2014 Chevrolet Equinox: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Nov 3, 2023 · Engine · AL

“Check engine” light came on recently (September 30th) accompanied by a rattling noise and smell of something burning inside the vehicle. Stopped at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts to have them pull the code before heading to auto shop. Code pulled was P0014 stating issue with exhaust camshaft. Took vehicle to Techway Automotive shop for diagnostic and let them know the code that was pulled at O’Reilly’s. Mechanic completed diagnostic and stated vehicle is consuming oil rapidly causing the engine pistons to “come apart”, specifically the piston rings and seals due to the high oil consumption and that the engine will give out sooner or later, worse case scenario the engine will blow or will cause a fire. Mechanic stated this is a common issue with these vehicles and it cannot be repaired, only complete engine replacement will “fix” the issue but would still require frequent oil level checks every 1000 miles or less. Burning smell and loss of power is very concerning to myself and passengers safety. I have found multiple accounts from others with the same year, make, model and engine type dealing with the same issues or worse. Several have already experienced the worst of it which is their engine catching fire. I was unaware of this being an ongoing issue until it happened to me and I started finding all of these other accounts of the same issues but no sign of recall for this vehicle even though there appear to have been recalls and class action suits filed for older and newer vehicles of the same make and model with similar issues. This needs to be addressed and repaired or fully compensated by the manufacturer since they have been aware of this problem since their 2010 models.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Engine · PA

Piston Rings leaked excessive oil which led to engine damage and engine failure. Engine could have caught fire or failed during driving. No warning lights came on to warn of the problem. The incident occurred 480 miles from home. It is a serious safety concern to the drivers and others on the road at time of failure.

Filed Jul 8, 2023 · Engine · NC

My first purchased car was from Jeff Gordon Chevy in Wilmington, NC a few years ago. I loved it! It was a "certified GM" vehicle and as such was covered "bumper to bumper" for an extra fee for 100,000 miles. It was a great vehicle up to 3 weeks ago. It almost killed me! On the way home from my job as a teacher at Sipes Academy, imagine my terror when at 55 MPH my engine just quit???? Somehow I avoided smashing into other vehicles and roadside objects and made it safely to the side of the road from where I called my dad. The next call to my fiancé eventually got me a ride home where I actually had to sit awhile with a glass of wine still trembling from this almost fatal near accident I somehow avoided. Now that its been to 2 different mechanics who gave me the same answer, catastrophic engine failure due to lack of oil getting to critical internal engine parts (timing chain); I am now without my only car. The estimates for replacing its burnt up engine hover around $8,000 and with no reply from Stewart at the Dealership of Jeff Gordon, "there's no recall" that I was told by someone in service, apparently they don't care! The defective engine could have started on fire and its failure while driving with no warning, definitely could have killed me, and worse others in a multicar accident my dad added. My driving skills prevented that, somehow! I can only hope this terrible vehicle defect that the manufacturer doesn't care about, doesn't kill other people!

Filed Dec 30, 2022 · KS · fire

On December 23rd, shortly after 530 pm, I remote started the vehicle, 6 min prior, to entering/driving the vehicle. On my way to work, approximately 4 minutes into the drive a woman pulled up next to me. She seemed to be in distress, trying to get my attention. I rolled down the window and she told me “your car is on fire” I quickly pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was dripping firey liquid. I called 911. And 12 minutes later, when the firefighters arrived, half of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no warning signs. No warning lights. No sudden loss of oil or fuel. Police had the vehicle towed to a junkyard where it still sits. Unfortunately I had liability insurance only. So no claim was filed. I do have a police report and videos/pictures of the vehicle burning.

Filed Oct 20, 2022 · MO

GM Issue #14882 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Plugged PCV Orifice in Intake Manifold. Causes pressure to build up and then oil leaks and sprays inside of engine. Also burns oil at a faster rate. If not repaired, vehicle's engine could freeze up while driving. Some models have been reported to catch on fire. Problem confirmed by independent service center - they suggested to call Chevy dealer. Chevy dealer stated my VIN not covered under this issue since it is VIN-specific based on where it was manufactured. My vehicle was manufactured at Plant #6 in Canada. This issue is more common in areas that experience cold weather. My incident happened in Missouri after a cold 2021-2022 winter season. Called GM North America Customer Assistance Center for Chevy vehicles and they also said my vehicle is not covered for this issue based on the VIN. My vehicle is at the 118,000 mile mark and this special coverage adjustment ends at 120,000 miles. I have no choice but to have the repairs made at my expense because I cannot risk my engine failing on the highway to/from work in a dangerous part of the city. There were no warning lamps. I just noticed a lot of oil on my garage floor and took it to a service center.

Filed Jan 24, 2019 · Engine · 42,000 miles · VA · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2014 chevrolet equinox. After stopping the vehicle, smoke appeared from the front end of the vehicle. Moments later, flames appeared under the hood. The local fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A fire report was filed, but the cause of the fire was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000. *tt photos attached

Filed Aug 11, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 10,300 miles · VA · fire

The front passenger seat caught fire sometime between 3 p.m. On 8/10/14 and 8 a.m. On 8/11/14 when the vehicle was unoccupied, parked, and locked. The fire burned a large hole in the seat. Charred debris from the burned seat was found on the front passenger side floor mat. The vehicle was taken to a chevrolet dealer for diagnosis as soon as the burned seat was discovered. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a "seat fire caused by an internal heat source" and offered to replace the front passenger side air bag sensor and seat cushion.

Filed Aug 7, 2014 · Electrical, Fuel system · 2,800 miles · MO

When turning the steering wheel left or right at low speed or stopped, groaning or rubbing noise is emitted from front tires. Car is 1 month old, has approx. 5000 miles on it now and problem still continues after 2 attempts for dealer to repair it. During fill ups, the gas pump would click/stop and fuel would splash back out of tank and down side of car. This happened whether you set the automatic fill up switch on the fuel pump, or if manually filling the car myself. 2 complaints later, the whole gas tank had to be replaced. 2 days in a row, on 2 separate occasions, the smell of burning plastic and/or electrical wires has been noticed inside vehicle, and is more defined when outside of vehicle and smelling engine area.