Chevrolet Equinox problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The best-documented Chevy Equinox problem is oil consumption on 2010–2013 models with the 2.4L four-cylinder, which GM addressed with piston-ring coverage and a class settlement. The 3.0L V6 can stretch timing chains, wiper linkages fail on 2010–2017 models, and 2018–2024 Equinoxes carry driveshaft, transmission, fuel and door recalls.

CarWhere lists 9 documented Equinox issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Equinox generations at a glance

Chevrolet Equinox generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
2nd gen2010–2017Oil consumption from worn piston rings (2.4L four-cylinder) · Timing chain stretch on the 3.0L/3.6L V6 · Windshield wipers stop working (wiper linkage ball joints)
3rd gen2018–2024Right-front intermediate driveshaft can fracture (recall) · Missing bolts on the transmission start/stop accumulator endcap (recall) · Fuel tank seam may leak on AWD models (recall) · Engine stall from the fuel pump module (recall) · Door strikers may fracture and let a door open (recall)
4th gen2025–presentPossible coolant leak at the water pump (1.5L turbo)

2nd gen Equinox problems (2010–2017)

Oil consumption from worn piston rings (2.4L four-cylinder) (2010–2013)

Major repair
Generation:
2nd gen (2010–2013)
Years:
2010–2013
Powertrain:
2.4L Ecotec I4

GM acknowledged that some 2.4L Equinox models could burn more than a quart of oil every 2,000 miles because the piston rings wore early. Special Coverage 16118 told dealers to run an oil consumption test and fit new pistons and rings at no charge, covering 2012 models for 7 years 6 months or 120,000 miles. A class settlement approved in 2019 extended similar coverage to 2013 models built before a May 2013 production change; those time limits have now run out.

Symptoms

  • Oil level well below the full mark between changes
  • Low oil pressure warning or "Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine" message
  • Rattle or knock from the engine when oil runs low

Check before buying

  • Pull the dipstick and compare the level with the last oil-change sticker date
  • Ask for records of any piston/ring replacement under GM coverage
  • Listen for knocking on a warm idle

Sources: [1][2]

Timing chain stretch on the 3.0L/3.6L V6 (2010–2012)

Major repair
Generation:
2nd gen (2010–2012)
Years:
2010–2012
Powertrain:
3.0L V6 (LF1/LFW)

GM bulletin 12-06-01-009A covers timing chain kits and chain guide replacement for 2010–2012 Equinox models with the 3.0L V6 (RPOs LF1, LFW) when cam/crank correlation codes P0008, P0009 or P0016–P0019 set. A later GM preliminary bulletin (PIP3423K) tells technicians to check for loose chains or tensioners when two or more of those codes appear. Chain wear builds gradually, so V6 models with stretched oil-change intervals are the ones to inspect most closely.

Symptoms

  • Check-engine light with P0008, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019
  • Rattle for a few seconds on a cold start
  • Rough running or reduced power

Check before buying

  • Scan for stored or pending cam/crank correlation codes
  • Listen to a true cold start after the vehicle has sat overnight
  • Ask for oil-change records and any timing-chain repair invoice

Sources: [3][4]

Windshield wipers stop working (wiper linkage ball joints) (2010–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
2nd gen (2010–2017)
Years:
2010–2017
Powertrain:
All engines

A ball socket in the wiper linkage can corrode, wear and separate, leaving one or both wipers dead. NHTSA recalls cover the 2013 Equinox (16V582) and 2014–2015 models (22V165). GM also opened Special Coverage N192266180 in December 2019 for 2010–2012 and 2014–2017 models (10 years or 150,000 miles from the in-service date) and later revised the population under N192266181.

Symptoms

  • Wipers stop suddenly or one wiper arm stops moving
  • Clunk from the base of the windshield when wipers run

Check before buying

  • Run the wipers at every speed during the test drive
  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the dealer to check GM special coverage by VIN

NHTSA recall: 22V165 (2022-03)

Sources: [5][6][7][8]

3rd gen Equinox problems (2018–2024)

Right-front intermediate driveshaft can fracture (recall) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2018)
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2018 Equinox models (along with 2017–2018 GMC Acadia) because the right-front intermediate driveshaft could fracture and separate while driving, causing a loss of drive power or, if parked without the parking brake, a rollaway.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive power with the engine still running
  • Clunk or vibration from the front right of the vehicle

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 17V516 (2017-08)

Sources: [9]

Missing bolts on the transmission start/stop accumulator endcap (recall) (2018–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2018–2020)
Years:
2018–2020
Powertrain:
Automatic transmission with engine start/stop

GM recalled a broad group of vehicles, including 2018–2020 Equinox models, because the start/stop accumulator endcap on the automatic transmission may have been built with missing bolts. That can lead to a transmission fluid leak and a loss of drive power, and leaking fluid near hot exhaust parts is a fire risk.

