This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 254 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 90,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
254
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Equinox | 21 |
| 2009 Equinox | 4 |
| 2010 Equinox | 181 |
| 2011 Equinox | 273 |
| 2012 Equinox (this page) | 254 |
| 2013 Equinox | 320 |
| 2014 Equinox | 174 |
| 2015 Equinox | 169 |
| 2016 Equinox | 161 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 254 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 37% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 254 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox describe a range of engine failures tied to excessive oil consumption. Most report the engine burning 1–5 quarts between oil changes, often with no warning from the oil pressure indicator light. Many owners have taken their vehicles for oil consumption tests after noticing low oil levels; some passed, others didn't qualify under GM's Special Coverage limits. Owners cite engine knock, rough idle, and stalling—sometimes at traffic lights or on the highway—as symptoms. Several have experienced rear main seal blowouts in cold weather, often leading to complete loss of oil and stranded vehicles. A few describe timing chain failure, piston ring wear, and catastrophic engine seizure after extended driving.
Owners mention confusion over recall coverage: Service Bulletin #14882 (PCV orifice issue) and Special Coverage #16118 (excessive oil consumption piston/ring replacement) are time-limited to 10 years or 120,000 miles from original in-service date. Many find their VIN is excluded despite having the same year/model and identical symptoms. Dealers have told owners it's a "known issue," yet some refused to acknowledge it without a code or extended the coverage window unpredictably. Repair costs cited include $2,000–$3,400 for piston/ring replacement, $3,200 for rear seal work, and $5,000–$8,000 for full engine replacement. Owners express frustration that GM issued service bulletins years ago but never proactively recalled or notified customers, forcing them to discover problems online or during routine service.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive engine oil consumption
Engine burns 1–5 quarts of oil between scheduled oil changes (normally every 3,000–5,000 miles). Root cause attributed to piston ring wear or faulty factory piston installation. No consistent warning from oil pressure indicator light.
When: Typically between 30,000–100,000 miles; some owners report onset as early as 30–40K, others near 100K
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops dramatically between oil changes; Engine knock or rattle while idling; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; No oil pressure warning light despite critically low oil
Codes mentioned: P0138 (O2 sensor circuit malfunction), P2271 (O2 sensor signal stuck high)
Repairs/costs cited: GM Special Coverage #16118: piston and ring replacement, ~$2,000–$3,400 labor/parts at dealer (covers up to 120,000 miles or 10 years from original in-service date, whichever comes first). Many owners find their VIN excluded despite identical symptoms. Some owners pursued used engine replacement (~$1,800–$5,444 parts/labor) when out of coverage window.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #16118 (excessive oil consumption, issued 2017). Special Coverage Adjustment limits: 120,000 miles or 10 years from original in-service date. Many owners' VINs reported as excluded. GM denies coverage beyond time/mileage cap; directs owners to oil consumption test (not always reimbursed). Class action lawsuit referenced by multiple owners but no mention of GM settlement or universal recall.
Plugged PCV orifice causing rear main seal failure
Water enters PCV system; in cold weather (below freezing), it freezes and blocks the orifice, causing crankcase pressure buildup. High pressure forces rear main oil seal outward, dumping all engine oil within minutes to hours of driving.
When: Typically occurs in cold weather (5°F to below-zero conditions); affects vehicles with 80,000–130,000 miles. One owner reported stall on highway in sub-zero temperature at 84K miles; another at 110K miles in 6°F conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all engine oil while driving (no prior notice); Stalling on highway or at traffic light; Metal shavings in remaining oil; Smoke from engine compartment; Engine runs rough after oil added (metal damage already done)
Codes mentioned: No specific code; mechanical diagnosis required (rear main seal inspection)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involves rear main seal replacement (~$1,500–$3,200 labor/parts). However, underlying cause (plugged PCV orifice) often not addressed in seal-only repair, leading to repeat failure. Service Bulletin #14882 covers PCV orifice cleaning (crankcase pressure check, intake manifold removal) at no charge, but only for vehicles within 10 years or 120,000 miles from original in-service date. Many owners' VINs excluded; even vehicles just over mileage limit denied coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #14882 (Special Coverage Adjustment for plugged PCV orifice, issued March 4, 2015): 10 years or 120,000 miles from original in-service date, whichever comes first. At no charge to customer if within coverage window. Most owners with excluded VINs report being denied despite matching criteria. GM representatives cited lack of VIN inclusion in bulletin database, citing parts source (vehicles manufactured in Mexico vs. Canada) as reason for exclusion. No universal recall issued.
