle.

My chevy equinox 2016 2.4L vehicle engine signal went on. Two days after the light went on, my vehicle stopped on my way to a dealership to ask for assistance. In the early years of purchasing this vehicle everything was working smooth. After the first 3-4 years I remember the mechanics asking if I had done my oil changes, and the answer was yes every time. Now that I started to look further into the issue Im finding out that this exact engine burns through oil way too fast and has cause issue like engine going out. This is a big issue for others on the street and myself, thankfully I was not on the highway at the time when the vehicle shut down on me but I am constatnly utilizing the highway to get around town. This can easily cause an incident in any road/highway if the vehicle had shut off at the wrong time and wrong place. The vehicle has not been inspected for the reasons I'm stating here, but have been noticed by mechanics when doing maintenance. I did not think much of it because I am not a mechanic and I just thought that was the normal for a vehicle to do over time. Now I'm getting quotes to replace the engine plus labor can run anywhere from 6-8 thousand dollars. There was not any warning lights or anything in regards to the engine earlier on, this happened a few days ago and shortly after my vehicle gave out. The engine light never flashed either, it would just stay illuminated, and from my understanding that's a warning to take it to a mechanic shop for further inspection. The amber engine light that im aware of is to not move the vehicle and get somewhere safe.

On December 26, 2022, while driving home from work during a snowstorm, my 2016 Chevy Equinox suddenly lost power and began making unusual noises. Shortly after, a warning light indicated low oil pressure, and the engine shut off before I could safely pull over. Since then, the vehicle has been sitting in my driveway. Recently, I had it checked by a dealership, where the mechanics diagnosed a blown rear main seal and significant oil leakage. The dealership confirmed that the rear main seal failure was caused by a faulty PCV valve, a known issue in these models, which resulted in excessive pressure buildup and engine damage. Given the severity of the issue, the dealership mentioned that an engine replacement might be necessary. If it’s just the rear main seal that needs replacing, the estimated cost is $2,700. The vehicle was purchased used with 55,000 miles on it and had only one previous owner.

The vehicle burns oil causing engine failure. This issue occurs without warning (no oil light, and the check engine light appears moments before the vehicle dies). The vehicle burns oil and reaches engine failure even when regularly scheduled oil changes are completed. THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND RESULT IN A RECALL.

Excessive oil use. After 500 miles on a new oil change oil needs to be added. Usually 1 quart every 500 miles.

Timing chain tensioner broke. Fortunately, my wife stopped driving it so the engine didn't blow up.

Exhaust manifold cracked leaking dangerous fumes into the cabin.

This vehicle has a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor and/or an issue with the engine temperature gauge. The main issue is that the design of the 2.4 ecotec engine is defective in the opinion of many mechanics and equinox/terrain owners. The engine burns off more oil than is considered safe. I was advised not to run the oil consumption test by the DEALERSHIP. My experience is, I heard a sound in the engine and upon checking the oil, discovered NO OIL present!!! I had over 1000 miles left on my oil service sticker. There was no indication other than my own observation of a sound. No temperature change, the temperature gauge should have been reading hot, but was at normal. No oil light... like literally no oil sensor light present on the console. This was pretty upsetting to find out. The damage is done and I am out a vehicle over it as the damage is caused to the ENGINE/PISTONS. The timing chain is INSIDE the engine housing and THIS is the defect in the design. Oil splashes over into places it should not be, causing corrosion and combined with the fact that it is burning off this oil and causing damage because of lack of oil as well. The solution, is a nominal offer of 10% off this KNOWN issue and bill for a new engine. This is not ok. I am at 101k miles so just out of the zone for lemon laws, but this is a serious design issue and will cause severe hardship to those who own these vehicles. The recall is for previous years than my own, the issue is the same. The vehicle is NOT SAFE TO DRIVE without the proper indications that the oil is being burned off and damaging the engine.

Engine Oil had burned off, no notification of loss of engine oil to fill or maintain. engine is now required to be replaced.

I had just bought my vehicle, 2016 Chevy Equinox LT, as I was driving it home, not even 20 minutes, it had completely ran out of oil and the engine blew, according to the dealer he had just filled the oil before we bought it. I cannot fix the vehicle due to cost and it almost caused an accident when it suddenly stopped driving in the middle of the road.

