Model-year record

2016 Chevrolet Equinox
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
392
Reports to NHTSA, 2016
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
23
EPA estimate
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (39% of 392 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (26%).
+ 11 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 392 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11698268, ODI 11450158, ODI 11738059, ODI 11735031, ODI 11729651.
Individual complaint reports(392)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsUnknown Or OtherJul 2026 · ODI 11750405Details +Close −
: "I live in my car. The 2016 Equinox 2.4L burned all its oil in 2 weeks with no leaks, failed to give a dashboard warning, and the engine is now knocking, threatening to leave me unsheltered." This ties my vehicle's specific failure to the federal database for future legal payouts.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Jul 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsJul 2026 · ODI 11748145Details +Close −
right front wheel assembly is bad.
- Reported
- Jul 2026
- Incident date
- Dec 1969
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2026 · ODI 11738059Details +Close −
I started up my car on a cold winter morning and I heard a loud popping noise. I backed up my car minutes later and discovered puddles of oil in front of me in my driveway. I asked my husband to come out and look. He got under the car and said my oil blew out of the rear seal. I was unable to drive my car as the seal was blown. After some investigating I discovered it was the PCV valve that froze and blew out the rear seal. I discovered that Basil Ford was sent this Bulletin and told to clean the PCV valve when people brought their car in. They never reached out and told me to bring the car in to have this done. It could have been an easy fix. I also discovered by researching that people had this happen to them when they were driving on the highway and it caused them accidents. I called GMC and they are telling me my 2016 isn't in the class action suit. Basil wanted way too much money so I took it to Pep Boys and it cost me $3,000 to have the PCV valve replaced with the kit that prevents it from freezing up again and I had to replace my manifold and my rear seal
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2026 · ODI 11735031Details +Close −
Around 100,000 miles car started burning through oil. Have to check oil weekly. No warning lights come up when the oil is low. Patiently waiting for them to put a recall on it.
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineApr 2026 · ODI 11729651Details +Close −
Excessive oil consumption with no warning light, loss of power, and stalling. Also caused the master seal to leak and plugged the PCV valve. I have records for the repairs. It continues to excessively use oil and is not a reliable vehicle. When it stalls, power steering is lost as well as the stabilitrack.
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- May 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMar 2026 · ODI 11723180Details +Close −
engine constantly eats oil, no oil leak
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Dec 1969
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2026 · ODI 11719424Details +Close −
Engine failure. There is a class action that has been filed for this exact make, model, and engine size. There were no lights indicating an issue and the car had recently been serviced with an oil change and oil filter change and was being regularly maintained on oil changes. When it was brought to a mechanic, they told me the entire engine had failed and there was no power to one of the spark plugs anymore. I reached out to GM regarding this and they acknowledged the failure
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsFeb 2026 · ODI 11716209Details +Close −
Transfer case and front differential failure. No warning lights came on beforehand
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingFeb 2026 · ODI 11715924Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while reversing the vehicle on a cold, snowy day, there was oil on the driveway. There was a fuel odor inside the vehicle, and the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was related to the PCV system. The mechanic stated that the PCV valve was clogged, causing the gasket to fail. The vehicle was partially repaired. The mechanic later informed the contact that other repairs were necessary. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage associated with the VIN for the repair. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJan 2026 · ODI 11711299Details +Close −
I am writing to formally document a series of catastrophic mechanical failures regarding the aforementioned vehicle. Despite rigorous maintenance and significant financial investment, the car remains non-drivable, posing a severe safety risk. Chronology of Failures: October 2024: Four months post-purchase, the timing chain failed on I-94. Atwater Chevrolet replaced the component; however, this did not resolve the underlying engine instability. December 3, 2025: Following a dashboard warning light, a Northland Chevrolet dealer replaced the solenoids. At this time, the windshield wiper motor also required replacement. Late December 2025: Shortly after these repairs, the vehicle suffered a major failure of the rear main seal and engine block during sub-freezing temperatures. This caused a total loss of oil and left the driver stranded in hazardous conditions. Maintenance and Disclosure: We have invested over $4,000 in preventative maintenance, including oil changes every 2,800 miles to mitigate known oil consumption issues. At the time of sale, there was no disclosure regarding the inherent engine defects common to this model. Current Status: The vehicle is currently at a dealership and is inoperable. A $10,000 loan balance remains. Current diagnostics suggest a frost plug failure triggered the event. I have contacted GM regarding Bulletin 14882, which addresses identical issues in similar models, but was informed it does not currently attach to this VIN. Furthermore, the extended warranty provider has denied the claim following an inspection, despite the documented manufacturing issues known to affect these engines for several years.
