This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 169 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 95,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
169
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Equinox | 273 |
| 2012 Equinox | 254 |
| 2013 Equinox | 320 |
| 2014 Equinox | 173 |
| 2015 Equinox (this page) | 169 |
| 2016 Equinox | 161 |
| 2017 Equinox | 147 |
| 2018 Equinox | 38 |
| 2019 Equinox | 51 |
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 169 engine complaints filed for the 2015 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
Owners have filed 169 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.
Engine accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
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 service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
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 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox with the 2.4L Ecotec engine has a documented pattern of catastrophic engine failure driven by excessive oil consumption. Owners describe oil burning internally at rates of 2–5 quarts between service intervals or within 100–200 miles of driving, yet report no external leaks or low-oil warning lights—even when the crankcase runs dry.
The failures follow a consistent sequence: oil burns or leaks away (piston rings, PCV valve in cold weather, or rear main seal), starving the VVT solenoids and timing chain of pressure, then the engine seizes or stalls without warning. Owners report losing power at highway speeds, at traffic lights, and during turns—situations where sudden shutdown creates serious accident risk. Once oil starvation reaches critical point, full engine replacement is the only repair; rebuilt solenoids or valve replacements offer only temporary relief before the core consumption problem resurfaces.
Owners cite class action lawsuits against GM for model years 2010–2013, a GM service bulletin (14882) covering some—but not all—2015 VINs, and widespread complaints across online forums. Yet GM consistently denies warranty coverage, citing lack of a formal recall or the vehicle's owner maintenance record. Mechanics nationwide confirm they've replaced this engine multiple times and report 40+ engines on backorder specifically due to this failure pattern.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption (Internal Burning/Piston Ring Failure)
Engine burns oil internally at a rapid rate—typically 2–5 quarts between service intervals or 100–200 miles of driving—despite no visible external leaks. Root cause attributed to defective piston rings and ring sticking. Owners report no oil warning lights, even when oil levels drop to zero.
When: Onset varies; some owners report from purchase, others after 75k–115k miles. Worsens over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between changes (quarts per 100–200 miles); No external oil leaks visible on ground or under vehicle; No low-oil warning light or indicator until catastrophic loss; Milky white residue in oil cap (moisture/coolant contamination); Rough idling; Difficulty accelerating
Codes mentioned: P0011 (Intake Cam Actuator Solenoid fault), P0010 (Exhaust Cam Actuator Solenoid fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil changes, valve replacements ($400–$800), piston and ring repairs ($1200–$2000), or full engine replacement ($6000–$11,000). No structural leak found; problem is internal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuits for 2010–2013 model years; no recall for 2015. GM TSB 14882 applies to select VINs only. Some owners report GM denying responsibility, citing lack of recall.
Engine Stalling / Loss of Power While Driving
Engine shuts off or loses power unexpectedly during highway driving, at traffic lights, or while accelerating. Occurs with little to no warning. Often related to oil starvation (piston/ring failure, VVT solenoid starvation) or timing chain damage.
When: Can occur at any mileage from 30k to 115k+ miles, often without prior symptom.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power or stalling at highway speeds (25–55 mph); Stalling at traffic lights or stop signs; Repeated stalling (multiple times per week in some cases); Engine shaking or jerking before stall; Check engine light (sometimes only after restart); Stability track / reduced engine power warning; No warning lights beforehand in many cases; Engine takes multiple restart attempts
Codes mentioned: P0011, P0010 (VVT solenoid codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement ($6000–$11,000) typically required; timing chain and cams often damaged secondary to oil starvation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. VIN-specific TSB and warranty coverage not applied to all affected vehicles.
Timing Chain Failure / Engine Seizure
Timing chain stretches, snaps, or loses tension due to oil starvation from excessive consumption or PCV-induced pressure buildup. Results in valve damage, loss of compression, and complete engine failure. Often occurs suddenly with loud knocking sound.
When: Typically 75k–115k miles, but reported as early as 30k miles. Often no gradual warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or ticking sound from engine; Engine knocking/hammering at startup or idle; Sudden loud noise followed by engine shutdown; Engine no-start after noise; Loss of power in intersection or on highway; Check engine light (sometimes delayed); Engine shake or vibration before failure
Codes mentioned: VVT-related codes (P0011, P0010)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement ($6000–$11,000). Mechanics report 40+ engines on backorder due to this failure pattern; rebuilt engines (Jasper Motors) also experiencing backorder. Timing chain repair alone not sufficient; engine destruction usually catastrophic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuits exist for 2010–2013 models (settled or ongoing). TSBs issued but no formal recall for 2015 model year. GM refuses coverage outside of select VIN lists.
PCV System Failure (Freeze / Clogging)
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve freezes or clogs in cold weather (<9°F), creating excessive crankcase pressure. This pressure forces oil out through rear main seal, leading to rapid oil loss and engine damage.
