The 2.4L EcoTec | 4 Common Problems & Reliability

[@getplayed1860]

I have a 2010 Malibu LE9 flex fuel and I could tell you the 85 makes a big difference with torque and at low RPM, picked it up from auction and it had 161,000 miles. I've had it for about a year and a half I've done a lot of maintenance including draining the sealed transmission/coils,spark plugs oil changes, you name it. Now the car is at 183,500 and still running it's put me through hell working on it but I don't regret it.

[@8020Media]

Get - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@nicka6431]

In my experience, If you change the oil every 3,000 miles, check the oil level frequently, and make sure it’s always full. They can be good runners. But most people fail to do that.

[@8020Media]

Nick - 100% agree with this..

[@on-site4094]

Most important clean topped up oil

[@stevenweiss2148]

Blowing up the engine is hazardous to your credit card balance

[@johnnywilson715]

Who wants to keep Putting a quart of oil in it every week.

[@TheStevenRK]

252k on mine and it has never given me an issue other than cam actuators. I never let it go more than 5k miles, it nevers goes over 3500 rpm and I check oil weekly. It will go 3-4 weeks and be fine and then suddenly burn a quart in a week. Literally the only parts I've changed on the engine are the cam actuator solenoids.

[@yeoldelegend77]

I purchased a 2013 Chevy Equinox with the 2.4 Ecotec in 2019. It had about 98,000 miles. I kept the oil changed according to the computer on the dash. I noticed it burned a lot of oil but didn't know about the reliability problems. GM sent out recall notices in 2020 for oil consumption. They didn't do anything to the piston rings. They just replaced the Catalytic Converter and did a general inspection for recommended maintenance. Nothing to do with timing chains or piston rings. Fast forward now. I think my timing chain jumped. In my area there are at least 3 Chevy Equinoxes parked. Same color. Just parked. GM dropped the ball on this one. When they did the the recall they should have replaced the engine and looked out for the customers. My sister had a 2006 Jeep Liberty. Jeep recalled her model year and replaced the engine! That's how you look out for customers. My Equinox is almost paid off and is still parked. GM may have lost me as a customer behind this...

[@8020Media]

Y - So sorry to hear this, however, we do appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!

[@Me-eb3wv]

That’s GM for ya

[@stevenchristopherson2200]

That’s my car in the thumbnail 🥰🥰 2.4 ecotec with 267,000 miles and still going. Have replaced the timing chain with some strong upgraded parts from ZZP but other than that I have religiously changed the oil ever 3k miles and only run full synthetic. Still original transmission as well but I get the trans fluid flushed every year.

[@8020Media]

Steven - Nice car! Thanks for letting us use it, if it is yours! Also, thanks for sharing your experience!

[@cartergrzebeniak393]

What mods you do looking to do some stuff

[@getplayed1860]

I've seen your car in the thumbnail all over in my world you're famous LOL I've seen your car in some forums and read all up on the 2.4 ecotec it's a very touchy motor I'm looking to get it tuned soon, do you know exactly how much horsepower you're making out of curiosity I've experienced I'd say a little lost in power with my air fuel ratio being off but I love the car man I'd love to hear more about your car

[@imto5]

You definitely should make a video about your car and whats done to the motor

[@getplayed1860]

@@imto5 for sure, I'd love to see a video of his vehicle mine's now at 190,000 and the timing chain needs to be replaced, but I'm having a bad suspension issue in the front and back I'm just a KZbin mechanic so I'm not too well informed about suspension I know bushings and control arms and whatnot but I don't know how to change them exactly, I probably have a couple thousand dollars in suspension work done, any clues to what it could be? I feel any Mark in the roads even crack fill marks and don't even get me started on railroad tracks.

[@vernemil]

Wow, you're good. Yes i have a 2.4L Equinox that i had a new head and timing chain put on. Uses oil but is a great running car with 170K miles.

[@nicolaswiddis-dishaw5873]

As someone who owned a 2011 Malibu I can tell you that it was the most reliable car I have ever owned, well over 250K miles on it. The timing only became an issue when I no longer had the ability to do basic maintenance.

