This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 161 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 94,000 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
161
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Equinox | 254 |
| 2013 Equinox | 320 |
| 2014 Equinox | 173 |
| 2015 Equinox | 169 |
| 2016 Equinox (this page) | 161 |
| 2017 Equinox | 147 |
| 2018 Equinox | 38 |
| 2019 Equinox | 51 |
| 2020 Equinox | 38 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 161 engine complaints filed for the 2016 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 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 161 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 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 2016 Equinox's 2.4L EcoTec engine exhibits a pattern of catastrophic failures centered on excessive oil consumption, PCV system defects, and seal failures—particularly in cold weather. Owners report the engine burning through oil without warning lights activating, forcing them to add quarts between service intervals or discover a bone-dry dipstick during routine checks. When oil levels drop critically, piston rings thin out, timing chains snap, and the rear main seal blows—sometimes triggered specifically by PCV valve freeze-up in sub-zero temperatures, which builds internal crankcase pressure. The engine then either seizes on the road with no advance indication, or loses oil catastrophically, coating the undercarriage in minutes.
Owners describe driving home from work, highway merges, and school runs that ended abruptly: the engine stalling mid-motion, loud grinding or knocking, and occasionally smoke or a violent bang. The check engine light either never illuminated or arrived too late. Dealers and independent shops confirm this is a widespread, recognized defect—some service departments report seeing three or four affected Equinoxes in a single week during cold months. Repair estimates range from $2,700 to $11,000+ for seal replacement, engine rebuild, or full replacement. GM's response has been denial of warranty coverage (citing mileage thresholds), nominal "goodwill" offers ($400–$2,000), and refusal to extend coverage to 2016–2017 model years despite issuing TSBs and warranty extensions for earlier engines with identical defects. Multiple class-action lawsuits are ongoing; settlements covered only 2010–2013 models.
Same Chevrolet Equinox engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption without warning indicator
Engine burns or loses oil at an alarming rate—from normal levels to bone-dry—between oil changes or within weeks, with no low-oil warning light ever illuminating. Owners discover the problem only by checking the dipstick or when the engine fails.
When: Typically 60,000–100,000 miles; consumption accelerates suddenly in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Dipstick reads empty despite recent oil change or top-off; No low-oil warning light on dashboard; No visible leaks underneath vehicle; Engine jerking, hesitation, or rough running as oil depletes; Need to add 1–3+ quarts every 300–400 miles or weekly
Codes mentioned: P0011 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced), P0014 (Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded), P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0351–P0358 (Ignition Coil misfire codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil changes every 2,800–3,000 miles; piston rings, gasket, and seal replacement quoted at $3,000–$5,000; engine rebuild or replacement $6,000–$11,000+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TSB 14-08-67 (PCV system revision for 2014–2016 Equinox); extended warranty to 10 year/125,000 miles for 2010–2015 models; 2016–2017 owners excluded from coverage or offered minimal goodwill ($400–$2,000); class-action settlement (Kiriacopoulos et al.) covers only 2010–2013
PCV valve freeze-up and rear main seal blow-out (cold-weather defect)
During sub-zero or near-freezing temperatures, the PCV valve design allows condensation to collect inside and freeze. As pressure builds in the crankcase, the rear main seal suddenly ruptures, expelling oil rapidly and causing complete engine oil loss within minutes.
When: Triggered by ambient temperatures near or below 0°F; occurs at 46,000–100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding, knocking, or growling noise from engine; Sudden oil leak flooding undercarriage or driveway; Engine stalls mid-drive with no advance warning; Ticking or rattling sound before failure; White foam or sludge on dipstick (water/oil mix); No warning lights until after engine shuts down
Codes mentioned: P0521 (Oil Pressure Sensor Malfunction—if light ever illuminates), P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit)
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal replacement $2,700–$3,500; front main seal replacement often recommended simultaneously; PCV valve replacement included; engine replacement if internal damage $6,000–$10,500 with 3-year warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TSB 14-08-67 (PCV system redesign issued 2015 for 2010–2015 models only); 2016–2017 owners not notified; dealer service advisors confirm defect is known but claim no recall applies; GM offered $1,500–$2,000 customer assistance on select cases post-2023
Limp mode and solenoid failure (VVT and intake valve solenoids)
Check engine light triggers 'limp mode' (reduced power operation) due to failed variable valve timing (VVT) or intake solenoid. Owners report the vehicle running rough, stalling at stops, and accelerating poorly. Replacement of solenoids may temporarily resolve the issue, but it often reoccurs or is symptomatic of underlying oil starvation.
