What is the oil issue on a 2012 Chevy Equinox?

Excessive oil consumption and leaks are the most commonly reported oil-related problems for the 2012 Equinox, especially with the 2.4L Ecotec engine. These issues can lead to low oil levels, increased maintenance costs, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.

This article outlines what causes these problems, how they typically present, what General Motors has advised through service information, and practical steps owners can take to diagnose and rectify oil-related faults.

Engines offered in the 2012 Equinox

For the 2012 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox was available with two powertrains: a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. The 2.4L engine is most frequently linked to oil consumption complaints, while the 3.6L has had reports of leaks in some cases.

What causes the oil problems

Oil-related faults in the 2012 Equinox typically stem from mechanical wear, gasket and seal faults, and PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system issues. The 2.4L Ecotec engine, in particular, has been the focus of multiple reports and service advisories related to higher-than-expected oil consumption. Contributing factors can include worn piston rings or oil-control components, PCV valve or hose problems, and leaks from valve covers or the timing cover. Regular maintenance routines and proper oil specification are important, but some vehicles exhibit problems despite proper care.

Common symptoms

Before listing the typical signs, note that these indicators often prompt a diagnostic check by a technician:

• Frequent top-ups of engine oil between changes, beyond what is expected for your driving


• Visible oil leaks under the vehicle or around engine seals


• Low oil pressure warnings or oil level warnings on the instrument cluster


• Blue smoke from the exhaust or a burnt-oil odor


• Engine running roughly or misfiring due to oil intrusion or lubrication issues

A diagnosis based on these symptoms should be performed by a qualified technician, as treatment depends on whether the issue is consumption, a leak, or a combination of both.

GM guidance and coverage considerations

General Motors has issued service information (TSBs) addressing oil consumption concerns for the 2.4L Ecotec family used in the Equinox and related models. These advisories typically outline procedures for diagnosing oil consumption, inspecting the PCV system, and replacing affected components such as valve covers or gaskets if leaks are present. In some regions and under certain conditions, such issues may be eligible for warranty coverage or extended programs. Always check with a Chevrolet dealer for the latest guidance, service bulletin numbers, and current coverage policies, as they can vary by model year and locale.

Diagnosis and steps for owners

Before listing the recommended actions, here is a practical overview of how owners can proceed when oil issues are suspected:

1. Document oil usage and maintenance history, noting how much oil is consumed over a defined distance or time period.


2. Inspect for leaks around the engine, particularly near valve covers, the timing cover, and crankcase seals; look for seepage on the ground or engine components.


3. Have the PCV valve and related hoses tested and replaced if clogged or malfunctioning.


4. Request an official oil consumption test at a Chevrolet dealership or authorized service facility to determine if consumption is within GM's defined thresholds.


5. Follow the dealer’s recommended repair path if abnormal consumption or leaks are confirmed, which may include gasket/seal replacement or other engine components; discuss warranty or extended-coverage options if applicable.


6. Maintain the correct oil grade and adhere to recommended service intervals to help minimize future issues.

Concluding note: Early diagnosis and adherence to GM guidance can prevent more serious engine damage and potentially reduce repair costs. Always rely on an authorized dealer for the most current service recommendations and eligibility for any warranty programs.

Bottom line for 2012 Equinox owners

The principal oil-related concerns for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox center on excess oil consumption, particularly with the 2.4L Ecotec engine, and on oil leaks from engine seals. While not universal, these issues have been widely discussed in owner forums and are addressed in GM service bulletins. Regular monitoring of oil levels, timely diagnostics, and consultation with a Chevrolet dealer are the best ways to manage these risks and determine appropriate repairs or coverage.

Summary

In short, the 2012 Chevy Equinox faces oil-related issues most often tied to the 2.4L Ecotec engine's oil consumption and various leaks. The problem is being addressed through GM service advisories that emphasize consumption testing, PCV system checks, and gasket/seal replacements when needed. For owners, proactive maintenance, careful monitoring of oil levels, and coordination with a dealer for diagnostic testing and potential warranty coverage are the recommended course of action.

Why is my oil disappearing with no leak?