[@8020Media]

N - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@chad2399]

I have a 2012 Buick Verano with the 2.4. I had to replace the timing chain at 198k due to a broken chain guide from me drag racing some bmw with dirty low oil level (my fault), now has over 210k. Used to burn about three quarts on my drive from Florida to Pennsylvania. I started adding a bottle of motor medic before each oil change. The first time I did a flush there was what appeared to be a lot of sand and a piece of a sea shell or something in the oil drain container as well as a lot of soot. I imagine all this stuff was caught up in the piston rings keeping them stuck. Well I’ve done about five flushes and on my last trip from Florida to Pennsylvania, I only burned maybe 1 quart. I checked the oil on the way at a gas station and it looked low so I added a quart. A day after I arrived I checked the oil level and it was overfilled. So yeah try flushing your engine if it’s burning oil. I bought the car with 50k and it burned oil most of the time I owned it. Also I use e85 as often as possible.

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for taking the time to share this. It'll certainly be helpful for future viewers.

[@doncnunez6231]

Original owner 2010 Lt Malibu has 286k ,Original transmission oil changes full synthetic every 5000 miles and transmission dump and fill with new filter every 25 k miles and antifreeze changes every 100k runs like a champ! Still my daily driver! Had new valve cover gaskets installed last November 2023 and one motor mount.

[@8020Media]

D - Sounds like you take great care of it! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@ilqar887]

If you dont drive it for months ..should you still change the oil¿its not 5000 miles yet

[@8020Media]

I - Yes, this is why there are mileage and time intervals. Example: 5,000 miles or 6 months.

[@xXcampx]

I had a 2009 Malibu with a 2.4 EcoTec. It had 262,000 miles on it, ran like a top, never had any issues with it, timing chain or otherwise. Burned a quart of oil every 3000 miles. Ran perfect right up until the end; the rear chassis rusted out.

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@dennisjames1945]

Hey guys, im a owner of a 2015 Chevy Equinox with this engine. I currently have 356000km with the original engine. It burns the oil but if u top when necessary this engine can last. Never use the oil life data screen. Change every 5000km

[@8020Media]

Dennis - We completely agree! Sounds like you take great care to get that kind of mileage.

[@joesailor61]

I had the same issue with my 3.6 in my 2010 Camaro. Had the timing chain replaced under warranty at around 65,000.

[@8020Media]

Joe - Sorry to hear this. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@curtis1951]

I think the main reason it mainly affects the Malibu/equinox is maintenance. People that own lower cost vehicle's tend to neglect maintenance. The same engine in the higher end vehicles are usually maintained better.

[@8020Media]

C - We completely agree. This is great insight!

[@raymontalbano8045]

I have a 2008 Pontiac G6 with a 2.4 that I bought new; it has 282,000 trouble free miles on it. I’m loyal to a maintenance schedule, and as a result, I buy it again if I could.

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Metalman2351]

Nice I have a 2007 Pontiac g6 with the same engine

[@jaydog2025]

Your 2008 engine has nothing to do with the issues a lot of people are facing. So while we are all so happy for your amazing results, it helps no one with the issues described in the video. The 2.4's from 2008 and even the 2.2's were rock solid. You would have to work hard to screw them up. I have an R22 toyota from 1976 that still purrs like a kitten at 486k on it. But I won't go into a video comments, or forum where people are pissed off about their new Tacoma or Tundra engines dying at 50k miles due to bad engineering from the manufacturer because they don't want to hear it (and rightly so). Toyota does not make poor choices like GM. Nobody is perfect but GM shit the bed in so many ways on this Ecotec platform. Tocoma and Tundra have pcv valves. GM says, ah shucks, we don't need that. Lets put a small orifice in the head, we're gonna revolutionize automotive engineering.

[@slingingsammy]

2015 chevy captiva 2.4 liter ecotech 170 thousand miles keep oil changed regularly..the only thing I have to replace about once every two years is the 2 manifold selinoids but they are cheap and easy to replace

[@8020Media]

S - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@dosgos]

Dorman sells a timing chain bolt upgrade. High pressure fuel pumps can fail early. The PCV hole can clog early, blowing out the rear main seal, particularly in cold climates.

