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2016 Chevrolet Equinox complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2016 record →

Engine
Filed Oct 20, 2022WI

Some previous background on my 2016 Chevy Equinox that I bought brand new: - I brought in my car about 6 months ago to get it repaired for an engine seal issue. This set me back about $3,200. I thought the issue was fixed, but I think it's related to the current issue I'm now having. - I had a minor incident where the windshield wiper flew off in the middle of the street and have seen a few complaints about that, so thought it was noteworthy enough to mention. Now, the car has 100,000 miles on it and the engine light came on again. I brought it in a few days ago (10/18/22) and the mechanics said that I had a "bad" engine and that the car's issue was excessive oil consumption. They quoted the repair at $11,000 (which I have found quotes that are lower since, but not by much). The KBB value of the car is just under $10,000. Considering the repair earlier this year, the car has cost me more than it's worth by far. The car is only 5-6 years old and only has 100,000 miles on it! I'm seeing the same make/model have recalls and several issues with the engine seals and the excessive engine oil consumption. I know that my car falls under this as well, but has not received any warranty or any recalls yet. I can't afford a new car or a fix on the current car since the issue is massive and requires a new engine. If TONS of other people are having the same issue(s) (over 1000 complaints), then why are consumers not being reimbursed? It looks like there are only lawsuits for this out there

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 9, 2022MA

I own both a 2015 & 2016 Chevy Equinox. The 2015 has a recall for the wiper blade ball joints rusting, but the 2016 does not have the recall. I did have an incident with the 2016 Equinox where the wipers stopped working during a rain storm due to corrosive ball joints (see attached photos). I think the recall needs to be expanded to include other years besides 2014-2015 models.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 7, 2022NY

I was driving in the middle of a heavy rain and my wipers just stopped working. Now I can hear the motor running but the wipers doesn't move at all.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 22, 2022OH

While driving in a heavy rain storm one night, my windshield wipers just quit. I couldn’t see to drive. I put my flashers on to warn other drivers and had to resort to sticking my head out the window to see where I was on the road. I finally got a chance to pull off the road, moved the wipers by hand, still they did not operate. I called the dealer where I bought my car and an extended warranty. I drove it to them on a non-rainy day and left my car. I was told they would check it out and call me. They said wipers were not part of the warranty, that there was no recall for my car, and charges to fix it could be in excess of $550.00. As I did not have enough money at that time, they told me to leave it, but would not work on it till I had the money. Also, if I did not have them fix it, fee would be $100 for evaluation. When I went to pick up the car, nothing had been done, there was no fee, and the person I had been dealing with was no longer there. My car had sat there for a month, no one checked it, no one returned my calls, I picked it up still with non-working wipers. I have been driving my mothers car in the meantime.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 12, 2022VA

While driving in a thunderstorm last night my windshield wipers failed completely and stopped partially blocking my vision. The motor runs but the wipers do not even try to move, I had to stop and move the wiper wipers out of the line of vision. I have called several dealers and they don’t seem to be up on the issue! It was very scary and dangerous as I was in a really bad thunderstorm crossing the Coleman bridge in Hayes Va when they went out. Something needs to be done before people are killed! Chevrolet knows about the defect but does not seem to have done anything about it!

Electrical System
Filed Sep 6, 2022LA

Purchased vehicle certified pre owned May 2019 with 56,000 miles. In June 2019 replaced front tire that were new due to passenger tire wear also New battery and oil change..Jan 2020 had to have front main seal oil ring replaced. Oil changes done every 3 to 7 thousand miles. Have a 2 sets of tires put on .Have had some hesitation problems throughout while.driving. But never did find cause. Took to chevy dealer on Nov 3rd for windshield wiper motor replacement. Picked up on Nov. 5th. Have had issues with starting since picked up had to carry jump start box in car. Car was parked until I could get a new battery approx 1 week. Put new battery in drove to work for about 2 days still.had issues. Traction stability light had came on never went off. Parked car for another week or so Drove 2 miles down road to store. While driving car was loosing power. Screen went out and engine reduced power light came on and died. Waited about 15 min jump.started .got about 10 feet car went into.Limp mode got it home . Would not start ..got a list of codes. Replaced starter, camshaft and crankshaft sensor, new pcm, valve cover. Amd another battery. Car has not ran since. Motor is blown. Car has been down since Dec. 15th 2021. I have lost my job. Due to not being dependent on getting to work. Have looked into repair cost about 7 to 8 thousand that I cam not afford and still Makin car payments. This is a Manufacture defect and could have been alot worse if I was going any faster or been out in the da

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 4, 2022CT

During a heavy rainstorm, my windshield wipers stopped functioning after use for 15 minutes. I turned the car off and then back on and the front wipers would not turn back on. The back wiper still works.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 18, 2022PA

