The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the few compact SUVs on the market that offers a V6 engine with 301 horsepower, more powerful than the competition. However, the base four-cylinder engine has meager specs and suffers from excessive oil consumption.
Key Points
- The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has two recalls, two investigations, and over 450 complaints registered to the NHTSA.
- The two recalls pertain to flawed side-impact airbags and windshield wipers not working properly.
- Many owners have complained about excessive oil consumption ruining the engine in models equipped with the base four-cylinder motor.
- Power steering assist going out intermittently, spongy brake pedal, and expensive transmission overhauls are among other commonly cited issues.
- Several owners have quoted dealing with various electrical problems, including malfunctioning radio and backup camera.
2015 Chevrolet Equinox’s Two Recalls Cover Faulty Side Impact Airbags and Malfunctioning Windshield Wipers
The Chevrolet Equinox raised many concerns in the first four years of its second generation (2010–2018). Although things got relatively better for the 2015 model, there are still an alarming number of owner complaints pertaining to costly problems.
In October 2015, General Motors recalled three Chevrolet vehicles, including the 2015 Equinox, over flawed side-impact airbags.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the inflators could rupture and prevent the airbags from inflating correctly.
Additionally, the rupture could result in small metal pieces striking the SUV’s occupants and causing serious injuries.
Due to a high number of owner complaints, the NHTSA opened two investigations about windshield wipers failing due to the ball joints in the module corroding. Inoperative windshield wipers, especially in heavy rain and snow, can significantly reduce the driver’s visibility.
The two investigations were opened in November 2018 and December 2019, but it wasn’t until very recently, in March 2022, that GM finally recalled 2014 and 2015 Equinoxes to provide a remedy for flawed windshield wipers.
Many 2015 Equinox Owners Have Spent $5,000 on Average Over Excessive Oil Consumption Problem
More than a fifth of the 463 complaints registered to the NHTSA website concern engine problems, and they are predominantly about burning excessive oil.
In most cases, the high oil consumption rate has caused irreversible damage, forcing owners to replace the entire engine.
2015 Equinox owners posting on the Car Complaints website echo this problem. “Immediately had it towed to the mechanic where I was told the engine has zero compression. The end result is that with less than 93,000 miles, my engine is done,” said one owner about the aftermath of the engine shaking and losing power.
The problem predominantly plagues the 2.4L four-cylinder engine.
Based on the Car Complaints data, the issue occurs around the 100,000-mile mark and costs $5,000 on average to fix. Some owners have mentioned repair bills as high as $8,000.
Intermittent Power Steering and Brake Malfunctions Have Put Some Owners in Hazardous Situations
Several owners have filed complaints with the NHTSA regarding the power steering.
According to these reports, the power steering assist goes out while the SUV is in motion without any warning, creating hazardous situations for the driver and other cars on the road.
Furthermore, owners have complained about the brakes feeling spongy or failing to stop the vehicle at various speeds.
The six-speed automatic mounted on the 2015 Equinox is another problematic area. The transmission can’t properly shift into reverse and shifts roughly between the third and fifth gears. Owners have dealt with this problem well below the 60,000-mile mark.
According to Repair Pal, the problem typically comes from a broken 35R wave plate that controls the gears.
“It goes out of gear at stop signs when you try to enter an intersection, on major highways at speed and in any condition,” quoted one 2015 Equinox owner on a Car Problem Zoo forum.
2015 Equinox’s Electrical Issues Drain Battery and Prevent Radio and Backup Camera From Working Properly
Owners have complained about different problems with the 2015 Chevy Equinox’s electrical system. However, the battery dying sooner than it should is the most common issue posted on Car Complaints.
Additionally, the radio and the backup camera not working properly, or in some cases, not working at all, has caused headaches for several owners.
“The radio doesn’t work, Bluetooth doesn’t work, back doors don’t open from the inside even though they are unlocked,” posted one owner in 2015, mentioning they had to take their 2015 Equinox to the dealership several times over electrical problems within the first few months.
Another common problem with the Chevrolet Equinox is the A/C compressor failing before the SUV has 100,000 miles on the odometer. Owners have typically spent $600 to $700 to replace the compressor.
Various Engine and Electrical Problems Make it Difficult to Recommend the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox offers an optional V6 with 301 horsepower and a lot of interior space for a compact SUV.
However, widespread issues such as excessive oil consumption and various electrical problems overshadow the SUV’s good qualities. Based on real owner reviews on the Vehicle History website, the 2015 Equinox ranks 10th among 24 other compact SUVs.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a used 2015 Chevy Equinox goes for around $11,545 to $17,983.
Within the same price range, the 2015 Honda CR-V and 2015 Subaru Forester come with significantly fewer problems, better standard technology, and are longer-lasting.
Photos: Chevrolet
