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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 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #27

Jun 012016

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

At 100,000 miles the car started consuming oil. It was random at first, but now it is consistently consuming significant amounts.

- Loren C., Flint, MI, US

problem #26

Nov 202016

Equinox LT 2.4L I-4 Awd

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

I have Owned this SUV for a little over a year, bought it with 25k on it back in September of 2015. Put about another 25K on it right around the one year mark. Always made sure to change the oil at or before 3k miles and only used full synthetic due to the amount of driving. At about 50k my wife came home and told me that while she was stopped at a light the truck started to sputter and idle "funny". I figured it was about time to do a mild tune up seeing the amount of miles that were put on it. Did the usual plugs, filter, oil, brakes, air filter. Ran great! well for about 2k miles or so, then the sputtering came back. My brother heard it one day and said I should probably check the oil. I did, lo and behold, it had consumed about 2.5 qts. Did some research and found this is a common problem guess its faulty piston rings. I contacted my local chevy dealer and talked to one of the guys I know in the service department and asked if he was familiar with this problem and he said yes it happens quite a bit. Luckily were still covered under warranty. He said we have to come in and get an oil change and do a "consumption" test and come back every 500 miles. Chevrolet states that 1 qt. per 1k miles is acceptable. We'll see where were at. I will keep you posted.

- Julian C., Chicago, IL, US

problem #25

Jun 012015

Equinox LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

We purchased a used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox used in early 2015 with a little over 27,000 miles showing on the odometer and were well pleased with vehicle at the time. About a thousand miles later, I was checking the oil and noticed it was low...had to add about 1/2 quart or so to top it off. I thought this was unusual since it just had a fresh change when we bought it. When I changed the oil about three thousand miles later, it was almost a quart low then. The engine now has a little over 45,000 miles on it and I'm having to add about 1-2 quarts in between oil changes, which is ridiculous for a modern engine. Searching through the internet tonight, I'm seeing this is a common issue for these engines that is being blamed on a faulty engineering piston / ring / timing chain design. Has anyone else had any luck getting GM to stand behind their product and correct the problem or am I just stuck with keeping a case of oil around all the time? I'm going to make it my life's calling to tell everyone about this and warn them off this vehicle. We've always bought Ford products in the past and I was hesitant about buying a Government Motors product, wished now that had trusted my gut on this purchase.

- rousley, Prestonsburg, KY, US

problem #24

Feb 012016

Equinox LS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

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

Pretty much ditto of all the complaints previously on this subject. Dealer is telling me that 1 quart per 1000 miles is "normal" for consumption. Hmmm, funny, as I have a 2008 Chevy Equinox with 140k miles on it and have NEVER had oil consumption issues with it. Dealer says we have to pay for an oil change then come back in 3 weeks and pay for ANOTHER oil change in order for them to do a consumption test. Such bull!

- Dana S., League City, TX, US

problem #23

Dec 022016

Equinox LT 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,502 miles

AT 1335 MILES ON THIS OIL CHANGE I JUST ADDED 2.5 QUARTS OF OIL THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AT THE MOMENT 92576 IS ON THE ODOMETER I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT THE END OF OCTOBER FROM A DEALER IN ORLAND PARK IL NOTHING MENTIONED ON THE CAR FAX

Update from Dec 13, 2016: Whats troubling is that 2.5 quarts low on oil & the oil light on dash never came on BUT there is a timer in the message center? WHY??????

- Bruno F., Crete, IL, US

problem #22

Jul 012016

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

Do not buy this vehicle. First day I bought it we had to get the timing chain replaced. The check engine light stays on. A part that had to do with the gas had to be replaced. Now I am dealing with the engine oil consumption issue. BTW the warranty is up at 100,000 mine is at 128,000. I'm burning a quart a week.

Update from Jan 23, 2017: Please note Chevrolet Equinox 2012 has a special coverage for oil consumption at 120,000 miles 14882

- Gina F., Blythewood, SC, US

problem #21

Sep 172016

Equinox LTZ 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

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

Exhaust leak noise caused me to take the 2012 Equinox to the garage for repair. Was informed of a "common" problem whereas the piston rings have failed to seal the cylinder from leaking oil up into the combustion chamber. The oil is being burned by the platinum plugs and causing excessive heat in the exhaust manifold, causing it to crack. Starting the engine cold makes a loud exhaust leak which quiets after the engine warms up. There are three other Equinox vehicles with similar problems waiting for replacement parts ahead of me.

