Chevrolet Equinox knocking problems

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IN

On approximately 09/04/2026, while driving my vehicle and slowing to a stop, I applied the brake pedal and it suddenly became extremely hard to depress. At approximately the same time, the steering became very stiff and difficult to turn. I believed I had lost normal braking ability and had difficulty controlling the vehicle while attempting to stop. The engine then shut off on its own. After the vehicle stopped, attempts to restart it were unsuccessful. The engine would crank/attempt to start but would not complete the ignition cycle and remain running. A ticking noise was also present. The vehicle remains available for inspection and is being towed to a local GM dealership for diagnosis. The specific component responsible for the failure is currently UNKNOWN. The vehicle previously generated diagnostic code P050F in January 2026. Following the 09/04/2026 failure, diagnostic code P0017 was identified. I did not receive P0017 prior to this incident. I did not observe an overheating warning or temperature-gauge indication showing that the engine was overheating before the vehicle shut down. The incident created a safety risk because the brake pedal became extremely hard to depress and the steering became difficult to operate while the vehicle was in motion, significantly affecting my ability to slow and control the vehicle. There was no collision or injury. As of the date of this complaint, the cause has not yet been confirmed by a dealer, independent service center, manufacturer, police, or insurance representative. The vehicle is being taken to a GM dealership for diagnostic inspection. I can provide the vehicle and subsequent diagnostic/repair documentation for inspection upon request.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While turning right at a red light my vehicle started making knocking noises, loss of acceleration then the ECM (limp mode) and ESC code happened. Protecting the vehicle from damage due to transmission fluid loss. Looked under the car and Transmission fluid was pouring out between the transmission and drive shaft. Car will no longer start due to codes being present from the computer shutting the car down during fluid loss.

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Engine · CA

: "I live in my car. The 2016 Equinox 2.4L burned all its oil in 2 weeks with no leaks, failed to give a dashboard warning, and the engine is now knocking, threatening to leave me unsheltered." This ties my vehicle's specific failure to the federal database for future legal payouts.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Engine · 9,600 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle started jerking, vibrating, and decelerating before it stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with bearing and push rod failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, but days later, the contact discovered engine oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the driveway. The vehicle was driven back to the dealer, who discovered a pinhole in the engine intake manifold, which had caused the engine oil leak. The intake manifold was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,600.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling and ticking sound coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption, and the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine oil was topped off occasionally. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine · NC

Noticed knocking in the engine and excessive oil usage. I keep my vehicle maintained. I went and had the values and seals replaced around engine for oil. Not even two to three weeks later knocking again. Took it back and engine is burning oil. Read about this make and model having defective pistons and rings causing oil to burn excessively. This has cost me thousands of dollars and it's still not fixed.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Engine · IN

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that oil had seeped out of the vehicle, a seal was fractured, and the engine had seized. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 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 Jun 21, 2025 · Engine · MI

Vehicle consuming oil to the point where the engine is knocking. I have to constantly add oil to the vehicle to keep it at optimal levels. Already had to replace the engine once out of my own pocket.