2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L 4-Cylinder Engine (LAF/LEA): Longevity, Problems, And Specs

The second generation of the Chevrolet Equinox was really legendary and extremely popular. It started in 2010 and immediately raised the number of Equinoxes sold in the US. On average, this model sold 250,000 cars a year in America and this is a lot.

The 2.4-liter engine was one of the most popular options thanks to its affordability, optimal fuel consumption, and claimed durability. But was it as good as it was described by the manufacturer?

Today, we'll tell you about the Chevy Equinox 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, describe its main problems, outline its life expectancy and give advice on how to maintain it.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2010-2017
• Average lifespan of LAF/LEA:190,000-220,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:direct injection
• Power range:174-182 hp
• Fuel efficiency:average
• Engine block material:aluminum
• Engine reliability score:medium
• The most common problems:bad oil consumption, crankcase ventilation system issues, timing chain is weak, carbon buildup on intake valves.

What should you know about the Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L engine?

From 2010 to 2011, Chevrolet offered an older LAF engine while in 2012, they introduced the LEA engine. And these engines are very similar to each other, they have the same specs, but still, we would recommend going for the LAE if choosing between them. Some common problems were solved, so the latest model would be a better choice.

This is an all-aluminum light engine with 2.4 liters of displacement. It has 4 cylinders and direct injection. The construction is pretty simple and should be reliable. Should be... The LAE engine got one specific feature - it could consume E85 fuel making it more flexible and preferable for many buyers. But we still believe both engines are OK.

Here's what you should know:

• the 2.4L engine in the Equinox offers 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque which is not bad at all;
• the engine is naturally aspirated, if you are thinking about turbocharging it, you should forget about it because of potential durability losses;
• some owners still say that it doesn't have enough power to move the big Equinox, so you may think of some tuning options;
• the engine is not as gas-thirsty as some other ones, but it's hard to say that it's really budget-friendly in terms of consumption;
• the 2.4-liter Equinox engines are not problem-free, but we should say they are reliable in comparison with other engines of this type;
• the alternative fuel option of the E85 is good, but according to reviews, most people prefer using premium gas for this engine.

We can't insist that these engines are bad or good. They have pros and cons, like every other engine in the world. And we are about to open some of the most important and common problems so that you could decide whether you like this technology or not.

Please bear in mind that you won't be able to buy a new car equipped with the 2.4-liter engine that powered the Equinox. In 2017, the last engine was built. By the way, this engine powered numerous cars such as Chevy Orlando, and Captiva, as well as GMC Terrain, Buick LaCrosse, Regal, and Verano.

What's the life expectancy of the 2.4L Equinox engine?

The most important question for many owners and potential buyers of the Equinox is how many miles can you expect its engine to last? And here we've found different predictions. For the answer, we decided to go to experts and talked to guys from three different repair shops that worked with Chevy cars exclusively.

Here's what we've found. The average mileage you can expect your Chevy Equinox 2.4 to show is 180,000 miles. The majority of vehicles will reach the 200,000-mile mark, but most of them will be showing problems that make them more expensive to drive. This means that after 200,000 miles, you should get rid of this vehicle.

Also, we know that up to 150,000 miles, you won't have a lot of problems with the engine. But this is considered to be the high mileage for it. So, if you are choosing a used Equinox, be careful with its mileage, It shouldn't be more than 120,000 miles to let you drive it at least for a couple of years with no extreme problems.

What are the problems with the 2.4L Equinox engine?

Speaking about problems, we already know about plenty of them because the second-gen Equinox with the 2.4-liter engine was one of our fleet cars. Though, we didn't experience any serious issues before we sold it having happily driven about 140,000 miles.

But we've spoken to experts and were astonished by the number of problems that can attack this engine over time. Here are some of the most unpleasant problems that are important to remember if you own the Equinox 2.4L:

1. Timing chain issues killing the engine

The timing chain here is pretty unreliable and it can stretch prematurely or even jump without any symptoms that should come before this. The chain problem is the number one common issue all experts started their discussion with and we think it's one of the most expensive problems to solve.

Yes, the timing chain problem can be avoided. Make sure you replace the chain and also all other parts that come with it in a kit every 80,000 miles. This will guarantee that the chain won't stretch and jump causing that unpleasant valve-piston soup in your engine.

If the chain stretches and jumps from its designated place, the valves in your 2.4L engine will bump over the pistons and some of the valves won't survive. In the worst-case scenario, the pistons may suffer too and the engine will have to be replaced.

2. Oil consumption

Excessive oil consumption may start as early as 60,000 miles. The 2.4L Equinox engine has weak piston rings and valve seals. They start causing problems astonishingly early and this may develop into the need for an overhaul.

But if you use optimal oil and never overheat the engine, this will happen much later. We've seen 200,000-mile 2.4-liter engines in Equinox that didn't have any problems with oil consumption.

If your engine has already started burning some oil, keep an eye on the level. The best solution is to replace the valve seals and maybe even piston rings to stop it from excessive oil consumption and all consequent problems.

3. Direct injection problems

As you already know, this is a direct injection engine and it can be quite tricky at times. Carbon buildup is something inevitable in these engines. If you use bad fuel and also forget to replace air filters, the system will become clogged much sooner.

Good maintenance is the key to success with these engines, as with nearly all other ones. But even with perfect maintenance and TLC, these engines will still develop some buildups in their injection systems.

Unfortunately, it will cost you a fortune to clean or replace fuel injectors in these engines for optimal driving.

4. Permanent leaks

If you have the Equinox equipped with the 2.4-liter engine, you will have to put up with some leaks that permanently appear and disappear without any relation to common sense. We mean coolant leaks, oil leaks, and any other fluid leaks that can at all happen with a vehicle.

Leaking fluids may be a bad thing because these fluids are greasy and will create permanent stains on the floor of your garage or on your driveway. Also, these leaks will surely lower the level of some liquid in your car which may be dangerous in the long run.

Always check the level of fluids in your Equinox to keep it running. Otherwise, a lot more troubles may show up in the nearest future.

How can you make the life of your 2.4-liter Equinox longer?

We've already given our advice on every type of common problem. But let's sum them up a little so that you could start using them right away.

So, here's what can help you drive your 2.4 Chevy Equinox LAF/LEA for more years and miles:

• TLC - good maintenance with good parts and fluids;
• regular checkups and diagnostics in good shops;
• attentive checking for fluid leaks every week;
• good fuel to avoid any additional problems with buildups;
• keeping your engine clean to avoid overheating and fires.

By following these simple tips, you will ensure that your vehicle doesn't create a lot of expensive problems for you. And you will squeeze the maximum possible number of miles from your car.

Final words

We don't think that the 2.4-liter engine made by Chevrolet and installed in the second-gen Equinox is actually good or extremely bad. This is a unit with some average problems and possible issues, without any wonderful life expectancy, and with really expensive maintenance.

But anyway, it has a lot of advantages that can still make you buy a car equipped with this engine. If you do so, pay attention to the condition of the vehicle and any possible problems that are already presented in the car.