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
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 27, 2023
I am deaf and this have problem engine and oil keep leak and show road ice but outside warm. I try use collision road it not show light on nothing..
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2023
At about 115,000 miles my carefully maintained one-owner vehicle began to occasionally shudder, and then finally stalled on a couple of occassions. I found out later (after the check-engine light was activated, apparently due to a failing catalytic converter) that the shuddering, and the ruined catalytic converter, were both due to excessive oil consumption--the result of a piston ring defect that I learned about years after a class-action settlement that I was never notified about. The dealer charged me $230 to diagnose these problems. My safety was at risk because of the engine stalling (this happened while driving on two separate occasions), and also because of exhaust/oil fumes seeping into the interior of the vehicle when switching the A/C to defrost mode. Failed catalytic converter and excessive oil consumption was confirmed by the dealer but GM/Chevrolet and dealership refuse to provide remedy. (See https://www.classaction.org/blog/new-class-action-claims-more-chevy-equinox-gmc-terrain-vehicles-plagued-by-oil-consumption-issue) (See also https://www.classaction.org/blog/lawsuit-says-2013-equinox-terrain-drivers-not-given-proper-notice-of-oil-consumption-deal-due-to-gm-mistake) Neither the dealership nor General Motors notified me of the settlement or Special Coverage Adjustments that would have required them to cover the repair costs, and although I have contacted GM Customer Care several times and spoken to various case managers, they have refused to acknowledge their failure to notify me about the problem, much less cover the needed repair costs. It is worth noting that GM notified me about previous recalls, they never informed me about the costly, dangerous problem that I now have to deal with on my own. The problem eventually resulted in a ruined front catalytic converter. The dealership estimates that repairs would cost more than $8000 (more than the vehicle's market value). Please help--I NEVER RECIEVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM GM ABOUT DEFECTS!
Engine, Mar 12, 2023
Engine is using oil and having to put oil into the car in-between oil changes. Usually when I am having to add oil, the cars life shows 58% or when my spouse tells me there is a knocking sound coming from the engine when it is started up. Tried to contact a dealership about this and they don't want to help.
Engine, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the tensioner pulley bolt had detached, causing damage to the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine, Jan 20, 2023
Engine burns excess oil. While GM did do a special coverage adjustment, it expired in 2020. My car with only 84,000 miles is experiencing this behavior now. If its a known issue and they issued an adjustment, they should not have put an expiration date on it as not all cars will exhibit this during the period.
Engine, Jan 18, 2023
My engine seized due to excessive oil consumption. the car just had an oil change, there was no indicator there was an issue and the engine seized. It is currently sitting in my driveway- the extended warranty company is giving me a hard time when this is clearly an widely publicized issue with the 2013 Equinox. I need assistance in moving forward as I cannot be without a car or responsible for a new engine payment.
Engine, Dec 30, 2022
While driving, the car turned off and was unable to start back up. The engine blew after the timing belt jumped time. After talking to multiple people in our area, engine failure, excessive oil consumption, and problems with the timing belt are a huge problem with this year model that Chevrolet should do something to remedy. The repair is more expensive than the car is worth so I will now be car shopping.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle immediately and the vehicle started to operate normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Engine, Nov 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who performed a diagnostic test that showed that either the catalytic converter or the O2 sensor might be defective. The contact was also informed by the mechanic that there might have been a recall on his vehicle for the defect. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Engine, Oct 26, 2022
Excessive oil consumption/ motor issues
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be rebuilt. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Aug 18, 2022
This car burns oil. I have to replace the timing belt in 2019 due to low oil content. This car currently need oil changes every 1500 miles to prevent further damage.
Engine, Aug 2, 2022
My timing chain on my 2013 Equinox broke with no warning. There was no engine light to alert me, i never once had a service tech tell me i needed to change this chain or proactively deal with the problem. We had never had too much oil consumption, and now I am told my engine needs to be replaced for $9,000 or i need to buy a new car. The dealer says nothing can be done, this isnt covered under warranty, and my car is now worthless. This broke late at night in a parking lot, and i had to wait nearly an hour to be towed and get home, but this could have been much worse if I had been driving.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 30, 2022
2013 Equinox Awd - Issue while driving and coming to a stop or low idle car stalls out while waiting to turn in intersection. Very scary car goes into limp mode after about 15 minutes of driving with engine light on. Have taken to dealer ship in 3/31/2022 code p0191 and p0172 vehicle runs rough. Dealer replaced fuel tank fuel pump and said fixed. Driving home 15 min issue happened again took back to dealer. Dealer ran many test and replaced many parts with no luck solving issue after having car in shop until 7/29/2022. Dealer said to get a new car they have no idea how to fix issue and not safe to drive when stalling in bust traffic. Dealer stated they called manufacture and they didn’t have a answer for fix to issue.
