2017 Chevrolet Equinox · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 75owner reports
- 81,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Apr 21, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
190 of the 273 complaints on this car are about the engine. 75 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2017 Equinox.
Tick what matches of 75 reports
Engine failure on other Equinox years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (66 reports) and the timing chain (12 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
What owners paid
27 of the 75 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,400 to $8,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 65,550 and 105,000 miles, from the 28 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 5 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid information/procedures to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking, rattle, squeak and/or squeal type noises from engine.
This service bulletin provides diagnostic aid procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking, rattle, squeak and/or squeal type noises from engine.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to perform inspections to determine if the engine needs to be replaced as opposed to just internal parts for knocking, rattle, squeak and/or squeal type noises from engine.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information on a rattle, tick, or knock type noise. Any drivability concerns they should be addressed prior to the following diagnostic progression.
1 more on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox page.
What owners wrote
“Engine failed in traffic at stop sign Numerous reports of burning oil Quickly and engine failing... Could happen at any time anywhere leaving one stranded and at risk of collision or crime... After having it replaced at 64000 miles it did the same thing 1 year later. Cost 10000$. Thousands of people have reported this defect.”
Filed Sep 6, 2025 · 64,000 miles
“114k miles and the PCV valve was collecting condensation which froze. This caused a build up of pressure and blew the rear main oil seal and timing chain. No warning, no dash lights, nothing. Oil life at 35% and over 1,000 miles before due for next oil change. Went from running fine to DEAD in less than 1/4 of a mile.”
Filed Jan 21, 2025 · 114,000 miles
“Rear main seal engine could have blown causing accident on highway or other road while driving. GM knows of this ongoing problem with this vehicle . Problem was reported by auto shop. Auto shop pulled up to customer of this GM ongoing problem. Car produces no warning lights . no warning lap messages no other symptoms of problems prior to failure. First. When temperature was around 5°”
Filed Jan 19, 2024
“Oil consumption issues, faulty valves caused decreased engine pressure light, engine light. Unable to go over 25 m/h and now will not even start. Told this is a known issues with vehicle and I need a new engine.”
Filed Mar 13, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 75 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Burns oil or oil level rises 49 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 47 reports
- Engine leaks oil 35 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 30 reports
- Timing chain or cam phaser rattles 29 reports