8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,370
Average Mileage:
76,550 miles
Total Complaints:
93 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (45 reports)
  2. replace engine (24 reports)
  3. engine rebuild (12 reports)
  4. repair/replace rings (7 reports)
  5. replace catalytic converter (2 reports)
  6. replace timing chain (2 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #13

Jul 012013

Equinox LT 2.4L 4cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,454 miles

For over year my engine has been running rough and sometimes stalling. Fix one replaced secondary fuel pump. Oil consumption test ran and was burning oil. Service adviser said they would replace the engine. Upon picking up vehicle, I was told they replaced the timing chain, pistons and rings.

Now, it is starting to run rough again. My research showed that fuel pump failure can cause fuel to pour into the oil system, which can start eroding the metal in the engine parts that come into contact with the contaminated oil/fuel mixture. Was the partial rebuild a temporary patch until the extended warranty runs out?

- taerondo, Omaha, NE, US

problem #12

Aug 132013

Equinox 4cl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,675 miles

Saying that your pissed is an understatement of what I feel right now with General Motors... I have seen and read all of the complaints regarding the oil consumption on the 2010 Equinox. I have contacted General Motors SEVERAL times, but getting any answers is like pulling teeth. I have it currently at our local Chevy dealer.

I was informed that there is not a way for the Equinox to tell you that you may be using/burning or even low on oil. I have had this issue since the day we bought it. Nine months and all that is done is change the oil, that will fix it. It does for a short time, and then we are right back to square one. I would love to have GM shove this up their but. Nothing has upset me more than this. As for GM, I would LOVE to add more to them and all their issues. Put me on the news. To all that own an Equinox, get rid of them.

- Cinthia S., Wood River, NE, US

problem #11

Mar 092014

Equinox LS 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,300 miles

We've had so many problems with this vehicle it's just a terrible situation. It seems as though we are in the dealership every week or two with some sort of problem. Yes, most were fixed under the warranty process but now it's on us to fix whatever time bomb will go off. It is now large oil consumption and rough and noisy engine. We changed oil and filter on a 3,000 interval consistently, never missed the schedule of every 3,000 miles. I'm really concerned because we can't afford to shell out an engine overhaul repair bill at this time.

We will never buy or lease another Chevrolet if we are going to be stuck with an engine overhaul repair bill. I can't wait to get rid of this lemon. The dealership has been great working with us on our problems but it's now we are on our own without warranty coverage. Other than the engine and drive train issues it's a good vehicle. Deep down in my thought's I was concerned about the engine noise issues but having never owned a 4 cyl engine before thought that this was common but it's now getting to be a concern, especially when we are using a lot of oil and the gas mileage is really poor. I could write some more but I'm just too damn upset to continue.

- Lewis N., Sartell, MN, US

problem #10

Sep 022013

Equinox LTZ 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

We bought this vehicle used at the end of 2010 from Bob Halls Chevrolet. We took it back because it was idling rough, they said it was the throttle positioning sensor and replaced it. The replacement wasn't covered under warranty because the positioning sensor is electrical. Four weeks later the vehicle started to idle rough again, took it back, they said the problem was with the throttle body and that it was dirty and needed cleaned. The dealership claimed this was standard maintenance at 60000 miles, yet its not mentioned in their owners manual. They cleaned the throttle body and 6 months later the problem is back. Problem still exists.

- Jeremy B., Yakima, WA, US

problem #9

Aug 162013

Equinox LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Bought this car used and it has always used oil. Chevy notified me of a recall and IF I thought I had a problem to bring it in to check. Service Manager didn't really want to check it out, but when they did, they advised it met the recall notice. They ended up replacing the pistons and the head--kept the car for over a week. Ran much smoother for a few months, but I was still having to add some oil along the way. Went to have the oil changed and was advised there was water in the oil (water condensation inside the oil cap). Ran the car for another week and didn't find any more water condensation inside the oil cap, had the oil changed and the next day, blue smoke started coming out of the tail pipe and it was spitting oil out of the tail pipe. Car at that time had 101000 miles on it. Traded it in for a Honda--I'm done with Chevrolet.

