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 ↗2015 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 60 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 81,347 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
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Equinox | 135 |
| 2012 Equinox | 78 |
| 2013 Equinox | 78 |
| 2014 Equinox | 37 |
| 2015 Equinox (this page) | 60 |
| 2016 Equinox | 25 |
| 2017 Equinox | 30 |
| 2018 Equinox | 61 |
| 2019 Equinox | 34 |
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When does it fail?
Of the 60 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 60 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 5 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 consistently describe severe oil consumption on the 2015 Equinox, burning a quart every 500–1,000 miles or more despite regular maintenance. Blue smoke from the tailpipe, burnt-oil smell, and a complete absence of low-oil warning lights create dangerous driving conditions until the engine seizes or timing components fail from starvation.
Cold-weather rear main seal failures flood the engine bay with oil without warning, creating fire hazards and sudden loss of power. Owners report pooling oil and engine knocker noises, with repair costs exceeding $1,500. PCV valve freezing in winter appears to be the root cause, documented in GM service bulletin 14882, yet the 2015 model year remains excluded from recall despite matching the exact failure profile of earlier recalled years.
Timing chains stretch and break after prolonged oil starvation, resulting in bent valves and destroyed compression—engine replacement is the only fix. Stalling at idle and during acceleration happens repeatedly without check engine lights, often tied to camshaft solenoid or valve actuator issues.
Transmission problems include slipping, loss of drive, and clunking during gear transitions. Transfer case bearings shear and scatter metal into gears, causing violent failure with no dashboard warning. Windshield wipers fail without warning, heater cores fail prematurely, and the ignition allows key removal while in Drive, enabling rollaway incidents.
Across all failures, owners report a consistent pattern: no warning lights despite critical safety risks, and warranty denial when repairs occur outside dealerships or when oil-change documentation is incomplete despite proper maintenance intervals.
Same Chevrolet Equinox powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns or consumes oil at rates far exceeding normal specifications (1 quart per 500–1,000 miles or more), often attributed to undersized piston rings allowing blow-by. Owners report needing to add oil between scheduled changes despite regular maintenance. Smoke visible from exhaust, burnt-oil smell, and oil light fails to alert driver until critical low-oil condition occurs.
When: Typically first noticed between 50,000–90,000 miles; can occur as early as 55,000 miles or persist to 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine burns 1–3 quarts monthly or 1 quart per 500–1,000 miles; Blue/white smoke from tailpipe; Burnt-oil smell when exiting vehicle; Oil light fails to warn until oil is critically low or depleted; No warning light despite severe consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement recommended; some owners report $9,000+ cost for new engine. Oil consumption test performed (every 2,000 miles). Limited recall existed for 2010–2013 model years; 2014–2017 excluded despite identical engine design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2010–2013 Equinox; extended 150,000-mile powertrain warranty applied to those years only. 2014–2017 models with same engine not included. Warranty companies may refuse coverage for consumption-related damage. GM acknowledges problem exists but has not extended recall or warranty to 2015 model year.
Rear Main Seal Failure / Oil Leak
Rear main seal fails prematurely, causing catastrophic oil loss without warning lights. Often triggered by PCV valve freezing in cold weather, which allows moisture buildup in the manifold that freezes and ruptures the seal. Owners report oil pooling underneath vehicle, creating fire hazard from oil contact with hot engine components. No oil pressure warning light alerts driver to danger.
When: Cold weather operation (temperatures below freezing); can occur between 58,000–102,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden oil leak underneath vehicle (pools of oil on ground/driveway); Oil light absent or delayed warning; Burning smell or smoke; Engine knocker/rattling noise; Oil on ground immediately after startup or shortly after driving; No dashboard warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal replacement costs $1,000–$1,500+. Repair often includes PCV system cleaning and manifold moisture removal. Some mechanics state no permanent fix exists; problem may reoccur. Engine and subframe removal sometimes required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 14882 issued in 2019 addressing PCV/rear main seal issue, but appears limited to specific model years. Recall issued for 2010–2013; 2015 model year not included despite identical cause and symptom profile. GM refused reimbursement when repairs performed at independent shops; no assistance offered for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Timing Chain Failure
Timing chain stretches, becomes loose, or breaks entirely, often after excessive oil consumption has left engine oil-starved. Broken chain allows valve-to-piston contact in this interference engine, bending all intake and exhaust valves and destroying cylinder compression. Loud rattling/knocking precedes failure. Engine requires complete replacement.
When: Between 88,000–150,000 miles; timing chain failure follows prolonged low-oil operation
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or knocking noise from engine; Engine stalls suddenly during driving; Complete loss of power / engine shutdown; No compression after failure; Check engine light may appear after stall (not before); No warning of timing chain wear before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required ($1,000–$9,000+ depending on shop). Warranty denial common; GM refuses coverage citing oil maintenance records as incomplete despite owner performing changes every 3,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealers and independent shops confirm this is a known issue. Owners report GM refusing to honor powertrain warranty for timing chain failure, citing lack of documented dealer oil-change records even when owner performed regular maintenance.
Engine Stalling at Idle or During Acceleration
Engine stalls without warning while stopped at traffic lights, stop signs, or during low-speed maneuvers, then stalls again immediately upon acceleration. Often occurs after brief restart or during gear transitions. No check engine light illuminates before failure. Dangerous in heavy traffic or highway on-ramps.
