Hi Everyone,
I purchased a 2012 equinox with 29000 miles on it about 2 1/2 years ago with the 75000 mile extended warranty. Within the first few oil changes my wife noticed that a constant clattering noise was coming from the engine and she was told by the place that changed the oil that it was a couple of quarts low. During this time the vehicle is still under warranty and 2 different service advisers from 2 different dealers told her the clattering was the fuel injectors and the oil consumption was minimal. At this time the vehicle is out of warranty. We received a letter a few months ago from Chevrolet stating that they were issuing an extended warranty to anyone having the issue with oil consumption and any issues that were related to low oil. A few days ago the check engine light came on giving a P0016 code and yesterday the car would not stay on. I replaced the intake and exhaust timing actuators and the engine would still not run. I also noticed a smell of fuel in the oil... I have it at a dealership now and was told that it is either the timing chain or timing chain guide and it is not covered under the extended warranty recently issued by Chevrolet. I have been able to find information on the timing chain build on 2011 models built in March. Is there anything out there for 2012 models and does anyone know if there is a contact / phone number for GM that I can talk to about this issue. Any help / advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

How many miles on that oil change interval when it was 2 quarts low?

Have you checked oil level lately (on very level surface)?

The exact mileage I'm not sure about, but we change it when it tells us to. At this point between oil changes I'm putting 2 to 3 quarts in the car.

Demand an oil consumption test. You just pay for the oil change at the dealer which is generally $40 and they will check your oil every 500 miles (you will need to bring it in). They replace the rings and pistons for free if you use 1 quart or more in 2,000 miles.
Chances are the chains are fine. They will get loud when you are low on oil.
But if they have to be replaced, it will be MUCH cheaper to do so when they already have it opened up for the rebuild.

Fuel in oil is NOT good. Your high pressure fuel pump may be leaking or an even more likely cause is the fuel is getting past the piston rings into your oil.

Im guessing you are getting really crappy gas mileage.

P0016 was just the low/bad oil. Actuators use the oil to control the camshaft. (Its a variable valve timing thing).

Just seen that you have it at the dealer now.
Stop in and check oil level. Have them change oil. Bet it will run.

I could be wrong but it's worth a shot.

I had the same issue with fuel in the oil, check the high pressure fuel pump. This can also cause it to seem like the oil is low, because when fuel is entering the crankcase the oil has to go somewhere, or the fuel dilutes the oil down and it burns off with no indication of where it's going. Replaced the HPFP in mine, no more fuel in oil, and no more "consumption" issue, the oil is staying at the correct level.

The problem is the car will not start, and it did have oil 2 days prior to this happening. I guess my main question is.. should this be covered under the extended warranty gm is offering. In the letter it says "high oil consumption and any issues that it may have cause" I also saw that on the 10-11 model they replace the timing chain, guides, and actuators and a few other things. Is the issue I'm having not a direct cause of high oil consumption?

I was told that it was the timing chain or the guide, they could not be sure until the engine was opened up, and In no way could this issue be related to the engine use high consumption of oil.

mine has 106,000 miles and i have to put 1/2 quart in b4 oil change's ...ive read this is really common with these cars.i have a buddy with one thats 1 year newer then mine..his does the same thing his has 160,000 miles ..