- Peggy M., Pelham, AL, US

problem #8

Apr 302013

Equinox LT 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

I really love this car but the engine issues are making me think I should sell it before it gets worse.

Quick Summary: • Engine making noise (knocking) (2011-12) • Car started stalling while driving. (2012) • Engine was REPLACED around 30k miles (2012) • Recall to adjust oil monitoring system that may result in more frequent oil changes (Summer 2013) • Starting to show similar symptoms as before again, 50k miles (Fall 2013)

Below are some details, I don’t remember many details as it has been going on for a while. I bought this Equinox in June of 2010, Key reasons for me was the good gas mileage rating for the 4 cylinder, It was comfortable and roomy including the back seat witch can be moved back (we are a tall family). After about a year a few people began mentioning that it was making some knocking noises. I took it to the dealer for service several times, and made sure that this was on the reports. The dealer said they did not find any problems with the car.

Fast forward several months, The car started stalling in lower speed driving, then once while I was driving on the freeway it stalled on me in heavy rush hour traffic. Luckily I was able to put it in neutral and start it back up. I took it to the dealer immediately. They said it was very low on oil and that was causing the problem. This puzzled me because I always change the oil regularly, there is NO sign of leakage and NO sign of it burning oil and NO indicators in the dashboard. The dealer took the engine apart and I think they replace many items, I think valves and some other things.

A few months later it started the skipping again and stalling again. They said the problem was due to low oil. Their records only showed two oil changes (because I don’t normally go to the dealer for regular maintenance) and basically stated that I was not properly maintaining the oil in the car. I argued with them and they asked for a history. I was able to retrieve most of the oil changes, however before I provided it to them they called and said they were replacing the engine (yeah). It took about a week or so for the replacement, it had about 30k miles.

Everything seemed fine for some time after that. But then it started ‘skipping’ (it felt like the transmission was slipping). I took it to another dealer closer to my home. They were unable to reproduce the problem but asked if the lead mechanic could test drive it overnight. The next day they said they felt the problem and made some adjustments to the car. This was repeated several times over a month. They were finally able to resolve the problem. I don’t remember what the fix was.

In 2013 I received a letter for a recall, stating that an adjustment for the oil monitoring system needed an update and it could result in more frequent oil changes. To me this sounded like a cover up to a bigger problem with the 4 cylinder engines. I took the car in and had the update completed.

Now (October 2013), my car stalled on me while I was backing out of the driveway. And I have been noticing similar sounds and performance issues as before. I checked the Oil and added a quart. (The oil was changed 2000 miles ago). I find it VERY disappointing that I have to keep such a close eye on the oil level in this car epically since it is relativity new, I never had to do this with any of my cars (I have a 14 year old Oldsmobile van that is still running great). The car now has 50k miles and I’m hoping that the new engine is not going to have the same problem as the first one.

I did purchase a 5year/100k bumper to bumper extended warranty when I purchased the car, something I never do but for some reason I did and I’m very glad. I generally keep my vehicles for 10 or more years but I’m thinking I may need to sell this soon and get something different.

- hhover, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #7

Mar 142012

Equinox LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

My suv has been making noise from the first month I bought it . Brought it in to get check over 5 times the people at Chevrolet are horrible the are rude and to tell you the truth the service is very disappointing as when you buy a car you are treated like gold you come with a complaint they turn their backs . My car ended up that it has an oil problem it consumes 4 to 5 quarts of oil within 1000 miles it shuts off and turns on but tries to keep shutting off. I been with this problem for 1 yr and half has anything been done yet ...... NO

- notahappycustomer2, Gardner, MA, US

problem #6

Jan 012012

Equinox ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I bought this car brand new with about 200 miles on it from the dealer. Around 50,000 miles I noticed the car wasn't sounding right. I always had the oil changed before the sensor got below 20%. Then it became a recurring thing to check the oil. Sometimes it would not show on the stick and then add a quart and showed full. So it became a weekly issue to check the oil level. The car died in traffic one day and restarted with no problem. Strange. Then around 101,000 miles I was stranded about 30 minutes from home. We had to tow the car to the dealership. I was then told my extended warranty had expired. At 1,000 miles over. I was told it had sludge build up and was asked for receipts for oil changes. Of course I didn't keep all of them, it was a brand new car and so I didn't worry about it. I asked if they could run a scan and see if the computer had record of it. I was told since you can set it yourself that it wouldn't be considered proof. Fortunately they replaced valve covers and gaskets etc, about $1300 worth of parts under the warranty and gave me a loaner during the process. About two weeks later, started running rough again, checked the oil and was two quarts low. I was told the oil sensor was recalled and that they fixed the problem. I left a message for the repair dept about it still burning oil and no response. So now I took it to another mechanic and was just told they are recalling 2010 motors if oil consumption is a quart or more every 1000miles. I will be calling the dealer back.

- crumley, Bertram, TX, US

problem #5

Apr 012013

Equinox 2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

The car is burning through oil and it only has 37k miles. All this crap advertising that american cars are well made is crap. I will never buy a ford, chevy, or gmc. All my hondas and toyotas have been outstanding vehicles. All i do is change the oil and have had zero engine issues. This car had the air conditioner fail at about 25k, The seat heaters stopped working, and now the engine oil burning. i am reading online and this is a common thing among the chevy equinox. i will never buy an American car again. My other honda had 175k miles and did not burn any oil.

- Guillermo S., Azusa, CA, US

problem #4

Nov 012012

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

After 6 months of constant back and forth to the dealer my Equinox is now there to have the engine replaced. My excessive oil consumption started at around 27,000 miles, I have the oil consumption meter installed and they have finally come to the conclusion that the motor needs to be replaced. I bought this car new and its the last GM I will ever own. I already lost a 2005 Trailblazer at 30K for electrical problems and then bought this piece of crap. Who knows what batch of new problems the new engine will bring since I am reading that it doesn't resolve the problem even after the motor is replaced.

- equinoxjunk, Baltimore, MD, US

problem #3

May 052012

Equinox LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

I started noticing gradually the engine runs rougher and rougher. I thought it was normal and the engine might be cold. Until one day while at a full stop on a red light, the car begun jerking and shaking. As soon as I got home, I immediately checked the engine oil. To my surprise and bewilderment, the dipstick is totally dry! No engine oil leak underneath. The engine is still clean from the outside and no sign of oil leak at all. And that's when I found this website via google. Based on what the original complainant went through (frequent visits to car shop, etc.), I just eventually decided to trade-in my Equinox with Acura. And also because I needed to top it off at least 3 times (1 gallon each time) in between oil change service. It sucks to pay for something that gives you anxiety.

- nashnj, North Brunswick, NJ, US

problem #2

Jul 182012

Equinox LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I brought my 2010 Equinox to the dealer because the engine started to sound like a truck instead of the smooth running noise that it was normal. The dealer called me that same day and told me that it need a new fuel pump, and that it was covered under the warranty. I told him okay, and asked when I could pick it up. He told me, and then he went on to say that they also did an oil change because the oil was contaminated. I told him, that's funny, I just had the oil changed the day before. He then stammered and hemmed and hawed and told me, don't worry about it we won't charge you. My next visit was because it was making noise again, and there was new squeaking noise that I hadn't heard before. I was told that I was down 3 quarts of oil, and to drive it 1K miles and bring it back for an oil consumption test. It is now Labor Day, and of course the service dept is closed, and it is making noise again, additionally, the car stalled while idling while I was preparing to drive. I have been on the internet, and have noticed many complaints with this vehicle and it seems that naturally, GM is trying not to publicize these complaints. But if this many people are having these problems, they need to address and fix the problem

- Bob C., Milford, CT, US

problem #1

Apr 022010

Equinox LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,427 miles

As a consumer that works extremely hard for her $$$ I’d like to for warn you about what your future could hold if you purchase a brand new vehicle with GM Canada. I bought the 2010 Chevy Equinox – base model, no extras, brand new. I really love(d) this car, I was beyond happy with the look, the drive, everything ... that is until 20,000km hit when my car began to sound like it had a diesel engine.