- Reported
- Jan 2026
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsJan 2026 · ODI 11708723Details +Close −
The wiper blade motor is gone out. The tire pressure sensor is off : the oil seems to disappear faster than the sensor
- Reported
- Jan 2026
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2025 · ODI 11707541Details +Close −
Clogged PCV caused engine pressure resulting in failure of rear main seal
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperDec 2025 · ODI 11706997Details +Close −
While driving with windshield wipers on, they suddenly stopped working. The wipers were stuck in position in the center of my windshield. Upon inspection, it appeared that one of the arms had become disconnected from the piece it was connected to. Snapped right off during unsafe driving conditions.
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineDec 2025 · ODI 11706231Details +Close −
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 low oil level. I saw here on NHTSA that these cars burn through excessive amounts of oil, and I definitely saw that firsthand. I’m wondering why no recalls exist when this is a well-known issue with these cars, and so many of them are dead at 50-70k miles…? The last two cars I had (Ford Escapes), had over 218k or 185k miles and they were still drivable when I got a replacement vehicle. Now I buy this used Equinox with almost 70k miles and I’m wondering if it is going to break down within the first year. I expect I will be buying lots of oil and checking/changing it often. This is not just an inconvenience, it can cause major safety concerns! I will not be a repeat Chevy customer!
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingDec 2025 · ODI 11703026Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that two weeks after the vehicle was purchased, while the vehicle was being serviced, the contact was informed that the engine was very low on oil. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an oil change was performed on the vehicle. Two weeks later, the contact took the vehicle back to be checked and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. However, no cause for the failure was found. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had to check the oil level weekly. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Jun 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineNov 2025 · ODI 11698268 · crashDetails +Close −
This car used so much oil that I had to put it in constantly. Eventually the time belt broke, and the car stopped because it literally had no oil in it causing the engine to blow. This is a known problem I found out later on.
- Reported
- Nov 2025
- Incident date
- Nov 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Air BagsOct 2025 · ODI 11690993Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The warning light remained illuminated constantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the weight sensor on the front passenger’s seat had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Reported
- Oct 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperSep 2025 · ODI 11690357Details +Close −
When I was driving home from the grocery store a very heavy thunderstorm started I turned my wipers off because of the sudden rain just to realize that they were not working. I had to pull over because I couldn’t see. Causing me to almost get rear ended with my 6 month old, 18 month old and 6 year old I was finally able to start driving 45 minutes later when the rain stopped. This was a very dangerous incident that happened that could have ended in a car catch INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2025 · ODI 11689002Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and idled abnormally. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle jumped unintendedly. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The independent mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The failure became a recurring failure, and the contact parked the vehicle, and the vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2025 · ODI 11688131Details +Close −
The high pressure fuel pump leaking into crankcase and leaking gasket the fuel in the oil was so much it lit on fire.
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineSep 2025 · ODI 11687779Details +Close −
oil consumption is bad. according to mechanic it has now caused problems with timing chain and tensioner. I have to get that replaced ASAP before engine ties up. There is a class action lawsuit in Missouri for same reason with cars like mine. My car has not even hit 114,000.
