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Chevrolet · Mid-Size SUV · 2010–2017 Custom Search

Chevrolet Equinox GMT172

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants · How we rate
Most Fun Engine

301 PS

Equinox · Benzin

The V6 that half-saved this generation

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

286–328 PS

3.6L V6 LFX Benzin

1 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

185 PS

2.4L Ecotec I4 Benzin

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 is available with one engine variant at 185 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

Equinox · Petrol· 182–301 PS Engine Change
2010 2011

2.4-liter Ecotec direct injection with flat chain drive and VVT. Power and economy look fine on paper, infamous in practice for worn low-tension oil control rings starting around 50,000 mi. Forty-two million dollar class action settlement for this exact piston ring story. Buying the engine means buying the risk.

  • !! Excessive oil consumption — defective piston rings (2.4L Ecotec) from 80,000 km

    2.4L Ecotec LAF/LEA suffers worn low-tension oil control rings. Burns up to one quart per 1,000 miles. Subject of a $42M class action settlement.

    Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start, low oil between changes, cylinder 2 misfires, oil warning
    2,500–4,500 $
    Ad 2.4 Ecotec piston rings LAFpiston kit 12637165
  • !! Timing chain stretch (2.4L Ecotec) from 150,000 km

    The 2.4L Ecotec timing chain stretches early, often before 110,000 mi — especially when oil burn is ignored and the engine runs low on oil.

    Symptoms: Cold start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, power loss, check engine light
    1,200–2,000 $
    Ad 2.4 Ecotec timing chain kitLAF timing chain tensioner
  • !! Water pump and thermostat housing leaks (2.4L) from 130,000 km

    Water pump and thermostat housing on the 2.4L Ecotec develop leaks with age. Gradual coolant loss typical after 80,000 mi.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss, wet spots under engine, overheating in hot weather
    400–900 $
    Ad water pump 2.4 Ecotecthermostat housing LAF
2012 2017

2.4-liter Ecotec flex-fuel variant of the LAF. Identical construction, identical problems. Piston rings wear, engine burns oil, timing chain stretches. Only difference from LAF: E85 capable.

No known weaknesses documented.

2013 2017

3.6-liter High Feature V6 with direct injection, variable valve timing, and 301 hp. Far more durable than the 2.4 Ecotec of the same generation. But requires strict 5,000-mile oil changes (never trust the oil life monitor) or timing chain stretch starts around 85,000 mi.

  • !! Premature timing chain wear 3.6L LFX from 140,000 km

    Early 3.6L LFX suffers premature timing chain stretch when oil change intervals are stretched. GM Special Coverage SC-10287 applies.

    Symptoms: Cold start rattle, P0008/P0009 codes, check engine light
    1,800–3,000 $
    Ad 3.6 LFX timing chain kit

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Steering sticking / increased effort

NHTSA investigated 781,000 Equinox/Terrain 2010–2012 for sticking steering. GM replaced steering gear via service bulletin, no formal recall.

Symptoms: Heavy steering, jerky steering inputs, EPS warning
Ad steering gear Equinox 2010-2012
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
4,856 complaints · 2010–2017
  1. 01 Engine
    2,229 ⚠ 16
  2. 02 Wipers & Visibility
    1,003 ⚠ 3
  3. 03 Powertrain
    650 ⚠ 9
  4. 04 Electrical
    419 ⚠ 10
  5. 05 Other
    384 ⚠ 9

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (2229 complaints)
⚠ Wipers & Visibility (1003 complaints)
⚠ Powertrain (650 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 (2010–2017) — 4 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: LAF (2.4L Ecotec I4). Typical issues affect Steering, Gearbox, Electronics, HVAC. Considered reliable: LFX (3.6L V6 LFX).

Equinox (LAF, 2010–2011) — Stay Away!: Excessive oil consumption — defective piston rings (2.4L Ecotec), Timing chain stretch (2.4L Ecotec), Water pump and thermostat housing leaks (2.4L). Power: 182 PS.

What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Equinox? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 have? +
The Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 has 4 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Equinox GMT172? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: LFX (3.6L V6 LFX). The most reliable engine is the LFX (3.6L V6 LFX) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the LFX (3.6L V6 LFX). Problem engine: LAF (2.4L Ecotec I4) — stay away!
Which Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Chevrolet Equinox GMT172. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 1 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 — rated: "Decent". {description} The 3.6L LFX actually moves (301 hp) and lasts far longer than the 2.4L — if you run 5,000-mile synthetic oil changes instead of trusting the oil life monitor. Thirsty, the 6T70 shifts like it's from 2008, and the interior is plastic wasteland. No fun, but at least no drama.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 worth buying used? +
The Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Equinox GMT172? +
The Chevrolet Equinox GMT172 is available with engine variants from 185 to 328 hp. Petrol: LAF (2.4L Ecotec I4), LEA (2.4L Ecotec Flex I4), LFX (3.6L V6 LFX).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee