I own a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and approximately 50,000 miles. The vehicle suddenly stopped starting without any prior warning signs, unusual noises, or dashboard warnings indicating a serious mechanical problem. After the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic, I was told that the timing chain had failed, causing the engine to lose proper timing and resulting in internal engine damage, including damage to the pistons and other engine components. I am concerned that such a serious failure occurred at approximately 50,000 miles and without any advance warning. The vehicle has had normal, limited use, mainly for taking my children to school and driving to work, which is located very close to my home. I am reporting this issue because I believe the federal safety agency should be aware of this failure and determine whether similar problems have occurred in other 2017 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles with the same engine, and whether this may represent a potential safety defect.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
192 complaints (70% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 87,990. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 192
- of this car's complaints
- 70%
- typical mileage
- 87,990
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)3
- Exhaust system2
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
- Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor1
- Engine: oil/lubrication: pressure/temperature sensor1
- Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor1
- Cooling system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chevrolet Equinox engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 45Oil consumption 45Check engine light 39Stalling 24Loss of power 19Knocking 9Overheating 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2017 Chevrolet Equinox owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
ENGINE OIL MESSAGE SYSTEM FAILED. Vehicle available for inspection upon request. PERSONAL SAFETY and SAFETY of PASSENGER and OTHERS AT RISK due to driving car with no to little oil burning oil presents loss of control of vehicle while operating. PROBLEM CONFIRMED by Independent Insurance Servicer. VEHICLE COMPONENT INSPECTED by Certified Manufacturer Dealership Service Department. SYMPTOMS of burning oil mid-late August 2026 SYMPTOMS of stalling shaking loud rattling from engine SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP appeared SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced oil consumption failures. While examine the vehicle he contact discover very little oil was present although oil was recently added to the engine. The oil light warning light did not display and no oil leaks were present. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determined the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. . The failure mileage was 130,000.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox Premier certified pre-owned vehicle experienced multiple safety-related defects. 1. REPEATED STARTING FAILURES (electrical/battery/starter system): - March 17, 2026: Complete battery failure, vehicle would not start. AAA/GM Roadside Assistance called. Dealer inspected but could not diagnose root cause or explain battery drain. Preceded by unusually loud windshield wiper motor and engine noise (March 15). - April 13, 2026 (4:01pm): Engine failed to turn over twice in parking lot before starting on third attempt. SAFETY RISK: Sudden starting failures create stranding hazard and risk of being rear-ended in traffic. 2. WATER INTRUSION THROUGH HEADLINER (sunroof/headliner/mic assembly): - April 15, 2026 (10:40-10:45am): Approximately 1 ounce of water poured from headliner/radio microphone assembly directly into driver's eyes while driving on expressway. Continued dripping intermittently for hours. SAFETY RISK: Complete vision obstruction while driving at highway speeds. 3. INTERMITTENT SAFETY CHIMES (electrical/infotainment): - Ongoing for weeks: Five rapid electronic dings with NO dashboard warning lights or indicators. Occurs sporadically while driving (10 occurrences in one recent day). Dealer previously informed by phone but no resolution. SAFETY RISK: Distracting chimes with no identifiable warning create driver confusion. 4. ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL: Remote start now works intermittently. All components available for the federal safety agency/manufacturer inspection. Dealer confirmed March 17 battery inspection but found no cause. No manufacturer inspection. No warning lamps preceded any failures except unexplained chimes. Problems began immediately after certified pre-owned purchase despite CarBravo certification. Safety defects render vehicle unreliable and hazardous.
My car started to use a lot of oil, and upon my regular oil changes it would always be very low, but oil was not leaking out of the car. It got to the point that I had to put oil in often to operate the car. It got to the point that it would cut off on me in school lines. After dealing with this over a period of time it sounded so bad that the express oil change facilities refused to change my oil because they said it was an engine problem. So I had no other choice but to purchase another vehicle 2 months after towing it home. I have 2 vehicle payments, my 2017 equinox been down over a year now. Please add my VIN # to the recall. Im experiences the same symptoms
While driving to work in negative degree weather I got a message saying reduce engine power and before I could pull over it had lost all power. Having it towed and now needing a new engine I see im not the first one with this problem. I also still have a loan im paying for on a dead car. Idk why theres not a recall on this .