When: First reported between 55,000–89,000 miles; may recur despite dealer service
Symptoms owners cite: Stalls at stop lights or during idle; Stalls immediately upon pressing accelerator; No check engine light before stall; Requires restart to resume driving; Rough idle before stall event; Multiple stall events in single trip
Repairs/costs cited: Intake camshaft solenoid replacement; transmission control module reset and fluid flush attempted. Some repairs do not resolve problem permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealers have performed repairs (solenoid/ECM replacement) under warranty in some cases. Problem described as common by multiple independent shops but not addressed by manufacturer recall.
Transmission Slipping or Loss of Drive
Transmission fails to engage, slips out of gear, or loses motive power without warning during acceleration or at highway speeds. Vehicle may enter 'limp mode' (reduced power, limited speed). Transmission control module malfunction and downshift/upshift failures reported. Dangerous when occurring in traffic or at highway speeds.
When: Early in ownership (reported from 55,000–91,000 miles); can occur without prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips or fails to engage gears; Clunking sound when shifting or accelerating from stop; Vehicle goes out of gear at stop signs or highways; Delayed downshift and upshift; Extended braking distance when brake pedal depressed; Vehicle limited to 10 MPH in limp mode; Loss of motive power during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter knob replacement, transmission control module reset, and transmission fluid flush performed at dealers. Failures recurred after repair in at least one documented case. Full transmission replacement may be necessary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealers have attempted repairs under warranty but problems persist. Manufacturer refused warranty coverage in at least one case due to unconfirmed oil-change documentation.
Transfer Case Bearing / Differential Failure
Transfer case bearings shear, sending metal fragments into gears and causing catastrophic failure. Severe grinding noise and violent shaking result; in AWD vehicles, can occur twice within 7 months. No warning lights precede failure. Fluid leaks upon bearing collapse.
When: Between 140,000–151,000 miles; recurrence documented at 7-month intervals on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Severe grinding noise from transfer case; Violent shaking of front end; Rattling noise from beneath vehicle; Smoke from rear of vehicle; Vehicle overheating; No dashboard warning lights before failure; Fluid pour-out upon failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement required ($1,000–$2,000+). Repeated failures reported in some vehicles (2 replacements in 7 months). Metal fragments in gears indicate bearing failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Manufacturer stated vehicle out of warranty (151,000 miles). No assistance provided. Forums indicate widespread transfer case failure complaints.
Camshaft Position Sensor / Intake Valve Issues
Intake camshaft solenoid or valve actuator malfunction causes stalling, rough idle, and check engine light. Often occurs after multiple repairs for same code. Sensor may lack power or fail intermittently.
When: Between 50,000–63,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with code P0010 or P0011; Rough idle; Vehicle stalls during acceleration from stop; Lurching or jerky acceleration; Excessive gas and oil consumption; Repeated malfunction after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Intake camshaft solenoid replaced; some vehicles require multiple repairs for same issue. Valve actuator diagnosed as faulty; replacement performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall despite multiple complaints of same issue. Dealers have repaired under warranty in some cases.
Heater Core Failure
Heater core fails prematurely, causing extreme windshield fogging and condensation that renders the vehicle unsafe to drive. Defrost and defroster settings unable to clear condensation. Safety visibility compromised completely in wet conditions.
When: Between 32,000 miles and 3+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme windshield fogging and condensation; Interior windows fogged and cannot be cleared; Defrost/defroster ineffective; Visibility reduced to zero in wet conditions; No vehicle response to HVAC adjustments
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core replacement required. Owner reports concern over premature failure on relatively new vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealer diagnosed but no assistance noted.
Ignition Switch Allows Key Removal in Drive
Ignition system allows key to be removed while transmission is in Drive position, creating rollaway hazard. Vehicle can roll uncontrolled after driver exits without placing shift lever in Park.
When: Unpredictable; reported once in documented complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Key removable while vehicle in Drive; Vehicle rolls forward without warning; No mechanical lock preventing Drive-position key removal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall documented.
Transmission Wiper Motor Fault
Windshield wiper system fails completely without warning, often attributed to transmission (wiper motor) malfunction. Failure can occur while driving in rain, creating immediate safety hazard and vision loss.
When: Between 32,000 miles and 89,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers stop functioning without warning; Wipers fly off vehicle; No wiper response to controls
Repairs/costs cited: Wiper transmission/motor replacement required. One instance noted parts unavailable at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealer stated no parts available in one case.
StabiliTrak / Electronic Stability Control Malfunction
StabiliTrak system light remains on continuously or cycles on and off, indicating electronic stability control failure. Vehicle may enter reduced-power mode when light is active, limiting vehicle to 35 MPH. Air conditioning disabled during malfunction. Loss of braking coordination.
When: Between 55,000 miles and ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak light remains on continuously or intermittently; Vehicle speed limited to 35 MPH when error active; Vibration throughout vehicle during StabiliTrak malfunction; Air conditioning disabled; Jerking when stopping or shifting; Loss of traction control
Repairs/costs cited: Some repairs include ECM (engine control module) replacement under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some warranty coverage provided for ECM/control module replacement in early cases.
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
My vehicle has been having issues for a couple weeks with rough idle and my rpms reving when I let off the gas pedal. On 12/26/20, my vehicle stalled while driving it. Upon restarting it, it was making a loud noise, but no dash lights were on. I had it towed to a shop to see what was going on. The shop informed me that it had lost all of the oil due to a busted main seal. He told me that he had a…
Car is only 4 years old and has Chevy service department certified bad timing belt. Car has verifiable routine maintenance upkept. This is likely a manufacture's defect.
The engine is jerking, jumping, car has no power... Complete piece of crap.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 60 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 58,352 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 81,347. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,352; a quarter make it past 95,000. 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/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.