2015 Chevrolet Equinox: sudden loss of power

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 Feb 26, 2026 · Engine · WI

According to our mechanic, our vehicle’s PCV system became clogged and it increased the pressure in our engine and caused the car’s rear main seal to rupture, leading to catastrophic oil loss, loss of power to the vehicle, and engine damage. In our case the entire engine needed to be replaced.

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 Aug 20, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

I lost power in the middle of a clover leaf intersection without any previous indicator lights. I was barely able to get to a small shoulder and almost got hit by other vehicles. I was able to restart the car and get to a safer location. The timing chain was failing amd the engine oil was gummy according to the mechanic. I was barely over 100,000 miles. Vehicle oil had been regularly maintained with Mobil 1 15,000 mile oil and never showed as low during checks. Throttle body was covered with carbon and the codes came back for the VVT. Timing chain was replaced but the engine lost compression a few months later. All known issues with this engine and I lost tens of thousands on GM’s negligence. Not to mention the dangerous driving situation I was put in with absolutely no warning.I have been sick over the situation for a fee years but thought maybe the information could help others avoid the same fate. Repair total was $9000 plus because so many of the same model was having problems and there was a shortage of replacement engines. Auto part stores started selling crate engines because of the know issues with this engine.

Filed May 7, 2025 · Engine · OH

As I was driving, an error came on my dashboard stating, "reduced engine power". The fastest I could drive was 25 MPH, then you couldn't drive at all. I took the vechile to the mechanic and he stated the problem was a faulty oil pump and motor.

Filed May 4, 2025 · Engine · GA

On [XXX], I was en route to Montgomery, Alabama, from Canton, Georgia, driving my 2015 Chevrolet Equinox on the highway at approximately 55 miles per hour. Suddenly, my truck began to decelerate rapidly on its own. A warning message appeared on my dashboard stating, “Engine reduced power to protect the engine.” I had to skillfully steer my truck over to the right shoulder to avoid a potential accident and escape the flow of traffic. It was extremely perilous to be on the highway as my truck nearly came to a complete stop. I had to have my truck towed to Chevrolet in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition, I had to get an uber because my truck would not start at all. I had to spend money on ubers and a hotel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Feb 26, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · IN

Ending result timing chain : Beginning of result: 1. My vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power steering while driving at highway speeds. The loss of power steering significantly compromised the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle safely, especially during emergency situations, putting both the driver and other road users at risk of an accident. 2. Traveling at high way speeds my car suddenly lost complete power to go. Keep going up and down in speed in middle of interstate 3. No warning signs prior no check engine line appeared until after the safety risk above.

Filed Dec 23, 2023 · Engine · SC

GM has long known about the oil consumption problem of the 2015 and settle a lawsuit for the 2013. Car issues including engine shutdowns and stalls, spark plug fouling, engine misfires, unexpected loss of power, vehicle “jerking”. Other people had the same issues included fires per blogs about the issues with the 2014-2015.

Filed Jul 3, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Vehicle is stalling when stopping and starting to go. Service engine light came on had it it scanned, found it to be the camshaft position sensor. Called my local dealer as to find out if there is any recall on this, and they said that there is not. I believe there should be a recall on this part as is it is a safety issue, as stated the vehicle was stalling and you lose all power. When starting to pull out in traffic you will be left with no power as the engine stalls and you have to put the vehicle in neutral and restart it.

Filed Feb 3, 2023 · Engine · MI

While driving to work, -7 was the temp, noticed an oil smell coming from the vents. At this point car is still running normal. When leaving work received the following information: sevice stabilitrac, reduced engine power, and low oil pressure shit off engine. I shut the car off and checked the oil. There was no oil in the engine, 2 quarts added and off i went. The car was driving like it always has, no issue. Later in the evening drove it again. The same three messages popped up, only this time i was in motion. Immediately stopped added 2 more quarts of oil which went staight on the pavement. Car was towed home, then towed to the repair shop the next day. First repair is the starter, it's full of oil and they cannot find the leak until it starts. The cost $433.81, later i receive a call they are returning the starter, to save me money, i need an engine instead. The engine is blown. The mechanic stated there was oil in the starter, and oil mixed with coolant in the air filter. States this is a common problem with the 2.4L engine. So why is there no recall? This will cost between $3,000-$5,000. I can't afford this repair. I still have a loan on the car. I have owned this car for 18 months. General Motors you should be ashamed!

Filed Jan 17, 2022 · Acceleration, Engine · PA

I have a 2015 Chevy Equinox LT, I had my car repair engine light came on all lights on dash lite service warning for ABS, Traction control, StabiliTrak and steering wheel, and when I would stop the car would stall. I took to Chevy dealership and had serviced. The intake valve was replaced covered under warranty, and the ECM (engine control module) replaced. Car seemed fine after 1 1/2 years service StabiliTrak came on and off , I had issues with low fuel mileage, only check engine light came on once and then right off again after I had the spark plugs replaced the outtake valve replaced no check engine light , regular oil changes. One day the Service StabiliTrak light came on and did not come off. This has been going on for 6 months I was driving and my car started jumping when I came to a stop, no lights came on. I continued to drive and when I parked my car sounded like a mac truck and was shaking and had the smell of burning oil or gas. I parked a 2 hours later I started it the same sound and smell along with the check engine light I looked under my car and there was oil dripping, I stopped and add oil and was able to drive home slowly. I parked over night I started it and drove around the block I turned off and then waited a minute turned back on opened the hood and the engine was shaking loud and reduced engine power message came up. I am at a loss I do not have money to fix this it is a 2015 no warranties are even covered over this issue if they are able to figure out what this is. I looked all over the internet and so many people have this problem I don't understand why it is not recalled or there is no class action against GM for this