[@8020Media]

Dos - Thanks for sharing this insight. It will certainly assist future viewers!

[@alexp.6145]

Dorman and ZZP, ecotec owners best friends.

[@Einsteindks27]

I've noticed cheap oil filter collapse, which indicates potential oil starvation. Buying higher quality oil filters help to mitigate starvation.

[@8020Media]

Einstein - Thanks for sharing this insight. We completely agree.

[@alexgoldstein7997]

In my opinion the paper element is undersized for this engine.

[@galva081]

Why doesn't General Motors doesn't do a recall for this problem. Now I have to get repaired. I have been doing the oil change regularly. I never heard any noise on my trimming chain. It cost over $4500.00

[@8020Media]

G - So sorry to hear this.. What problem are you referring to exactly?

[@galva081]

@8020Media well I have engine code p0010 p0011 2016 Chevy Equinox 2.4 engine. The dealership told me that I replaced the pistons and timing chain. Now my serpentine belt broke. Cost is over 5000.00

[@8020Media]

G - So sorry to hear this... Thank you for sharing your experience. This will help future viewers!

[@yeoldelegend77]

Same thing happened to me. No warning and all of a sudden my Equinox cut off. Then it sounded like the chain was grinding. I kept the oil change and regular maintenance and it cut off. I bought it from a Chevy dealer so I thought it was straight. There are a couple of Equinoxes parked just like mine in my area. GM knew they put out a defective engine and should have replaced them..

[@p.slezak8897]

2010 equinox owner - 180k miles...Odd item... I Replaced (me) the fuel injectors and noticed the following. After warm-up there is now a low squealing/chirp sounds when the engine is running. But, if you open the oil cap or pull the dipstick out the sound goes away. Car has had excessive oil service work and the timing chain replaced (100k miles ago). any ideas on the chirping sound?

[@8020Media]

K - Unfortunately, there's a bunch of things that can cause this. Difficult for us to give a diagnosis over the internet.

[@joescola7498]

2015 GMC Terrain, 191k miles, runs great. Change the oil every 3k!!!!

[@8020Media]

Joe - Thanks for sharing your experience and insight!

[@jaydog2025]

Joe, that's awesome but you have to be diligent because eventually the orifice will start causing a lot of consumption. It's not gradual, its with off/on speed. I did every 3k for 10 years then it went 3 quarts low in 4 days on me. So honestly, check it every other day or every day. Mine went 3 quarts low 4 days after an oil change. wasnt' burning cuz exhaust was clear, no drips no leaks... hmmm. You have a lot of information and know what to look for now in 2024 so that's a plus. in 2020, I didn't know. keep checkin it bro,

[@Tay675]

If you had to choose 1 version of the ecotec motor for a sub 500hp which would it be?

[@tqlla]

From looking online, I think the problems with the timing chain, oil consumption and rear main seal blowouts are with the 2010+ LAF / LEA motors, with direct injection.

[@8020Media]

T - Thanks for the insight.

[@shekharmoona544]

If you are doing the timing chain service at 100k, you might as well do the head gasket service.

[@8020Media]

Shek - Very true!

[@Gilbertjames007]

I use to have a 2.4 2012 gmc terrain that would burn oil, it was bad engineering. I now have a 2015 gmc terrain denali 2.4, ill let yll know how it goes. Just got it a week ago.

[@8020Media]

Gilbert - Thanks for sharing your experience! Definitely keep us posted.

[@kevinmartin1679]

My 2008 has 263k still going strong, oy had timing chain worked on at 175k didn't break but rattled

[@8020Media]

Kevin - Thanks for sharing your experience! Is the chain the only major work you’ve had done?

[@JamesKinniburgh-e3e]

I have one of these engines and I have noticed that all brands of oil filters show signs of collapsing due to suction I think these filter design is starving the engine of oil

[@8020Media]

J - Interesting. Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@frankbama3684]

I can't understand how Chevy engineers can build a 2.2 L twin turbo V6 to withstand the punishment of Indy car racing but can't design a decent small engine for everyday driving. I know we're talking apples and oranges but some of that talent could be pulled over to the daily driver side of the house. And those Indy engines rarely fail. BTW, after the 500 this year they're going to have a hybrid component added.

