10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
8 / 0
Average Mileage:
79,047 miles

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problem #55

Feb 032018

Equinox 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,400 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving approximately 60 mph, the traction control and low power warning indicators illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to lou lariche Chevrolet (40875 Plymouth rd, Plymouth, mi 48170) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,400.

- South Lyon, MI, USA

problem #54

Feb 022018

Equinox

  • 114,465 miles
I changed my oil when there was 5% left on the oil life gauge on 12/17/17. The used oil was black and thick and only 2.5 qts came out. I put in 5 qts high mileage full synthetic oil and changed the filter. There had been no prior signs that anything had been going wrong and my usual mechanic hadn't told me that he saw anything wrong last oil change. The car started making rough noises, grinding and lurching the week of 1/15/18. I took it into the auto shop 1/22/18 since it started to sound like really rough grinding and started lurching hard while stopped. They told me that I had no oil in any part of the engine. They flushed the engine and did an oil change and said that they didn't see any leakage from anywhere. On 2/2/18, I was at a stop light, my car did a short jerk and made a short grinding sound, but then proceeded to drive fine. While stopped, I would start to smell an oily scent, but it would go away when I started driving again. Roughly 13 miles later, I was driving at approx. 70 mph when my RPM went from hovering above 2 to just above 3 and started deaccelerating. I didn't hear any gear shifting. I put on my hazards and took off cruise control and started for the shoulder of the high way (all without using my brake). The car jerked a few more times before the engine stalled completely. I parked it and turned off the car and went to check my oil level. After taking out the dip stick, I noticed smoke coming out of the opening. I wiped and replaced the dip stick and it came out clean, no oil. I moved to the rear of my vehicle and noticed fresh drips. I dropped down and looked under my car with a flashlight and saw oil everywhere. I got it towed to an auto shop and they informed me that the rear seal was busted and that I would need a whole new engine. My car has 114,465 miles on it.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #53

Dec 302017

Equinox

  • 170,000 miles
Cold weather caused the pvc vent line to freeze shut. This freezing causes excess crank case pressure. This pressure blew the rear main seal of the engine. We were driving a short distance when this happened. We caught it before the engine seized from lack of oil but no engine lights or low oil pressure indicators came on. Within seconds of parking the vehicle all of the oil in the engine had drained out. If this had happened on the freeway or at highway speeds the engine would have seized. If this had happened in traffic it would have created a dangerous situation immediately. GM is aware of this issue with the 2.4L ecotec motors and has a bulletin out for it. There are no fixes for the issue and if drivers are unaware of it they will blow up their motors. This should be a recall for vehicles that are driven in cold climates. Not just a bulletin that you will only find out after the engine has seized. Attached is a picture of the oil leaking from the rear main seal.

- West Branch, MI, USA

problem #52

Jan 092018

Equinox

  • 117,000 miles
My vehicle currently has 117K miles. The rear main seal has failed causing the engine to lose excessive amount of oil. Ultimately, this will end in a $1000 repair. The rear main seal has worn prematurely and should be reviewed as a potential recall. Jerry haag, a GM dealership in hillsboro Ohio, stated that this is an issue GM is having with the Chevrolet Equinox. When I contacted GM, they advised that they have no known issues with this part. At this point, I am willing to pay for the repair as I need my vehicle. However, I want this to be noted as a complaint for this part. I have researched this issue online. What I have found is very alarming, GM has significant issues with the Equinox and oil loss from the rear main seal and excessive oil consumption. However, they will not acknowledge this as their issue? I have contacted GM customer service via email and phone. What I get is deflection to my questions and a general lack of concern.

- Greenfield, OH, USA

problem #51

Jan 162018

Equinox

  • 126,000 miles
While driving home from work 1/16/2018 on the interstate, my Equinox started to make a knocking noise. I made my way to the far right lane and it shut down on me as I was pulling to the side of the road. There were no warning lights that came on. I was very cold as I waited for help and did not feel safe as I had the guardrail on one side and cars flying by on the left. A local mechanic gave us a bulletin on the issue and, after calling around to several other mechanics and dealerships, found out of 17 others that had come in after breaking down the same night that I did.