Water pump failure. Was driving and vehicle overheated and lost coolest. Was confirmed at service station bad water pump and should not have went bad with only 48000 miles. Received warning message vehicle is overheated. Pulled over when able and vehicle was leaking.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission2 injured
Filed Jul 27, 202248,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while the vehicle gear was in park; he switched from the driver's seat to the passenger seat with his wife. His wife was taking over to become the driver. While attempting to change drivers, the vehicle inadvertently reversed. The wife was trying to stop the vehicle while being partially in and partially out of the vehicle. The vehicle dragged the wife into an area of bushes. The contact stated while the passenger door was still open, when it accidentally hit him and knocked him over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The police and medical team arrived on the scene. The contact believed a police report was filed. There was no medical treatment on the scene. The contact stated the wife was bruised from the waist to both feet. The contact believed he cracked his rib. The wife will be examined by a urologist and nephrologist. The right front passenger door and entire rear bumper were damaged. The vehicle was strapped together, and the contact drove it home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to transmission issues. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 25, 2022FL

Oil was dripping for the past two months. I took it to the dealer and they said they could find nothing. It kept dripping and now the rear main seal must be replaced. auto has 13,005 miles on it

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication
Filed Jul 25, 2022110,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while changing the engine oil, she noticed that the oil consumption was not normal. The contact stated that approximately two to three quarts of oil needed to be added every week. Additionally, the vehicle had stalled while driving up the driveway. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the engine was making a ticking sound while driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact was referred to a dealer to schedule a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2022NY

Excessive oil consumption causing malfunction

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 2, 2022OH

Timing chain has gone bad . Fuel pressure regulator went bad Down pipe to the catalytic converter has gone bad

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 2022135,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at the local dealer, the contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump was inoperable causing fuel to leak into the oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000. The VIN was not available.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 30, 2022GA

I was driving while it was pouring down rain. The wipers were working one minute and then suddenly stopped mid-sweep. I was unable to see clearly and had to slow down significantly, put on my hazards, and pull over. I shut off and turned the car back on, the wipers were still not functioning. I had to wait until the rain had passed to continue my drive safely. We took the vehicle to the dealership the next day. It was determined that the wiper motor transmission came apart.

Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2022MI

Vehicle has a significant oil leak, as stated by other owners with the year and model vehicle. Could cause critical engine failure if unresolved. The leak is on the passenger side of the engine, causing the oil to drip on the belt and spray throughout the engine compartment. This causes drivers to have to spend more money on oil changes due to excessive oil loss. One of the pictures submitted below was of the ground with two half dollar size amounts of oil from 20 minutes of being parked.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 9, 2022NY

The windshield wipers quit working in the middle of a downpour while on the highway, and they still are not working.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 31, 2022IA

On May 25th it was pouring rain when my windshield wipers completely stopped working on the interstate. Within seconds I had completely lost visibility. Once I made it to safety I co reacted the dealership to see if it was covered under my warranty. They stated they were aware of the issue and that it was going to be part of a recall but that recall hadn’t been issued yet. The parts to fix the wipers haven’t even been made yet. As of now they have offered no loaner or options to make sure I can safely drive. I have lost my job because I can not afford a rental car out of pocket, and it’s the rainy season. Please be aware that they are putting peoples safety at risk knowingly.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages
Filed May 31, 202284,306 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated after attempting to activate the windshield wipers, the wipers failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the motor and arms needed to be replaced on the windshield wipers. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,306.

Engine
Filed May 25, 2022NY

The engine failed abruptly and without warning. It is at a mechanics now and is available to look at. When the engine suddenly lost power I was driving up to a red light. If this happened when I was on a highway it could’ve been catastrophic. An independent mechanic has told me they’ve replaced multiple engines because of the same issues. It hasn’t been inspected by anyone other than a mechanic. There was no warning lamps, messages prior to the engine failure.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 13, 2022PA

About a month ago my four year old and I were driving in the rain at night and my windshield wipers suddenly stopped working. I ended up paying over $500 to get the wiper transmission and motor fixed. Now fast forward one month later , I’m driving in the rain storm again and my wipers suddenly stopped working again which was not only scary but extremely dangerous, I was on a freeway and suddenly could not see properly because of the windshield wiper motor stopping again. I had to pull over while my vision of the road was almost non existent and honestly was scared an accident was going to happen if I didn’t get to the side of the road fast enough.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 7, 2022LA

It was storming on Thursday, May 5, 2022 and my front windshield wipers just stop working. I could not see anything. I had to let my glass down so that I would not have a head on collision with cars in the other lane going in the other direction. I made it to a safe location until it stopped raining. This incident scared me.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 5, 2022NY