Timing chain failure and engine seizure
Timing chain stretches or snaps, causing cylinder valves to strike pistons and rendering engine inoperable. Mechanics report this occurs as secondary failure following prolonged oil starvation from excessive consumption.
When: At 67,000–130,000 miles, often after owner has struggled with oil consumption for months or years
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving (no warning lights); Engine stalls immediately and will not restart; Abnormal grinding or knocking sound heard briefly before failure; Diagnostic reveals bent valves, broken rocker arms, stretched/broken timing chain
Codes mentioned: Timing chain failure confirmed only by mechanical inspection; no stored codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete engine replacement. Costs range $5,000–$8,000 for new/remanufactured engine plus towing ($120–$200). Some owners used salvage engines with lower mileage (~$3,470 total with towing for used 25K-mile engine).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or coverage cited by owners. GM representatives did not comment when asked if damage was result of material defect. Owners report being told 'nothing can be done' without additional explanation.
Stalling at traffic lights or low speeds, with no warning lights
Engine stalls unexpectedly while stopped at traffic light, stop sign, in parking lot, or during low-speed maneuvers (backing up, exiting highway ramp). No check engine light illuminates beforehand. Repeated stalls after restart with abnormal sounds or jerking.
When: Can occur anytime; often happens in drivers' first weeks/months of ownership or after oil consumption has progressed for months. Several occur in cold weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning light or noise; Stalls while idling at low RPM or in drive/reverse; May restart immediately, or require multiple restart attempts; Abnormal engine sound (grinding, knocking) during or after stall; Jerking or shaking while stopped; After oil consumption test, rough idle and limp-mode activation (engine limits RPM to ~20 MPH) reported
Codes mentioned: P0010 (camshaft position actuator circuit), Transmission modular code (mentioned in one complaint but not identified), P0420 (catalytic converter efficiency below threshold)
Repairs/costs cited: No consistent repair reported. Some owners had camshaft intake solenoid replaced (owner-paid, ~$200–$400), camshaft position sensor replaced (no resolution). One owner had fuel rail pressure sensor replaced (dealership covered under unspecified warranty); another had camshaft exhaust solenoid replaced (multiple times, recurring). Root cause appears to be excessive oil burning and/or PCV system issue, but dealers often treated symptoms (solenoid, sensor) rather than cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer-issued TSB or recall specifically for stalling. Dealers attempt individual component replacement under warranty (if in-warranty) or refer to oil consumption special coverage. Owners report 'no code' situations where dealers refused diagnosis. One owner mentioned Service Bulletin #17329 (cited in manufacturer communications) but was told their VIN was not included.
Rough idle, misfires, and limp-mode activation
Engine idles rough, stutters, or jerks when stopped or at low RPM. Vehicle may enter 'limp mode' (reduced power) and idle extremely high (near 2,000 RPM) or very low (500 RPM). Misfires and hesitation during acceleration noted.
When: Associated with excessive oil consumption; onset varies. Can occur sporadically or chronically after owner begins noticing oil consumption issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Rough, jerky idle in drive or reverse at stop; Engine shakes and sounds like it will stall; Lights flicker on dashboard; Vehicle enters limp mode: extremely high idle or low idle (nearly stalling); Hesitation and jerking during acceleration from stop; Cylinder misfire (one owner reported cylinder 2 misfire due to oil burning)
Codes mentioned: P0010 (camshaft position actuator – reported in one complaint)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported that water removal from coolant reservoir and spark plug change temporarily reset limp mode; however, problem recurred. Another owner had multiple sensor/solenoid replacements (O2 sensors 3 times, MAF sensor, exhaust manifold, intake/exhaust valves twice, alternator, battery twice, spark plug packs twice, throttle body, catalytic converter) without lasting resolution. Underlying cause attributed to excessive oil consumption and carbon buildup from oil burning.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall identified. Dealers performed component-level diagnostics and parts replacement under warranty when in-warranty; refused coverage out of warranty period.
Cracked exhaust manifold and catalytic converter inefficiency
Exhaust manifold cracks, releasing exhaust fumes and unburned fuel into the vehicle cabin. Catalytic converter becomes clogged or inefficient, triggering check engine light. Owners attribute both to exhaust system fouling from excessive oil burning.
When: Occurs after prolonged excessive oil consumption. One owner at 70,000+ miles; several in the 90,000–130,000 mile range.
