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8.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,560
Average Mileage:
85,850 miles
Total Complaints:
107 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (37 reports)
  2. replace engine (23 reports)
  3. not fixed (17 reports)
  4. have gm recall all defective 2.4 engines (13 reports)
  5. replaced piston rings (9 reports)
  6. replaced pistons and rings and oil sesnor (4 reports)
2012 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments (Page 3 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #67

Jun 012018

Equinox LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine on my car was burning oil. After going through Chevy's oil consumption test (which proved it was burning 1 to 2 quarts of oil every thousand miles), they replaced the rings and seals on my engine along with a few other things that were wrong because of their crappy engine!!! Also, the extra things that were wrong, Chevy didn't want to cover them. Argued with corporate and they did finally cover part of the extra costs. However, now because of their crappy engine, my car keeps coding the catalytic converter because of all of the oil that burnt through it. The technician even tells me its because of the oil consumption issue, but Chevy still refuses to cover it!!!!!!!!

Beyond annoyed and frustrated after buying a certified used car. This honestly has made my mind up to never buy a Chevy product again.

- Sarah F., Hillsboro, OH, US

problem #66

Sep 122018

Equinox EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,352 miles

click to see larger images

excessive oil consumption excessive oil consumption excessive oil consumption excessive oil consumption

Purchased Equinox at the end of June with 85,557 miles. Ran like a champ, loved it, very happy I purchased it. Frequently checked the "Oil Life" percentage. At 25%, the car started making an awful noise. At first it was mainly when I turned to the left. It also made the noise when I accelerated and then gradually it was noisy no matter which direction I turned. The car would lurch when idling at a stop light, even with my foot barely on the brake. It was extremely terrifying.

Have this car for less 3 months and this is happening??? Took to Monro for an oil change even though the Oil Life was only at 25%. Brett said the oil change shouldn't have to happen until about 10% or less. I insisted he change it anyway, with synthetic please, due to the noise it was making and how it was acting. I walked away to do kill time when I rec'd a call from him informing me that he WOULD NOT DO AN OIL CHANGE. He went on to explain that the noise it was making was from something knocking and if he were to do an oil change, he would be responsible for the engine should it "blow". He went on to inform me that the engine is going to be needed to replaced. It could last 3 hours or 3 months. In tears, I asked how much that would (guesstimate) cost and he told me easily $5,000--this is almost half of what I paid for the damn car. His last comment to me was, "Oh, I would suggest you drive right up to AutoZone and purchase 4 quarts of oil because you HAVE NO OIL"!! Really? My oil light did not come on, my percentage was 25%.... and I'm going to have to have work done to it that I simply cannot afford. If I had the money, I would have purchased a newer vehicle! I am on my mission to start to network and find out what I can, what I am deserved of this situation. I did discover there is a Class Action Law suit including 2010-2017. Why should I be responsible for the repairs of someone else's mistake?

- catphillips, Columbia, US

problem #65

Sep 012017

Equinox LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

Engine knocks, excessive oil consumption (Burns about 4qts a month in oil), loss of power,

- Anthony M., Springfield, US

problem #64

Jan 012015

Equinox 2LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Bought car in 2014. Noticed relatively soon that there was excessive oil consumption which has led to other issues.

Started having issues with a kick in the engine when accelerating (hesitation). The engine would shake and die for no reason.

We have replaced:

Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter 2 O Rings Due to engine oil leaking 2 oxygen sensors

After all this, we then had to fork out the money to replace the entire engine.

- Melissa H.,

problem #63

Jun 132017

Equinox LS 2.4L Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,186 miles

Each time I would have the oil changed I would mention that car was using oil. There answer was its normal to use some oil. Well after going on a long trip I checked the oil and guess what no oil showed on dip stick. Went into dealer and than they said they would do a oil consumption test. After bring it back in 2000 miles they decided to schedule a ring replacement on my car which they did.

- Bill R., Shelby Charter Township, US

problem #62

Mar 312016

Equinox LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

I was using 2+ quarts of oil every 1000 miles. After some inspection by my dealer, GM paid for a new engine replacement. I am happy with that. I was not even the original owner of the car. So if you have this problem, precedent has been set. Good luck. The Equinox is other wise a great little SUV.

