This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 37 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 75,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Equinox | 173 |
| 2011 Equinox | 135 |
| 2012 Equinox | 78 |
| 2013 Equinox | 78 |
| 2014 Equinox (this page) | 37 |
| 2015 Equinox | 60 |
| 2016 Equinox | 25 |
| 2017 Equinox | 30 |
| 2018 Equinox | 61 |
When does it fail?
Of the 37 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 37 powertrain 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain report several distinct failure modes, often occurring without warning and some creating immediate safety hazards.
Rear main seal and PCV valve failures appear most frequently. Cold weather seems to trigger them: owners report catastrophic oil leaks, low-oil warnings, and engine shutdowns on highways in freezing temperatures. Repair costs cited range from $1,800 to $8,100 for engine replacement. Owners reference GM Technical Service Bulletin 14882 and a Jan 22, 2016 TSB (ref PIP5093B), but many find their VINs excluded from coverage despite identical symptoms. A special coverage program allegedly exists but has left many vehicles unincluded.
Engine stalling and power loss happen across all speeds—at idle, during acceleration, on highways at 65–70 mph—sometimes with no warning codes. Owners describe sudden deceleration, hesitation, or complete loss of motive power; several report lock cycles and dashboard warning cascades (Service Stabilitrak, Service Power Steering, Check Engine). One owner lost all power at 20 mph and rolled backward.
High oil consumption is widely reported: 1.5–2 quarts per 1,000–2,000 miles. Owners note camshaft actuator solenoid failures (codes P0010, P0011) and rough idle, especially on cold starts. Some trace this to defective PCV valves or timing chain issues.
Timing chain failures appear at various mileages, sometimes followed by catastrophic internal damage (valves striking pistons). One owner reported three rear main seal failures over time.
Electrical/control anomalies include radio shutoffs, loss of climate controls, door lock cycling, and reduced-power limp modes that dealerships cannot consistently reproduce.
Most complaints lack confirmed recalls; many owners report GM initially refuses coverage based on manufacturing plant origin or title status.
Same Chevrolet Equinox powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Rear main seal failure
Catastrophic oil leak from rear main seal, typically triggered by cold weather or blocked PCV valve creating excessive crankcase pressure. Engine shuts down due to low oil pressure. Occurs at various mileages and multiple times on same vehicle.
When: 30,000–129,000 miles; typically in freezing temperatures or after cold soak
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping noise followed by rough running; Low oil pressure warning light and check engine light; Oil completely drained onto ground; Engine power-down or shutdown; Multiple failures on same vehicle (one owner had three)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs: $1,800–$2,184 for seal replacement; $8,100 for engine replacement if secondary damage occurs. Dealerships replaced seal 2–3 times on affected vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin 14882 issued; Jan 22, 2016 TSB (ref PIP5093B) documented issue. Special coverage program exists but many VINs excluded despite matching symptoms. GM refuses coverage citing manufacturing plant origin or title status; case numbers opened but no compensation approved.
PCV valve blockage
PCV valve becomes plugged, trapping pressure in crankcase and forcing oil past rear main seal. Blockage worsens in cold weather. Linked to high oil consumption and premature seal/engine failure.
When: Cold weather episodes; 59,000–107,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning on cold mornings; Sudden engine stall; Oil consumption increases sharply; Check engine light; Frozen PCV vent in sub-zero conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics replaced PCV valve; some owners report alternator and belt failures due to oil saturation from leaking seals. Special coverage program exists but exclusions prevent many repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged issue in bulletin 14882. Special coverage issued in 2015 for some vehicles but coverage gaps remain. Owners report GM refusing to extend coverage or acknowledge defect pattern.
Camshaft actuator solenoid failure
Variable valve timing solenoid sticks or fails, causing rough idle, stalling, hesitation, and loss of power. Codes P0010/P0011 appear or engine runs normally despite symptoms. Cold starts trigger rough running.
When: Less than 30,000 miles up to 72,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at idle, red lights, or in reverse; Rough idle and cold-start shaking; Check engine codes P0010/P0011; Hesitation during acceleration with jerking sensation; Sluggish acceleration and loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replaced camshaft actuator solenoid valves; one owner reported 8 repairs in one year, many related to this component or secondary damage. Repairs do not always resolve issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners note 2011 Equinox was recalled (11195A) for the same symptom; 2014 model has no recall despite identical failures.
Timing chain failure
Timing chain stretches, breaks, or wears prematurely, causing loss of engine synchronization. Catastrophic failure can result in valves striking pistons and complete engine damage.
When: 145,000 miles and lower; one owner had chain issues requiring repairs at multiple intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking sound followed by engine halt; Complete power loss without warning; Borescope reveals internal collision damage; All oil drained from engine
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported timing chain and related components (tensioner, balancer) replaced 3× within one year. Some repairs involved water pump chain, tensioner, gaskets, and seals.
High oil consumption
Engine consumes excessive oil unrelated to visible leaks. Owners burning 1–2 quarts per 1,000–2,000 miles. Oil level drops rapidly between changes, sometimes 3 quarts below recommended between services.
