2017 Chevrolet Equinox: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Engine · NY

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 .

Filed Feb 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · MD

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)

Filed Feb 7, 2026 · Engine · IL

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.

Filed Jan 6, 2026 · Engine · NH

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox that experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power while the vehicle was in motion. While traveling approximately 50 mph in active traffic, the engine abruptly shut off and the vehicle immediately lost all ability to accelerate. The loss of propulsion was total and occurred without warning. There were no warning lights, alerts, or indicators of a low oil or engine condition prior to the failure. Moments before the shutdown, the engine began making an abnormal mechanical noise. A video was recorded during the incident while the vehicle was still operating in traffic. The recording captures the engine failure in real time, including the vehicle decelerating from approximately 50 mph to a complete stop as the engine shut down. I was able to coast into a breakdown lane and then into a nearby parking lot, narrowly avoiding a collision. A sudden loss of propulsion at this speed and in these conditions presents a severe and immediate safety risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. This vehicle has been regularly serviced by authorized Chevrolet dealerships and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. At no point was I advised that the vehicle required frequent manual oil checks between scheduled oil changes, nor did the vehicle provide any warning prior to engine shutdown. I routinely operate this vehicle at highway speeds and regularly transport my child. Had this failure occurred on a highway or in heavier traffic, the risk of serious injury or fatality would have been significant. The exact cause is UNKNOWN at this time. The vehicle is available for inspection, and I can provide maintenance records and video documentation upon request.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Engine · 69,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was adding one quart of oil weekly. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at 25 MPH, but was able to restart. While at a stoplight, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal knocking and rattling sound coming from the engine. The engine warning light was illuminated. The reduced engine power message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Filed Dec 24, 2025 · Engine · IL

The 2.4L engine is experiencing significant issues, including power loss and rapid oil consumption. The power loss has been observed while driving on both expressways and city streets. The oil burning commenced less than a month after an oil change, resulting in an oil level of zero. This situation poses a risk of accidents and endangers the occupants of the vehicle. An independent service center has confirmed the problem. The center determined that a new engine is necessary as the issue cannot be resolved. There have been no inspections by manufacturers, law enforcement, or other relevant authorities. Additionally, there was no warning about the oil being low to the point of being absent from the engine. The code for the power failure, P0303, was obtained from the service center. It is imperative that this issue be addressed promptly. Either the engine should be recalled or the vehicle should be repaired. Otherwise, I will be compelled to purchase a new engine or a new car.

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Engine · MA

My car began making a knocking noise and lost power. I was not expecting to be out of oil as I recently had my oil changed. This happened several times while traveling before I realized the engine was burning through oil. My solution has been temporary, frequently checking the oil level and adding oil after an estimated 500 miles. I do not take my vehicle on trips more than 30 minutes and recently rented a vehicle to attend a meeting. I spoke with the service department of Herb Chevrolet and was told my vehicle is not under recall, but what the issue has been found to be is a need to reseal or replace the pistons.

Filed Feb 19, 2025 · Engine · IN

My husband was driving our vehicle on his way to work on [XXX] very early in the morning. He was on the highway going 70 mph. While driving he noticed a tire pressure monitoring system warning come up. Shortly after the vehicle went into reduced power mode. He was able to exit the highway and get the vehicle stopped. Upon stopping the vehicle died. Upon getting out of the vehicle he noticed a large oil leak on the ground and coating the underside of the vehicle. Had this incident happened during a busier traffic hour the sudden drastic slow in speed could have resulted in an accident. There was also oil left on the roadway that could be a hazard to other drivers. We had the vehicle towed to our mechanic. He confirmed that the engine had blown and would need replaced. He informed us that this vehicle has a known oil overconsumption issue. GM has settled on a class action lawsuit involving this make and model for the 2010 to 2013 model years. There is also a class action lawsuit currently in process out of Missouri against GM for the model years 2014 to 2017. I contacted GM and was told there was no active recall on my vehicle. I inquired about help getting the issue resolved and was told they were unable to help due to the vehicle not being diagnosed at a GM dealership. O have contacted GM dealerships and am having a hard time finding one that is willing to work with me on getting this issue resolved. This vehicle never warned of low oils or oil pressure. The engine did not make any kind of noise to indicate an issue. There was nothing indication anything was wrong with the vehicle until the vehicle went into low power mode and the engine was blown. A police report was not filed and insurance has not been contacted due to no accident being caused by the incident. The vehicle is still with my independent mechanic as we try to figure out how to cover the cost of this very costly repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 6, 2025 · Engine · 68,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 71 MPH, the engine lost power with the check engine and stability-track warning lights illuminated. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to a local gas station. The contact approached the gas station, and the vehicle shut off. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed; however, the mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the PCV valve had frozen due to the cold weather. The contact was informed that the failure then pressurized the crankcase valve and blew the engine oil seal. The contact was also informed that the timing chain had failed and caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Engine · WI

On 1/5/25, the rear main seal ruptured due to a known issue in the vehicle's PVC system, causing severe oil loss, potential catastrophic damage to the engine, loss of power, possible accident and/or injury. The problem was confirmed by a local Chevrolet dealer, with an estimated repair cost of $4000. The failure occurred without any vehicle warning lights activating.

Filed Jan 26, 2024 · Engine · MO

While in rush hour traffic in temperatures at 5 degrees or lower my car came up with a warning light of "Engine Power Reduced" as I proceeded to cross over to the right lane of the highway in order to pull onto the shoulder of the road the car lost all engine power. The car was towed to a Chevy dealer for assessment of "rear seal blown causing oil leak and ruining the engine causing needed replacement" My safety & that of other vehicles around me were in danger from the engine power going from 55 to 0 in moments in rush hour traffic in extreme temperatures. The car was assessed by the repair shop & our auto insurance.

Filed Jan 23, 2024 · Engine · MI

Our temperature recently dropped below zero temps. Our PCV system froze which caused an obstruction. This caused the crankcase to pressurize blowing out the seals, losing all oil, and catastrophic engine failure. Our safety could have been impacted as we live in a rural community with subzero temps. Being stranded without service on a phone or vehicle to stay warm could have catastrophic consequences on human life. Losing engine power on a busy road could lead to a crash etc. The problem was confirmed by the dealer. This is a known issue in 2.4L engines as seen in bulletin 14882 from March 2015. The vehicle was inspected by the GM dealership in our town who confirmed this was the issue. There was no warning prior to the failure- the incident happened while driving home from work- at the time of failure the stabiltrak and reduced engine power came on.