When: 90,000–133,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine enters 'limp mode' or 'reduced power' mode; Stalling at stoplights or when stopped; Rough running, jerking, or hesitation; Misfiring or fuel system hesitation codes stored
Codes mentioned: P0011 (Camshaft Position A Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1), P0014 (Camshaft Position B Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2), P0016 (Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation), P0300 (Random Cylinder Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: VVT solenoid replacement (OEM) $300–$600 parts + labor; intake solenoid $200–$400; computer reset required; often does not permanently resolve issue if root cause is oil starvation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers and extended warranty providers perform repairs under warranty if within coverage period; no formal TSB issued for solenoid replacement; repairs may be covered under powertrain warranty (60,000 miles GM standard)
Carbon buildup on intake valves and direct-injection system clogging
Direct-injection fuel system and intake valves accumulate excessive carbon deposits. A pinhole blockage in the intake valve manifold system creates abnormal pressure and forces oil into the vacuum system and combustion chamber. Combined with poor oil circulation, this accelerates engine damage.
When: 96,000–131,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Large amounts of oil in PCV vacuum lines; Oil puddles in base of intake manifold; Excessive carbon buildup on piston crowns and valves; Oil blowby past valve cover seals and gaskets; Limp mode or rough running
Codes mentioned: P0011, P0014 (Camshaft timing codes secondary to carbon/oil issues), P0300 (Misfire from carbon fouling)
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold removal and cleaning $1,500–$2,500; PCV valve replacement; MAF sensor cleaning; full engine rebuild if damage extensive $8,000–$13,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall; dealers may recommend fuel system cleaning (cost ~$200–$400); no formal warranty extension for carbon-related failures
Timing chain failure and belt degradation
Timing chain stretches, breaks, or jumps time, causing misfire and engine shutdown. In some cases, owners report multiple timing chain replacements within short intervals. Chain failure allows pistons to strike valves, bending them and damaging rocker arms.
When: 50,000–99,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or rattling noise at idle or under acceleration; Check engine light with misfire codes; Vehicle stalls and will not restart; Loud clank or bang from engine bay; Engine enters limp mode
Codes mentioned: P0016 (Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation), P0017 (Camshaft Position B Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1), P0300 (Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain kit replacement (chain, guides, tensioner) $2,500–$4,500 parts + labor; valve repair if contact occurred $1,500–$3,000 additional; some owners report needing second replacement shortly after first
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall issued; one owner reported timing chain replaced at 50,000 miles during warranty; 2016 model not covered under any formal campaign
Engine seizure or 'catastrophic' internal damage from oil starvation
After piston rings thin from chronic oil loss, metal-to-metal contact occurs. Engine seizes, throws a rod, creates a hole in the block, or catastrophically fails mid-drive with a loud bang. No recovery possible; engine replacement mandatory.
When: 58,000–126,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding, knocking, or explosive noise from engine; Complete loss of power while driving; Check engine light may illuminate late or not at all; Engine will not restart; Visible metal debris or punched hole in engine block
Codes mentioned: Multiple misfire codes (P0300, P0301–P0308) before failure, P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor) as engine falters
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement mandatory; used engine $4,500–$6,500; refurbished/remanufactured $6,000–$8,000; new OEM $10,000–$13,000+; 3-year/100,000-mile warranty on replacement units
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has extended powertrain warranty on replacement engines to 3 year/100,000 miles; no factory repair offered for failed original engine unless within powertrain warranty (60,000 miles); goodwill offers of $400–$4,000 made on case-by-case basis post-2022
Rear main seal failure (non-cold-weather related)
Rear main seal ruptures without preceding freeze event, causing oil to leak past the seal. Occurs in warmer months or as a secondary failure after other work. Some vehicles experience repeated failures.