- Reported
- Sep 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperAug 2025 · ODI 11678031Details +Close −
Front wipers stop working in the middle of a rain storm while driving down the highway we were unable to see anything(road/cars)out of the window. We had to put on flashers and stick head out of a rolled down window to (which with rain slapping you in the face is not safe either) try and get to a shoulder on the highway safely. My hubby and I were terrified and thought we were going to die or cause harm to others on the highway. After rain slowed down we got home very slowly with hazard light running. Once home I searched the web for problems that could have caused the wipers to suddenly stop. Results were to check fuses and relays (all checked out fine). I read that it could be a bushing on linkage arm that came off. Husband and I took off wipers and the cowl and sure enough linkage arm bushing had popped off of the ball joint. We tried to replace old bushing with a new one and put everything back together as it was taken off. Turned on wipers and it popped right back off. My car is now sitting in the yard unusable because I can not safely (for my family or other families out there) go any where because it is raining/will rain. There were no warnings or messages nothing they just stopped moving. One of the most scariest things in our lives, so glad our kids and grandson was not with us when it happened and that by the grace of God my husband and I made it home safely. This is very dangerous. It is also not uncommon due to information/videos on the internet. Please help correct this dangerous issue. Car is available for inspection any time Thank you
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Engine And Engine CoolingJul 2025 · ODI 11675983Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that one and a half quarts of oil needed to be added every two days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the failure was caused by the timing belt sagging, and the piston being burned. The dealer stated that the gasket kit, timing chain, tensioner, sensor, guards, actuator, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJul 2025 · ODI 11673587Details +Close −
The concern is the oil consumption. The car looses a quart of oil a month. I average only 620 miles per month. There is no leak. A mechanic has been keeping track of it every month since April 2025. No warning lights alerted me of the problem. This has been an ongoing problem with the Chevy Equinox. My last one had the same problem but it was fixed thru a recall. It is frustrating for me to have to bring my car in every month to have it checked, because I am a caregiver for my husband and its hard for me to get away. I also use the car for his doctor appointments. I need a dependable car and can't afford a different one.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperJul 2025 · ODI 11673768Details +Close −
While driving on the highway, it was barely raining so I turned my wipers on low and about 5 minutes into my drive the rain picked up, and I tried to turn my wipers up at which point the stopped working altogether. I had to pull off on the shoulder and wait for the rain to end, which was about 20 minutes later. Afterwards I proceeded to the nearest gas station and purchased a squeegee to use while I was driving since cars were kicking up rain from the wet ground. Having wipers abruptly stop while it is raining heavily and traveling at 55 mph is beyond dangerous. I see all of the complaints online and a recall should and needs to be issued, as this issue could have and still can caused a tragic accident.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJul 2025 · ODI 11673065 · fireDetails +Close −
Coming home from a trip without any warning our 2016 equinox scared me when it made a terrible sound lost power and stopped working. We’re 100’s miles away from home on the side of a road in the dark. We called for towing to a dealer payed for a hotel waited till the next day for it to be looked at. Told the engine was blown that the timing belt and everything in there was bent and in pieces 10,000-12,000 dollars to replace. Mind you this car is a ltz and very well talking care of. Without fixing it it’s worth 1000.00. Shame on gmc we should have been notified about issues. This happens at 80,000miles No warranty. I actually thought it caught on fire. Gm step up and take care of your life long customer that have owned Chevy always.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Fire
Visibility/WiperJul 2025 · ODI 11670635Details +Close −
component- windshield wipers available for inspection-yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was driving in light rain at first, turned on the windshield wipers on low. Slowed for a service vehicle and the rain became heavy so I moved the selector to high on the second or third pass across the windshield they quit, I could not see anything. I had to roll down my window and stick my head out to see so I could get off the road. I had to wait for the rain to stop before I could move. I first checked the fuses, it was fine. I can hear the wiper motor working. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No got the car home before the next rain Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No absolutely no warning
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJun 2025 · ODI 11665365 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
My son was driving when the steering "locked" into one position which caused him to leave the interstate, cross the median, across oncoming traffic and roll the vehicle three times. He suffered a lower back injury and his passenger only encountered minor cuts. We were not aware of any issues at the time. We did not have the vehicle inspected after the crash. No warnings or prior warnings were displayed by the car.
- Reported
- Jun 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Engine And Engine CoolingJun 2025 · ODI 11664784Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil pump had failed and caused the engine to seize. The contact was advised that the engine and oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2025
- Incident date
- May 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SteeringJun 2025 · ODI 11664648Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The failure persisted and became a complete failure. The contact stated that the “Service Power Steering” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Firestone Certified mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for assistance. The certified mechanic had diagnosed the vehicle with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,688.
- Reported
- Jun 2025
- Incident date
- May 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Fuel SystemMay 2025 · ODI 11659501Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the vehicle with a gasoline odor coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Reported
- May 2025
- Incident date
- May 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMay 2025 · ODI 11658734Details +Close −
I was driving my vehicle on the highway when all of a sudden I started to lose speed and my car wouldn’t accelerate. When my vehicle wouldn’t accelerate it started to shake significantly and the check engine, abs, traction control, and service stabilitrak light came on all at once. I was able to pull over and get my car towed to the dealership. Once it was at the dealership it was diagnosed that my car had jumped time causing a misfire in cylinder 4. My dealership stated this was due to low oil and my piston had become warped due to making contact with my valve. My car had no check oil warnings or any indication that vehicle was low on oil prior to this happening. My vehicle drove perfectly fine until that point. My vehicle also had no oil leaks (confirmed by myself not seeing any leaks under my vehicle as well as the dealership when they did the diagnostics). Before I bought my vehicle I did research and knew this model vehicle had oil consumption issues, so I made sure to routinely check my oil levels. Even with getting oil changes approximately every 3,000 miles and checking my oil levels and topping off my oil whenever it got less then 5 quarts I still had to get a total engine replacement. This was a huge safely issue since there was no warning that my oil was low and my car lost speed on the highway and was trying to stall out before I had a chance to pull off to safe place.