- Waterloo, IL, USA

problem #50

Jan 102018

Equinox

  • 78,000 miles
Driving along on a city street all the sudden engine light comes on, running on low power mode light etc acted like it wanted to die (which eventually it did) took it to the garage where he told me the real seal is gone and pvc froze there was a lot of fluid in between engine and transmission and due to the sub below zero weather / called GM they say my VIN # is not covered which is bull. I read bulletin #14882 (per my repair man ) that is exactly what is wrong with my car. I have 78,000 miles on this piece of crap that I will never buy another one of if not rectified. There are a lot of other people saying the same thing "there VIN number is not covered". if your car fits into the model and year of the bulletin then it should be covered. Very disappointed in GM.

- Moravia, NY, USA

problem #49

Jan 162018

Equinox

  • 85,000 miles
While driving down the freeway, I noticed smoke coming from behind my 2013 Chevy Equinox. I pulled over to a gas station, looked underneath as smoke was also coming from the front passenger side it appeared. I saw what appeared to be oil between the motor and transmission. I contacted a mechanic and was going to drive to his shop as it was not too far away. I was starting to lose power and pulled over permanently. It was flowing still until it drained all of the oil out. I had it towed to a mechanic shop. I researched and it was confirmed by the mechanic shop, there is a service bulletin 14882 that states that with extreme weather, of which was occurring at the time, pressure builds up due to a clogged PCV which increases the pressure to the crankshaft rear seal and blows it out. This also was verified by the mechanic by doing a pressure check as discussed in the bulleting and it did in fact fail. This is a known issue and after speaking with two GM dealers and GM customer service, they are stating due to the VIN number not being listed as having the issue it is not covered. The service bulletin covers 2010-2014 Chevy Equinox with the 2.4L ecotec engine of which mine is a 2013 has. One of the GM dealers states that it should be included as well. I have to have it fixed at the shop it is at, but am requesting reimbursement per the service bulletin 14882 on page 8 which states under the reimbursement section, that if the repairs have been done, I can take it to a dealer with receipt and documentation or submit with the form to GM for reimbursement.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #48

Jan 032018

Equinox

  • 100,300 miles
My car engine seized up due to an oil leak from the rear of the engine due to severe cold temperatures below zero degrees (-18 degrees C). As I was driving the car started making noise and came to a complete stop with all of my oil released from it. The car was moving at the time of the incident.

- Rockford, IL, USA

problem #47

Jan 112018

Equinox

  • 108,000 miles
When I went out to start my vehicle, it hesitantly started, but when I put it into gear and drove a little ways, it stalled out of nowhere. When I tried to start it up again it wouldn't turn over completely and this stabilitrak warning came up. I had it towed to local auto shop where they told me that some gear in the engine was completely broken and that I needed to replace the whole engine. I keep up with my oil changes and have had no warning as to any problems that could have led up to this. The more I read about this vehicle, the more complaints I see about the same issues I've been having along the way: Ie windshield wiper breaking, exhaust manifold replacement and catylitic converter, and overall power train and engine problems. It's not a coincidence that multiple people are having the same problems with these Chevy products, and in the name of safety, this company needs to step up and repair or replace these horribly and incompetently made parts. It's absolutely unacceptable that I have a less than 5 year old car that is good for no more than a paper weight right now. We the consumer buy Chevy products for dependability, not to constantly have to fix it, and shell out even more money to ensure our safety. And don't tell me (Chevy rep) when I call and complain, that it is my fault, because the only fault I see I've made is buying your pos car!!!

