Chevy Equinox & GMC Terrain Years to Avoid: Problems by Year (2010 to 2026)

The GMC Terrain years to avoid are 2010 to 2012 and 2015, and the same years apply to the Chevy Equinox. The 2.4L engine in 2010 to 2017 models is known for timing chain failure around 80,000 to 100,000 miles, often with oil burning, and that repair alone can run $2,000 to $3,000 or more (timing chain replacement cost). The safest buys are the 2022 and 2023 models, with 2016 and 2017 as the best budget pick.

The Equinox and Terrain are two of the most common used crossovers in the US, and they share the same problems year by year. Below is what goes wrong in each model year, what it costs to fix, and what to check before you buy. If you are still choosing a model, compare them with the most reliable SUVs.

2010 to 2017 Equinox and Terrain: Problems by Year

The 2010 to 2017 Equinox is the second generation of the Equinox, and it shares its platform and problems with the first-generation Terrain. These are the cheapest Equinox and Terrain models on the used market. Their low prices reflect known problems with the 2.4L engine and the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

2010 to 2012: The Years to Avoid

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "These years are rough. The 2.4L engine was" ... "electrical gremlins that nobody could quite pin down."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "The 2010 model year, in particular, had serious" ... "factory warranty expired, often by 50,000 to 60,000 miles."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "What makes these early model years especially problematic" ... "and the constant threat of catastrophic engine failure."]]

Skip these years if you can. The lower purchase price does not cover the repair risk. One engine replacement at $4,000 or more wipes out the savings, and many of these engines are now past the mileage where the timing chain tends to fail.

2013 to 2015: Buy 2013 to 2014 With Care, Skip 2015

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "These years saw some improvements, though the" ... "occasional failures that required complete replacements costing $3,500+."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "The timing chain didn't fail quite as early" ... "rattling on cold starts; that's your warning sign."]]

A 2013 or 2014 can be a fair buy at the right price, but only with proof of regular oil changes and a clean inspection. If your budget stretches, a 2016 or 2017 is the better choice from these years.

2016 to 2017: The Best of the Older Models

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "By 2016-2017, Chevy had finally addressed some" ... "and the oil consumption issue was better controlled."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "These are the better years from the second" ... "have been solved before the vehicles hit dealerships."]]

2018 to 2026 Equinox and Terrain: Problems by Year

In 2018, Chevy redesigned the Equinox and GMC launched an updated Terrain. The 2.4L engine was replaced by smaller turbo engines, so the timing chain problem of the older models largely went away. These years are much more reliable, but not perfect.

2018 to 2019: Transmission Shudder and Infotainment Bugs

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "These new-generation models came with a fresh design" ... "timing chain nightmares compared to the 2.4L disaster."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "However, early owners reported issues with the transmission" ... "ownership often experienced frustration before patches became available."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "The good news? No massive timing chain catastrophes." ... "the roadside, but it definitely affects driving quality."]]

2020 to 2021: Mostly Sorted Out

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "By 2020-2021, the gremlins were mostly worked out." ... "maintained, and transmission performance improved significantly from 2018-2019."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "Owners report occasional issues with the transmission" ... "if you find one with good service records."]]

2022 to 2023: The Best Years to Buy

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "If you want the safest bet in terms" ... "software is stable, and major issues are rare."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "The only minor gripe? Some owners reported brake" ... "trims, but nothing that screams major design flaw."]]

2024 to 2026: Too New to Judge

There is not enough long-term data yet to rate the newest model years. Most of them are still under the factory warranty, so use it: report any shudder, hesitation or electrical fault to the dealer before the warranty runs out. Our guide on what to do when your factory warranty is expiring lists the steps.

Common Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain Problems

Four problems account for most Equinox and Terrain complaints. The first two affect only the 2.4L engine in 2010 to 2017 models.

Timing Chain Failures (2010 to 2017 2.4L)

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "This is the elephant in the room. You'd" ... "need a complete replacement ($4,000 to $5,000+) or a rebuild."]]

Signs it's coming: Rattling noise during cold starts, check engine lights for P0016 or P0017 codes.