- Dennis L., Lincoln, CA, US

problem #61

Aug 142018

Equinox Flex-fuel 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,527 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

BEFORE EACH OIL CHANGE WE ARE PUTTING IN A QUART AND A HALF OF OIL EVERY MONTH,

- Debi W., Millbury, OH, US

problem #60

Jun 062018

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,480 miles

I have to keep getting lil changes like once a month, really getting costly for a car with only 72,000 miles

- Rashid J., Evansville, US

problem #59

Feb 162018

Equinox LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Purchased our 2012 Equinox in September of 2016. In February of 2017 drove it home from 10 miles away, entered the garage and it killed out. Restarted it and it killed out again. Told my husband when he came home and he checked oil and said it was a little low. Went in to eat dinner, came out to do chores and all the oil had run out onto the garage floor. Had it towed and a friend told us that it had blown the engine seal and that that shouldn't happen to a vehicle with 80,000 miles.

Called the dealership where we had purchased and they said probably moisture built up and blew the seal. Called another Chevy dealership and they said that it could be the pistons etc and that GM would pay to have pistons etc. changed but not labor. Took it to that dealership and in checking they found out that the pistons had already been changed and GM had paid. So this happened twice to the same vehicle. This time it screwed up the fuel pump, got into the PCV port, carbon built up and blew the seal again. $1800 bill.

Called GM and it was 4 months after the warranty and a snotty girl told me there was nothing they could do about it. Would never buy another one again. How do you get in on this class action law suit?

- Janice L., Dundee, US

problem #58

Mar 272017

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

When I purchased the Equinox new, they told me you can go 14,000 miles before you change the oil & do not change it till the display tells you. So I did that. Then there was a recall on the oil monitor, but I still could go a year without changing my oil..ok..

So In February 2017 my car sounded like I was driving a diesel, it knocked & clanked so bad, but the oil monitor said I still had 40% oil life left.. I went ahead & changed the oil & the noise lessened but then the check engine light came on & the remote start would not work.

I took it to Landers & they fixed it at no charge.. but never said a word about the oil situation & checking it every time I fuel up. I am 61 & really do not want a car that is this difficult to work with. Now the problems are back & do you think they have offered me an Oil Consumption test??? No.. they do not want to fix it..

- Charlene W., Oklahoma City, US

problem #57

Nov 102015

Equinox LT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had the car worked on for a recall that I didn't get until the warranty was over. I paid over $200 to Foy Motors last year but I cannot find my receipts or letters. I was told about a fault in these engines a long time before, but the warranty was gone and I could not afford a new engine. I just now found about all of the lawsuits.

The car is in my grand daughter's name and my deceased husbands name as a co-signer. We have been driving the car and adding oil and having oil changes. There are no leaks and it doesn't smoke out of the tail pipes. I think that we deserve a new engine because my grand daughter had to get another car because this one is unreliable. She is a nurse. and did home-health nursing and had to travel many miles.

- Diana R., Converse, US

problem #56

Feb 052018

Equinox Moch V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I have always bought my cars in at Buxman Motors I guess my mom did so I did too. I went to the same salesman time after time Scott Koehn and Mel Buxman never did me wrong. John in the parts dept. was also a good man. They always put the customer first.

I bought a Chevy Equinox in Aug 2015 and it was the best car. I never really had any issues with it. I have never had issues with any of my recent Equinox's in fact I traded in my old one, which was a 2004. In February car had a major rear cell bust and my car locked and sat for 3 weeks, as I fought to get Midway Motors and the Warranty Company to fix the car. I was still under the 100,000 miles and I wanted it fixed. It took 3 weeks to get it fixed and it was finally fixed. Since than I continue to have issues with the oil consumption. Oil is being added on a weekly basis, from 1/3 quart low to up to a quart low in a week. I do not understand. I have been dealing with it for about 3 months. I was told it was because my car was old. My car does not leak oil anywhere at all. I never had this problem until the major problem that happened in February. Then it has been downhill since then. So I have gotten all of my oil changes and maintenance done at Midway Motors so they can see I do take care of my car and I do make sure it is getting the care it needs. But oil is not cheap, @$5.00 each time does add up. Midway never told me about the oil consumption problem, nor did GMAC I had to Google and realize that several thousand people around the USA have this issue too. I can spend all my money to fix it all, but until the engine is replaced it will not be fixed. I think you would want to please your customers and fix this before it got out of hand. I do not even have the car paid off. I am going to have to start caring oil in car so I do not get caught without oil. They can do the oil consumption test but, it will max out at 120,000 miles and then it will be my problem not GMAC or Mid Way Motors.

