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 and engine cooling, Feb 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The contact who is a licensed mechanic diagnosed that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, and intake manifold needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2022
I was driving along the interstate hwy using my cruise control. The hwy dipped into a low area and then back up a hill. The engine revved to very high RPMs to reach speed. Then then engine completely died. I was able to keep control of the vehicle and maneuver to the side of the road so as to not cause an accident. After having the vehicle towed to the nearest Chevy dealership, the service department told me the engine was out of oil. The mechanic said the engine needs to be completely rebuilt. This vehicle was purchased four months ago from a very large multi-brand auto dealership. I’ve driven only 3,000 miles since purchasing. I had not had an oil change. The repair shop says there was no oil leak. They told me these engines are known to consume large amounts of oil and that I should have been putting in a quart a month. General Motors should be recalling these engines! At the very least they should be warning consumers to check the oil frequently. The dealership I purchased this car from said absolutely nothing about oil issues. I could have died driving this vehicle down the highway. As it was I was left on the side of the road in negative temps waiting for help to arrive.
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
Chevy equinox has known TSB 14882 for blocked PCV port due to too small design. Exhaust and gas smell enters cabin and makes CO alarm go off. Feeling of whoosy and safety issue. GM called and reported issue but they refused to even look at vehicle. If exhaust from engine venting due to high pressure with PCV known clog issue - could cause loss of consciousness next time. Consider this a near miss.
Engine, Jan 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine reduced power warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine, Jan 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would make a knocking noise and there was an oil leak coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the rear main seal to be replaced however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact spoke to a local dealer but was informed that they weren't able to assist them. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
I hardly drive my truck since teleworking but it has oil consumption. I get my oil changed every time it is due and within 1500 miles there will be nothing on the stick now I check it everyday. I was not informed about this and missed the lawsuit. My truck is in very good condition. GM and the Cheverolet dealer should be responsible. I noticed this about a year ago but was just informed of the issue when I went to take my truck to get the oil checked and nothing was on the dipstick within 1500 miles after getting my oil changed.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2021
ON 9/25/21, MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TEMPERTURE LIGHT AND THE CHECK OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. WHEN THE SERVICE MAN CHECKED THE OIL HE SAID THERE WAS ALMOST NO OIL LEFT IN THE ENGINE. MY DASHBOARD SAID THAT I HAD 18% OIL.THE ENGINE WAS ALSO MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND STOPPING WAS DIFFICULT. THE DEALERSHIP DID AN OIL CHANGE AND TALKED TO ME ABOUT HAVING THE PISTONS CHANGED, CLOSE TO $3,000. I HAD HEARD THE ENGINE NOISE ONCE BEFORE, i BOUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE PERSON REFUSED TO DO AN OIL CHANGE AND HE DID NOT CHECK MY OIL. THE OIL PERCENTAGE AT THAT TIME WAS BETWEEN 33 AND 38%. THE SERVICE PERSON KEPT RANTING THAT THE COMPANY WAS NOT GOING TO PAY FOR THE OIL CHANGE IT WAS TOO EARLY. I HAVE A BUYER PROTECTION PLAN THAT PAYS FOR MY OIL CHANGES. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO KNOW HOW BAD THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM IS SO THEY ARE HAVING ME COME TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY CAN CHECK MY OIL IN BETWEEN THIS OIL CHANGE. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE OIL PROBLEM, I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL FROM GM ALERTING ME FOR THE FIRST TIME ABOUT THE OIL CONSUMPTION VRS. DASH BOARD OIL CONSUMPTION USAGE AS INDICATED BY THE CARS COMPUTER. ACCORDING TO ONE OF THE SERVICE PERSONS, GENERAL MOTORS HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NOT ALERTED THEIR CUSTOMERS. MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I RELY ON SOCIAL SECURITY AS OUR SOURCE OF INCOME. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AND ENGINE FIRE, LOSS OF LIFE COULD HAVE HAPPENED. GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL AND ALERTED THEIR CUSTOMERS OF THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM, INSTEAD OF CHOOSING TO IGNORE IT. THEY SHOULD REALIZE THAT A DEAD CUSTOMER CAN NOT DRIVE A CAR. IF THE ENGINE HAD BLOWN UP BECAUSE OF THE INACCURATE OIL READING, ALERTING THE CUSTOMER SOONER MAY HAVE PREVENTED THE PROBLEM. PRO ACTIVE WORKS BETTER THAN HIDING YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND. I AM TELLING YOU ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SO THAT OTHERS NEVER EXPERIENCE WHAT I DID. THIS MAY BE THE LAST GM CAR I EVER BUY.
