2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 751 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 20 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 20 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Visibility, windshield wiper/washer, motorAug 4, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may corrode and wear over time, possibly resulting in one or both of the windshield wipers becoming inoperative.
Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, dealers will repair the AIP-hole, inspect and, if necessary, replace the front wiper module, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 25302.
Campaign 16V582000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
420 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 18, 2024
Has exhaust leaking from manifold into cabin area
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 10, 2024
Vehicle shakes when turning on and while driving, check engine light is on or blinking, service stabilitrack warning, traction control light is on, poor acceleration, Tire monitor system light is on and does not read tire pressure (this is all happening at the same time).
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started lunging forward. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The mechanic replaced the VVT solenoids; however, the failure increased significantly. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal tractor-like sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Tires, Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the failure was related to Special Coverage Adjustment: N192291100. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an oil consumption test was completed. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle had failed the oil consumption test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,374.
Engine, Jul 29, 2024
I’ve only had my car 2 years. In August 2023. I had my oil changed. In September 2024, I had no oil at all!! No warning on the dash whatsoever!!! It still keeps happening. I’m tired of getting oil changes paying between $50-60 dollars for oil changes. Buying oil a month after an oil change. I wonder did the dealership know this before they sold it to me and I’m still making payments!!! Beyond sick of it!!
Engine, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic for a second opinion, where it was confirmed that the timing chain had fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
Engine, Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop at a stop light, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. The contact was able to place the vehicle in neutral and pulled it over to the side of the road. The contact stated that all the warning lights were flashing after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain broke and went to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. However, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 21, 2024
The car was completely empty of oil even though it wasn’t time for an oil change and there were no leaks or holes. It end up destroying the motor on the vehicle as well. The oil light came on and then the car stop work while driving on the highway. The car was towed to AAmco Transmission and Total Car Care 15282 Veterans Memorial Pkwy Wentzville, MO 63385. 636-223-5113. That’s where the car was assessed at and we found out at that time what the issues was. I then found out this exact issue was on recall for another vin numbers. I call the manufacturer to make them aware of what had taken place with this particular vehicle and was told it wasn’t part of the recall. I then asked even though I have proof that it is the same issues. I was just given a claim number for the call and nothing else happened. So if this happened to our car and thankfully my husband was driving and not my daughter that day it could have been a different situation and she would have not knew how to get it off to the side of the highway while waiting for a tow truck. There was no warning until that day because we were keeping up with our car maintenance.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 8, 2024
Engine Problems Due to Excessive Oil Consumption, Rattling, and Failure. Then There Is The Electrical Issues Which Would Drive Anyone Insane causing certain functions not to work. The constant dimming of the screen it self.Im very upset cause im a single mom of a college student, I can’t afford these kind of issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 19, 2024
Using to much oil engine making noise
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 13, 2024
Engine failure after complete service inspection.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 10, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the vehicle was extremely low on engine oil before an oil change was due. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the O2 sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N192291100. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2024
The gaskets in the rear of the motor went bad and it blew out while driving down the highway. My mechanic said it is due to a defect in the vacume system. I replaced the motor for about $7300. A few weeks later, my mechanic wanted to check it out again. He said he had 4 equinox vehicles come in with the motors blown in the exact same manner. He researched the cause and had to drill something, or it would have happened again.
Engine, Mar 20, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, she observed a loud ticking noise from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised that he should contact NHTSA to add the vehicle to a recall list. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 2, 2024
My car engine blew do to an over oil consumption. There appears to have been a recall but I was never notified. My car is at a dealership and the cost is 11k for new engine do I have any recourse? Timing chain replaced june 2023 by libertyville chevrolet. Libertyville il No one mentioned this engine recall to me then either.
Engine, Mar 1, 2024
The exhaust manifold cracked and failed. The failed part was not retained by the Chevrolet dealer repair shop. A safety issue arose as exhaust gases entered the passenger compartment via the vehicle's air circulation system. The failure of the exhaust manifold was confirmed by the dealer and replaced at considerable cost (i.e., $2200). No other parties inspected the failed part. There was a check engine light illuminated on the dashboard. The dealer retrieved a P0411 diagnostic trouble code and believed that it was related to the exhaust manifold leak. The exhaust manifold leak first appeared on November 1, 2023.
Engine, Feb 4, 2024
My cars engine started throwing a cam shaft position code. This happened even after a mechanic fixed the part 3 times. The engine failed completely at 87,500 miles.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the alternator warning light illuminated. Additionally, the Service stabili-trak soon message was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCV needed to be replaced due to oil leaking into the crankshaft rear main seal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 24, 2024
Excess oil consumption resulting in having to get oil changed monthly. Oil can be full one day and empty the next without any warning. I have read it is a defected piston however the special circumstances gm was granted rather than a recall has expired according to gm customer service. I was never sent anything in this exception either
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 2, 2024
Got a diagnostic done and the engine is needing a timing jump and lower bearing that causing noise.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 28, 2023
Recall for oil burning consumption I took car to dealership to fix but I’m continuing to have the same problems and still no oil light comes on and it continues to use oil some where and it never leaks onto the ground and new problems now it’s jerking when at a stop if idle for to long a warning light says reduced engine power. Very unsafe in traffic
Engine, Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving and merging onto the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently turned off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact and her two children occupied the disabled vehicle until another motorist assisted with pushing the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact requested Roadside Assistance and the personnel attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that Roadside Assistance attempted to jumpstart the vehicle and the contact heard an unusual clicking sound; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed timing chain and a failed water pump. The contact was informed that the timing chain and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,163.
Engine, Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston rod due to excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: [XXX] . The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 30, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I believe it is a problem with the engine. Currently at Freeway Chevrolet in Chandler, AZ How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car repeatedly cuts off when driving and could have been a danger to my safety and that of others on the road/ highway. There was potential for an accident. My concern is that there were recalls to fix this issue, however, the dealer where I purchased the vehicle (Jones Ford Casa Grande, AZ) did not pursue the issue, nor did the previous owner and I was not notified. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Full inspection and recommendation by authorized Chevy dealer, (Freeway Chevrolet) included at an attachment. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The first time the car cut off was just prior to November 26, 2023 and the "check engine" came on. I purchased the vehicle in May of this year and have been enjoying my car. I want to be able to continue driving it and would like to get the recall service completed.