Windshield Wiper transmission failed, front wipers inoperable No visibility while driving when raining No warning lamps or indication other than failure of operation

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 10, 2022NC

Wiper motor stopped working in severe heavy rain storm. Had zero visibility at night. Had to drive 2 miles before I could safely park vehicle and not go in a ditch or hit another car. Next day went to Auto store got replacement $124 later its fixed by myself. Same issue as recall on 2014-2015 models 2016 needs to be included.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 2, 2022MI

Windshield wipers broke . repaired and broke again

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 23, 2022OR

The wipers on our 2016 chevy equinox suddenly stopped working, early yesterday morning, while driving on the interstate, in the rain and in the dark. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION!!! Contacting the dealer today. We have not had the car inspected by anyone! There have been no previous problems with the wipers. After a long search on the internet, I found a special coverage adjustment N192266180, dated December 2019. This is not recall. It states that the owners will be notified. AS OF 3/22/2022, I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED!!!!

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 19, 2022NV

The ambient light sensor is very sensitive. There can be full sunlight, but if I go in the shadow of a truck or a tree, the sensor dims the dashboard lighting. If I go under any sort of bridge, no matter how short, the dash goes dark. Sometimes it takes over 10 minutes for it to go back to normal. The ambient light sensor should be facing straight up at the sky. Also, the sensor should be connected to the vehicles GPS and the clock for the time of day. I rely on the info center on the dash for the GPS and other items. If I cannot see the info center, it can lead to a collision. I have brought my vehicle to the dealer and they refuse to do anything. Also, during the day, I use prescription sunglasses while driving, so it makes it really difficult. Thank you.

Engine
Filed Mar 16, 202249,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating the check engine warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and the contact was informed that no fault codes were retrieved; however, the computer was reset. The contact stated that shortly after retrieving the vehicle the failure recurred and was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the sensors in the main computer. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 16, 2022GA

My vehicle is burning too much oil. I have to put a quart of oil in less than every thousand miles. This is a problem for me and my family, when it comes to safety. I took it to the dealer they say that's normal.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 14, 2022GA

Wiper transmission not working. The motor is fine but the transmission keeps disconnecting

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 14, 2022SC

Bought my equinox from CarMax last Feb. I am hearing a 'knock, knock, knock, knock' coming from the back. It been going on for a while now and no one seem to know why. The car also do a jerking when at stop

Engine
Filed Feb 23, 202273,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed there was a gasket leak in the engine and the vehicle was leaking engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 23, 2022TN

Car kept stalling out on my daughter then just quit running. We had it towed to an engine shop and they said the timing belt came apart and now it needs a new motor. She has not even had the car a year and has routinely maintenanced it. We still owe over $10k on the car and a new motor is over $10k. This should be a recall from the manufacture. Stalling on her could have caused her to be in a wreck!!!

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 20, 2022NM

02/19/2022 WHILE DRIVING DOWN STEEP DIRT ROAD CLOSE TO WHERE WE LIVE THE BRAKE PEDDLE SUDDENLY WENT TO THE FLOOR. WE RAPIDLY DROVE DOWN THIS STEEP INCLINE WITHOUT ANY BREAKS THE CAR BOUNCED VILOLANTLY UNTILL WE GOT TO THE BOTTOM AT THAT POINT THE BRAKE PEDDLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. DROVE STRIGHT HOME WITHOUT A REPEAT OF NO BRAKES. WILL CALL CHEVY DEALER ON 02-22-2022 TO COME AND GET IT AND CHECK IT OUT

Engine
Filed Feb 11, 2022130,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 50 - 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with continuously variable transmission (CVT) failure, which caused the oil to leak out of the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would assist with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2022NY

Entered vehicle and smelled exhaust inside. Checked tail pipe and it was clear and blowing out exhaust. Pulled out of driveway and got sudden smell of oil. About 200 feet down the street smelled burning oil. Turned around and went home, car was dying and would not start after. Had to be towed to be checked and was told engine was flooded along with other issues from driving that short distance the way it was. NOT ONE ALERT SHOWED OR IS NOW SHOWING ON DASH OR DISPLAY. Nothing about oil, no check engine, no warnings of any issues. Has been maintained and just had an oil change. Is driven daily and had no alerts or issues. Now we are stuck paying over $6k to replace the entire block when there was no notification that any maintenance was needed. Any notification that pops up, we check and fix immediately. In the shop still and techs say no lights or warnings are coming on still when they turn the car on. Not even check engine when it’s blown! We bought a newer vehicle to avoid these issues and now we are stuck dropping that much or more to replace engine block or buy a new suv all together. Seeing as the economy is horrible right now, we really can’t afford to do either!!