I worked very closely with my dealership for the next several months to try and determine the cause. They changed belts and did other small repairs, however the engine continued to always go back to this noise? One day I was driving the vehicle and it began to shake vigorously at a stoplight, so I went straight to the dealership and they told me my car had no oil in it?! Weird, the oil light never came on! Nor did the engine light, yet the car was on the verge of the engine seizing – scary! So those sensors, don’t depend on them! I'm glad I was city driving, and not on the highway that day.

When I returned 2 days later for an oil change – I was told the car had a major oil leak. I live in a new home, new driveway – and there was no oil on the ground. Where is all this oil going? So I went on an oil consumption report to help GM understand the issue. For 10,000km I had to visit the dealership every 1000km so that they could monitor the issue. This is my oil history:

June 30th – 2 ½ liters added July 2nd – Engine required shampooing due to excessive oil leak, dye ball placed in oil tank to determine were the oil came from. July 12th – Drop off car for overnight service to determine were the oil was leaking from July 13th – Told a part has been ordered, gasket cover broke and needed to be replaced, once done I’ll go back on the oil consumption report. Still very concerned that I’m being told I had a massive leak yet no trace of oil on my driveway? July 26th – add 500ml of oil Aug – 1.5 liters added, GM recommends decarbonizing before taking engine apart Aug 22nd – drop off car for the decarbonizing, pick up then come back in 1000km Sept 8th – 350ml added, told I may need to have the engine pulled apart Sept 20th – Was told the car was fine, no oil burned Oct 7th – 1.5L added, told to call my service adviser on Monday to schedule the drop off and get me in a rental so they can take a part the engine.

I truly believe that because this issue clearly began back at 20,000km I voiced that I did not want them to rebuild, instead I wanted them to replace the engine. I’ve put so much money into maintaining the car that I felt it was only fair, but GM said their policy is to take apart the engine to find the problem. I once again voiced my concern that the oil & engine light did not come on, they said they’ll look into it. I also would like them to tell me if the line my vehicle came off of, has anyone else experienced this issue? Because I’ve read other people’s blog’s saying they had the same problem I’m having so I’m wondering, did their car come from the same line as mine?

I told them the reason I wanted (and felt I deserved) a new engine was because of the maintenance I’ve put into trying to prolong the life of the car by doing all recommended service. If you take the fact that the issue began at 20,000km and I’m now at 65,000km and its still occurring, plus the fact that they have no idea why it’s burning oil, how can they be sure it hasn’t caused any other damage to my engine? I’m not a service technician so how do I know that this oil issue isn’t contributing or causing other strains that may not be visible now however could develop down the line from this unknown reoccurring problem?

If I didn’t do all the recommended service I’d be ok ... well not ok, but I'd understand the rebuild. But why did I pay for all that extra service? To me this appears to be a manufacturer’s defect (unknown burning oil/censers don’t respond) and not regular wear and tear. I mean, hey, if the oil in your vehicle wasn’t an important factor, why do we all do oil changes? Aren’t we all told that by not doing oil changes along with other maintenance were decreasing the life of a vehicle? Yet I was told by GM Customer Care – “Ma’am, the issue will be noted on file for future reference” – that’s reassuring, right?

So, now, after I’ve been able to share my story I hope this helps you in your decision in purchasing a new GM, or any new car for that matter. I always tell myself to learn from my misfortunes and today I’ve learned that when I’m thinking about buying another vehicle I will buy used, for sure. If I knew that buying new would provide me with this kind of service and reliability I would have definitely explored more options. I made the mistake of thinking that by buying a new vehicle I would have assurance that I would have a reliable vehicle, and that with maintenance I could hopefully get a good life out of the car, for my family. I was mistaken. ☹

P.S. If I’m wrong PLEASE educate me cause I have no idea how cars work, I’m basing my feeling purely on business, product and ethics, so I’d love some feedback – bad or good please.

- cgallo, Mississauga, ON, Canada