- Reported
- May 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2025 · ODI 11658343Details +Close −
In Feb 2025, I was driving, a day after a snow storm, on the highway when without warning my car stopped accelerating, and just shut down. The mechanic said my oil was all over the ground. He also stated that there's a defect in the 2.4l ecotec motors and the pistons broke on my vehicle. Now I have to pay $3500 to rebuild my motor. He stated that the vehicle has a higher oil consumption rate/ leaks and you will never know
- Reported
- May 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsMay 2025 · ODI 11658425Details +Close −
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR SYSTEM REPAIRED TWO YEARS AGO. CAR HAS JUST CROSSED OVER 16K MILES, SO IT IS USED VERY LITTLE. TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS KEEP GOING. INTERESTINGLY, MY NEIGHBOR HAS JUST BOUGHT THE SAME YEAR VEHICLE AND SHE HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY
- Reported
- May 2025
- Incident date
- May 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineApr 2025 · ODI 11654945Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,583.
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperApr 2025 · ODI 11655094Details +Close −
The wipers quit working while I was driving in a thunderstorm. Safety was definitely a risk as I was on a major highway. I pulled over and waited for rain to stop and made it to an auto parts store to replace fuse. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the issue. The recall does not include 2016 equinox. I don’t understand why it’s not included.
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherApr 2025 · ODI 11654211Details +Close −
The 2016 Equinox is not keeping oil in the engine. Therefore, the engine is unsafe and extremely dangerous - there is no warning! It will just stop in traffic! Life threatening to driver, passengers and other vehicles on the road.
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Oct 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherMar 2025 · ODI 11647980Details +Close −
Rear main seal blew due to freezing condensation in the pcv valve. The vehicle is at the dealership but can be available for inspection. This happened in an isolated area, when temperatures were below -15 degrees with the windchill. The vehicle started leaking oil and was not drivable, so me and my elderly mother were broke down on the side of the road in freezing temperatures! The problem have been verified by a transmission shop as well as a GM certified dealership. The vehicle has been inspected by a transmission shop, as well as a GM dealership, and a 3rd party investigator from my extended warranty company. There were no warning lights or indications prior to the vehicle starting to pour oil out from underneath it!
- Reported
- Mar 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMar 2025 · ODI 11646732Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started making a ticking noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the mechanic informed the contact that the engine was low by two quarts of engine oil. On another occasion, the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic for an oil change, and the engine was low by two quarts of engine oil. The following month the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, due to the vehicle hesitating to accelerate, the vehicle was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,690.