- Berkley, MI, USA

problem #46

Jan 032018

Equinox

  • 82,000 miles
My vehicle displayed the issue covered under GM service bulletin - special coverage 14882 special coverage adjustment ' plugged PCV orifice in intake manifold. My vehicle matches the criteria indicated on the bulletin but my specific VIN is not included in this service bulletin. My vehicle was inside the extended coverage of 10/120 indicated in the bulletin. Dealership indicated that the damage to my engine was caused by this defect but that the coverage did not apply to my specific VIN. Vehicle was started after work and was louder than normal so I proceeded to the closest dealership. The vehicle was luckily on a city street in motion when check engine light displayed. As I was insight of the dealership I pulled into the lot and the oil pressure and stop engine lights displayed the engine stopped running and power was lost to the vehicle at the service bay door. Car was brought into service immediately. Damage to vehicle in excess of $2600.

- Fridley, MN, USA

problem #45

Jan 052018

Equinox

  • 61,300 miles
PCV valve freezes and blows engine main seal along with high pressure fuel regulator putting fuel in the oil, GM will repair some 2.4 engines but not all but the issues is happening to all 2.4 engines we the consumers need help in getting this issue resolved corporate America at its finest.

- Mason, MI, USA

problem #44

Jan 032018

Equinox

  • 120,000 miles
Rear main crankshaft seal failure. VIN not covered by sb - 10057977 - 8108 special coverage bulletin no. 14882. Seal failure occurred while driving. Engine also exhibits excessive oil consumption since new. Current mileage 120,000

- Galien, MI, USA

problem #43

Jan 032018

Equinox

  • 132,000 miles
This car has had documented excessive oil consumption issues since I bought it used in 2015. Chevrolet will not make right. So far I have had to replace the timing chain and main seal twice due to massive oil leakage and loss. Most recently engine seized up while I was going 70 mph and stopped in the middle of the highway. A very dangerous situation. Even though oil had been changed 1500 miles previously, it was bone dry and main seal blew out for the second time. GM says it "costs too much" to replace faulty piston rings which are the source of several service bulletins and recalls. This is a very dangerous car and someone is going to get killed driving these things!! this is the 3rd time the engine has seized up on me in traffic. Car only has 132K miles, problems started at around 45K miles.

- Franklin, TN, USA

problem #42

Dec 192017

Equinox

  • 177,000 miles
I made an appointment 2013 Equinox into the dealer because I was smelling strong exhaust smell in the cab. As soon as I talked to the mechanic he told me it was most likely a cracked exhaust manifold and that it is happening frequently in the Equinox models. Then 2 days before my appointment to get my car looked at my check engine like turned on so I parked it and didn't drive it until it was time to take it to the dealership. When I got there I let them know that the light had just came on. After inspecting my car they found that the exhaust camshaft actuator solenoid was out of spec. The removed it and replaced it and found a lot of metal shavings on the actuator. R/R intake solenoid and and cleaned more metal shavings off of that. They checked the oil and there was no oil on the dipstick, car is not leaking oil and has been regularly maintained. The service manager at the dealership came out and talked with us and said that we need a full engine rebuild because these cars will start to use oil and the timing chain wears the guide out at then the chain gets worn out and it ruins the entire engine. There was no indicators of issues until the engine is shot. The dealership and GM said that there is a special program for 2010 - 2012 euqinox to fix this problem but because mine is a year newer (2013) that my vehicle doesn't qualify. Not only is the engine totally shot after 117,000 miles and 4 years but the exhaust manifold is cracked right at the the fresh air intake and so it sucks exhaust right into the cab of the vehicle when the heat is running. It is so strong that the windows have to be rolled down to drive it. Not safe!!! super dangerous to be filling the cab with carbon monoxide! not to mention the engine is totally shot due to a designe flaw and could break down on the side of the road at anytime.

- Wendell, MN, USA

problem #41

Dec 272017

Equinox

  • 124,000 miles
I was driving at 55mph and the red lights came on saying to check engine oil low-I pulled over immediately and my engine was already blown. I get my oil changes every 3000-3500 miles. The mechanic said that the rear seal gasket blew and the engine was gone immediately. I now have a car that I still owe on and I need a new engine at 120,000 miles. Very upset that the price you pay for these cars that all you can get is 120,000 miles.