Symptoms

  • Transmission fluid spots under the front of the vehicle
  • Slipping, delayed engagement or loss of drive

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order
  • Look under the transmission for fresh fluid

NHTSA recall: 20V668 (2020-10)

Sources: [9][10]

Fuel tank seam may leak on AWD models (recall) (2019–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2019–2020)
Years:
2019–2020
Powertrain:
All engines (AWD)

GM recalled certain 2019–2020 all-wheel-drive Equinox models because the fuel tank may have been built with an improperly sealed seam, letting fuel seep out near the filler inlet. A fuel leak near an ignition source is a fire risk.

Symptoms

  • Fuel smell around the rear of the vehicle
  • Wet spot or staining near the fuel filler area

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order
  • Sniff for fuel odor after filling up

NHTSA recall: 19V667 (2019-09)

Sources: [11][10]

Engine stall from the fuel pump module (recall) (2021–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2021–2022)
Years:
2021–2022
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2021–2022 Equinox models (and 2022 GMC Terrain) because the fuel pump module may not consistently supply enough fuel, which can make the engine stall while driving.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls or hesitates without warning
  • Hard starting or a lean-running check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order

NHTSA recall: 23V013 (2023-01)

Sources: [12][13]

Door strikers may fracture and let a door open (recall) (2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
3rd gen (2024)
Years:
2024
Powertrain:
All engines

GM recalled certain 2024 Equinox models, along with Blazer and Blazer EV, because the door strikers may fracture, allowing a door to open unexpectedly while driving.

Symptoms

  • Door that does not latch firmly or pops open
  • Door-ajar warning while driving

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the selling dealer for the recall repair order
  • Open and close every door and confirm each latches solidly

NHTSA recall: 23V869 (2023-12)

Sources: [14]

4th gen Equinox problems (2025–present)

Possible coolant leak at the water pump (1.5L turbo) (2026)

Minor
Generation:
4th gen (2026)
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
1.5L turbo I4 (LSD)

A March 2026 GM preliminary bulletin (PIP6106) tells technicians that some 2026 Equinox models with the 1.5L LSD engine may leak coolant from the water pump or its housing. Because there are several possible leak points, GM recommends adding tracer dye and pressure-testing hot and cold before replacing parts.

Symptoms

  • Coolant level dropping in the overflow tank
  • Sweet smell or pink/orange crust around the water pump area
  • Low-coolant warning

Check before buying

  • Check the coolant reservoir level with the engine cold
  • Look around the water pump area for residue or dampness
  • Ask whether any cooling-system warranty work has been done

Sources: [15]

Related Equinox research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints is a different question, answered in the years-to-avoid research from NHTSA complaint counts.

Confirm how a Equinox was ordered before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Chevrolet Equinox VIN into the factory-ordered option codes (RPOs) on record — engine, transmission, axle and packages. $9.99, instant.

Chevrolet build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years of Chevy Equinox have oil consumption problems?

The 2010–2013 Equinox with the 2.4L four-cylinder is the documented range. GM covered piston and ring replacement under Special Coverage 16118 and a 2019 class settlement, but those time limits have now run out.

Does the Equinox V6 have timing chain problems?

GM bulletin 12-06-01-009A covers timing chain and guide replacement on 2010–2012 Equinox models with the 3.0L V6 when cam/crank correlation codes such as P0008 or P0017 set. A cold-start rattle is the common warning sign.

Why do Equinox windshield wipers stop working?

A ball socket in the wiper linkage can corrode and separate. NHTSA recalls cover 2013 (16V582) and 2014–2015 (22V165) models, and GM special coverage N192266180 covers 2010–2012 and 2014–2017 models.

Which newer Equinox years have recalls?

NHTSA lists recalls on 2018–2024 models, including a 2018 driveshaft fracture, a 2018–2020 transmission endcap bolt issue, a 2019–2020 AWD fuel tank seam, a 2021–2022 fuel pump stall and 2024 door strikers.

How do I check an Equinox for open recalls?

Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup and ask a Chevrolet dealer to check GM special coverage for the same VIN, since special coverage programs do not appear as NHTSA recalls.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. GM Special Coverage Adjustment 16118 (N162053210): Excessive Engine Oil Consumption, 2012 Equinox/Terrain 2.4L — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  2. GM oil consumption class action settlement finalized (Berman v. General Motors) — CarComplaints.com
  3. GM Service Bulletin 12-06-01-009A: High Feature V6 timing chain kits and chain guides, DTCs P0008/P0009/P0016–P0019 — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  4. GM Preliminary Information PIP3423K: DTCs P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0008, P0009 (V6 engines) — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  5. NHTSA recalls: 2013 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  6. NHTSA recalls: 2014 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  7. GM Special Coverage N192266180: Wiper transmission arm linkage failure (Equinox/Terrain) — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  8. GM bulletin N192266181-01: Wiper linkage special coverage population update — General Motors (via NHTSA)
  9. NHTSA recalls: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  10. NHTSA recalls: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  11. NHTSA recalls: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  12. NHTSA recalls: 2021 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  13. NHTSA recalls: 2022 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  14. NHTSA recalls: 2024 Chevrolet Equinox — NHTSA
  15. GM Preliminary Information PIP6106: 1.5L LSD potential coolant loss, water pump area — General Motors (via NHTSA)

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