Symptoms owners cite: Cracked exhaust manifold releases exhaust gases into cabin; occupants report headaches; Check engine light (code P0420 for catalyst efficiency); Vehicle smells of raw fuel or exhaust; Performance degradation; sluggish acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0420 (catalytic converter system efficiency below threshold)
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust manifold replacement and catalytic converter replacement both required. Costs cited: catalytic converter $808.51 (one invoice); exhaust manifold cost not specified in narratives. Owners argue the underlying oil consumption issue caused the exhaust fouling and should be covered under the same recall/special coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Catalytic converter and exhaust manifold repairs treated as separate issues from oil consumption. No manufacturer coverage or acknowledgment that oil consumption caused the exhaust system damage.
O2 sensor malfunction and intermittent check engine light
Check engine light illuminates intermittently, often with O2 sensor codes, even after sensor replacement. In one case, recall service (O2 sensor replacement) was performed, yet the problem persisted with the same codes returning.
When: One owner reported this after O2 sensor recall performed on 11/11/2024; issue continued through 12/17/2024 and into May 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on intermittently and turns off repeatedly; Light may go off while driving to dealer, complicating diagnosis; O2 sensor codes return after sensor replacement
Codes mentioned: P0138 (O2 sensor circuit malfunction), P2271 (O2 sensor signal stuck high)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had O2 sensor recall performed twice (11/11/2024 and after 12/17/2024) at dealership; problem persisted. Another owner purchased O2 sensor from parts store after independent scan. Dealers attributed some codes to transmission issues or refused to scan without live check engine light. One owner cited auto-zone scan results showing O2 sensor fault, but dealership refused to accept third-party scan.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for O2 sensor exists but did not resolve issue for at least one owner. Dealer service advisors refused to accept independent scans or service bulletins without live fault code. One dealership performed second recall service but problem recurred.
Engine oil pressure light non-functional or missing low-oil warning
Engine oil pressure indicator light does not illuminate despite critically low or zero oil levels in the engine. Owners discover oil is gone only when checking dipstick or during service.
When: Occurs across the mileage range where excessive oil consumption is present
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level critically low or empty, but no warning light on dashboard; Owner discovers issue only by dipstick check or during scheduled service; By the time oil is discovered low, engine may have already sustained damage (metal shavings visible)
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes for this system failure reported
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted. Owners express that the missing warning is a safety deficiency that should have alerted them to stop driving before engine damage occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response to this issue. One owner noted that the vehicle displays a low-oil warning light during startup (when all dashboard lights illuminate), but this is not an active warning during driving.
Balance shaft chain and timing chain component wear
Balance shaft chain, balance shaft chain actuators, and related gears wear prematurely, producing excessive noise from the engine block.
When: One owner reported at 64,633 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Constant knocking or rattling noise while idling and during startup; Noise identified as coming from balance shaft chain and cam gears
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Balance shaft chain, balance shaft chain actuators, necessary gaskets, seals, and bolts replaced. Transmission fluid exchange also performed. Cost not specified in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or special coverage cited. Repair performed (implied at owner expense or under warranty if in-warranty period).
Synthesized from 254 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Exhaust manifold cracked. So many other complaints. Is there a service bulletin available for this issue?
My motor blew due to a oil leak and seized in the middle of traffic I owned the car for 37 days and I owe 18k on it.
Recalled motor was recalled due to engine oil consumption gm failed to replace bearings and hone cylinders that showed signs of burning dealer agreed to replace pistons rings and pistons nothing else .did not do any much to resolve motor problem should have repalced motor completly
Car stalls and jerks really hard under light acceleration, the check engine light comes on and stays on when it happens, had it checked and it shows bad camshaft sensor, but it has been replaced and still have the same issue, this is all after they fixed my engine from using too much oil. It starts fine and idles fine but stalls and jerks under acceleration, but it doesn't always do this, it…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was shuddering and sputtering. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that she had been adding a quart of oil in the vehicle every two weeks. The…
Problem began at the beginning of the month when my vehicle stalled on the highway during rush hour traffic..luckily I was not hit or killed. The issue is with the engine and high oil consumption. I took it to the dealer and they ran the test and I now have to take the car back 2 more times to prove the pcv has to be replaced. Meanwhile I have to keep 2 quarts of oil in the car and check every…
Vehicle stalled while driving on highway. Engine seized up while driving due to no oil. No dash indicators, lights, audible tones or other warnings were evident to indicate any problems with oil level, or oil pressure. Total engine failure resulted, leaving me stranded on the highway. General motors' "2.4l ecotec" motors are known to exhibit severe excessive oil consumption, due to faulty…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that the pcv valve was faulty and heat would not blow properly from the air vents. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dartmouth motors (320 john stark hwy, newport, nh 03773, (888) 223-2117, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The VIN was unknown.…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 254 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 180 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 70,000 and 114,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 114,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.