[@8020Media]

F - Agreed.. Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@michaelwells203]

Every 2.4L Ecotec you examine at any salvage yard will have a completely clogged PCV port in the intake manifold. This is why "milkshake" typically runs out of the PCV hose or Air Cleaner outlet cover when it is removed from the throttle body. Three of the major problems you mentioned (oil consumption, timing chain wear, rear main seal) are either caused by or made much worse by this clogged PCV system. The PCV hole is only 5/64 in diameter and easily gets clogged by sludge and carbon deposits. It's a terrible design flaw but profitable on since it sends many of these engines to the graveyard if you don't know to clean out this port every 50k miles or less. Planned obsolescence still drives the automaker's profits as usual.

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for taking the time to share this insight.

[@Me_preppy]

06 2.4 5 speed 245k , zero issues.

[@8020Media]

K - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Metalman2351]

What car?

[@wearethelandrovers9014]

A timing chain that has less lifespan than a belt? Really? Then there is the problem if you have to replace the water pump. I know they can last a long time but, on this engine, the cost is astronomical.

[@8020Media]

W - Unfortunately, this is true.

[@martinkurdi436]

I'm still confused as in if my car IS the 2.4 Ecotec or not, i am from Latin America and have a 2.4 Vectra, however instead of a timing chain we have timing belts and no VVT and only make ~140 HP

[@8020Media]

M - It should be the 2.4 ecotec.

[@fritz4939]

The valve timing chain issue on the Ecotec can be easily overcome. If anyone is interested to know how, please ask.

[@joeyoungs8426]

‘11 2.4 Equinox, changed oil every 3k or so with a vented oil fill cap per a GM tech neighbor. Kept oil level up consistently. Despite the oil consumption fouling the cat twice and one of those replacements including the exhaust manifold it has 200k and still going. Recently replaced the thermostat due to being stuck open. We also have a ‘13 2.5 with 200k and only issue so far was a bad/erratic thermostat solenoid. So yes, the 2.4 was bad engineering. 😂

[@8020Media]

J - Thanks for taking the time to share your first hand experience!

[@t0ny2trill]

Bro really said probably changing the timing chain 2 or 3 time to get to the 200k mile mark😂 dammmm ... imo as a owner of 2.4l ecotec malibu with 125k miles on original timing chain ...the best thing is keep up with the oil changes 😊 ..on the fb malibu club ..their are people who have gone 200k on original timing ...and i aslo believe the pistion rings recall were only on the LeA ecotec engines..which were equionix , terrain & transverse ;the maibus 08-12 use LE5 engines... ; i think one time is good enough to change the timing at @100k, if you want to keep the car for a long time .. but at same time you gotta keep up with the transmission oil as well .

[@8020Media]

Tony - "i think one time is good enough to change the timing at @100k" So to get to the 200k mile mark, that would be 2 times. Thanks for taking the time to write out this insight though.

[@bucheronix]

Was it designed in Germany by Opel engineers?

[@8020Media]

B - Not to our knowledge, but there are many different variants of the 2.4

[@xgruntstyletv]

2014 Malibu 220000 miles timing chain is rattling. Taking it in to get new one great car as long it didn’t break anything else

[@8020Media]

X - Thanks for sharing your experience. Keep us updated!

[@Metalman2351]

I’m surprised this engine lasted that many miles

[@TK-ec5bv]

Valve cover gasket on the 2.4 is simple to replace.

[@8020Media]

TK - Not for all skill levels, but for those that know there way around an engine, sure.

[@larrybrander9116]

Can confirm its easy. If you can do brakes you can change valve cover gasket. Just don't loose bolts in engine block.

[@robcrotea6113]

My experiences is that these oil and lube places aren't changing peoples oil. If you use them check the oil before you leave.a lot of people are have car problems because of this.