Engine
Filed Feb 10, 202284,500 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the contact continued driving to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine and that the PCV valve was damaged and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,500. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PCV FAILS WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE REACHES 0 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED A PERCENTAGE OF THE REPAIR COST.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 3, 2022IN

Problems with oil leaking on rear seal. No notice given until light came on that said stop engine now. Upon inspection all oil was gone. My mechanic said this is an unfortunate issue with this engine because the pressure release hole is so small that any dirt can block it and but a lot of pressure on the back seal until it bursts and leaks out oil. This could have blown my engine and it only has 67000 miles. Definitely a manufacturers defect.

EngineFire
Filed Feb 3, 202286,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 32 MPH, the contact was veering off the highway exit ramp and noticed in the rear-view mirror that there was black smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact got off the exit ramp and became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact activated the hazard light and drove to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the engine oil was extremely low. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear main seal had blown out and that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 28, 2022116,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds and then stalled. The warning message “Low Engine Pressure” was displayed. The contact’s daughter was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The contact’s husband, a Ford mechanic diagnosed that the PCM valve had frozen, built-up pressure in the engine, and blew out the pressure which ruptured the rear main seal. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact’s husband that it was a known failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2022OH

Drove to work 1/26/22 and heard my engine knocking. During my 10 minute commute there were no warnings, messages or any active dashboard light(s), especially none regarding the engine or oil pressure . Once I parked, my engine seized and began leaking/smoking. The engine needs replaced due to excessive oil consumption and a faulty oil pressure warning.

Engine
Filed Jan 24, 2022WI

Our car was parked outside for the weekend and we were planning to return home. It was around 14°F outside and starting to snow. Approximately 10 minutes into the trip home, the 2016 Chevy Equinox started to make some faint abnormal sounds. Shortly after the instrument cluster displayed a Stabilitrak Warning. I presumed an issue with the traction control and continued to drive. Shortly after the Equinox went into a failsafe/power limiting mode. We (my wife and young daughters were with me) were within a few miles of a gas station so we decided to try to drive there to not be in the cold weather. Before reaching a gas station, the car stalled and needed to be towed to a service shop. The car was diagnosed with a blown rear main seal causing catastrophic engine failure. It was determined the PCV valve froze causing excess crankcase pressure, blowing the rear main seal. The Equinox had 89,277 miles on it at the time. "Tow" costs: $149.18 Engine Replacement Cost: $6504.30 At no point did any oil related (level, pressure) indicator appear.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 16, 2021VA

I was driving on the highway in the rain and my windshield wiper stopped in the middle of my windshield.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 26, 2021OH

Wipers just stopped working in the middle of driving during a rainstorm. Visibility while driving was severely diminished in an unexpected manner.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 2, 2021NJ

The air bag light keeps coming on intermittently as I’m driving saying service airbag but when you check the code nothing specific comes up. I’ve had mechanics look at the car and for them to guess it will cost me Thousands. And I noticed my truck is also hesitating to drive and almost feels like it’s going to shut down as I’m driving with a constant check engine light the light came on about a day after the service air bag light

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 23, 20211,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that his vehicle had been involved in two accidents and that the airbags failed to deploy as needed in both accidents. In the first accident, the contact stated that while driving at a low rate of speed, a tree had fallen right in front of his vehicle. The contact was not able to stop the vehicle in time which caused him to run over the tree. The contact stated that the airbags did not deploy. The contact did not suffer any injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where they repaired the damage to the vehicle. The second failure occurred while the contact was at a stoplight and another vehicle on the opposite side of traffic had hit his vehicle's driver side at a high rate of speed. The air bags again did not deploy upon impact. The contact and his wife were both taken to the hospital where he was treated for whiplash to his neck and arms. After months of chronic pain, the contact also had back surgery. The contact's wife was treated for injuries to her left knee and stomach, as well as whiplash to her neck. A police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop for repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 14, 2021110,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH, the windshield wipers failed to operate during a rainstorm without warning. His wife pulled off to the shoulder of the road and waited for the storm to subside before she resumed driving. Once the contact's wife made it home, the contact inspected the vehicle and stated that an abnormal, clicking noise was coming from the windshield wiper motor. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 10, 2021MI

2016 Chevy equinox Engine has to be rebuilt due to a faulty 2.4 GM motor with excessive oil consumption which led to timing chain breaking which caused other internal damage to engine! Known issue for this vehicle

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 22, 2021NY

Both windshield wipers stopped working at the same. Can still here motor wiper working when selected but no wiper movement at all.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 29, 2021OH

The front windshield wipers quit working while I was driving home from work during rush hour on the freeway. It was during a very heavy rainstorm and left me with no visibility in heavy traffic. There was no warning signal or system notification. They just stopped working.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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