Engine, Jun 23, 2022
I purchased a 2013 Chevy Equinox in January of 2020. The engine is now burning an excessive amount of oil. After taking to the dealership, I was told by the Chevy service advisor that this is a common problem for these vehicles. I've researched this issue online, and I am far from being the only vehicle owner that this is happening to. General Motors is well aware of this problem with these engines, however, the company has not recalled these engines to fix the problem. The fact that there are hundreds of thousands of these engines out on American roads belching out toxic smoke into the environment is a concern that the EPA should be aware of. This article explains very clearly the problem and the lack of an appropriate response by General Motors. https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/chevy-equinox-oil-consumption-lawsuit.shtml I believe that General Motors needs to do a full recall on these engines to replace the defective pistons that are allowing oil to leak into the combustion chamber and pollute the environment.
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
Burns oils. Sometimes oil pan is dry after recently getting an oil change and before next oil change is needed. Bad pistons.
Engine, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they informed her that the secondary air injector pump needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the defect was related to a Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-061. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 13, 2022
Excessive oil loss. Must check oil every two day. Engine clicking.
Engine, May 10, 2022
The engine locked up and has been confirmed by a mechanic. My teenage day was stuck in the heat for 5 hours because the engine locked up while she was at work. There were no warnings lights or anything prior to this occurrence.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 23, 2022
I was driving on the highway and the stabilitrak light came on as well as the power steering, ABS, traction control light and engine light then my car literally slowed down and had no power. I was doing 60 mile an hour and it down shifted to almost 5 miles an hour
Engine, Apr 5, 2022
I have had this vehicle a month and have had to put a total of 5 qts of oil in it from the excessive oil consumption and part of those miles I drove from Kansas City, Mo. to Carson City, Ca I had to use 2 qts of oil I never have had to put this much oil in a vehicle,
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2022
Excessive oil consumption. 4 quarts plus oil used between oil changes. Reeders in Knoxville TN did part of recall but not all and made us pay for it. Work done on 4/9/2019. Oil consumption gets worse every oil change. GM should be forced to fix this issue due to emissions laws and cost factor at $7 a quart. No wonder current administration wants electric cars. Maybe GM should ve turned in to current administration for these excessive emissions.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 7, 2022
My 2013 Equinox has a plugged PCV system. Ironically, this is the same EXACT issue related to a Special Coverage Adjustment put out by Chevy. Special Coverage Adjustment 14882. My car falls into the timeframe of 10 years and under 120,000.00 to have this covered for free but they say my VIN wasn't included in this Special Adjustment. Because my part wasn't made a plant who decided to put out this bulletin, I am just screwed? Dealer had an Equinox in the shop at the same time as mine with the EXACT issue, his car was older than 2013 but his VIN was included. Clearly this is an issue and it isn't right to assume that maybe some parts were missed and can still have the issue even if they weren't made at a particular plant. I want an answer as to why they aren't willing to at least pay half when they are claiming some responsibility and just trying to tell me that my particular part has reached the end of it's life and nothing to do with the VIN's that are included in this adjustment. That is a poor excuse. I was dropping my daughter off at work when all this noise started happening and made it the couple blocks home. Now it has been sitting at the shop for 6 weeks while I have been trying to figure this out. Luckily my other daughter has a car I have been able to use for immediate needs but this is beyond ridiculous. This is a safety issue and something that is a problem with Chevy and no one wants to take ownership.
Engine, Feb 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that during the cold weather months, the PCV valve would become clogged which caused oil to leak from the vehicle. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who notified them of a service bulletin that he linked to the failure and referred her to a dealer. The contact called the dealer who acknowledged the failure and informed her that the vehicle needed to be inspected and might be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,260.
Engine, Feb 7, 2022
General Motors has a problem with the pcv system in the Chevy equinox with the 2.4. When it’s super cold out moisture freezes in the pcv system and causes the motor not to breathe and blows the rear main seal out and drains all the oil out and my check engine light came on and said low oil pressure which if you are traveling down the interstate and the motor locks up because of loss of oil it can cause a huge accident. General Motors has a bulletin out on this same problem but says it’s vin specific and they will not cover my Chevy equinox even tho it is the right year and motor size on the bulletin. My wife was driving and the vehicle started chugging and jerking and was making all kind of noises due to no oil. When she brought it home the driveway was covered in oil. I towed it into my shop and let it thaw over night and investigated and found the pcv was full of water and that’s what froze causing it to blow the rear main seal out. Now that there is no water in the pcv system I still have to put 2 quarts of oil in it every other day due to the rear main seal blowing out. Talked to General Motors over and over and they won’t cover it. I own my own mechanics shop and inspected it.