[@8020Media]

R - Interesting.. Thanks for sharing this insight.

[@vaughncooper23]

simple solution. don’t buy GM from 2010-2013. Just sold captiva sport LTZ. 2.4 ecotec was a poor engine which needed oil every week. switched to a ford 3.5L v6 no more issues.

[@8020Media]

Vaughn - Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@selfoblivionalex6262]

Are these engine the same as the terrain?

[@8020Media]

Self - The terrain does have the 2.4L EcoTec. This article written by us may be helpful for you: tuningpro.co/the-4-most-common-gm-2-4l-ecotec-engine-problems/

[@Q-gf8vb]

Yes. And they're garbage. Ours started around 85,000. Good thing I only spent $4,000 on it.

[@8020Media]

Q - Sorry to hear about your experience. However, thanks for sharing.

[@Natefrm519]

@@Q-gf8vbmine has 150k miles no mechanical issues

[@Q-gf8vb]

@@Natefrm519 cope

[@FranciscoJimenez-bb7fk]

2011 le 9 forever! Currently driving a 2011 hhr with the 2.4 at 160k with original parts timing chain has slight rattle at startup leaking oil pan burns some oil. 😆😆😆

[@8020Media]

F - Thanks for sharing your experience! Hopefully it stays reliable. Keep us updated.

[@mjkirk12]

My 2013 Equinox also had fuel dilution due to high pressure fuel pump seal failure (125K miles). Fuel was in oil and the vapors in PCV were causing misfire codes due to running lean. Also would "diesel" after shutoff due to these vapors in the PCV system. Earlier the PCV "orifice" got clogged (90K miles) - had to remove intake manifold and clean it to avoid rear main seal blowout. I am periodically doing the intake service In general, I am not a fan of GDI engines - due to the carbon buildup issues. Have a Tucson 1.6L Turbo GDI starting to consume oil at 60K miles like the Ecotec. I only have a few more decades in life - and I will never again buy a GM product. With today's technology, these type of poor engine designs should never make it to market - but in the interest of fuel economy they will try anything. A properly designed engine should not burn oil between changes, require a timing chain replacement at 100K interval, piston ring replacements and other costly maintenance. GM should give up small engines and buy them from Toyota.

[@8020Media]

M - Unfortunately, engines are built like they used to be. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@a3300000]

Every auto manufacturer uses GDI engines. Blame the government.

[@mjkirk12]

@@a3300000 I think Toyota has a D-4S engine with dual injection (port and direct) - first released in 2007 (made by Subaru). The port injection will keep the intake valves clean. Ford also has EcoBoost engines with this same feature. Will look for this type of engine next time I buy a car.

[@a3300000]

@@mjkirk12 oh yes, I forgot about that. That would definitely take care of valve coking issues.

[@d.perkins1588]

2013 Buick Verano chain replaced right at 100k now broken chain at 143k. This is not normal. Religiously changed the oil and it was always low and needed capping off between changes. I say junk!

[@8020Media]

D - That certainly is not normal.. Sorry to hear. However, thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@imto5]

Why is there no aftermarket support for this engine smh

[@8020Media]

I - More than likely because not a lot of people that own the vehicle are looking to mod it. Sorry man.

[@imto5]

@@8020Mediai see this motor get swapped into miata’s i would think there would have been aftermarket support but ig not

[@rkelley8475]

The issues are correct but the causes are wrong. Timing chain gets worn because people don't change their oil. Enough 3,000 mi people 3000 mi. And the oil consumption is due to a bad PCV valve system

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for sharing this insight, but do you really think these problems have one and only cause?

[@Q-gf8vb]

No... it's the faulty piston rings.

[@8020Media]

Q - Thanks for sharing.

