Oil consumption. I have already paid $2,500 to the Chevy dealership where I live to replace the timing chain, and it's doing the same thing again. I'm having to continuously put up to three quarts of oil in it every 2 to 3 weeks. The dealership says there is no bulletin on my VIN number. I've only had the car a year and a half and barely put 4,000 mi on it. I purchased this car from the Chevrolet…
2014 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
moderate 173 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
173
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 173 engine complaints filed for the 2014 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 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 173 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Chevy Equinox with the 2.4L EcoTec engine has a well-documented chronic oil-consumption problem that can destroy the engine with little warning. Expect to add oil frequently (some owners add quarts every 500–2,000 miles), and budget $5,000–$8,500 for engine replacement if you buy one past the 5–10 year warranty window, since GM has refused to extend recall coverage to the 2014 model year despite covering earlier years with identical engines.
The 2014 Chevy Equinox's 2.4L EcoTec engine consumes oil at alarming rates—routinely requiring a quart every 500 to 2,000 miles—yet the dashboard never signals the problem until damage is done. Owners reach the dipstick with no oil showing after missing only a few oil-change intervals, and by then the engine is often already knocking from metal starvation.
The root failure is a combination punch: the PCV valve clogs or freezes in cold weather, trapping crankcase pressure that blows out the rear main seal. Simultaneously, excessive oil consumption starves the timing chain and pistons of proper lubrication. Timing chains stretch or snap, cylinder walls score, piston rings fail. Engines then seize without warning—sometimes at highway speeds—leaving owners stranded and facing $5,000–$8,500 engine replacements.
GM issued Technical Service Bulletin 14882 for 2010–2013 models covering PCV clogging and special repair programs. But 2014 owners with the identical engine report their VINs are excluded from coverage. Warranty expires around 5–10 years or 100,000–120,000 miles. Once it lapses, GM refuses repairs despite knowing the defect exists. Stalling, rough idle, and camshaft solenoid faults compound the damage. Mechanics report seeing 8–15 Equinoxes weekly with the same failure pattern. No low-oil warning light exists to alert drivers, multiplying the safety risk.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption
Owners report the engine burns or consumes oil at abnormally high rates, forcing frequent topping off between scheduled oil changes. Consumption rates range from 1 quart per 1,850 miles to 4+ quarts per 5,000 miles. No low-oil warning light activates until the pan is nearly empty, if at all, leaving owners unaware of the problem until engine damage occurs.
When: Varies; some reports from 50,000 miles onward; accelerates with age and mileage. One owner documented consumption at 111,144 miles requiring 3 quarts to show on dipstick.
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from engine compartment or cabin; Black or dark oil appearance; No low-oil warning light despite severe depletion; Engine running hotter than normal; Requires adding 1-4+ quarts between oil changes
Codes mentioned: P0014, P0010, P0011
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics recommend piston ring and seal replacement (cost cited as $3,400–$5,800 for full engine replacement if damage is severe). One owner paid $7,000 for remanufactured engine installed; another paid $5,800 for new engine plus additional catalytic converter. Dealer-performed oil consumption tests confirm issue when approved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Technical Service Bulletin 14882 for 2010–2013 models addressing PCV clogging. 2014 models with identical 2.4L EcoTec engine reportedly excluded from coverage; owners told their VINs are not covered. GM refused warranty coverage for most 2014 complainants after extended warranty expiration (typically 5–10 years/100,000–120,000 miles). Class-action lawsuits filed for 2008–2017 models in some states; no recall issued for 2014 model year.
PCV valve freezing and rear main seal failure
Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve clogs or freezes in cold weather, trapping pressure in the crankcase. Resulting overpressure forces the rear main seal to blow out, allowing rapid oil leakage and engine damage. Affects owners in cold climates especially (Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Maryland reported).