My oil light never comes on, and I have addressed that several times, even after the February issue when it blew the oil everywhere and my car shut the motor down.

I am definitely angry about this and am going to go to the top to address this issue. I'd like to know why 120,000 miles is the "magical number" for mileage. When I do look for a new vehicle I will not buy an Equinox. I am having problems with excessive oil consumption and oil light not coming on (oil changed every 3000 miles)..In February I had the bad knocking and the engine shut down and the oil light never came on, even when I am quart low the engine light still does not come on. I mention this and still nothing changes. If Chevy knows about these problems, then they should recall to fix it or provide extended warranty to cover it. I didn't know about this site til today..... I feel I have not been dealt with fairly.

I am sad that we spend our good money on a car and people want us to become part of their family, but this is just wrong.

- Lisa B., north newton, KS, US

problem #55

Apr 072018

Equinox 2LT 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,698 miles

Decided to start doing my own oil changes on my 2012 Equinox.. The oil life monitor read 10% and no check oil light. I drained out the used oil in a catch pan. Drained the filter into the same catch pan. I only recovered about 4.25 quarts. I replaced the oil with 5.5 quarts of fresh oil. I thought this was odd. I checked the TSB for this issue. I never received a letter or notice from GM. I use to take this vehicle for service and oil changes at reputable maintenance shop. But they do not check to see how much oil is removed when changing the oil. I check my service maintenance interval (which stated to check oil levels at the 7500 miles periods). The vehicle has low oil sensor and a oil life monitor but GM could not send out a notice to all the owners of this vehicle. How much does a bulk mailing cost? I will see how much Chevrolet stands behind their products, when I take it in for an evaluation.

- Ron P., Hillside, US

problem #54

Apr 072018

Equinox LT 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

After my check engine light came on I took it to Auto Zone so they could get the codes. They gave me a print out that stated Code P0010 indicates that the Bank 1 Intake Camshaft Position Actuator electrical circuit had a fault lodged in the computer or was disconnected for a predetermined period of time. Called the dealership where I purchased they said it would be a week before they could Check it!!! I stopped driving. After a week I finally was able to take it to them. They asked me could I leave it ( I said sure) after a few days still did not hear from them! I called and they stated that the technician hadn't looked at it!!!!! This is my only car! It would have been ok if they had said well we looked at the codes and this is what we have to do..................... But just to say he haven't looked at it and we'll call you back!!!! I had this problem less than a year ago!... I was very disappointed in the lack of service!

My car in currently getting fixed by a local mechanic. Not exactly sure how much this will cost. He did tell me that my car is consuming oil😳 I'm just very frustrated that the dealership could not help me in a timely manner!

- Phyllis P., Oxford, US

problem #53

Apr 012018

Equinox LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

GM needs to back up their word and cover this problem. Stop turning their heads at customers who have put trust in them and purchased their vehicles. 111,000 miles and my timing chain broke and bent the valves. $6,700.00 for a new motor. I CANNOT do that. I still pay on the car and am a single mom of a 6 & 7 year old. Take responsibility GM and do what is right, not wanting something for nothing, just what is the right thing to do.

- alishao, West Blocton, US

problem #52

Jan 012018

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 66,000 miles

Car is a lemon. It always is being repaired. I had a Vega that was more reliable.

- John B., Maple Grove, US

problem #51

Oct 172013

Equinox LT 2.4L 4cl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Engine lost compression. Mechanic said fluids looked low. I've always kept up with oil changes and was surprised to hear this but have since found out about excessive oil consumption. I drive long distances which likely exasperated the problem. No low oil notification. Replaced engine.

- Dave Z., Grayslake, IL, US

problem #50

Feb 192018

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

I bought a 2012 Chevy Equinox in 2015 (3 years old), it had 55k on the engine. I did not buy the extended warranty because well it was practically brand new vehicle! I had the oil change religiously every 3000 miles or sooner! I have all those receipts! I started the oil consumption test but after 3 visits could not keep up with paying $50 a month to have it serviced (terrible mistake on my part). Went to go to an appt on 2/19/18 and my car died in the middle of the road.

