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Excessive Oil Consumption in 2020 Equinox 1.5L Turbo

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Paul Z. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:39 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LT 1.5L Turbo

Hello everyone, I'm concerned about my 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LT with the 1.5L turbo engine. I've noticed that I'm adding a quart of oil every 1,500-2,000 miles, which seems really excessive for a relatively new car. There are no visible leaks on my driveway, and I don't see any smoke from the exhaust.

I've been diligent with oil changes, using the recommended synthetic oil. Is this normal for the 1.5T engine, or should I be worried? I've heard some rumors about oil consumption issues in these engines, but I'm not sure if it applies to my model year.

What steps should I take? Should I try a different oil weight, or is this something that needs a professional diagnosis? Any advice from other Equinox owners would be great.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:39 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive oil consumption in a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox with the 1.5L turbo engine is a concern that warrants investigation, as it's not considered normal for a vehicle of this age and mileage. While some engines consume a small amount of oil, a quart every 1,500-2,000 miles is on the higher side.

  1. Document and Monitor: Start by meticulously documenting your oil additions. Note the date, mileage, and amount of oil added each time. This data will be crucial if you need to involve a dealership or mechanic.

  2. Potential Causes:

    • PCV System Issues: A common cause of oil consumption in modern engines can be a faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. If the PCV valve or its associated plumbing is clogged or malfunctioning, it can lead to increased crankcase pressure, forcing oil past piston rings or valve seals.
    • Turbocharger Seals: The turbocharger relies on oil for lubrication and cooling. Worn or failing turbocharger seals can allow oil to leak into the exhaust or intake system, where it's burned off without visible external leaks.
    • Piston Ring Issues: Less common in newer vehicles but still possible, issues with piston rings (e.g., sticking, wear, or design flaws) can lead to oil bypassing into the combustion chamber.
    • Valve Stem Seals: Worn valve stem seals can also allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • Dealership Visit: Given the vehicle's age, it's highly advisable to take your Equinox to a Chevrolet dealership. They can perform an official oil consumption test, which involves sealing the oil fill and drain plugs, documenting the oil level, and having you return after a specified mileage interval (e.g., 1,000-1,500 miles) to re-check the level. This is often a prerequisite for warranty claims.
    • Diagnostic Steps: A mechanic will typically inspect the PCV system, check for turbocharger shaft play, and look for any signs of internal leaks. While there isn't a specific OBD-II code for oil consumption itself, related issues like misfires (P030x) or catalytic converter inefficiency (P0420) could arise if oil burning becomes severe.
    • Don't Delay: Addressing this issue promptly can prevent potential long-term damage to components like the catalytic converter, which can be expensive to replace.
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