- Bill A., Bellaire, OH, US

problem #20

Jun 012014

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

This car uses excessive oil. I drive several miles a day. I have mentioned this to the local dealer and they gave me a list of items to "fix" which cost several thousand dollars. I have to monitor my own oil because the oil light does not come on when it is real low. It does come on when it is time for the oil to be changed. I have owned several Chevrolet vehicles but this one has caused me the most problems. I have called and there does not appear to be a recall or legitimate explanation as to why the car uses so much oil. I do not have a leak on the ground.

- Annette C., Deltona, FL, US

problem #19

Jul 172015

Equinox LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,699 miles

Since the day I bought this vehicle, it has eaten oil. I drive the car about 100 miles a day and have to add at least 2 quarts a week. I have spoken to other Equinox owners and they all seem to have the same issue. Around a quart for every 1000 miles.

- Kevin G., East Providence, RI, US

problem #18

Dec 152012

Equinox LX 4cl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,628 miles

This car has used a quart of oil every 1000 miles from day one....mentioned to my mechanic at regular scheduled oil changes and was always told it was normal. Upon looking into my constant complaint my mechanic recommended to file a complaint as this oil consumption seems to be a big problem. This should be recalled if Chevy was reputable. This is the second Chevy and probably the last I will purchase, as much as it cost to purchase a nice vehicle you should not have to deal with these big issues from day one. Engine should be recalled and replaced , not at the owners expense.

- Bill Christine T., Westfield, VT, US

problem #17

Jun 162016

Equinox LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

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

Wife was driving to work and car stopped on highway wouldn't start. She called me crying because she loves that car. Got it to the local dealership and said it had no oil. Told them there is no way that I just checked it a few days ago and topped it off. They tell me those engines are bad for going through oil and that the warranty won't fix the problem because all my paper work got thrown away. If GM knows about the oil problem in these wouldn't you think they would make it right? GM is garbage vehicles, don't buy anything GM.

- Joe M., Michigan Center, MI, US

problem #16

Jun 012016

Equinox LT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Around 65,000 miles the engine light lit up. Low oil, then the light keeps coming back and they end up doing the equinox fix i.e. Timing chain, sensors, guides etc. I looked it up and saw a great video by a mechanic . Now after 5,000 miles and me trying to add oil to my wife's car regularly the thing is going through close to 2 ATMs between changes, light America on to be continued

- Alex V., Hawthorne, NM, US

problem #15

Jun 022016

Equinox LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

USING 1 QUART OF OIL IN 800 MILES G M SAYS ACCEPTABLE USE. NOT TO ME

- carcomp123, Louisville, US

problem #14

Feb 022016

Equinox LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

USES 1 QUART PER 1000 MILES G M SAYS THAT IS ACCEPTABLE REALLY??

- carcomp123, Louisville, US

problem #13

Jun 202016

Equinox LTZ 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

We just found out that the Equinox is known for burning excess oil. We never expected to have to check the oil frequently on a new vehicle. The engine light came on so my husband checked the oil, as it was due for an oil change, and there was no oil on the dipstick! He immediately took it the next morning to the dealership in Washington, IL. They told him that GM is aware of the problem and will replace the engine. How long have we been driving it with no oil in it? It doesn't say that the oil level is low. The engine has to be ruined! We won't be buying another Chevy.. We have to check the oil every 1,000 miles until the next oil change. If it qualifies as a problem we will get a new engine. On a fairly new car...Really??

- Karen B., Germantown Hills, IL, US

problem #12

Jan 012016

Equinox LTZ 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

My car always ran with a loud ticking noise. Always told it was normal. Nope one day at 87000 my engine completely blew. I went out to drive my car and it idled really rough and then shut off. I tried to start it and nothing. Had it towed to dealer and was told that my engine was gone and needed a new engine. Prior to this I was adding oil all the time. Still claimed it to be normal.