When: 46,000–156,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pooling under vehicle or visible dripping; Check engine light (if oil pressure drops); Burnt oil smell inside cabin or under hood; No loss of power initially; leak develops over time
Codes mentioned: P0521 (Oil Pressure Sensor if failure severe)
Repairs/costs cited: Rear main seal replacement $2,700–$3,500; front seal often replaced simultaneously; repeat failures reported in same vehicle post-repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under powertrain warranty to 60,000 miles; some dealers perform out-of-warranty repairs for repeat failures; no TSB addressing root cause
Misfire, rough running, and check engine light cycles
Engine misfires repeatedly, often recurs after repair. Solenoid or spark plug replacement does not permanently fix issue. Root cause is oil starvation starving cylinders or carbon fouling from direct-injection defect.
When: 64,000–159,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates and stays on; Rough idle or hesitation under load; Jerking or surging at stop lights; Failed repairs: same codes return within weeks; Multiple shop visits without resolution
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Random Cylinder Misfire), P0301–P0308 (Specific Cylinder Misfire Detected), P0011, P0014 (Camshaft Timing codes), P0171, P0174 (System Too Lean—fuel pressure regulator codes cited)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement $200–$400; solenoid replacement $200–$600; fuel injector cleaning $300–$500; if root cause is oil starvation, these repairs do not resolve; engine rebuild required $6,000–$11,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers may replace solenoids or perform fuel system service under warranty; no TSB addressing chronic misfire pattern; extended warranty repairs may be denied if underlying defect (oil consumption) is discovered
Synthesized from 161 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Clogged PCV caused engine pressure resulting in failure of rear main seal
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the PCV valve was clogged due to the cold weather. The clogged PCV valve caused the rear main seal to fail. The mechanic informed the contact that the PCV valve and rear main seal…
Was driving on the highway and the car lost power and shut down and wouldn’t start again. It was towed to a mechanic where I was told the timing jumped and I needed a new engine. I bought the car used in 2018 and not even 2 months after the car was burning oil the car started shaking and eventually stalled. At that point it was still cover under warranty
Had issue with it burning a TON of oil, solenoid ended up needing replaced. Replaced, and next day engine froze up and shot oil out of the back real seal, and now need replaced engine. Because the back real seal blew, is not being covered by my extended warranty, even though the damage was cause because of a covered part.
Equinox smells like burning oil and now it's begun to stall at random times usually while backing up or foward at low speeds or stopped. Had this vehicle 6 months and haven't even put 4,000 miles on it. Odometer shows 36,645 miles.
We purchased a 2016 Chevy equinox with a 2.4 eco-tech engine in September 2023 for approximately $14,000 and 95,000 miles. In September 2024, our vehicle seemed to malfunction at a gas station. When my husband attempted to turn the car on, it sputtered and several different lights lit up the dashboard. The car wouldnt start and we had to have it towed. The shop informed us the next day that…
Wiper linkage has failed and pcv valve froze and caused rear main seal failure
I just got this used car in seemingly great shape, was told it was garage kept and well cared for. Dealer had oil changed before I drove it off the lot. I only had it about one month, had driven about 1,000 miles so far, I check the oil, and dipstick was nearly dry. I threw oil in it and took it for an oil change just in case. No oil leaks, etc. No indication, no oil light, nothing to alert me to…
We bought this 2016 equinox about a month ago. It has used 2.5 guarts of oil in less than 4 thousand miles. I have seen on internet sites that there are a ton of complaints on this problem
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 161 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 56 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 72,000 and 117,583 miles, with the median around 94,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 72,000; a quarter make it past 117,583. 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/2016/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.