2011 Chevrolet Equinox & GMC Terrain Oil Consumption: Complete Repair Guide

Understanding the 2.4L Engine Oil Consumption Problem

Many owners of 2011 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs equipped with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine (engine code LEA) have reported abnormally high oil consumption between oil changes. This technical bulletin addresses the root cause and GM's authorized solution.

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Primary Symptoms

• Oil level dropping 1 quart or more every 2,000 miles
• Low oil warning lights activating between scheduled changes
• Excessive blue-tinted exhaust smoke during acceleration
• Spark plug fouling from oil contamination

Affected Vehicles

This service bulletin specifically applies to:

• 2011 Chevrolet Equinox (all trim levels with 2.4L engine)
• 2011 GMC Terrain (all trim levels with 2.4L engine)

Note that 2010 and 2012 models with the same engine may exhibit similar symptoms but require separate diagnosis.

Technical Cause of Oil Consumption

GM engineers identified the primary issue as premature piston ring wear due to:

• Insufficient oil ring tension in original piston design
• Excessive cylinder wall clearance
• Oil control ring clogging from carbon buildup

This combination allows oil to bypass the rings and burn in the combustion chamber.

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GM's Authorized Repair Solution

Dealers will perform the following corrective actions:

1. Verify oil consumption exceeds 1 quart per 2,000 miles
2. Inspect for secondary causes (leaks, PCV issues)
3. Replace all four pistons with updated design (P/N 12617520)
4. Install new piston rings with improved oil control
5. Replace connecting rod bearings as precaution
6. Perform engine break-in procedure

Warranty Coverage Details

GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment #15285C providing:

• Coverage Period: 7 years/6 months or 120,000 miles from original sale
• Repair Cost: Fully covered (parts, labor, and fluids)
• Transferable: Applies to subsequent owners
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Owner Action Steps

1. Verify Your Vehicle's Eligibility

Contact any GM dealership with your VIN to confirm coverage. Alternatively:

• Chevrolet Customer Service: 800-222-1020
• GMC Customer Service: 800-462-8782
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236

2. Prepare for Service

• Document oil consumption (miles driven vs. quarts added)
• Check for stored engine codes
• Review service bulletin #15285C

3. Locate a Certified Repair Facility

Use MotorVero's Dealer Locator to find GM-certified technicians familiar with this specific repair procedure.

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Additional Considerations

If Outside Warranty

Vehicles beyond 120,000 miles may qualify for goodwill assistance. GM often provides partial coverage for loyal customers.

Related Technical Service Bulletins

• #PIP5338: Oil consumption diagnostic procedure
• #10-06-01-008F: Revised oil change recommendations
• #15-NA-079: Updated PCV valve design

Preventative Maintenance Tips

To minimize future oil consumption issues:

• Use only GM-approved 5W-30 synthetic oil
• Change oil every 5,000 miles (severe service schedule)
• Replace PCV valve every 30,000 miles
• Monitor oil level weekly
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the piston replacement take?

Most dealers complete the repair in 2-3 days. The engine must fully cool before disassembly.

Will this repair affect my fuel economy?

Properly repaired vehicles often see 1-2 MPG improvement from restored compression.

Is there a recall for this issue?

This is a special coverage adjustment, not a safety recall. GM extended warranty coverage voluntarily.

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