When: Triggered by sub-zero temperatures; multiple complaints from winter months and extreme cold snaps.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil smell from vents or exterior; Rear main seal blowout / catastrophic oil leak; Oil pooling under vehicle; Smoke from engine compartment; Engine hammering/knocking after cold start; Loss of oil pressure; No warning lights in many cases
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal replacement ($1400–$2000). But if pressure continues to build (PCV not cleared), re-failure likely. Some owners report repeated seal failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletin 14882 addresses some cases, but coverage is VIN-specific. No universal recall; some owners denied warranty coverage under 'design flaw, not covered' language.
VVT Solenoid Failure / Camshaft Actuator Malfunction
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoids fail due to contaminated or low-pressure oil from excessive consumption. Solenoid replacement is temporary; root cause (oil starvation) recurs.
When: After oil consumption has begun; can be early warning sign before full engine failure. Reported from 30k to 115k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with P0011/P0010 codes; Rough idling; Engine stuttering/hesitation during acceleration; Jolting or jerking sensation while driving; Difficulty shifting gears (hard, abrupt shifts); Rattling or whining sounds; Reduced power mode activation
Codes mentioned: P0011 (Camshaft Position A Timing Over-Advanced), P0010 (Camshaft Position B Timing Over-Retarded)
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement ($400–$800) is temporary fix; if excessive oil consumption is not resolved, solenoid will fail again. Metal shards in oil can clog solenoid screens and jam actuators.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Mechanics report this is a 'well-known' pattern with this engine but GM does not provide extended coverage beyond warranty.
Rear Main Seal Failure / Oil Leak
Rear crankshaft seal fails, allowing engine oil to blow out at the base of the engine and coat the exhaust system. Often triggered by excessive crankcase pressure (PCV failure) or simply worn seal design.
When: Can occur as early as 78k miles; often in cold weather due to PCV freeze.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong oil smell from exterior or vents; Heavy oil pooling under vehicle; Smoke from engine area (oil burning on exhaust); Oil coating undercarriage and exhaust; Fire risk if oil contacts hot exhaust surfaces; Rapid oil level drop
Repairs/costs cited: Seal replacement costs $1400–$2000. But if underlying PCV or pressure issue exists, seal will fail again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletin 14882 references this, but warranty/TSB coverage is VIN-specific. Some owners denied coverage as 'design' issue.
Engine Fire
One reported case of engine compartment fire. Oil leak or excessive burning oil contacted hot exhaust, igniting. Vehicle declared total loss.
When: At approximately 30,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud humming sound from engine; Steam issuing from under hood; Fire in engine compartment
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle total loss; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information provided.
Exhaust Manifold / Catalytic Converter Damage
One complaint of exhaust manifold cracking (likely stress from oil burning/contamination) and catalytic converter requiring replacement. May be secondary to oil consumption or PCV-related issues.
When: Unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revving unexpectedly; Burning odor; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter and exhaust manifold replacement. Excessive oil consumption also diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided; no recalls.
Synthesized from 169 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
No warning engine light came on and vehicle stalling (p011 and p016 codes) took to automotive repair shop new engine refurbished $5000 new $10,000 unfortunately no funds for either just over 100,000 miles and still owe $13,000 I understand these are the same issues that have been noted in first generation vehicle. I now have to look for a replacement vehicle while paying for one that does…
The 2.4 liter engine in my car has had excessive oil consumption. now the engine oil is like peanut butter and the blow by out the oil fill is strong.
My SUV uses a lot of oil. I'm not sure where it is going. Also my brakes squeal something awful. ever since I had the car.And it stalls most everytime I stop at red lights or when I park. My check engine light is on all of the time. It simply will not operate at those low speeds. The engine starts to lag and idle really bad. I ran the codes and it said it was the camshaft positioning sensor.…
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed a massive oil leak underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, the contact noticed an oil seal leak. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.…
In July/August 2021, the driver side windshield wiper got stuck mid-swipe. The only way to get it to go down was to physically move it. I was driving on the interstate in the middle of a downpour. Had to pull over several times on the way home because periodically it would move back up and get stuck. When it wasn't stuck I had to lean to the right to see out of the right side of the…
2015 Chevy Equinox with Excessive oil Consumption. Known complaints for this model. My engine seized up . No warning . Oil had been changed
The car stopped while driving and taken to the mechanic shop who diagnosed the reason due to a broke chain and this car has frequent oil changes every 3000 miles and there was no indication or even warning signs prior now the engine needs to be replaced. It appears to have these same issues several years back and there were recall and I believe that my car is also part of this same problem and I…
Engine failed as a result of a constant oil leak. My and others safety was put at risk because the engine died while I was traveling on the road. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. There was no warning lamps or messages.
Do to excessive oil consumption and cold weather the engine is done and has to be replaced.
PCV system freezing and plugging resulting in increased pressure causing excessive oil leak and potential engine failure. Pulled oil dipstick and release excessive pressure, however icing and freezing within the system continues to occur.
Had engine trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 169 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 76 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 65,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 95,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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/2015/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.