2015 Chevrolet Equinox: engine failure

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · OH

While driving my 2015 Chevrolet Equinox (2.4L Ecotec) in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of oil pressure with no prior warning, displaying a 'Stop Vehicle' message. The sudden loss of engine power created an immediate collision risk. Independent diagnosis confirmed the engine lost all oil. This is a known defect (GM Special Coverage #14882) where a frozen/clogged PCV orifice causes excessive crankcase pressure, blowing out seals (like the rear main seal and VVT solenoids) and dumping the oil. I called GM, who told me I needed the vehicle to be towed to a local dealership (White Allen Chevrolet) refused to perform the GM-mandated Manometer Vacuum Test to confirm the PCV defect, attempting to conceal the root cause of the engine failure. This is the only test I asked them to perform, and I provide my GM case number and the TPS number. This known PCV design flaw creates a sudden, highly dangerous stalling condition at highway speeds. It had been very cold in Dayton for over a week, something known to cause this problem.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Engine · IL

My daughter, the driver of this vehicle, noticed a noise. The check engine light came on. Over a short period, the noise from the engine progressively worsened. We brought the car to a certified mechanic. The mechanic's initial determination was that the engine would need to be replaced. It was determined that the engine was faulty, failing due to oil leakage that led to excessive oil consumption. As we were not ready to make that kind of financial commitment, we asked him if there was another option. We were instructed to check the oil frequently. We did so over the next couple of months, but the problem continued and worsened. As my daughter was driving, the engine would make a noise and lose power. Eventually, the vehicle started shaking and would shut down when stopped at red lights and stop signs, requiring the engine to be restarted each time. We then brought it back to the mechanic, and the engine was replaced with a new one.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · Engine · TX

The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine has been reported to have excessive oil consumption due to several issues: Defective Piston Rings: The oil control rings are prone to sticking and clogging, leading to oil blowby and excessive consumption. PCV System Issues: Problems with the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system can create excessive vacuum in the crankcase, contributing to oil consumption. Timing Chain Problems: The timing chain can stretch over time, leading to misalignment and potential engine damage. Regular Maintenance: Owners are advised to monitor oil levels frequently and consider using synthetic oil for better performance and longevity. These issues can lead to significant engine wear if not addressed promptly. My vehicle is using too much oil. The 2.4L eco tec engine is installed in this vehicle. The Chevrolet dealership in Rockwall Texas texted me that the engine is bad and needs replacing. The vehicle is past is warranty, so the dealership is using that reason, to not fix this issue. The estimated cost to replace the engine is approximately $11000.00.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Engine · 169,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Engine · GA

I took my vehicle to a Chevy dealership due to engine light coming on with the stability track light showing as well as "reduced engine power notification. They are saying the timing chain is needing replaced therefore requiring the entire engine to be replaced. Vehicle is available upon inspection. Once the engine light came on and the reduced engine power light came on vehicle started stalling in traffic. I was at a traffic light and the vehicle cut itself off once I came to a slow stop. Vehicle had to be turned off and back on. Vehicle also started losing power while driving when trying to pull over to incident. Yes. I took my vehicle to a dealership. Initially, they changed other parts on the vehicle. However, when they tested vehicle, it was still showing same signs. That is when they came up with needing a whole new engine based on the timing chain. Dealership will not replace timing chain and states the entire engine needs replaced. Vehicle has only been inspected by a Chevy Dealer. Yes, Once the engine light came on, the stability track and reduced engine power mode came on. they first appeared about a week before i took the car in. I made an appt as soon as the lights came on. The dealership was not available for immediate assistance.

Filed Jan 24, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

the 2015 equinox has been serviced and maintenance regularly. The engine's timing chain failed at 73k miles. No explanation on why. I was told even though I do maintenance regularly, it just happens in these vehicle. i now need a new engine not under warranty

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Engine · NJ

Rear crankshaft seal has failed. Engin oil has blown out at bottom of engine and all over underside of car. Oil has covered the exhaust system causing smoke in and outside of car. Leaked engine oil could have ignited and caused a fire that would have consumed the entire car. There appears to be numerous postings on the internet of other chevy equinox owners with the same problem. There was no prior warning that the crankshaft oil seal was in the process of failure. I personally checked the oil pan drain plug and the oil filter cap, and these were not the issue of the oil leak. Again, from my investigation on the internet sites, it appears to be a common issue with the General Motors 2.4 Liter Vortec engine in the Chevrolet equinox car model. This issue can and probably result in total engine failure and need of engine replacement. The repair to replace the rear crankshaft oil seal is very costly and should not be needed on any vehicle with normal wear and use. With my internet investigation there appears to be a design problem with the PCV design and system. The PCV system is prone to clogging and freeze up in cold weather. This can result in excessive internal engine pressure the is a major cause of blowout of the crack shaft oil seal. The temperature at the night before was only 9 degrees. The car was last used under freezing conditions which could have contributed to engine failure.

Filed Nov 29, 2024 · Engine · NC

[XXX] I was driving on [XXX] when my car abruptly stopped. I was almost hit by the driver behind me. I was able to roll the car over to the shoulder. The car was towed. I had 2 mechanics inspect the car on 11/26/24. They both concluded that the piston rings are defective and the car is consuming oil excessively. The oil consumption in their opinion led to burning of oil in excess that I would be unaware of. Therefore leading to no oil in the car even though the car is reading 100% oil. Thus further leading to engine failure. There were no warning lights on in the car prior to the car stopping. I called Chevrolet Customer Care Assistance. I was informed by the representative that the warranty was no longer valid but, an appointment could be made at a local chevrolet Dealership. However; I would have to pay for a diagnostic. They would then decide what they would do about my car. I questioned why I needed to pay for the diagnostic when 2 mechanics already assessed the vehicle. I also informed them that each mechanic alerted me to the oil consumption issue and that this is something many people have complained about. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 15, 2024 · Engine · ME

The piston rings in my 2015 Chevrolet Equinox have failed, causing significant engine problems. Chevrolet is aware that faulty piston rings are a known issue in this vehicle, as evidenced by numerous complaints and class action lawsuits regarding this defect. The faulty piston rings have caused my engine to consume excessive oil, leading to reduced performance and potential engine failure. This defect poses a safety hazard, as the engine could seize or fail unexpectedly while driving. I have discovered that Chevrolet has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) acknowledging this issue, but they have not issued a recall or provided sufficient support to affected owners. Chevrolet has not offered to repair the issue under warranty or provide any assistance, even though this is a known defect with widespread complaints. This defect significantly impairs the safety, use, and value of the vehicle. I believe a recall or formal investigation is warranted to address this issue and hold Chevrolet accountable for repairing affected vehicles.

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IN

As I was driving. I had complete engine failure. 60 days after a new engine . I had battery failure, bad battery wire, bad alternator & a bad serpentine belt

Filed Sep 6, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MN

excessive Oil Consumption problem- which we were not aware of and it caused our vehicle to shut down in the middle of the street blocking traffic- making it a huge safety issue & should be a recall. Due to the excessive oil consumption that caused our timing chain to break. This is an issue that chevy knew was happening to this year & other years around the same time, but never informed us - now it needs a new engine & they won't replace it. It only has 88,000 miles, we had recently changed the oil & oil filter so this was unexpected.

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Airbags, Fuel system · WA

Oil consumption issues, engine failure, does not indicate oil low light when oil is low, catalytic converter failure