The contact's uncle owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had an oil change performed; however, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The vehicle stopped middle of traffic, engine light came on. Took ti mechanic states need a new engine 100,000 2016. Diagnosed no oil, engine burning oil, it stutters.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to extremely low engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine oil was four quarts low. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the regularly scheduled oil changes were always performed on the vehicle and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000. The contact stated this could have been a VERY serious problem had the engine failed while her son was on the freeway traveling 70 MPH instead of only driving 20MPH. The contact had the engine rebuilt for over $8,000 and GM offered me a "Goodwill offering" of a little over $400, but contact declined the offer.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while inspecting under the hood, it was discovered that oil had leaked into the engine compartment. The contact discovered that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption and extra quarts of oil were required and added to the engine every two days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced a faulty sensor, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Problem first appeared with the limp mode being initiated by the vehicles computer system. This occurred at 96,000 miles in July of 2021. After running numerous diagnostics with a OBD scanner, and removing VVT solenoids, came to the conclusion it was the problem. After replacing with new OEM Solenoids and restarting the computer from the battery. The problem seemed to be resolved. In March of 2021the vehicle started losing oil by the quart each week. January 2022 the computer link initiated the limp mode again at 100,000 miles. After trying to diagnose using OBD, the conclusion was not apparent. Followed up by taking the air box off and found oil in the vacuum line for the air box. Continue the investigation by removing the PCV valve and the VVT solenoids. Found large amounts of oil(more than Chevy engineers allowed). Then proceeded to reassemble and run compression tests. Found "blow by" to be so bad that the oil was blowing out of the valve cover and past the seal. Disassembled the intake manifold and found puddles of oil in the base of the intake manifold. The MAF system had large amounts of carbon build up. Cleaned intake components meticulously. Reassembled and problem went away only to reemerge with massive oil loss September of 2022. Took to the dealer and they kept vehicle an entire week to report they found no oil loss. We then decided to rebuild engine; seals, pistons, rings, bolts etc.. After removing engine (January 2023 113,000miles) completely and breaking it down to crankshaft, I came to the conclusion the Intake manifolds direct injection system has a major flaw (mainly due to a pinhole becoming clogged found in the middle of the intake valve system). Causing massive pressure issues that can lead to full engine failure. So much carbon build up on pistons with major ignition problems visible by piston damage. In February of 2024 (131,000miles). Problem has started to reoccur with much blow by continuing near valve seal. I have pics

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed the local mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

According to the GM Certified Technician our 2016 Chevy Equinox had frozen PCV valves. On the day this happened temperatures were in the single digits. This caused the rear seal to blow and drain the oil from the engine while being driven. Engine shut off completely while driving (after driving 30+ miles) on the highway. We had to have the car towed. The technician said this is a known issue with the ecotech 2.4 liter engine, “but good luck getting Chevy to do anything for you.” The engine has to be replaced at a cost of $9200. More than the blue book value, and I still owe on it.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact drove the vehicle to the destination. The contact parked the vehicle and checked the engine oil level. The contact became aware of a pasty substance on the end of the dipstick. The contact was taken to get oil to top off the engine oil. The contact stated that while driving, the low oil pressure and stop engine warning lights illuminated. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed PCV valve. The contact was informed that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

WHILE DRIVING DURING A SHORT SPELL OF TEMPERTAURES AROUND 0 DEGREES THE REAR MAIN SEAL ON THE ENGINE BLEW OUT. THIS WAS DUE TO CONDENSATION FREEZING IN PVC PORT OF ENGINE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM I GUESS THAT CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF ON THE 2.4 LITER ECO TECK ENGINE. IF I HAD KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM, I WOULD NOT HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR IN THESE CONDITIONS. WHEN IT DUMPED THE OIL, I WAS ABLE TO GET STOPPED BEFORE MAJOR DAMAGE OCCURED. THERE WAS NEVER ANY WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR AFTER THE INCIDENT. WHY HAVEN'T THE OWNERS BEEN MADE AWARE IF THIS PROBLEM? WHY DOESN'T CHEVROLET COVER THE COST OF THIS DESIGN FLAW?

Motor is sucking oil, no leak, to the point where check engine light comes on and oil is empty within weeks of an oil change. Must drive with extra oil in car because it is constantly low. When this occurs, car tries to stall out when stopped and in Drive.

Was driving home and without prior warning received a message on the dash to pull over low oil pressure. Vehicle was towed to the dealership and I am being told I that GM has a known issue of freezing PCV in cold temperatures which causes the rear main seal to blow and other internal issues. I know am told this will be a $5600 repair and no coverage. GM has lawsuits and other numerous complaints about this issue.

The rear main seal on our 2016 Chevrolet Equinox blew a second time in January 2024. The vehicle was driven about 30 miles after startup after leaving it at an airport for five days when the rear main seal blew again leaking oil. The first time the rear main seal blew was in February 2020 when the engine had only 46,000 miles. Both incidences occurred when the temperatures were near zero degrees. The same issue occurred after the vehicle had an additional 54,000 miles or approximately 100,500 total miles on the odometer. Apparently, the PVC valve gets clogged during normal cold temperatures in Michigan and created too much pressure inside the engine. This engine should not be sensitive to normal winter climates. I believe this would not have occurred if the PVC valve was on the exterior of the engine. Our trust in our vehicle's engine is waning. We don't want other Equinox owners to experience this and we don't want this issue for a third time. Please help us as I believe it should have been a recall issue. The car dealership said this was the third Equinox brought into their shop this week. The estimate for repairs is $3,156.