Trouble codes › Known problems › GM 2.4L Ecotec oil consumption and timing chain wear
GM 2.4L Ecotec oil consumption and timing chain wear
Codes: P0016, P0017, P0008, P0300
On the 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain (and other GM models with the 2.4L Ecotec), excessive oil consumption from piston ring problems is well documented; it leads to low oil, timing chain stretch (P0016, P0017, P0008) and misfires (P0300).
Check the oil level every fill-up and keep it full. Running these engines low on oil is what damages the timing chain and engine. If it rattles loudly or runs badly, stop and get it checked.
Which vehicles
- Chevrolet Equinox 2010-2017
- GMC Terrain 2010-2017
- Chevrolet Malibu 2008-2015
- Buick LaCrosse and Regal (2.4L) 2010-2017
- Chevrolet Captiva Sport 2012-2015
Why it happens
On many 2010-2013 2.4L engines, the piston rings can't keep oil out of the combustion chamber, so the engine burns oil, sometimes a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles or worse.
Owners often don't notice until the oil is very low. Low oil wears the timing chain (setting cam/crank correlation codes), fouls spark plugs (misfires) and can damage the catalytic converter. In cold weather, a frozen or plugged PCV system can add to it.
Symptoms
How to confirm it
- Fill the oil to the full mark and check it every 500-1,000 miles to measure how fast it's using oil; dealers run a formal oil consumption test.
- Read cam/crank correlation values with a scan tool to see whether the chain has stretched.
- Pull the spark plugs: oil-fouled plugs point to oil burning.
- Ask a GM dealer to run your VIN for the special coverage and bulletins below.
The repair
- Oil consumption: GM's repair is new piston and ring assemblies (bulletin 13-06-01-003). Check whether yours is covered before paying for it.
- Timing chain: replace the chain, guides and tensioner if correlation values are out of limits.
- Keep the PCV system clear and the oil full afterwards.
Recalls, bulletins and warranty programs
- GM special coverage 14159
- For 2010 Equinox and Terrain with the 2.4L: piston assembly replacement at no charge for excessive oil consumption, 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, regardless of owner. Ask whether your model year is included.
- GM bulletin 13-06-01-003
- GM's technical bulletin for 2010-2013 Equinox and Terrain 2.4L: an oil consumption test, then a piston and ring kit if needed.
- Class action settlement
- A US settlement covered 2010-2013 Equinox and Terrain with the 2.4L, including piston replacement for some vehicles; claim deadlines may have passed.
Programs can expire or depend on your VIN. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer to run your VIN for open recalls, bulletins and extended coverage.
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Researched October 2026 from service bulletins, recall records and repair-industry reporting. Your vehicle may differ; confirm with your service information and a dealer before paying for major repairs.