What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Oil Leak Fire Risk (Oil Filter Adapter)?

A defective oil filter adapter can cause engine oil leaks that may contact hot exhaust components, creating a fire risk. Combined with the excessive oil consumption issue, low oil conditions can exacerbate the problem. Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss?

The electronic power steering (EPS) system can fail intermittently or completely, resulting in sudden loss of power steering assist. This creates a dangerous driving condition requiring significant physical effort to steer. Repairs typically run $100-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox A/C Compressor Self-Destructs and Contaminates the Entire System With Metal Debris?

A well-documented and expensive failure mode: the A/C compressor on the 2010-2017 Equinox platform fails internally and grenades, shedding fine aluminum/metal particles ("black death") that circulate through the entire refrigerant system. Owners notice the A/C suddenly stops blow… Repairs typically run $1,000-$2,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L Ecotec timing/balance chain stretch from tensioner & low oil?

The 2.4L Ecotec in 2010-2017 Equinox is prone to premature timing-chain and balance-chain stretch, driven primarily by a collapsing chain tensioner and made worse by the engine's known oil-consumption problem (low oil reduces hydraulic pressure to the tensioner). Symptoms are a r… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox P0700 — Transmission Fault Flag from 6T40/6T45 TCC Solenoid (Companion P0741)?

P0700 is not a standalone defect — it is the transmission control module's way of telling the engine computer to turn on the check-engine light because a more specific transmission code is stored. On the second-generation Equinox, which uses GM's 6T40/6T45 six-speed automatic beh… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L Ecotec excessive oil consumption (worn/stuck oil-control piston rings)?

The 2.4L Ecotec (LAF/LEA) four-cylinder used in 2010-2017 Equinox (and its GMC Terrain twin) consumes oil at an abnormal rate — frequently as much as 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles — due to low-tension/stuck oil-control piston rings combined with PCV-system issues that draw oil pa… Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 6T70/6T75 transmission shudder, hard shifts & 3-5-reverse wave plate failure?

Equinox models with the GM 6T70/6T75 six-speed automatic suffer shudder, harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, and loss of reverse. A common root cause is failure of the 3-5-reverse wave plate, which can crack and cause extreme shudder when reverse is engaged and eventual loss of dr… Repairs typically run $1,800-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Catalytic Converter Failure (P0420) Caused by Oil-Burning — GM Special Coverage 15810?

On the 2.4L Ecotec Equinox, the catalytic converter is frequently destroyed by the engine's chronic oil consumption (worn piston rings) — burned oil coats and thermally damages the catalyst, setting P0420 (catalyst efficiency below threshold) and the check-engine light. Replacing… Repairs typically run $500-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Windshield wiper failure from corroded wiper-transmission ball joints?

Water and road debris intrude into the windshield wiper module/transmission ball joints, causing corrosion and excessive wear that detaches the linkage and leaves one or both wipers inoperative — a serious safety issue in rain/snow. GM recalled ~367,800 model-year 2013 Equinox/Te… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 3.0L / 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch Causing Rattle and P0008/P0016 Codes?

GM's high-feature V6 in the Equinox suffers premature timing-chain stretch, distinct from the covered 2.4L chain issue. Worn chains/guides/tensioners throw off cam-to-crank timing, setting P0008/P0009 (engine position performance) and P0016-P0019 (crank/cam correlation). The clas… Repairs typically run $2,000-$3,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure?

Transmission shuddering is common in Equinox models, typically caused by torque converter clutch issues or depleted transmission fluid additives. The shudder is most noticeable during light acceleration between 25-50 mph as the transmission shifts through 3rd-5th gears. Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2023 Chevrolet Equinox Parasitic Battery Drain and Electrical System Issues?

Equinox models are prone to parasitic battery drain where electrical components continue drawing power when the vehicle is off. Common culprits include the OnStar module, radio/infotainment system, interior lights, and stuck relays. Repairs typically run $150-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2022 Chevrolet Equinox A/C condenser refrigerant leak (warm air from vents)?

The air-conditioning condenser on the Equinox commonly develops refrigerant leaks at its tubes and seals, or from stone-chip damage to the front-mounted core. Because the condenser's internal tubes and seals cannot be serviced individually, a leak requires full condenser replacem… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Coolant Surge Tank / Reservoir Cracking Causing Slow Coolant Loss?

The plastic coolant surge/recovery tank on second-generation (2010-2017) Equinox becomes brittle from years of heat and pressure cycling and develops hairline cracks, most often at the seams or around the cap neck. This causes a slow, mysterious coolant loss with occasional sweet… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2017 Chevrolet Equinox P0430 — Bank 2 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Loss on V6 Equinox?

P0430 flags the rear cylinder bank's catalytic converter as no longer scrubbing exhaust efficiently. Because Bank 2 only exists on the V6 Equinox (the 3.4L LNJ of 2005-2009 and the 3.0L LF1 / 3.6L LFW/LFX of 2010-2017), this code is effectively a V6-only complaint — inline-4 Equi… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2016-2022 Chevrolet Equinox Turbo Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Failure Causing Overboost/Underboost and Reduced Engine Power?

The turbocharger wastegate regulator solenoid (and the wastegate actuator linkage) on the turbo engines can stick, weaken, or freeze - moisture and oil condensate can jam the solenoid in cold weather. The result is erratic boost control that trips overboost or underboost faults a… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox EVAP Canister Purge Valve Stuck Open Causing P0496 / Rough Running (3.0L & 3.6L V6)?

