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8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,450
Average Mileage:
77,300 miles
Total Complaints:
32 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (18 reports)
  2. pistons and timing belt replaced (4 reports)
  3. replace timing chain, balance shaft chain, fuel pump (4 reports)
  4. replace engine (3 reports)
  5. clear pcv orifice intake manifold (1 reports)
  6. new car (1 reports)
2011 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

Jun 012021

Equinox LTZ 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought this car in Feb 2021 and I have had nothing but problems with it since a bought it. I have replaced the PCV value and now about having to replace the Manifold. Everything we have done has not fixed this car. It smokes really bad and I go through almost 3 quarts of oil every 3000 miles.

- Sheena H., Paulden, US

problem #31

Dec 062021

Equinox LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

Purchased the 2011 Equinox from dealership in Feb 2019. Did every oil change as recommended but was never told there was an oil issue. Until Dec. 2021 loud ticking under the hood so I took in to be looked at and was told 2 quarts low on oil. Impossible, I said, I just had oil done at valvoline 3 weeks prior. Was then finally informed this vehicle had has this oil consumption problem. I called dealership right away. They spoke to GM who was only willing to pay 10% of cost to repair. $5000 to 7000 to repair. I've put on less than 20,000 miles in the time I’ve owned the vehicle. Anyone have any suggestions on how I can get GM to pay more?

- Laura S., Oshkosh, US

problem #30

Jan 192021

Equinox 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 149,000 miles

Excessive oil consumption. The shop recommended I change the engine.

This is a bad motor from GMC.... Bad rings and parts and the seals wear out very fast. I need help, please!

Update from Jan 27, 2021: Also the motor has great blow by when hot

- Mc C., Riverdale, IL, US

problem #29

Jan 082019

Equinox LT/1LT 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,595 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

A few months after purchasing this 2011 Equinox from (what I thought was a reputable Chevy in Lowell In dealer), I noticed ticking from engine. Checked oil & added 2.5 quarts. Went to the dealership in Lowell In asked for help, Request was rejected because extended coverage expired. Asked about oil consumption test was told it was a waist of time. Nothing Chevy would do.

Went to another dealer told the same thing.Finally called GM customer complaints about another issue. She gave me a claim # and suggested I do the oil consumption test she also gave me a glimmer of hope that GM would review findings & possibly help. Took to different dealer did the test with results being after 569 miles they added 2.75 quarts of oil & said there definitely is a problem.

I called GM & they came back with "There's nothing that we can do". The big question is WHY is the coverage on the 2010 set at 10 years & 120000 miles while 2011 on up are set at 7.5 years & 120000 miles.

Could someone please answer that.

- Bruno F., Crete, IL, US

problem #28

May 102019

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,653 miles

Well after hearing a slight ticking at idle I took it to the chevy dealership under warranty and had it looked at. They told me it was the timing chain tensioner, water pump and chain to it. So after that they came to me and asked to do an oil consumption test and we did it and it burned a quart in 500 miles. So they told me that all things combined, the cost of repairing the engine is more than getting a remanufactured one. So they had an inspector come check things out and sure enough here's the dealership telling me they can fix it or they'll take the car and give me one of theirs in replacement of it. I just got its registration 2 days before I took it to the shop too.

- Seth M., LORTON, VA, US

problem #27

Oct 012018

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,002 miles

still makes awful noise. i am soo tired of this. still notice oil wanted to come out of fill hole past cap

- Cindy T., Lindsay, CA, US

problem #26

Apr 162018

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 147,065 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

how many times can I deal with the same sh*t!!!!!

I am always so broke from this damn car, and even if I had the money I don't dare use this piece of sh*t to go anywhere. not to mention how every time it is worked on I am not at work.

- Cindy T., Lindsay, CA, US

problem #25

Nov 122017

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,013 miles

once again i mention oil blowing out of fill hole past cap and once again i am ignored.

- Cindy T., Lindsay, CA, US

problem #24

Jan 102018

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I have to check the oil every month to see if it is low. I even had it in a Chevy shop for a service and they returned it low on oil never even checked it like they are suppose to. Plus they know it burns oil.

- Lisa M., Shirley, US

problem #23

Jun 182015

Equinox 4cy

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

I had my car "fixed" by the dealership shortly after it was purchased. I continued to get oil changes within the recommended times and it still burned oil. I moved and took it to the chevy dealer near me who was supposed to rebuild part of the engine to "fix" it this time. When I picked up the car the mechanic told me to check the oil in between changes and add a quart when needed! Second time same issue within 2 years of purchase and still burning oil. I had just had a baby and bought this car to be my daily driver family car. We paid in full and were not expecting to need to get a new car or car payment for at least 10 years.

- Caryn N., Lewiston, MI, US

problem #22

Aug 252018

Equinox LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When I changed the oil, with in a week there was no oil, causing my engine to knock. I have had to train myself weekly to check my oil, so I would not end up without a car. This ridiculous. Now I have had to replace timing chain, balance shafting chain cam shaft phasers, throttle body for it to still be sucking oil like there was never any.. This car is horrible when it comes to oil efficiency. Has caused more damage than I need.

- Erin S., Indpls, US

problem #21

Jul 022014

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,400 miles

click to see larger images

engine ticking with excessive oil consumption

After the car failed its Oil Consumption Test and the Dealer was obligated to rebuild the lower portion of my motor, piston, rings and timing chain. This problem was just corrected this year. I drove the car up to 60K miles. I had complained to the dealer for 3 years. Finally they tell me they have done 100’s, yes 100’s of these replacements. I said you have been calling me to trade in and buy a new car but not calling me to solve my poor gas mileage, oil loss and poor overall engine performance??? Yes it was covered but what aggravation!

