The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering side/window and motor. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Campaign #15V666000 · Oct 16, 2015
Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Camaro, Equinox, Malibu, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The affected vehicles have front seat-mounted side impact air bags whose inflator may rupture upon its deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of one or both of the side impact air bags, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not properly inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Additionally, if the air bag does not properly inflate, the driver or passenger is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side impact air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 01320.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Campaign #22V165000 · Mar 17, 2022
Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode, causing one or both windshield wipers to fail.
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the wiper module, and repair or replace it as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 21, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212352530.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox.
ENGINE
52 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2026-04
“excessive oil consumption 1qt per 600 miles”
“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that a month after having an oil change performed on the vehicle, he noticed that the engine had consumed 2 quarts of oil. There was no warning light illuminated”
“Excessive oil consumption caused engine failure”
ENGINE
19 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2025-12
“Timing chain components went out, causing massive engine failure”
“The engine's timing chain failed at 73k miles. No explanation on why. I was told even though I do maintenance regularly, it just happens in these vehicle. i now need a new engine not under warranty”
“The contact stated that the abnormal sound had become louder. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced”
VISIBILITY/WIPER
43 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2024-09
“Driving along freeway with wipers on in heavy rain and the wipers just stopped working. I was able to pull over safely but was not able to drive for hours till the rain stopped”
“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH during a rainstorm, the windshield wipers stopped functioning. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated”
“Front windshield wipers were operating on low setting then suddenly stop midway of the windshield and gets stuck. Tried turning switch on and off. Nothing. Pulled over. Parked. Turned car off and on. Tried switch. Nothing”
ENGINE
18 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-05
“According to our mechanic, our vehicle’s PCV system became clogged and it increased the pressure in our engine and caused the car’s rear main seal to rupture, leading to catastrophic oil loss, loss of power to the vehicle, and engine damage”
“PCV valve failed causing the rear main seal to leak. Vehicle is available for inspection. The potential to be stranded in cold weather”
“PCV system freezing and plugging resulting in increased pressure causing excessive oil leak and potential engine failure”
ENGINE
9 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10 → 2025-05
“I have had 4 incidents recently of when coming to a stop the car dies. this has happened at red lights and stop signs. one of the incidents a car almost crashed into the rear of my car because of it dying at a red light”
“Car stalling when taking off from a stop causing dangerous situations. I had a 2013 of the exact model and it did the same thing. GM has an issue with the intake sensors that needs to be addressed”
“AS I WAS DRIVING, AN ERROR CAME ON MY DASHBOARD STATING, "REDUCED ENGINE POWER". THE FASTEST I COULD DRIVE WAS 25 MPH, THEN YOU COULDN'T DRIVE AT ALL”
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-04 → 2026-08
“The vehicle stopped running. We brought it to the mechanic. The mechanic confirmed that it is a high-pressure fuel pump malfunction and a known issue with these vehicles. All the oil has leaked out because of this issue, which could cause a fire”
“Several days later, the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced”
“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal vibration sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating and decelerating with the stability control warning light intermittently illuminated on the instrument panel”
AIR BAGS
6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-11 → 2026-01
“Car received a front impact and airbags did not deploy despite the alert on the dash saying “service airbags” immediately after collision. Seat belts engaged though”
“There is a warning to service airbag. I took to dealership there is a recall on thus issue for certain vins, but not mine. They said my sensor under passenger seat is defective and would cost $1800+ to fix”
“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on a several occasion, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired”
Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
184 crashes 1990–2024
How the 184 occupant deaths break down
130
driver deaths
54
passenger deaths
184
occupant deaths
Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2014 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.
Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.
Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.
IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
24
complaints mentioning a crash
6
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.