- Pinconning, MI, USA

problem #40

Sep 012017

Equinox

  • 69,000 miles
Oil consumption - car doesn't alert when low on oil uses over 3 quarts between oil changes. If no oil car will shut off while driving. Very dangerous. Previous years have been recalled but not 2013 and newer.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

problem #39

Dec 122017

Equinox

  • 1,000,000 miles
My car is cutting off without any warnings in traffic and when parking also at stop lights. I took it to a local shop to have it checked due to the check engine light finally coming on. Only to find out my car had no oil. Note I keep my routine maintenance up on my car due to having a small child. Also cam shaft code my car is out of warranty and I just paid car payment. Reading complaints I see this problem is happening alot. Not sure if I will keep this car feeling very unsafe with a small child and car cutting off and oil running out without any warnings GMC should fix this problem should have been fixed years ago. Putting families life in danger just too make a dollar. Safety first is my #1 reason for sharing this my car cut off 12 times in one day really & I would keep this car.I could have been rear ended several times with the car turning off.I have to take the key out and restart it really on 2013.I can't believe this is happening to me once again I have a lemon and I know for fact I'm not the only one with this problem

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #38

Dec 072017

Equinox

  • 100,000 miles
Engine burned a quart of oil per 1,000 miles, had to monitor it regularly. Odometer had just gone over 100,000 miles. The engine has now blown. Had just added a quart of oil because it was low again, and the next day while driving, it started missing, knocking violently, and expelled a large puff of smoke and died. Now will not start and mechanic said there was no oil was in the engine. Apparently this is a known issue with Equinox we are finding out, but dealer states there are no recalls.

- Kellogg, MN, USA

problem #37

Nov 282017

Equinox

  • 73,900 miles
The car didn't start after parking for food pickup, we noticed that after getting a boost, the 'engine light' was lit, it stayed on. This happened twice again, but we used our insurance road side assistance, again the 'engine light' remained lit. This has happened multiple times, whereas we purchased a battery charger. During drive/ waiting at multiple red lights, and backing out of parking spaces, the car stalls- to the point we put it 'N', after experiencing stalls when placed in 'P'. the oil can be low, but no indicator on the panel, but the panel reads check electrical system, so we took it to a shop and informed it was the battery, seeking another opinion, we were told it wasn't the battery, but another part of the electrical system. Upon trying to have the car inspected, we were turned down due to the 'engine light'. we went to a reputable car part dealer, and informed it was the timing chain, timing sensor, along with (2) two other codes. The battery is hid under a housing/ cover, which made it hard to get a boost, when the recommended charging procedure didn't work. This is very frustrating, and research leads us to understand, that a costly repair is ahead. Plus, our research of the experienced problems, shows that they occurred in earlier models. The (2013)vehicle was purchased from a national car rental Agency, Nov 2015, is it possible that this vehicle was defective at purchase time, with unresolved issues as earlier models? additionally, the car has veered/ jerked to either side, from stop to go, and while driving, without us turning the wheel. Thank the lord the latter, occurred at low speeds, and dry pavement. The 'when did this happen' date is the latest date, not the only date.

- Cheektowaga, NY, USA

problem #36

Nov 162017

Equinox

  • 89,000 miles
I bought my Equinox used in 2014...I have been going thru excessive oil consumption...1 quart every 1000 miles...and no lights to indicate low oil...it has an extremely rough idle...and will die at stop lights...this is a nightmare for a single parent...I have taken this in to many service repair facilities...only to be told there is nothing wrong...so upon doing research...I'm finding a majority amount of vehicles are experiencing this...and nothing is being done...I've purchased nothing but Chevrolet products since I have been old enough to buy my own vehicles...I would just like a dependable vehicle that I paid good money for...not one I have to keep sinking money into...this had been going on since November 2016...

- Arnold, MO, USA

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