A chain caught early costs far less than an engine. A chain and tensioner job on a domestic SUV usually runs $950 to $1,900 (timing chain cost guide). If the chain jumps or snaps, the engine can be damaged, and that is where the $4,000 to $5,000 bills come from. GM extended timing chain coverage on some of these vehicles, so ask a Chevy or GMC dealer to check the VIN before you pay for the repair.

Oil Consumption (2010 to 2017 2.4L)

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "Owners of 2010-2017 models reported burning through oil" ... "the most contentious issues in the vehicle's history."]]

Transmission Problems: Hesitation and Shudder

The Hydra-Matic automatic in 2010 to 2017 models often hesitates when pulling away from a stop or shudders between gears. A fluid service fixes some cases; others need a rebuild or a new transmission. 2018 and 2019 models can shudder at low speeds, which software updates and fluid service usually fix. A rebuilt transmission with labor typically costs $2,300 to $6,000 (transmission replacement cost).

Electrical and Infotainment Problems

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "Panoramic sunroofs that leak, infotainment systems that freeze" ... "from $500 to $2,000+ depending on the problem."]]

Equinox and Terrain Repair Costs by Model Year

These are typical totals for the main problem in each model year range, at independent shops.

Protect this repair. Every CoverageX plan covers the engine and transmission, the two parts behind the biggest bills in this table. The Essential plan covers the engine, transmission and drivetrain, and the Signature plan adds electrical systems, air conditioning and suspension. CoverageX pays the repair shop directly, at any licensed repair facility. Problems that exist before you buy a plan are not covered, so protection works best before the timing chain starts to rattle. Get an instant quote for your Equinox or Terrain or call 1-800-258-3413.

Best and Worst Years for the Equinox and Terrain

• Best years: 2022 to 2023 Equinox and Terrain. Proven powertrains, stable software and few major complaints.
• Best budget pick: 2016 to 2017 Equinox or Terrain. Prices are low and the worst second-generation problems are mostly fixed. Still check the timing chain.
• Fair buy with care: 2013 to 2014 and 2020 to 2021. Buy only with service records and a clean inspection.
• Worst year: 2010 Equinox. Timing chain failure, transmission problems, electrical faults and oil burning, with repair bills often starting by 50,000 to 60,000 miles.
• Years to avoid: 2010 to 2012 and 2015. The upfront savings tend to go straight into repair bills.

What to Check Before You Buy a Used Equinox or Terrain

A used Equinox or Terrain is only as good as its history. Before you pay, check these points, and have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. It usually costs $100 to $200.

• Cold start: start the engine cold and listen for a rattle from the front of the engine in the first seconds. On 2010 to 2017 models, that is the timing chain.
• Warning codes: have the mechanic scan for codes P0016 and P0017, which point to chain stretch.
• Oil records: ask for proof of regular oil changes. A low oil level or long gaps between changes on a 2.4L is a reason to walk away.
• Timing chain history: ask if the chain has been replaced, and get the receipt.
• Test drive: pull away gently from a stop and cruise at 45 to 55 mph. Hesitation, shudder or hunting between gears means transmission trouble.
• Electrical: test the touchscreen, voice controls and power features, and look for water stains around the sunroof.
• Recalls and warranty: ask a Chevy or GMC dealer to run the VIN for open recalls and any extended coverage.

Looking at a car with high miles? Read buying a used car with 100,000 miles first.

Maintenance Tips If You Already Own One

If you already own one of these vehicles, or you're seriously considering it, here's what you need to know:

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "For 2010 to 2017 models: Change your oil religiously, every" ... "or seepage that might indicate chain trouble ahead."]] If your 2.4L has not had its timing chain replaced, a CoverageX vehicle protection plan can pay for that repair if the chain fails after your coverage starts. On these older models, one engine repair can cost more than the vehicle is worth.

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "For 2018+ models: Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule." ... "hesitation to your dealer while it's under warranty."]]

Is an Extended Warranty Worth It on an Equinox or Terrain?

It depends on the model year and how long you plan to keep the car. An extended car warranty, legally a vehicle service contract, pays for covered repairs after the factory warranty ends.

• Worth a look: 2010 to 2017 models with the 2.4L engine, where one timing chain or transmission repair can cost $2,000 to $8,000, and you plan to keep the car for years.
• Probably not worth it: 2024 to 2026 models still under the factory warranty, or an older car worth less than a few years of plan payments. In those cases, a repair fund can make more sense. See when not to buy an extended warranty.
• Not an option: a car that already has a rattling chain or a slipping transmission. Pre-existing problems are not covered by any CoverageX plan.