I have had this car for a little under a year. In January of this year 2026, I was driving on the freeway when I received a. reduce engine power alert. Which caused me to immediately get off of the freeway put the car power down before I can make it another half a mile. After having it looked at several times what was thought to be a rear seal oil leak turned out to be a leak in the transmission. Repairs as of now our thoughts to be needing an entire new transmission. . Repairs as of now our thoughts to be needing a entire new transmission. I don’t understand why there is no recall for this specific situation. Upon my research, I have seen many complaints many concerns of the exact same thing of the exact same making model of these cars. I have not been able to drive the car since January and have been paying for a rental. With cost estimated to be between 1500 and $4000. Surely there’s something that Chevrolet can do for all of the people who are having the same problems with the equinox
The rear main seal has gone out in two 2017 chevy equinox right around 100,000 for both vehicles costing over 1000$ plus to fix.
While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle repeatedly displays diagnostic trouble code P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation). The vehicle suddenly enters “Reduced Engine Power” mode without warning and loses acceleration while driving. This occurs daily and multiple times per day, both on highways and local roads. When the issue happens, the vehicle will not properly accelerate and loses power unexpectedly. This creates a serious safety hazard, especially in highway traffic, as I am unable to maintain speed or accelerate to avoid other vehicles. I have had to maneuver carefully or move toward the shoulder to avoid potential collisions. The throttle body has already been replaced; however, the problem continues to occur. The defect has not been corrected and remains ongoing and reproducible. I am currently [XXX] pregnant and drive this vehicle daily for work and to transport my [XXX] child to school. The unexpected loss of power places both myself and my child at risk while operating the vehicle in active traffic. This defect presents a significant safety concern due to repeated and sudden loss of engine power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On 1/27/26, while driving at highway speeds, I received a "Reduced Engine Power" alert. I was forced to pull over immediately; the vehicle stalled before I could reach a complete stop. This left me stranded in dangerously cold temperatures for an extended period while awaiting a tow. Upon inspection, I was informed that the engine has failed and requires a complete replacement. This is highly distressing for several reasons: * Low Mileage: The vehicle has only 54,000 miles and is well under the expected lifespan of a modern engine. * Meticulous Maintenance: As a loyal customer, I have had every scheduled oil change and service performed at my local Chevrolet dealership. My service history will confirm that this vehicle has been maintained to the highest standards. * Brand Loyalty: I have been a dedicated Chevrolet owner for years, having purchased five brand-new vehicles from your dealerships. I chose Chevrolet based on a reputation for reliability that, in this instance, has not been met. "I am specifically concerned because my vehicle's symptoms align with Special Coverage Adjustment #14882 (PCV Icing). Given that the failure occurred during extreme cold and resulted in immediate engine failure, it appears to be the exact scenario outlined in your technical service bulletins regarding the 2.4L engine. I am requesting that this repair be handled under that special coverage or a similar goodwill extension." My research indicates that this specific engine model has a documented history of similar issues. Given my history with the brand and the premature nature of this failure, I am requesting that Chevrolet review my case for a goodwill repair adjustment or a significant cost-sharing assistance for the engine replacement.
Questions about the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox engine
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox have engine problems?
Owners have filed 192 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, 70% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2017 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 87,990 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet Equinox have bad engine?
The Chevrolet Equinox model years with the most engine complaints are 2013 (420 complaints), 2011 (419 complaints) and 2012 (361 complaints).
Other 2017 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Transmission 32Fuel system 21Airbags 19Electrical 19Visibility 12Brakes 9Acceleration 7Body 5Seat belts 5Driver assistance 4Wheels 4Lights 3Steering 1Suspension 1Tires 1
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