# 2020 Chevy Equinox Burning Oil: Causes & Fixes

> ClearTheCode — Experiencing 2020 Chevy Equinox burning oil? Learn common causes, how to diagnose the issue, and effective repair options to keep your engine healthy.

Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/excessive-oil-consumption-chevrolet-equinox-2020
Author: ClearTheCode

# 2020 Chevy Equinox Burning Oil

If you own a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox and find yourself frequently adding engine oil between scheduled oil changes, you're likely dealing with excessive oil consumption. This isn't just an inconvenience; it can indicate underlying engine issues that, if left unaddressed, could lead to more serious and costly problems down the road. Understanding why your 2020 Chevy Equinox is burning oil is the first step toward a lasting solution.

## What drivers notice on this 2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Drivers of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox experiencing excessive oil consumption often report a few key observations:
- The engine oil level drops significantly between factory-recommended oil change intervals.
- The low oil pressure warning light illuminates on the dashboard, even if the last oil change wasn't long ago.
- A need to add one or more quarts of oil every few thousand miles, sometimes much sooner.
- In some cases, a faint smell of burning oil, especially after the engine has warmed up or during spirited driving.
- Visible blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, particularly during startup or acceleration, which is a strong indicator of oil being burned in the combustion chambers.

## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

- **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Easy to moderate
- **Common Symptoms:** Low oil level warning light: This is the most direct indicator that your engine oil level has dropped below a safe opera; Blue or gray smoke from the exhaust: This is a classic sign of oil entering the combustion chamber and being burned alon; Burning oil smell: A distinct odor, sometimes described as acrid, can emanate from the engine bay or exhaust.; Fouled spark plugs: Oil burning can leave deposits on spark plugs, leading to misfires, reduced fuel economy, and rough 
- **Estimated Repair Cost:** $100–$800 (parts + typical shop labor)
- **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

**Diagnostic workflow:**
1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

## Symptoms and warning signs
Beyond the primary symptom of needing to add oil, several other signs can point to your 2020 Equinox burning oil:
- **Low oil level warning light:** This is the most direct indicator that your engine oil level has dropped below a safe operating threshold.
- **Blue or gray smoke from the exhaust:** This is a classic sign of oil entering the combustion chamber and being burned along with fuel. It's often most noticeable on cold starts or during hard acceleration.
- **Burning oil smell:** A distinct odor, sometimes described as acrid, can emanate from the engine bay or exhaust.
- **Fouled spark plugs:** Oil burning can leave deposits on spark plugs, leading to misfires, reduced fuel economy, and rough idle. You might find related [OBD-II codes](/codes) if you scan your vehicle.
- **Reduced engine performance:** Excessive oil consumption can sometimes be accompanied by a noticeable decrease in power or acceleration.
- **Oil leaks (less common for burning):** While the issue is primarily *consumption*, severe internal problems can sometimes manifest as external leaks as well, though these are typically easier to spot.

## How to verify and confirm the issue
Confirming excessive oil consumption on your 2020 Chevrolet Equinox involves a systematic approach:
- **Monitor oil levels meticulously:** Start by ensuring your oil is at the full mark after an oil change. Check the oil level weekly, noting how quickly it drops and how much oil you need to add to bring it back to full. Keep a log of miles driven and oil added.
- **Visual inspection for external leaks:** While the problem is *burning* oil, rule out simple external leaks first. Inspect around the engine, oil pan, valve covers, and oil filter housing for any signs of fresh oil. If you find leaks, address those first.
- **Check the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system:** A clogged or faulty PCV valve or hose can lead to increased crankcase pressure, forcing oil past seals or into the intake. Inspect the valve and hoses for blockages or damage.
- **Perform a compression test:** This test measures the pressure within each cylinder, indicating the health of the piston rings and valves. Low compression in one or more cylinders can suggest worn piston rings or valve issues.
- **Conduct a leak-down test:** This is a more precise test than a compression test, as it identifies *where* compression is being lost (e.g., past piston rings, through intake/exhaust valves, or head gasket).
- **Borescope inspection:** Using a borescope, you can visually inspect the cylinder walls for scoring and the piston tops for excessive carbon buildup, which can be a sign of oil burning. You can also examine valve stems for oil residue.
- **Inspect the turbocharger:** The 2020 Equinox often features turbocharged engines (1.5L and 2.0L). Turbocharger seals can fail, allowing oil to enter the exhaust or intake manifold. Look for oil residue in the turbocharger's intake or exhaust pipes.

## Common causes (most likely first)
Several factors can cause a 2020 Chevy Equinox to burn oil, ranging from simple fixes to more complex engine repairs:
- **Worn piston rings:** This is one of the most common causes of oil consumption. Over time, piston rings can wear, lose tension, or become stuck with carbon deposits, allowing oil to bypass them and enter the combustion chamber.
- **Worn valve stem seals:** These seals prevent oil from the cylinder head from leaking down the valve stems into the combustion chamber. If they harden or crack, oil can seep past them.
- **Faulty PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system:** A clogged PCV valve or hose can lead to excessive crankcase pressure, which can force oil past seals or into the intake manifold, where it is then burned.
- **Turbocharger issues:** For turbocharged Equinox models, worn or damaged turbocharger seals can allow engine oil to leak into the exhaust or intake side of the turbo, where it's burned off.
- **Excessive engine sludge:** Poor maintenance or infrequent oil changes can lead to sludge buildup, which can clog oil return passages and cause piston rings to stick, leading to oil consumption.