- Reported
- Mar 2025
- Incident date
- Aug 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineMar 2025 · ODI 11646546Details +Close −
Engines rear main seal failed and was replaced Freezing weather-15 degrees car will not run GM dealer that car was towed too Just a shutter no dash or any lights ever came on Repair by GM dealer said pcv valve froze resulting in dramatically increased oil pressure
- Reported
- Mar 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2025 · ODI 11644608Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving on a rural road at 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact entered a nearby parking lot, where the vehicle was parked and inspected. The contact stated that there was an abnormal amount of oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the vehicle had experienced engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2025 · ODI 11643659Details +Close −
When temperatures were around 0 degrees, I was driving to work and I started hearing a noise and the car was shaking. I oil all over the ground and checked the oil once parked, the dip stick had no oil and there was white foam under the oil cap. This issue could've cause me to lose control of my vehicle while driving, putting myself and anyone around me at risk. I had the vehicle towed to a dealership where they found out that the rear main seal failed. They replaced the rear main seal along with the front main seal and sent me on my way. I had no issues for the next month, but the weather went back below 0 degrees and the same issue happened again, this time there was ice found in the intake manifold. This repair is being completed now. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealership. No warning light, messages or any other symptoms were present prior to the failure. The engine light DID NOT turn on when the seal "blew" but did turn on after turning the car off and back on.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2025 · ODI 11643131Details +Close −
On January 21st,2025 (a day where temps did not exceed zero degrees driving this vehicle 3/4 of mile home from work, as pulling down my street, engine began to run rough. No warning lights came on. i pulled in my drive and garage and turned off, there was an oil trail up my drive. After about an hour i looked under car and a HUGE puddle of oil was there. I then had it towed to Chevy dealer. They said it was the 3rd car with this same engine brought in that week, and same issue, a blown rear seal, and in my case damaged the engine quickly. we were told by other dealers that fire could have happened. After doing research, models 2004-2015 have the same exact engine and same exact Defect. the PVC intake valve can develop condinsation (the design does not allow this to escape) and on extreme cold days this can freeze, causing the pressure to build quickly and without warning blow the seal and damage the engine. In 2015 GM put out a service bulliten to dealers warning of this issue and fixed at no charge and also extended the warranty to 10 year 125000 miles (we are currently 8 years , 90K) GM did not change the Defect in this engine until the 2018 model years, GM did not contact any owners of 2016-2027 with the same exact engine and defect to fix or make aware it existed. There are hundred if not thousands of these engines with this defect on the road. It is all over GM related forums, the dealership service departments are aware of the issue as well. GM is refusing to fix my vehicle which now needs a new engine at cost close to $10K, For last month I have had to rent a vehicle for $300 per week at my cost while I fight with GM They have offered me a $1500 coupon to buy a new car, and now today offered $2000 towards the fix this is not acceptable to me. They are aware of the issue and have fully paid for and fixed the SAME EXACT issue all except 2016-2017 we think there should be an urgency to this matter
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperFeb 2025 · ODI 11642947Details +Close −
The wipers stopped working during a rain snow mix. My brother looked up der the shroud and the motor and assembly are all working fine. But the bushing or housing that keeps the arm in place has corroded and there are barely no threads left to them. This was said to be a problem with the 2015 Equinox as well. He tried to put a new nut in to fix the problem. But that only worked for a little while. Now it is no longer holding and it's going to be an awfully snowy few days starting tonight.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2025 · ODI 11641526Details +Close −
1. Excessive oil consumption! Adding one quart of oil every two weeks! 2. Timing chain replaced (TWICE) within 2 years! 2022/2023 3. Rear main seal replaced! 2022 4. VVT solenoid replaced because of rapid oil consumption causing metal shavings from engine! 2025 No warning lights just loud ticking all of a sudden and then engine shaking! Camshaft locked up and would not start, had to be towed to repair shop! This is a very dangerous engine (EcoTec 2.4L 4 cylinder) to drive with, as it can lock up or just fail causing an accident!
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineFeb 2025 · ODI 11641323Details +Close −
I'm aware of the history of oil consumption issues with Equinoxs, as this is my third one, but I am told by the mechanic who did the oil change that there are no leaks, yet there 8 day later, after the oil change has been preformed, there is absolutely no oil on the dip stick. I just bought this car from Showcase Auto Sales, in Chesaning, MI and they will not take it back, as they sell them as is. There was no oil then either.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemFeb 2025 · ODI 11641421Details +Close −
Snowy conditions. All of the traction control, stabilitrak, and abs systems are working normally. Sometimes when i accelerate and the wheels start to spin the whole infotainment console turns off. Its almost like the battery is dead for a few seconds then everything turns back on.
- Reported
- Feb 2025
- Incident date
- Feb 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EngineJan 2025 · ODI 11639307Details +Close −
There is a oil consumption issue with this vehicle and there are no warning indicators whatsoever that there is no-low oil If I hadn't caught it I would've blown my engine
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2025 · ODI 11638831Details +Close −
no lights came on my car just became sluggish and I continued to drive up the road trying to get to safe spot to stop and it completely shut off on me I had to push out of road thankfully no one was behind me. I had towed to mechanic and he said my timing belt skipped and it had no oil has bent valves and piston damage and that I need a new engine
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJan 2025 · ODI 11638655Details +Close −
Driving vehicle on two days 1/21-1/22/25 both days had a high of zero degrees, vehicle say for 4 hours at work outside and then was driven the 1 mile home. As pulling down my street car started running rough. Pulled into my garage looked and there was a oil steak up my driveway . My wife called me and when I got home I looked under car and looked like several quarts of oil on floor under car. She said no warning lights came on. I had it towed the next day to a local garage. He inspected the vehicle and said rear seal was blown and that there is knock in engine , so basically shot. We bought the car new in 2016 and it has less the. 90k miles. I contacted Chevy and they said nothing is out about that year. I contacted local Chevy dealer and was told this is a known pvc freeze issue with equinoxes and this engine but it has not been recalled. There is a Chevy bulliten about this issue that is the same engine but the bulliten covers 2010-1014. This is the same exact issue in the same exact engine. On my hat service bulliten they have increased the warranty to 10year 100k and are covering the repairs. But they will do nothing and ignore the issue on every other vehicle with this engine and this flaw. Lucky my wife made it home safe I am having the car towed to a Chevy dealership and am prepared to leave it there and demand it gets fixed.