When: Low mileage (8,000–20,000 miles reported on newer owners' vehicles); continues through higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 3+ quarts between scheduled changes; Does not reach next scheduled oil change interval; No visible leaks underneath vehicle; Idling and acceleration noise; Engine may seize if condition goes unnoticed
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report PCV valve replacement and seal repairs help but do not always fully resolve consumption. Some dealers impose oil consumption test requiring multiple dealership visits; owners report test results ignored. One owner changed oil every 5,000 miles per factory specs but still ran 2.5 quarts low.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued special coverage in 2015 for PCV/high oil consumption but coverage excludes many matching vehicles. Dealerships deny coverage if owner cannot pass multi-visit oil consumption test. Owners report GM acknowledges 'too many same complaints' but refuses recall.
Unexpected power loss and limp mode
Engine abruptly loses power and enters reduced-power (limp) mode at random speeds. Warning lights cascade (Service Stabilitrak, Service Power Steering, Check Engine) appear intermittently. Some episodes resolve after 3–4 hours parked.
When: Various mileages; 30,000–155,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration from 65–70 mph down to 20–30 mph or stall; Service Stabilitrak, Service Power Steering, Check Engine lights illuminate; Throttle unresponsive or reduced response; Tachometer spikes (to 4,200 RPM) without driver input; Instrument cluster needles fluctuate or drop to zero; Abnormal air-rush sound from engine; Episode may clear after vehicle parked 3+ hours
Codes mentioned: U0101
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement advised by dealers. One owner spent $2,000+ on multiple repairs without resolution. Dealerships unable to reproduce when vehicle brought in; no consistent repair identified.
Engine stalling at idle and stop
Engine dies unexpectedly while idling, stopped at lights, or in reverse. Occurs frequently in slow traffic and cold weather. Restart typically successful but stalling recurs.
When: Low mileage (under 30,000) through higher mileage; cold weather episodes documented
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies at idle or red light; Dies in reverse or during slow turning maneuvers; Check engine light appears after repeated stalling; Rough running on cold starts for first few seconds; Hesitation after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft actuator solenoid valve replacement performed; one owner noted 2011 model was recalled for identical issue but 2014 has no recall.
Transmission failure
Transmission stops functioning without warning, vehicle no longer drivable. Occurs at very low mileage.
When: 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission completely failed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; not diagnosed or repaired per complaint.
Electrical and climate control malfunctions
Heating, air conditioning, defrost, radio, and instrument panel lights become inoperative, sometimes for extended periods. Vehicle may fail to start. Failures appear intermittent and sometimes self-correct.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: HVAC, defrost, radio controls inoperative for 2–3 days; Center instrument panel lights off; Service Power Steering message displayed; Vehicle will not start; Systems may spontaneously restore power
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in complaint.
Reduced power and limp mode with thermal warning
Engine enters reduced-power mode while driving, producing hot smell and forcing severe speed reduction. Service Stabilitrak and Check Engine lights appear.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power light illuminates; Stabilitrak and Check Engine lights; Vehicle slows from highway speed (70 mph) to 20 mph; Strong hot smell from engine area
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Door lock cycling and control anomalies
Door locks cycle open and close continuously without driver input. Occurs alongside other electrical symptoms including reduced power warnings.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks lock and unlock continuously; Service Stabilitrak light on; Power steering light on; Check Engine light on; Reduced acceleration with jolting at low speed
Codes mentioned: U0101
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; dealership unable to reproduce issue during 4-day hold period.
Catalytic converter failure from oil fouling
Catalytic converter fails prematurely, code P0420 triggered. Owners trace root cause to high oil consumption fouling the converter.
When: 129,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: P0420 code (catalytic converter efficiency); Check Engine light on
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Owners note catalytic converter failure is direct result of excessive oil burning but Chevy refuses recall for this year despite known high-consumption issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevy refuses to issue recall for 2014 model high oil consumption despite acknowledging it as known issue.
Roaring noise and frame/suspension vibration
Loud roaring noise from rear end on both sides; vehicle shakes during driving. Bumping sound when brakes applied. Associated with high oil consumption.
When: Mileage not specified; owner has had vehicle since 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Loud roaring noise from rear on both sides; Vehicle shakes during driving; Bumping sound when braking
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs identified; owner reports multiple shop visits without diagnosis.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The the service traction control service stabilitrak lights with the engine light came on and I lost engine power and was "reduced power." this was while driving slowly getting up to speed. Happened again a few days later when going about 40 MPH and I could not go any faster, I had to pull over and stop driving. Parked the car for 3 hours then it was fine. Still not clear as to what caused this.…
I was driving in busy traffic with no warning signs, no check engine lights when all of a sudden my engine lost power an would not restart. I had to get a tow from Kentucky to Michigan to a near by Mechanic where he ran a boroscope. The timing chain failed which then valves hit the pistons. I know this has been a big problem for this year equinox.
My husband and I bought brand new 2014 Chevrolet equinox. Thinking that this would be an investment as a reliable and safe family car, it has been nothing but a headache. It currently has less than 60k miles and it has engine failure problems and isn't drive-able... The engine unexpectedly lost power while my husband was driving down the 91 freeway from irvine to riverside around 70 MPH. The…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 37 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 55,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.