### Related guides on this vehicle

- [2019 Equinox Low Oil Light Comes On Frequently: Excessive Consumption](/articles/excessive-oil-consumption-engine-chevrolet-equinox-2019)
- [2017 Chevrolet Equinox Burning Oil: Causes & Fixes](/articles/excessive-oil-consumption-chevrolet-equinox-2017)
- [P0011 2024 Lexus Gx: Intake Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced](/articles/p0011-lexus-gx-2024-diagnostic-guide)

## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes
Addressing the 2020 Chevy Equinox burning oil issue requires a methodical approach:
1.  **Start with the basics:** Verify oil consumption by monitoring levels. Rule out external leaks first. Check the oil fill cap for signs of milky residue, which could indicate coolant mixing with oil.
2.  **Inspect the PCV system:** Locate the PCV valve (often on the valve cover). Remove and shake it; if it doesn't rattle, it's likely clogged and needs replacement. Check all PCV hoses for cracks or blockages. This is a relatively inexpensive fix and a common culprit.
3.  **Perform engine health tests:** Conduct a compression test and a leak-down test. These will help determine if the piston rings or valve seals are failing. Pay close attention to any cylinders showing significantly lower readings.
4.  **Borescope inspection:** If compression/leak-down tests point to internal issues, use a borescope to visually inspect cylinder walls for scoring and piston tops for heavy carbon buildup, which can indicate oil bypassing the rings.
5.  **Check the turbocharger (if applicable):** Disconnect the intake and exhaust pipes from the turbocharger. Look for signs of oil residue or pooling within the turbo housing, which suggests failing turbo seals. This often requires removing the turbo for a closer inspection or replacement.
6.  **Consider an engine flush:** In cases of suspected sludge or stuck piston rings, a professional engine flush might help free up the rings. However, this should be done cautiously and only after ruling out severe mechanical wear.
7.  **Address the root cause:** Based on your diagnostic findings, the fix could range from replacing a PCV valve to replacing valve stem seals, rebuilding the turbocharger, or, in severe cases, an engine rebuild to replace piston rings.

For more detailed repair guidance, you can explore various repair guides available on our site.

## Repair options and cost factors
The cost to resolve excessive oil consumption in your 2020 Chevrolet Equinox can vary widely depending on the underlying cause:
- **PCV Valve Replacement:** This is the least expensive fix, typically costing $50–$200 for parts and labor.
- **Valve Stem Seal Replacement:** This is a more labor-intensive job, often requiring removal of the cylinder head. Costs can range from $800–$2,000, depending on the engine and shop rates.
- **Turbocharger Repair/Replacement:** If the turbocharger seals are the issue, a replacement or rebuild can cost $1,500–$3,000+, as the turbocharger itself is an expensive component and labor is significant.
- **Piston Ring Replacement/Engine Rebuild:** This is the most extensive and costly repair, often involving removing the engine from the vehicle. Costs can easily exceed $2,500 and go up to $5,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and if other components are replaced.

Cost factors include the specific parts needed, the complexity of the labor, your geographic location, and whether you choose an independent mechanic or a dealership service center. Always get a detailed quote before proceeding with major repairs.

## When to see a professional
While some basic checks like monitoring oil levels and inspecting the PCV valve can be done by a DIY enthusiast, diagnosing and repairing excessive oil consumption often requires specialized tools and expertise. You should consult a professional technician if:
- You're unsure about performing compression or leak-down tests.
- You suspect internal engine damage (worn rings, valve seals, or turbo issues).
- You lack the specific tools or experience for complex engine repairs.
- You've tried simpler fixes without success.

Ignoring excessive oil consumption can lead to severe engine damage, including premature wear of bearings, cylinder walls, and catalytic converter failure due to oil contamination.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is it normal for a 2020 Equinox to burn some oil?
While all engines consume a small amount of oil over time, especially modern direct-injection turbocharged engines like those in the 2020 Equinox, truly excessive consumption (e.g., adding a quart every 1,000-2,000 miles) is not considered normal and indicates an underlying issue that should be investigated. Consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's definition of acceptable oil consumption.

### What are the long-term effects of ignoring oil burning in my Equinox?
Ignoring excessive oil burning can lead to several serious long-term problems. These include premature wear of internal engine components due to insufficient lubrication, carbon buildup on valves and pistons affecting performance, and catalytic converter damage from oil residue, which is an expensive component to replace. You can learn more about your specific [Chevrolet vehicle hub](/vehicles/chevrolet) and the [Equinox model hub](/vehicles/chevrolet/equinox).

### Can a clogged PCV valve really cause significant oil consumption in a 2020 Equinox?
Yes, a clogged or malfunctioning PCV valve is a surprisingly common cause of excessive oil consumption. It can lead to increased pressure in the engine's crankcase, which can force oil past piston rings and valve seals, causing it to be burned in the combustion chambers. Replacing a faulty PCV valve is often a simple and cost-effective first step in diagnosing oil consumption issues.

## Sources and further reading
For more information, consult your vehicle's owner's manual and official Chevrolet service bulletins. Reputable automotive repair manuals and diagnostic resources can also provide in-depth technical specifications and repair procedures.

*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for OEM service procedures. Always consult a qualified technician for safety-critical work and specific vehicle diagnosis.*

## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode

- [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes)
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