Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On 12/31/23, my 2017 Chevrolet Equinox burst into flames in the driveway. I had not driven it in three weeks due to a medical problem, so my husband cranked up the car and idled briefly to keep the battery operational. About 15 minutes after he exited the SUV, it caught fire. I have seen recalls for other model years that describe the Equinox's excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine fires and other hazards. Although there is no recall on the 2017 model, those complaints are consistent with my experience. The insurance company has declared the car a total loss.
I was in a vehicle accident the 4th of August. After the accident I noticed the airbag light on. I check the passenger seat belt and it wouldn't budge, but the air bags never deployed from the accident. About a month ago I had an issue with the car. I was driving down the road and I took a sharp left turn and the car acted like it was starving for gas. It was on a full tank and I was stranded for a few hrs until the car cooled down to where it was operational.
I get my oil changed every 2-3 months. This morning it decided to jolt and all the lights flicker while my daughter was getting out of the car. She had one foot out. I had it towed and was told it is a blown rear main seal and they are unsure of the extent of the damage at the auto shop I took it too, and was told it might have affected my engine. That I had to have it towed to a Chevy dealership for further evaluation and it was to extensive for them to do where I had it towed. I was told it was the 3rd car this morning that they received with this issue. All Equinox's. I was never given any notification on my dashboard that this there was an issue, till it was happening. I DO NOT have any leaks where I park my car on a daily basis. The extent of damage so far is at least $2500. I am out of pocket just for towing $260. If it is an engine problem, I will be out up to $8000. …
Yesterday, my son noticed that his 2017 Chevy Equinox LX four-cylinder was not accelerating as much. He purchased this vehicle only one year ago. It is a five-year-old vehicle with not many miles on it. The oil was just changed in November 2021. He only drives 8 miles to and from work. While stopped at a light or stop sign yesterday, my son's SUV would "putt-putt" or shut off completely. There was a strong smell of oil coming from the air vents and filling the SUV. When my son pulled over to park, he decided to check it out. From underneath the vehicle, where the transmission is located, there was a huge puddle of oil on the ground. A leak between the oil pan and transmission was discovered when my son took his car to his mechanic. It shouldn't be like this. I checked if there were any recalls. …
After very cold winter weather, car started to smell. PCV valve blew and car was seizing causing it to blow out the rear systems. It had spilled oil onto the garage floor and had a bad emissions smell. Dealership said they added 3 quarts of Oil and that within 30 minutes two quarts leaked out. No warning lights on dashboard, no affected cautions through the equinox app (which still shows that I have 80% of my oil still remaining). While driving the car started making a ticking sound during acceleration and a bad smell. I am now left with a $3700 bill. Numerous others have detailed exact experiences with their equinox after the last February, cold spell in Chicagoland. I was very fearful driving the car and my safety was compromised. The car was shaking, and the smell was pungent Right now my car is at the dealership so I do not have the invoice
This vehicle continues to burn oil and the engine light does not turn on when the vehicle is low on oil. I have had this car for 4 years and it has been an issue where when I take it in for oil change there is no oil left in engine. Vehicles are not supposed to burn oil. I have been told it is an internal engine issue and that this is a known problem from this vehicle by the Chevy dealership. It is unsafe for anyone to be traveling without oil in their vehicle and not have any type of alert to know it is low. I could break down at anytime and it would be a serious cost to me to have this repaired even though it is a "known issue" with Chevy equinox.
1.Since I bought the car it has needed oil on a weekly basis. I took it in for repair it had something to do with the oil consumption device $2270.00 to fix. 2. timing chain went out had to fix that too $$$$ 3. While driving along the car at rush hour the car suddenly died without any warning. Had to go off the road clipped a tree and all the cars behind me looked like billiard balls going in all directions so as not to rear end my car. EXTREMELY UNSAFE CAR I CANT BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE RECALLED EVERY OTHER YEAR FOR THIS ENGINE ISSUE AND NOT THE 2017!!!!!!!!
The exhaust is coming into the cab. Was told that Chevy is allowed to kill people slowly with carbon dioxide poisoning. Also was told NHTSA is paid by Chevy to keep the information of the exhaust issue under wrapps. I understand killing babies is no crime in the liberal world but I am not an ugly liberal.
PCV valve got clogged and failed, i have an extended warranty and the extended warranty EXCLUDES this from any repairs if this is involved. Caused my Rear Main Seal to break and leak oil. Not drivable currently. Quoted 3200 on a repair. Purchased the vehicle less than 12 months ago.
Twice the exhaust has leaked into the cabin to the point where it is very noticeable. It causes headaches and breathing problems. GM has known of this issue for several years and it has been reported several times. GM placed a bandaid on it knowing it would fail.
Fuel System complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, 8% of the model year's 276 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Chevrolet Equinox fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Chevrolet Equinox fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 5 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.