2016 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 203about this part
- Share
- 51%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 203 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, 51% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Pvc tube froze cause rear seal to break causing engine to lose all oil. Luckily I was parked and noticed the oil. No warning lights or sensors lit up. When talking to dealer and others many Equinox this year have had this issue, even tho general motors is aware of the issue it was still my responsibility to pay 1800.00 to fix it”
NHTSA complaint #11206762, filed 2019-05, 70,000 miles“Car started smelling horrible anytime it was running, would make me and my kids physically sick breathing the air coming inside the vehicle.my daughter had pneumonia 4 months ago, and my husband had a severe case of pneumonia 2 weeks ago. Not to mention all the respiratory related problems in the last year the entire family has been having. …”
NHTSA complaint #10886153, filed 2016-07, 16,000 miles“While driving vehicle started making a terrible metal sound. I didn't think it could be my vehicle, as it is fairly new. I stopped at a store and it wouldn't restart. Had to tow it to a shop. Timing chain broke. When breaking it bent parks of the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11388802, filed 2021-01, 142,000 miles“I bought my car brand new from the dealership and it's been causing issues from day one. At first, it was the bluetooth, then it was my windshield wiper, then my camshaft, and now my ca feels like the transmission is going out. I have done all the repairs with the dealership, however my last service made me not trust them no more. They claimed to have replaced the camshaft, but my car still drives the same way and even worse now.”
NHTSA complaint #11277623, filed 2019-11, 83,000 miles“The older model Equinox had an issue with it's high pressure fuel pump, so did my newer 2016. It failed and was pushing fuel into the engine at extreme levels. This caused the engine to stop working properly and fail. The GM technicians said they fixed the issue recently, but would not go on. I was driving in a potential fire starter. The actual issue happened while driving at 35 MPH, the engine blew up and luckily did not start a fire with the amount of gas that was in the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11316876, filed 2020-03, 124,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The 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…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This 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…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This 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…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This 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…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 9% |
| 2025 | 24 | 10% |
| 2024 | 14 | 17% |
| 2023 | 18 | 18% |
| 2022 | 28 | 15% |
| 2021 | 16 | 16% |
| 2020 | 93 | 29% |
| 2019 | 100 | 32% |
| 2018 | 86 | 21% |
| 2017 | 180 | 65% |
| 2016 | 203 | 51% |
| 2015 | 227 | 33% |
| 2014 | 219 | 40% |
| 2013 | 412 | 55% |
| 2012 | 355 | 52% |
| 2011 | 386 | 49% |
| 2010 | 271 | 35% |
| 2009 | 18 | 19% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 37 | 5% |
| 2006 | 68 | 10% |
| 2005 | 55 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
120 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsElectrical system
24 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology