YearToAvoid

2016 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 214 of 396 total complaints (54%) filed on the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, with a median failure mileage of 85,000. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this engine issue on this model year.

Engine complaints
214
54% of 396
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
85,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report excessive oil consumption that goes unwarned until the engine runs low, leading to timing chain and piston damage.
  • Some describe sudden loss of power with a loud noise while driving, followed by complete engine failure, in one case linked to a broken timing belt after oil ran out.
  • Several owners report toxic exhaust fumes leaking into the cabin, causing headaches, sore throat, and nausea for occupants.
  • A few describe unintended acceleration, where the vehicle sped up or the pedal stuck without driver input, sometimes reaching high speed before stopping.
  • Some report the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while shifting into reverse or drive, especially right after starting to move.
  • A couple of complaints mention black smoke or fire coming from the rear or engine area of the vehicle.

When 2016 Chevrolet Equinox engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 2, 2016, latest Aug 22, 2026.

2016 Chevrolet Equinox engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter232016 Q22018 Q42020 Q12021 Q22022 Q32023 Q42025 Q12026 Q2
214 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q1 (23).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Equinox model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 2010318 (41%)
  2. 2011443 (57%)
  3. 2012372 (54%)
  4. 2013426 (57%)
  5. 2014243 (44%)
  6. 2015239 (35%)
  7. 2016214 (54%)
  8. 2017195 (71%)
  9. 2018104 (25%)
  10. 2019111 (37%)
  11. 2020107 (35%)
  12. 202118 (19%)
  13. 202229 (17%)
  14. 202317 (18%)
  15. 202419 (24%)
  16. 202531 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
Engine complaints make up 214 of the 396 total complaints filed for the 2016 Equinox, or 54% of all complaints for the year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox engine?
NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to the engine complaints for the 2016 Equinox.
At what mileage do 2016 Equinox engine problems typically occur?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 85,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on this model year.
What kind of engine issues do owners report on the 2016 Equinox?
Owners describe excessive oil consumption, sudden power loss, toxic exhaust fume leaks into the cabin, unintended acceleration, and unexpected stalling.
Were there any serious incidents linked to the 2016 Equinox engine complaints?
Among the 214 engine-area complaints, NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 6 injuries reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.