CoverageX accepts vehicles with up to 200,000 miles (high-mileage extended warranty). Plans are month to month and you can cancel anytime, with a full refund in the first 30 days (cancellation and refunds). Claims can be filed after a waiting period of 30 days and 1,000 miles, and every plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance and towing.

Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain FAQ

What are the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox years to avoid?

Avoid 2010 to 2012 and 2015. These years have the most timing chain, oil consumption and transmission problems, and the 2010 Equinox is the worst of all. The Equinox and Terrain share the same problems in the same years.

What is the best year for a used Equinox or Terrain?

The 2022 and 2023 models are the best years to buy. They have proven powertrains, stable software and few major complaints. On a tighter budget, a 2016 or 2017 is the best of the older models, as long as the timing chain checks out.

Are the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain the same vehicle?

They are close siblings. Both come from GM and share the same platform, engines and transmissions in each model year, which is why the same years have the same problems. The Terrain has its own styling and trim levels.

How much does a timing chain repair cost on a Chevy Equinox?

Most timing chain jobs on an Equinox or Terrain cost $950 to $1,900 when the chain is replaced before it fails, and $2,000 to $3,000 or more with extra parts and labor. If the chain breaks and damages the engine, expect $4,000 to $5,000 or more. See the full timing chain replacement cost guide.

Which Equinox and Terrain years have the most transmission complaints?

The 2010 model has the worst transmission record, with the Hydra-Matic transmission losing gears. 2015 models hesitate on acceleration, and 2018 and 2019 models can shudder at low speeds. The 2018 to 2019 shudder is usually fixed with a software update and fluid service.

Why do 2010 to 2017 Equinox and Terrain models burn oil?

The 2.4L engine in these years is known to burn oil, sometimes a quart every 1,000 miles or less. Low oil speeds up timing chain wear, so check the oil level between changes and change it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Is a high-mileage Equinox or Terrain still worth buying?

Yes, if it is a 2016 or newer with full service records and a clean inspection. A 2010 to 2015 model with high miles and no proof of a timing chain replacement is a risky buy. Budget for that repair, or walk away.

What should I inspect before buying a used Equinox or Terrain?

Listen for a timing chain rattle on a cold start, scan for codes P0016 and P0017, check the oil records, and test drive for transmission shudder at low speed and at 45 to 55 mph. Also test the touchscreen and look for sunroof leaks. Use our pre-purchase inspection checklist.

Will an extended warranty cover the timing chain on an Equinox or Terrain?

Yes, if the chain fails after coverage starts and your plan covers the engine. Every CoverageX plan covers the engine and transmission. A chain that is already rattling when you buy is a pre-existing problem and is not covered, so buy protection before symptoms show. Compare CoverageX plans.

Are the GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox good, reliable cars?

The 2018 and newer Equinox and Terrain are fairly reliable, but the 2010 to 2017 models are not. Those older years use a 2.4L engine known for timing chain failure and oil burning. The 2018 redesign replaced it with smaller turbo engines, and the 2022 and 2023 models are the best years to buy. Buy an older one only with service records and a clean inspection.

What are the most common GMC Terrain problems?

The most common GMC Terrain problems are timing chain failure and oil burning on 2010 to 2017 models with the 2.4L engine, transmission hesitation or shudder, and electrical faults such as infotainment freezes and sunroof leaks. The Terrain shares these problems with the Chevy Equinox in the same years. A timing chain job usually costs $950 to $1,900 if it is done before the chain fails.

Final Thoughts: Which Equinox or Terrain to Buy

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "The Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are practical" ... "risk of timing chain failure and transmission repairs."]]

[[KEEP EXISTING TEXT: "Take your time with the inspection, get a" ... "knows these vehicles, and don't ignore warning signs."]]

If you end up with a 2010 to 2017 model, or plan to keep any Equinox or Terrain past its factory warranty, compare protection before the first big bill. Get an instant quote for your Equinox or Terrain or call 1-800-258-3413. It takes about two minutes and there is no obligation.

Comparing other models? See Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra problems by year and Ford Explorer problems by year.