Losing oil with no visible leak is most likely due to the engine burning the oil internally. This can happen when worn components like piston rings or valve seals allow oil to slip into the combustion chamber, where it's burned off. Other causes can include a faulty PCV valve or a blown head gasket. You should have a mechanic inspect your car to prevent severe engine damage. 
This video explains the common causes of an engine burning oil: 59sHonest Mechanic ColoradoYouTube · May 22, 2024
Common causes of internal oil loss

• Worn piston rings: The rings create a seal between the piston and cylinder wall. As they wear down, oil can slip past them and burn in the combustion chamber. 
• Worn valve seals: These seals prevent oil from leaking down the valve stems. If they fail, oil can enter the combustion chamber. 
• Faulty PCV valve: The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system removes pressure from the crankcase. If the PCV valve is clogged, it can cause pressure buildup and force oil into other parts of the engine, leading it to be burned. 
• Blown head gasket: A damaged head gasket can allow oil to leak from the engine's oil passages into the combustion chambers. 
• Engine wear: Over time, general engine wear can lead to more oil being consumed during normal operation. 

You can watch this video to see how a faulty PCV valve can lead to oil burning: 1mScotty KilmerYouTube · Oct 7, 2014
What to do next

• Check for blue smoke: While you may not see an external leak, burning oil can often produce a blue or grayish smoke from the exhaust, especially when the engine is under load or after idling. However, if the oil loss is gradual, the smoke might not be noticeable. 
• Consult a mechanic: It is best to have a professional diagnose the problem. They can perform tests like a compression or leak-down test to pinpoint the source of the oil loss. 
• Address the issue promptly: Ignoring oil loss can lead to significant engine damage and costly repairs. Getting the problem fixed early is crucial for your car's longevity. 

Why does my 2012 Chevy Equinox burn so much oil?

A 2012 Chevy Equinox with excessive oil burning likely has internal engine problems, specifically worn piston rings or valve stem seals, which are common issues for the 2.4L engine. To address this, you can perform an inspection and potentially replace the faulty parts. Regular maintenance with high-quality synthetic oil and addressing symptoms like blue smoke or a clogged PCV valve are recommended initial steps, but internal wear often requires professional repair, such as replacing the piston rings or valve seals. 
You can watch this video to learn how to inspect a clogged PCV valve on a Chevy Equinox: 1mAnthony NastasiYouTube · Feb 28, 2023
Common causes
This video explains the common issues with a 2.4L Ecotec engine and how to fix it: 59sluke FugateYouTube · Sep 3, 2023

• Worn piston rings: The piston rings can wear out over time, creating gaps that allow oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn with the fuel. 
• Worn or hardened valve stem seals: These seals can wear out and crack, allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber. 

What to do

• Check for blue smoke: Look for blue smoke from the exhaust, which is a common sign of oil burning. This smoke is most noticeable during startup or acceleration. 
• Monitor oil consumption: Keep an eye on how often you need to add oil. A common threshold for excessive consumption is losing one quart of oil for every 2,000 miles or less. 
• Inspect the PCV valve: The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve can become clogged, contributing to oil consumption. Check and clean it; if it's heavily clogged, it may need replacement. 
• Check for leaks: While internal burning is the most likely cause, also look for external oil leaks around the engine, oil pan, and exhaust manifold. 
• Use quality oil: Regularly change your oil with high-quality synthetic oil to help reduce engine wear. 

Professional repair options

• Replace valve seals: Replacing the valve stem seals is a potential solution for oil burning. 
• Replace piston rings: If the piston rings are the cause, replacing them is necessary to fix the issue. 
• Engine rebuild: For severe cases, a professional engine rebuild may be required to address both worn rings and valve seals. 

What year did the Equinox have oil problems?

The following Equinox model years and engines have the most reported problems: 2010–2017 Equinox with 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder engine. 2018–2020 models also reported increased oil consumption issues.

What is the lawsuit against 2012 Chevy Equinox oil consumption?

In this class action against General Motors (GM), the plaintiffs allege that model year 2010–2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with 2.4-liter Ecotec engines have defective piston rings that are prone to premature wear resulting in excessive engine oil consumption.