When: Occurs during winter and cold-weather operation; multiple reports between December and January. One owner experienced failure at negative-degree temperatures; another in subzero Michigan conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or grinding noise from engine; Oil visibly leaking from rear of engine or pooling under vehicle (sometimes copious, described as 'like a faucet'); Engine shaking or shuddering; Loss of power or stalling while driving; No warning lights until pressure releases or engine is inspected
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involves rear main seal replacement, PCV system cleaning/replacement, and often timing chain inspection. Cited repair costs: $2,500–$8,500 depending on extent of secondary damage. One owner paid over $2,500 for seal and related repairs after pressure blew out; another spent $8,000–$8,500 for full engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin 14882 addresses PCV clogging and frozen PCV orifice as a known issue with 'special coverage' available. However, many 2014 owners report their VINs are excluded from coverage despite having identical engines and symptoms to earlier model years covered. Bulletin cited but not applied to complainants' vehicles.
Timing chain failure and low-oil related engine seizure
Timing chain stretches, fractures, or breaks due to low oil pressure (itself caused by severe oil consumption and lack of warning light). Metal debris from damaged chains circulates through oil, scoring cylinder walls and pistons. Engine seizes without warning while driving, or won't restart after stalling.
When: Reported across mileage range from 61,000 to 180,000 miles. One owner at 68,000 miles, another at 125,000 miles with sudden acceleration of oil consumption.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or grinding on startup or during operation; Loss of motive power while driving (engine stalls or shuts off completely); No warning lights prior to failure; Vehicle fails to restart after stalling; Check engine light may illuminate late in failure progression; Metal shavings visible on dipstick or found during oil change
Codes mentioned: P0010, P0011, P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete engine replacement in nearly all cases. Cited costs: $2,500–$3,000 for timing chain repair alone if caught early; $5,000–$8,500 for full engine replacement or rebuild. Owners paid $5,500–$7,000 out of pocket after warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2014 model. GM refused to cover repair costs after warranty expiration, even when service bulletins describe related PCV and oil-consumption issues. One owner was informed 'special coverage' was being evaluated before engine died during dealership oil-consumption test; GM then declined to cover the timing chain failure.
Camshaft position actuator solenoid (VVT solenoid) failure
Variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid sensors malfunction, causing the engine to lose proper cam timing and misfiring. Engine stalls at idle, during deceleration, and at stop lights. Problem often recurs even after solenoid replacement if underlying oil consumption or engine wear is not addressed.
When: Reported from 30,000 miles onward; recurring issues after replacement noted around 72,000–135,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine stalling at traffic lights, stop signs, or during low-speed maneuvers; Rough idle with RPM fluctuation; Hesitation during acceleration; 'sputtering' sensation; Loss of power at low speeds; recovery after restart in Park; Recurrence of symptoms within weeks to months after solenoid replacement
Codes mentioned: P0010, P0011, P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement costs approximately $42–$100+ per unit (intake and exhaust); owners replaced both without resolution. Spark plugs and ignition coils also replaced by owners with no success. Some owners noted timing chains or piston damage once engine was fully diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2011 models but not 2014, despite identical part and symptom reports. Dealer warrantied repairs under powertrain warranty (expired 5–6 years / 36,000–100,000 miles); owners calling after expiration were denied. No TSB issued for 2014 model year solenoid failures.
Engine knocking, misfire, and low compression
Engine develops audible knocking and misfiring due to piston ring and seal degradation from prolonged oil starvation. Compression testing shows extreme variance between cylinders (one at 70 psi while others at 125 psi); pistons may 'come apart' or break. Engine light remains on despite repair attempts.
When: Develops gradually after high oil consumption begins; owners notice after 37,000–115,000 miles of sustained poor lubrication.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or rattling from engine block, especially under load or acceleration; Persistent check engine light even after exhaust repairs (manifold, converter) completed; Rough idle with RPM fluctuation; Reduced power and hesitation during acceleration; Engine light returns on repeatedly after being cleared
Codes mentioned: P0010, P0011, P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Piston ring and seal replacement, or complete engine rebuild/replacement required. Cited costs: $3,400–$5,800 for parts and labor. One mechanic stated 'engine will blow or will cause a fire' if only rings are replaced without addressing root cause (oil consumption).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Owners report dealers and GM refusing to acknowledge piston/compression failures as manufacturer defect, citing oil-consumption testing and warranty expiration.
Engine stalling and loss of power while driving
Engine suddenly stalls or loses power without warning while the vehicle is in motion, leaving the driver unable to coast safely or restart immediately. Occurs at various speeds and traffic conditions; restart may be possible after a delay. Causes range from oil starvation, PCV failure, and timing chain issues to solenoid faults.
When: Reported across wide mileage range: 30,000–180,000 miles. Frequency increases over time, becoming daily occurrence for some owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly without warning lights before failure; Vehicle loses all electrical and steering power briefly; No low-oil or check engine light illumination prior to stall; Vehicle may restart immediately, after delay, or not at all; Stalling becomes more frequent; may occur multiple times per drive; Stalling most common at low speeds (traffic lights, stop signs) or during load (uphill acceleration)
Codes mentioned: P0010, P0011, P0014
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis difficult; owners replaced solenoids, spark plugs, coils, timing chains without resolution. Root cause typically oil consumption, PCV failure, or worn pistons requiring engine replacement ($5,000–$8,500).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No technical bulletins or recalls issued to address stalling pattern. GM and dealers largely unresponsive; one dealer stated rough idle and black smoke on startup were 'normal for this engine' and issued bulletin confirming normal condition.
Engine fire risk
Multiple owners report fear of engine fire due to burning smell, extreme oil consumption, and lack of warning systems. At least two mechanics warned that continued operation with inadequate lubrication 'could cause fire.' No fire incidents documented in narratives, but concern is persistent.
When: Emerges once oil consumption becomes severe and smoking begins; risk continues until engine is replaced.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning smell from engine compartment or cabin; Black smoke visible from engine bay on startup or during driving; Smoke entering cabin through ventilation; No warning light to alert driver before fire risk develops
Repairs/costs cited: Requires immediate engine replacement; continued driving considered unsafe by owners and mechanics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not addressed. No recall or safety advisory issued despite mechanic warnings and owner concerns.
Synthesized from 173 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
2014 model year Chevy equinox. My car was produced in 9-2013, and has had continuous high oil consumption since purchase. Every few weeks it is making a loud noise after start up, and I am having to add oil (3 qts yesterday of the 5w-30 dexron oil as listed on the cap).
My car is equipped with the 2.4L ecotec engine and has insane levels of oil consumption. Since my last oil change 2000miles ago I've added 5 quarts of oil. A few days ago the car started making a ticking sound while driving, the car then began surging and tried to take off while i had my foot on the break, and started to overheat and then shut off at a light. I was able to restart the vehicle and…
My 2014 Equinox is going through engine oil so frequently. I have to put at least a quart in every time I fuel up. My oil light that indicates when I am low on oil never comes on. It never warns me that I am low and I first figured it out after my engine started to make a clicking noise when I had my engine oil changed only 3 weeks before that and I had no oil left in my vehicles engine. It does…
I won a 2014 Chevy equinox and I started to smell exhaust but my car passed emissions. Found out later this engine is known for cracking in the exhaust manifold. Now my vehicles engine is really loud, the smell of exhaust is really bad when idling and driving, also now my kids and myself are have breathing problems. I would like to get this fixed as soon as possible for my families safety.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet equinox. While driving 55 MPH, the engine revved and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000. The VIN…
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was stopped, and the vehicle was parked at a local shopping center while shopping. Upon returning to the vehicle, the contact's wife attempted to start the vehicle, however the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was…
Had engine trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 173 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 93 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 77,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 77,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/2014/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.