Now I have a new engine and 4000 miles on the engine. From day one when I left the factory with my new engine my car makes a gurgle sound from stop to go and I smell coolant. I took it in and they said they pressure tested it and can not seem to find a leak anywhere. OK it's still leaking coolant somewhere as I have to replace about a gallon in a months time. Now it is worse and smell is horrible. The gurgle sound they said would go away and it did not.

So now at 4000 on my new motor I am over heating on idol, smell coolant, no leaks on ground, and a rough start when cold. THIS CAR IS A CRAPPY CAR AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!! CAR is back in shop!

- dewj, Hollister, CA, US

problem #11

Mar 162016

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 153,000 miles

Just had engine light on again. Dealership says there is no recall and yet now wants to do another repair costing $600. When I asked if it would fix the oil consumption problem, they said no, yet one of the repairs would be to the pcv. Why should I continue to make repairs if it is not fixing the problem?!

- Jane S., Clarkston, MI, US

problem #10

Nov 112015

Equinox LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

Suddenly I noticed a rattling sound that got worse over time. I was leaving work when a co-worker heard the noise, came over and popped the hood to check the oil level. The stick was dry! He asked me to go into the shop (I work at a dealership Not Chevrolet) so he could put some oil in for me. He put in two quarts and said come in tomorrow for a more thorough check. Engine was down three quarts. Gave me a complete oil change and sent me on my way.

Here it is Feb and the same thing happened. Down four quarts of oil! Taking it to Chevy for the inevitable run around. I've dealt with them before for other issues. Never a solution. The service writers always give me the feeling that I am someone to avoid like the plague and I get never a solution . It's all in my head. Never again will I buy a Cherolet. #mycheysucks

- Monica W., Knightdale, NC, US

problem #9

Jan 182016

Equinox 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,240 miles

So, I own a 2012 Equinox. Approximately 9 months ago, my check engine light came on. Up until that point, I was faithful with the recommended 3,000 mile oil change. This happened to fall at 4,000. The dealership in Elizabethtown, PA, where I purchased it, stated that they were dropping my warranty because I went over the recommended change, which caused the engine light to come on. Apparently, my car is burning too much oil, a known problem with the Equinox's, by the way. The fix was to bring it in every 1,500 miles to have oil levels checked. It was burning approximately a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. At times, the check engine light was coming on prior to my 1,500 check. Because of this, I had to begin checking every 1,000; as long as the light was coming on, they would not put it back under warranty. I had the routine inspection done at the end of November 2015. 1 month later, again the engine light is on. The dealership agreed to put it back under warranty and replace the piston rings, which was to solve the problem. They had my car for 3 days, I pick it up. 24 hours later the light is back on. I take it in. Now, they admit that my vehicle was throwing another code as well, all of this time. As the mechanic stated, they were just clearing the code, because none of them were familiar with it. Expecting that when they finally replaced the piston rings, it would correct this code.

Ha! Apparently, in reviewing the code, there is something wrong with a fuel cylinder. The mechanic stated that he believes it is not under warranty, and without paying to run diagnostic tests, they can not determine which cylinder is either throwing too much fuel, or not enough. My options ... pay for testing, or run the car until it throws another code to identify which cylinder is bad. Seriously!!??

He was "nice enough" to inform me that he would not charge me to look at the vehicle that day. Are you kidding me ... you just admitted that you have ignored that code for 9 months, and you are going to do me a favor and not charge me to now discuss it. Boy, that is good customer service!!

- angryconsumer1, Elizabethtown, PA, US

problem #8

Oct 032015

Equinox LS 2.4L I-4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,214 miles

Noticed the normally-ticky engine getting louder, especially at cold startup and under load. Brought it to the dealership (Patriot Buick GMC in Charlton MA, where we purchased it) since it's got a 5-year/1000k mile powertrain warranty.

They called and said that it was the balance chain and tensioner. No biggie. Then they call today and say that there was only 1Qt of oil left in the pan. Well it was a CPO car so nobody but them has been doing the maintenance since we bought it. Thankfully it was caught before the engine locked up on my wife!

Update from Oct 22, 2015: Dealer found the crank pulley bent causing the crank seal to leak. Also found bad balance tensioner and chain. Replaced all under warranty and so far so good.

- Will L., Leicester, MA, US

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