2012–2017 2nd generation
2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems and Years to Avoid
6 documented problems with the 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox, with symptoms, affected years, and typical repair costs. 1 of them are serious. 2 carry a recall or TSB number.
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2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox recalls and service bulletins
| Recall / TSB | Issue | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| GM Special Coverage 15285 / N192291100 | 2.4L excessive oil consumption (worn piston rings) | major |
| NHTSA 16V-582 (2013); NHTSA 22V-165 (2014–2015) | Windshield wiper failure (two recalls) | moderate |
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the vehicle's age, mileage, or how many owners it has had. Check your VIN against the NHTSA database to see what is still outstanding on your specific vehicle, a recall listed here may already have been performed.
2.4L excessive oil consumption (worn piston rings)
majorThe defining fault of this generation: oil-control rings on the 2.4L Ecotec stick and wear, and the engine burns oil, often 1 quart per 1,000–2,000 miles, which in turn takes out timing chains and, if run dry, the whole engine. GM issued Special Coverage 15285 and later N192291100 (7 years 6 months / 120,000 mi) covering piston-assembly replacement, and settled class-action suits; a separate suit alleged 2014–2017 models have the same defect. Most coverage windows have now expired, so buy used examples only after a compression/consumption check.
2.4L timing chain stretch/wear
moderateClosely linked to the oil-consumption problem. Low oil accelerates chain and guide wear. Symptoms are a rattle on cold start and codes P0008/P0016/P0017; unaddressed, a jumped chain can bend valves. Keeping the crankcase full and oil changes on schedule is the best prevention.
Windshield wiper failure (two recalls)
moderateWiper systems on this generation failed two separate ways: 2013 models were recalled (NHTSA 16V-582, ~368,000 vehicles) for wiper motor gear corrosion, and 2014–2015 models were recalled (NHTSA 22V-165) after investigation EA19-005 found the wiper module's plastic ball joints corrode and pop apart, killing one or both wipers. Dealers repair free. Check your VIN.
Camshaft actuator / VVT solenoid faults (2.4L)
minorCheck-engine lights with camshaft position codes (P0010–P0014) are common on the 2.4L, caused by sticking camshaft actuator solenoids, often aggravated by dirty or low oil. Usually a straightforward solenoid replacement; a genuinely worn actuator costs more.
StabiliTrak / electrical gremlins from a corroded negative battery cable
minorRandom StabiliTrak/traction-control warnings, no-crank events, and flickering electronics on this generation frequently trace to a corroded negative battery cable or ground connection, a cheap, well-known fix that gets misdiagnosed as bigger problems.
V6 timing cover and water pump seepage
moderateThe 3.0L/3.6L high-feature V6s commonly seep oil from the timing cover gasket and coolant from the water pump as they age. Leaks are usually slow, watch levels and address before they grow; timing cover resealing is labor-heavy.
Problems listed here are compiled from NHTSA complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, and widely documented owner reports for the 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox. Not every vehicle will experience these issues.
Which Chevrolet Equinox model years does this cover?
These problems and recalls specifications apply to every Chevrolet Equinox built from 2012 through 2017 — the 2nd generation, compact/mid-size crossover suv (theta platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2012Last year for the 3.0L LFW V6 option
- 20133.6L LFX V6 (301 hp) replaces the 3.0L; MyLink touchscreen infotainment added
- 2016Facelift begins: new projector-beam headlights across the lineup with LED running lamps on LT/LTZ; Teen Driver mode and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot added GM-wide this model year
- 2016–2017Facelift: new front/rear fascias, grille and wheels; mechanical specs (oil, filters, wipers, bulbs) carry over unchanged
- 2017Final year of the 2nd generation: carries over with minimal changes after 2016's refresh; LTZ trim renamed Premier, new Midnight Edition and Sport appearance packages added
2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox problems and recalls: common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
- The recurring ones are: 2.4l excessive oil consumption (worn piston rings); 2.4l timing chain stretch/wear; windshield wiper failure (two recalls); camshaft actuator / vvt solenoid faults (2.4l); stabilitrak / electrical gremlins from a corroded negative battery cable. Each is detailed above with symptoms, affected years, and typical cost.
Which 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?
- The years to be most careful with are those affected by 2.4l excessive oil consumption (worn piston rings) (2012–2017 (2010–2013 covered by GM special coverage; 2014–2017 subject of later litigation)). A documented problem is not automatically a reason to walk away. Service records showing the repair was done change the picture entirely.
Are there recalls on the 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
- 2 of the issues listed carry a recall or technical service bulletin: GM Special Coverage 15285 / N192291100 (2.4l excessive oil consumption (worn piston rings)), NHTSA 16V-582 (2013); NHTSA 22V-165 (2014–2015) (windshield wiper failure (two recalls)). Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of age or mileage. Check your VIN on the NHTSA site to see what is outstanding.
How much do 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox repairs typically cost?
- Typical figures for the issues above: 2.4l excessive oil consumption (worn piston rings), Was free under special coverage; $2,500–$4,500 for pistons/rings out of coverage; 2.4l timing chain stretch/wear, $900–$1,800 for chain, guides and tensioner; windshield wiper failure (two recalls), Free under recall; ~$150–$400 for a wiper module out of recall scope; camshaft actuator / vvt solenoid faults (2.4l), $150–$450.
Sources
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2013 Equinox 2.4L LEA (oil viscosity/capacity/torque)
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2015 Equinox 3.6L LFX (6 qt, 5W-30)
- NHTSA TSB library, GM Special Coverage N192291100, excessive oil consumption
- ClassAction.org, Equinox/Terrain oil-consumption settlement details (SCA 15285)
- NHTSA recall 16V-582, 2013 Equinox windshield wiper motor
- NHTSA recall report 22V-165, 2014–2015 Equinox/Terrain wiper module
- TirePressure.org, 2013 Equinox placard tire sizes and pressures
- fueleconomy.gov, 2014 Equinox EPA ratings
- FinditParts, ACDelco PF457G cross-reference (Wix 57082, Baldwin P7442)
- TerrainForum, GM bulletin on ACDelco PF63E filter for high-feature V6
- Turan-Foley Chevrolet, Equinox lug nut torque (140 lb-ft) by year