The 2.4L EcoTec | 4 Common Problems & Reliability

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the 2.4L EcoTec engine. In this this video, Jake will provide you with an in-depth look at the different variations, common issues, and overall reliability of this popular GM engine. Jake will walk you through the key specifications and features across the various versions of the 2.4L EcoTec, spotlighting both its benefits and drawbacks. We'll delve into the most typical problems experienced by owners of this engine, such as timing chain wear, high oil consumption, among others. Finally, we'll cover the 2.4 EcoTec's reliability record, giving you a clear picture of what to anticipate in terms of lifespan and maintenance.
The article linked below, written by us, is a more in-depth guide on the 2.4 EcoTec: tuningpro.co/the-4-most-commo...
Also, if you are looking to walnut blast your engine at home, here is our DIY video: • DIY - Walnut Blasting ...
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00:33 - 2.4L EcoTec Background, Specs, and Applications
01:09 - Different 2.4 EcoTec Variations (LE5, LAT, LE9, LAF, LEA, & LUK)
02:36 - 2.4 EcoTec Common Problem #1 - Timing Chain
04:46 - 2.4 EcoTec Common Problem #2 - Excessive Oil Consumption
06:15 - 2.4 EcoTec Common Problem #3 - Carbon Buildup
07:36 - 2.4 EcoTec Common Problem #4 - Oil Leaks
08:36 - 2.4L EcoTec Reliability

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@joescola7498]

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

[@8020Media]

Joe - Thanks for sharing your experience and insight!

[@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!

[@MrTay675]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@shekharmoona544]

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

[@8020Media]

Shek - Very true!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@user-pq1tb8zx7e]

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.

[@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..

[@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!

[@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.

[@Me_preppy]

06 2.4 5 speed 245k , zero issues.

[@8020Media]

K - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Metalman2351]

What car?

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@User0player1]

yikes!!!

[@8020Media]

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

[@user-rr7je8iw3b]

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

[@8020Media]

J - Honestly, not terrible advice.

[@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.

[@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.