- Reported
- Jan 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Equipment · 16V449000Details +Close −
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles manufactured October 16, 2015. The certification labels may have incorrect tire/rim size and cold tire pressure information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: If the information on the certification labels is incorrect, the operator may install incorrectly sized tires or rims or may improperly inflate the tires, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the certification label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1050, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 46600.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
2 NHTSA investigations on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
On December 13, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-005) to further assess the MY2010-2016 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain windshield wiper failures. Due to a prior recall, 16V-582, addressing this issue in the MY2013 subject vehicles, MY2013 was not included in the analysis. To date, ODI had received 998 complaints with allegations of the front windshield wiper failing in adverse whether conditions, while the vehicle was in motion.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intruding into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint resulting in loss of windshield wiper function. ODI?s review focused on 2010-2012 and 2014-2016 Equinox and Terrain vehicles. Owners were reporting a high rate of failures of the windshield wiper system. These failures were the same as that addressed by recall 16V-582. ODI's review of data supplied by GM as well as its own confirmed a high failure rate in model years 2014 and 2015. On March 17, 2022, GM filed a defect information report recalling all MY2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles to remedy the potential failure of the front windshield wiper transmission assembly.General Motors is also conducting a special coverage program, N192266181, for MY2010-2012 and MY2016-2017 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The special coverage is for a period of 15 years or 200,000 miles, whichever comes first.Both the recall, 22V-165, and the special coverage program, N192266181, address windshield wiper system failures on the subject vehicles. The dealership will inspect the front wiper assembly for ball joint wear. Depending on the degree of wear, the wiper links will be replaced, and a water shield installed or the entire module will be replaced.In view of the recall and special coverage, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis (EA). NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers in a separate attachment.
On November 2, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ18-002) to assess the scope of Recall 16V-582.General Motors (GM) initiated Safety Recall 16V-582 on August 3, 2016 to address windshield wiper failure in the Model Year (MY) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. Failures were attributed to water and debris intrusion into the windshield wiper assembly ball joints, leading to excessive wear and eventual detachment of the affected ball joint with an attendant loss of windshield wiper function. The recall remedy addressed these conditions with the installation of an improved windshield wiper motor/transmission assembly and the relocation of a drain hole on the Air Inlet Panel at the base of the windshield.RQ18-002 was opened to assess windshield wiper failure rates in the MY 2010-2012 and MY 2014 - 2016 Equinox and Terrain (subject vehicles).During the course of the investigation, ODI received additional consumer complaint traffic bringing its total to 602 concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. In their December 20, 2018 response to ODI's Information Request (IR) Letter, GM reported 1,303 complaints related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. Together, these bodies of data correspond to 1,905 unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN).GM stated the recalled vehicles exhibited double the warranty rate and five times the complaint rate of the subject vehicles and that continuing complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles stemmed from publicity surrounding Recall 16V-582.ODI's review of GM's data confirms the stated difference in failure rates between the recalled and subject vehicles. However, ODI believes that the subject vehicle failure rates are nevertheless elevated and that publicity alone cannot account for the continued consumer complaint traffic concerning the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. ODI is upgrading to RQ18-002 to an Engineering Analysis to compare subject vehicle failure rates and engineering practices to those in peer vehicles.The 602 ODI complaints cited can be viewed in a separate attachment.
Crash-test ratings
2016 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2016 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 22 | 31 | 26 |
| Equinox FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 22 | 31 | 26 |
| Equinox AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 28 | 23 |
| Equinox AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 28 | 23 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 16 | 23 | 18 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners filed 392 NHTSA complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (39% of complaints) and visibility/wiper (26%).
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox between 18 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.