[@rontam06]

What I don't get is how all these people on here are telling you to top off your oil do this do that You shouldn't have to be doing that if your car is burning oil The 2.4 is trash bro. I have a 2012 terrain from jump Street I've been having problems with this SUV I bought it used with $62,000 mi on it I'm up to 146 now but my engine is blown. I bought it in 2019 heard about the recall in 2020 so it was already too late for me so I've been doing everything in my power to keep this car on the road I've changed catalytic resonator muffler both VVT solenoids change the engine oil cap You name it I've done it even kept five quarts of oil with me. The car burns so much oil it's ridiculous and it's just poor worksmanship by GMC so at this point I have ordered a new engine so I don't have to worry about all these problems because it's cheaper to keep her and I don't want to jump into another car payment and I've only had seven more payments left on this car less than $2,000 left and my engine blows. I mean I can drive it but I'm only running on three Pistons and I'm just messing my car up even more to the point where I was only getting about 8 to 10 miles a gallon now so I had to bite the bullet and make the choice either finance or put a new engine in which would be cheaper fuck GMC they knew about the problem and they still put the problem out there cuz they wanted their money they don't give two shits about the people bro

[@8020Media]

R - So sorry to hear about your experience. However, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story because this can certainly help future viewers!

[@kevlandry8493]

Worst engine ever built! 2012 regal literally burns a quart per tank, and good luck finding a hybrid that doesn't have a broken generator bracket or bolt...worst design ever!

[@8020Media]

Kev - Sorry for the experience, however, we appreciate you taking the time to share it with everyone!

[@jaydog2025]

@@kevlandry8493 I hear ya, I have a 2011 regal that I purchased in 2012 with 30k miles on it. It was perfect for a long time. then in 2020 it started consuming oil, then more, then more. Zero exhaust smoke, zero leaks. Like Rontam06, I have to carry a gallon of oil wherever I go. Oil was changed at 3k religiously. And the worst part is when I called GM a few days ago they said you missed the deadline. WTF? you still effed up, and your mistakes are costing people many thousands of dollars and some just don't have that kind of disposable income. They are still negligent so a time deadline is a smack in the face to those that are having to pay for their negligence. I don't know where or how to proceed. My car has been in the dealership many times during those years and they said nothing about it. I asked about the oil they said just keep checking it a few times a week like you have been doing and you'll be fine. Meanwhile, they knew since 2009 which is documented. This is unforgiveable. Even the Special Bulletin states that unless a customer complains about it, stay quiet. That is some shady chit. I have zero dollars to fix my regal now and well, it's just really bad for me right now in life and not having a car does not help. I came here to ask 8020Media if there is anything he thinks I can do. GM says you missed it, period. game over. but I sit and think about while my car is in the dealership and I'm asking about oil consumption, they are doing piston ring changes, and timing chain changes to the other vehicles. Why not send me any type of correspondence about the issue. Because I was diligent about taking care of it so long I missed a window. They have performed many recall items on my Buick that I didn't know about but the big one, they knew and said nothing (while I'm asking about it) how is that acceptable? I now wish I would have let the car go, skipping oil changes, then I would be in the window when the timing chain is clanking around in about 2014 or 2015. At least I would have got it fixed from them. But because I nurtured mine along till 2020 i'm screwed. makes no sense. All of the class action suits are all the other cars, not the Buick Regal. Sorry for the rant. I'm just livid about this

[@kevintejera8478]

This is the same engine in the slingshots

[@kevintejera8478]

And if I’m correct the LE9 is a sand casted block, aka weak asf

[@8020Media]

Kevin - Thanks for adding this insight.

[@dwaynebrewton9482]

My experience with all Ecotec was horrible. GM failed completely with these engines. I'm not a GM man due to good looking vehicle but poor quality. Furthermore, GM has closed down more plants than any major & they took the government bellout taxpayers money.

[@8020Media]

D - Sorry to hear about this, but thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Greg_call]

Engine blew up in my Encore. Piece of shit motor. Also, zero acceleration.

[@8020Media]

Greg - So sorry to hear this.. About how many miles did it have on it?

[@a3300000]

It’s not a race car.

[@User0player1]

yikes!!!

[@8020Media]

Bees - Just want to throw it out there that we don't make these videos to scare people. Strictly to inform.

[@Coco-o3q8o]

Eco shit..😂.. my advice: Honda, Toyota and even Subaru

[@8020Media]

J - Honestly, not terrible advice.