The vapor-canister purge solenoid on the V6 Equinox (and Terrain) commonly fails stuck-open, letting fuel vapor flow into the intake when it shouldn't. This sets DTC P0496 (EVAP flow during a non-purge condition) and sometimes P0455/P0446, illuminates the check-engine light, and… Repairs typically run $60-$200. Severity: low.

What is the 2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap Seal, Purge/Vent Solenoid, or Rusted EVAP Line?

P0442 sets when the ECM detects a small evaporative-system leak — roughly a 0.020–0.040 inch hole's worth of pressure loss. On the Equinox this code follows a clear hierarchy of culprits. The single most common cause across all years is a degraded gas-cap O-ring that no longer se… Repairs typically run $20-$350. Severity: low.

What is the 2010-2022 Chevrolet Equinox Power Liftgate Motor / Latch Actuator / Control Module Failure?

On power-liftgate-equipped Equinox, the hands-free/power tailgate frequently stops working - it won't open, opens but won't latch closed, partially opens then stops, or won't hold itself up. Root causes include a failed liftgate latch actuator, a worn strut/drive motor, misaligne… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: low.

Chevrolet · Known Issues

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Problems: 21 Known Issues

2016 model year · 3,990+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,990+ owner reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has 21 documented known issues, with 11 rated critical. The most serious are Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Piston Ring Defect) ($2,000-$7,000 repair), Engine Oil Leak Fire Risk (Oil Filter Adapter) ($0-$500 repair), Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss ($100-$1,500 repair), A/C Compressor Self-Destructs and Contaminates the Entire System With Metal Debris ($1,000-$2,200 repair), 2.4L Ecotec timing/balance chain stretch from tensioner & low oil ($1,200-$3,000 repair), P0700 — Transmission Fault Flag from 6T40/6T45 TCC Solenoid (Companion P0741) ($300-$900 repair), 2.4L Ecotec excessive oil consumption (worn/stuck oil-control piston rings) ($1,500-$5,000 repair), 6T70/6T75 transmission shudder, hard shifts & 3-5-reverse wave plate failure ($1,800-$4,000 repair).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,990+ owner reports, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has 21 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Piston Ring Defect), Engine Oil Leak Fire Risk (Oil Filter Adapter), Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss. Of these, 11 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has 21 known issues documented across 3,990+ owner reports. 11 issues are rated critical: Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Piston Ring Defect) and Engine Oil Leak Fire Risk (Oil Filter Adapter) and Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss and A/C Compressor Self-Destructs and Contaminates the Entire System With Metal Debris and 2.4L Ecotec timing/balance chain stretch from tensioner & low oil and P0700 — Transmission Fault Flag from 6T40/6T45 TCC Solenoid (Companion P0741) and 2.4L Ecotec excessive oil consumption (worn/stuck oil-control piston rings) and 6T70/6T75 transmission shudder, hard shifts & 3-5-reverse wave plate failure and Catalytic Converter Failure (P0420) Caused by Oil-Burning — GM Special Coverage 15810 and Windshield wiper failure from corroded wiper-transmission ball joints and 3.0L / 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch Causing Rattle and P0008/P0016 Codes. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Equinox issues range from $0 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Piston Ring Defect), typically costs $2,000-$7,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Piston Ring Defect)?

The 2.4L Ecotec engine uses low-tension piston rings that fail to maintain proper tension to keep oil in the crankcase. Vehicles consume 1 quart of oil per 800-1,000 miles. This defect can cause premature engine wear, engine failure, and potential fire risk if oil levels drop cri… Repairs typically run $2,000-$7,000. Severity: high.

All 21 Known Issues

Other Chevrolet Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Equinox problems?

What is the 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Piston Ring Defect)?

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Excessive Oil Consumption (2.4L Piston Ring Defect)#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Engine Oil Leak Fire Risk (Oil Filter Adapter)#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: 2.4L Ecotec timing/balance chain stretch from tensioner & low oil#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: 2.4L Ecotec excessive oil consumption (worn/stuck oil-control piston rings)#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: 3.0L / 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch Causing Rattle and P0008/P0016 Codes#

2016-2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Turbo Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Failure Causing Overboost/Underboost and Reduced Engine Power#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: P0700 — Transmission Fault Flag from 6T40/6T45 TCC Solenoid (Companion P0741)#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: 6T70/6T75 transmission shudder, hard shifts & 3-5-reverse wave plate failure#

2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox: Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: A/C Compressor Self-Destructs and Contaminates the Entire System With Metal Debris#

2010-2022 Chevrolet Equinox: A/C condenser refrigerant leak (warm air from vents)#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Windshield wiper failure from corroded wiper-transmission ball joints#

2010-2023 Chevrolet Equinox: Parasitic Battery Drain and Electrical System Issues#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Electronic Power Steering Assist Loss#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Catalytic Converter Failure (P0420) Caused by Oil-Burning — GM Special Coverage 15810#

2007-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: P0430 — Bank 2 Catalytic Converter Efficiency Loss on V6 Equinox#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: EVAP Canister Purge Valve Stuck Open Causing P0496 / Rough Running (3.0L & 3.6L V6)#

2010-2020 Chevrolet Equinox: P0442 — Small EVAP Leak from Gas Cap Seal, Purge/Vent Solenoid, or Rusted EVAP Line#

2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Coolant Surge Tank / Reservoir Cracking Causing Slow Coolant Loss#

2010-2022 Chevrolet Equinox: Power Liftgate Motor / Latch Actuator / Control Module Failure#

2005-2017 Chevrolet Equinox: Steering Intermediate Shaft Clunk / Knock When Turning#