- Art I., Amsterdam, NY, US

problem #20

May 052014

Equinox LT 2.4L 4 Cl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,860 miles

The warranty covered the cost and lessened the financial hit.

- Scott B., Grand Haven, MI, US

problem #19

Jun 302016

Equinox LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

We purchased this car in October of 2015 used with around 50,000 miles on it. From October of 2015 to June of 2016, this car has been towed or sometimes driven, if possible, back to the dealer no less than 5 times. This last time it was taken in because of power reduced to engine and stabilitrack errors with a check engine light. This would have been the 3rd time these errors have shown up and each time we were told it was a different issue and that it has been "resolved/repaired". When we brought it in to them in June, GM told us that the engine had very little oil in it and that it was damaged beyond repair. We had the oil changed every 3 months plus every time it was brought in to the dealership they supposedly gave us a "courtesy oil change". There are no leaks on our garage floor and with as much attention that this vehicle received from the dealer, not once were we told that the engine oil was low during changes. With no other options we had pay $4000 for a used engine to be installed. We live in a rural part of the state, having to drive 30 miles one way to work and when your vehicle is constantly breaking down, it is extremely stressful and costly. Having to take off of work numerous times so you can be home when someone is coming to tow your vehicle has added to that financial burden and overall stress. Even after the used engine was installed, we had to take it back another 3 times for issues.

Now it's been a little over 5 months and we are checking the oil in this new engine religiously out of fear and have noticed that this thing is burning thru oil like crazy. We have had to add a quart or more every other month when all of the sudden the dreaded engine power reduced message and check engine light come on and the car starts shaking uncontrollably while idling at a stop light. I pull over and check the oil and it's incredibly low! I add another quart of oil and have called the dealership to let them know of the problem and the oil level issues and was told that's normal use of oil. This is unacceptable!!!! We have been thru hell and back with this vehicle and we want a resolution and reimbursement so we can get out of this stressful situation.

- ashley&tim, Cleo Springs, OK, US

problem #18

Dec 102015

Equinox LT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

SO MAD AT GM!!! Car making awful noises, take to dealer where I was told it has a SERIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE (warranty runs out in one week) he tells me just don't let it run out of oil until they get parts in. SO BY THE TIME THE PARTS COME IN AND MY CAR IS FIXED (the warranty had run out) 2 DAYS LATER I CALL AND TELL THEM THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON......NOW IT'S MY PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WARRANTY RAN OUT!!!! I CALLED GM MYSELF AND IT STILL WON'T BE FIXED ON THEIR DIME!!!!

REALLY GM, REALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FIX YOUR SH*T............ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON!!!! THIS IS THE WORST, ABSOLUTE WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!! BTW A/C COMPRESSOR WENT OUT TODAY!! SO 2 MAJOR ISSUES IN 6 MONTHS

- Kaytie P., Summerfield, IL, US

problem #17

May 042016

Equinox 1LT 2WD 2.4L L4 Dohc 16v

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Screeching noise when turning engine on. About 3 separate times the engine shut off while going from part to drive or drive to park at very slow speeds. Check engine came on for P0011 bank 1. Bad fuel pump caused the balanced shaft chain to fail. Timing chain was also stretched.

- sthom2487, Lakeville, MN, US

problem #16

Aug 012012

Equinox LT2 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles

On cold startup at idle and low RPM sometimes engine clatters like a diesel. It's loud enough my neighbor asked me what's wrong with my car. It goes away after about a minute. It didn't do it when the car was new and it seems to be getting worse at 92,000 miles on the car now. I'm having to add oil between changes now and think it could be related.

Update from Jul 15, 2016: Dealer replaced pistons at no cost and I now show no measurable oil consumption. The clattering noise on start up remained after the engine rebuild and I eventually determined it to be the accessory drive belt fluttering. I replaced the belt and the noise is finally gone. At 94,000 miles it runs and sounds like new and no longer uses oil..

- waterst, Winnsboro, SC, US

problem #15

Nov 012012

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Was unaware this was an issue with Equinox. When I called the dealership, could not fix due to mileage.

- tidwellb, Double Springs, AL, US

problem #14

Jul 232014

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

We took the car to get the timing chain replaced because there was a recall and our Chevy dealership (Motor Inn of Knoxville) said there was no problem and didn't fix or replace anything. They also said they couldn't fix the computer that kept putting an airbag alert on the display. Fast-forward a year later and our car died. We took it to the same dealership and they said the engine was almost out of oil and we need a brand new one, $6600. This is NOT our fault. The dealership dropped the ball a year ago by not fixing our car and now they're trying to tell us it's our fault and we have to replace our entire engine.

Update from Sep 4, 2015: We have complained and complained to GM about fixing this under warranty and we finally got a letter saying our make, model and engine type is known for excessive oil consumption and any authorized Chevy dealership should fix it free of charge.

We did happen to mention in our last phone call to GM that we knew about an internal memo addressing this very issue (we found out from a Chevy car mechanic who is a friend of my mother-in-law's). So that is probably not a coincidence.

- Andrea R., Knoxville, IA, US

problem #13

Aug 082015

Equinox

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

I really wish I read these complaints before I bought this car. Me and My kids were stranded almost 100 miles from home because I had no oil and my car wouldn't start. This has happened in the past and I was told it's normal to use a quart of oil every 2,000 miles. Maybe they should tell the consumer as part of their sales pitch. I have never had to add my own oil every 2,000 miles.

- dcanns, Charlton, MA, US

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