Had it towed to my mechanic who ran a diagnostic on the problem they changed the starter, did not work and cost me $600. He than tried fixing the rocker arm no luck my engine is shot due to the oil consumption! I contacted the dealer I bought the car from, who stated they could not help me. I contacted GM who stated they could not help me because I did not finish the oil consumption test!!! So I call GM Corporate same thing. So now I am without a vehicle that I still owe $14k on that I cannot drive and no one cares!!! It really pisses me off because even my mechanic stated my engine blew because of the oil issue! WTF!

- Amy C., Harrisonburg, VA, US

problem #49

Aug 102017

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,925 miles

After the dealership replaced the pistons and rings in our 2012 Equinox (67k miles at time), within 1 month same issues of excessive oil consumption returned. Brought to dealerships attention. Was told that GM/Chev standard was we had to wait 12k miles for new pistons and rings to seat themselves. We had to go to dealership about every 500-1000 miles to top off oil. Would get the rattle. At 72925 miles, driving onto Highway, accelerating up to speed and merging, engine cuts almost out, dash warning of Engine low power (or whatever it is) and Intelitrac needs servicing came on. Nearly got deep trunked by semi truck (had my 8 yoa son with me in car on way to doctor appointment). Limped it back to dealership. Oil was 2.5 quarts low (literally topped off 1000 miles ago), also learned the fuel pump had thrown the codes. Dealership would not commit to the oil consumption being from the prior issues and also said the timing chain appears to have skipped or jumped ahead of time. I had to authorize 6 hrs of labor to allow dealership to tear down and search for point of failure. they intend to charge me $700.00 labor if timing chain failure is not related to the original problem. And they would not cover the fuel pump as we are 2000 miles past original warranty (still within time but not mileage). So, if they don't resolve this, we will be charged about $400.00 for the fuel pump. I did put a call into Cheverolet Customer Care and spoke to John. He seemed sincere over the phone and was concerned about the issues, especially the fuel pump. As of yet, have not heard back from dealership on vehicle status, We will hear back from Chev Service Tech Manager within 24-48 hrs to discuss the warranty.I did find a special GM bulletin "16118: Special Coverage Adjustment-Excessive Oil Consumption-2012 Equinox" Basically says that if excessive oil consumption occurs, the special coverage covers the issue for 7 years 6 months or 120k miles or whichever comes first from date vehicle was put into service... https://gm.oemdtc.com/7458/16118. Hoping for a resolution soon.

- bcortani, Port Angeles, US

problem #48

Jan 012018

Equinox LT 2.4L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,000 miles

Brought this (used) 2012 Chevy Equinox in December of 2017. I'm so hot because this car has given me nothing but headaches from the date of purchase. It's been in the garage numerous times, stop counting since its purchase for terrible engine (rattling and knocking) noises, stalling, jerking when idling and lots and lots of oil consumption. Damn, you would think I owned a damn oil company for all the oil they told me to keep putting in and oil changes.

Well, it finally came to a head driving to work on 1/2/18, the car went into a total meltdown. The car displayed check oil light soon, the engine display light came on, the reduced power can on, stalling the car and what other sh*t could I possible think of...and what's so damn sickening is I put 2 quarts of oil in Saturday 12/30/2017 and then 2 quarts of oil in 1/1/18, but I guess the car is known to eat oil....yea OK. Well, I drove it straight to the garage, they investigated it all day, finally called me and told me, not so good news, they put it on the lift and said they found oil sprayed all over the underneath and back. They said there was no oil in the engine, really I just put 4 quarts in! They did an oil change and it totally pissed out from the engines Master seal. They think it's burned up, meaning we're talking expense repair, if not totally shot engine. The best part is the dealer states it's not covered under warranty because it's not part of the power train, but it's still part of the engine. I'm very, very pissed, upset and hostile! This is such bullshit, pay good money for what, I know why I hate car dealers so much. I knew when I was looking, not to by a Chevy, but I did and I'm getting exactly what I expected, SH*T. I'm so tired and now down a car and lots of money. Come on GM, do something right, like a recall about this crap that several people are having issues with. A model that eats oil and blows up. Ridiculous !!

- Thomas C., Clinton, US

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