The Chevrolet LE5 is a 2,384 cc, inline-four gasoline engine produced between 2012 and 2017. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and direct fuel injection (Ecotec), delivering 196 hp (146 kW) and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. Designed for transverse mounting in mid-size vehicles, it offers responsive performance and improved fuel efficiency over port-injected predecessors.
Fitted to models such as the Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Cruze, the LE5 was engineered for balanced drivability and emissions compliance in front-wheel-drive platforms. It meets EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 5 standards through precise direct injection control, integrated exhaust manifolding, and closed-loop three-way catalytic conversion.
One documented concern is intake manifold port coking observed in 2013–2015 production units, highlighted in General Motors Service Information Bulletin 15146. The issue arises from fuel injector spray impingement on intake ports during cold operation, leading to carbon buildup that restricts airflow and causes rough idle. GM issued revised injector tip geometry in 2016 to mitigate the condition.
Production years 2012–2014 meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 5 standards; 2015–2017 models comply with updated evaporative emissions requirements (EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0695).
The Chevrolet LE5 is a 2,384 cc inline-four gasoline engine engineered for transverse FWD applications (2012–2017). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver responsive mid-range power and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 and Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and packaging efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,384 cc | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 96.0 mm | |
| Power output | 146 kW (196 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct fuel injection (DFI) | |
| Emissions standard | EPA Tier 2 Bin 5, Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 5W-30 | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The LE5's direct injection provides strong mid-range pull and improved fuel economy but requires adherence to 10,000-mile oil change intervals to prevent intake port coking and injector degradation. GM dexos1 5W-30 oil is essential due to its shear stability and detergency properties. Extended short-trip driving increases carbon buildup; periodic highway operation helps clean intake ports. The DFI system demands TOP TIER detergent gasoline to prevent injector fouling. Post-2016 models feature revised injectors with improved spray pattern; pre-2016 units should be inspected per GM SIB 15146. Catalytic converters require monitoring to avoid thermal degradation from prolonged rich mixtures.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 5W-30 specification (GM SIB 15146). Replaces GM 4718M and earlier standards.
Emissions: EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 applies to all 2012–2017 models (EPA File EPA-2012-CHEV-005). California models meet LEV II ULEV-200 standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output assumes 91 octane fuel (GM TIS Doc. 31005).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 31005, SIB 15146
EPA Certification Database (EPA-2012-CHEV-005)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Chevrolet LE5 was used across Chevrolet's Delta/Epsilon platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Opel variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated exhaust manifolds in the Malibu and revised intake tuning in the Cruze-and from 2016 the facelifted Cruze models adopted the LE5 with updated injectors and ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Opel's Astra J to use the LE5 with minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine ID tag on the passenger side cylinder head near the exhaust manifold (GM TIS 31005). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('L' for LE5 series). Pre-2016 models have silver valve covers with black coil packs; post-2016 units use black valve covers with red accents. Critical differentiation from LK5: LE5 is naturally aspirated with direct injection, while LK5 is turbocharged. Service parts require model year verification - fuel injectors for 2012–2015 models are incompatible with 2016+ due to spray pattern redesign (GM SIB 15146).
The LE5's primary reliability risk is intake port coking in early production models, with elevated incidence in urban and short-trip applications. Internal GM quality reports from 2016 indicated approximately 9% of 2013–2015 units required intake cleaning before 80,000 miles, while NHTSA field reports confirm related rough idle and SES light entries. Frequent cold starts and low-speed operation increase deposit formation, making driving cycle and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from General Motors technical bulletins (2012-2017) and NHTSA failure statistics (2013-2019). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CHEVROLET LE5.
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