Engine, Nov 5, 2021
Excessive Oil Usage causing a danger if ideal conditions arrive especially on the highway. This is a concern as it could potentially stop my vehicle from running. Note, the majority of my daily commute , to and from work is on the highway. Yes, multiple Firestone techs and also other owners of the same model. Inspected by techs that perform regular maintenance on it. They appeared shortly after the vehicle turned over 100,000 miles. Engine light reveals that there is a problem. The oil that is used should be sufficient until the next scheduled oil change but does not. Note: I reached out to GM with no response. I texted them because a phone call was not being answered. I am requesting that GM takes responsibility for their faulty product. Thank you.
Engine, Oct 29, 2021
Turned my car on in the morning before work and it started then shut off. A message saying “ engine power reduced” showed up. I had it towed to a mechanic and was told my engine was done. I had gotten an oil change a month and a half prior and no engine light or anything ever came on. I am now going to have to figure out how to pay for a new engine which costs about 4500 with no source of income as I’m a single mom in nursing school. This car needs to be recalled. I was unaware of the previous special coverage and was told there was nothing they could do about it since it had expired last may.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall while idle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil and required more frequent oil changes. Over time, the contact began to hear an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the mechanic discovered that the O2 sensor was defective. After the vehicle was driven home, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective O2 sensor and catalytic converter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 91,000.
Power train, Engine, Oct 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had fractured and caused engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,539.
Engine, Oct 1, 2021
The vehicle stopped while driving in a congested area and again at the traffic light | the dealership confirmed it was a blown engine | apparently, it is a WELL KNOWN issue with so many complaints regarding the vehicle's engine will consume an excessive amount of oil, the smell of gas, smoke, etc from other Equinox owners | This vehicle is unsafe to drive | the NHTSA and GM Motors are aware of the unsafeness and how the vehicle will just shut off immediately | I guess so many people will have to die in an accident before a recall will be placed on this vehicle.
Engine, Aug 27, 2021
Purchased vehicle in April 2020 with 106k miles. Did not know about lawsuit never got a letter. It has just now been diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. There is less that 135k miles on it. Goes through 4 liters of oil in 500 miles. There are many other issues that are occuring now because of it. Please do something.
Engine, Jul 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine was not generating enough power. The contact stated that a message stating No Power along with the Check Engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with the timing chain had fractured and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2021
My car received a recall and special coverage notice some months ago and the recall part for the oxygen sensor was fixed but the special coverage they are not wanting to fix the dealership or Gm motors. My Cadillac converter made my pistons go bad because of the oil consumption and there was an open special coverage that I was not notified of last year in 2020 that closed and that would cover the piston ring where so they’re saying they will not cover it anymore even though it was caused by the Cadillac converter that is in the special coverage that is still open for 2022. The dealership at the Chevrolet here in my hometown tells me they are not going to fix it because the coverage is expired on both ends and they’re tired of dealing with me and to go pick up my car. They have also even recommended me to just fill it up with oil every 2500 miles when in reality it’s not even driving those 2500 miles When it eats up the oil. I am risking my car engine blowing out due to this. I am only 19 years old I got this car start my first job and I need it for my job I am risking losing my employment due to this also. They even recommended me that I could drive to my job that’s two hours at a distance back-and-forth so that would be four hours a day and that nothing would happen the next day my engine light turned on showing that the oil fill line was very low. Then they are saying that my paperwork is expired but it is not plus on the paperwork for the special coverage it say that if it is aspired to still fix the deal with the oil consumption. They are taking advantage of me because I am a young woman who is only 19 and they think that I do not know anything about it I feel unsafe driving my car and I want them to fix what needs to be fixed. They are telling me they will not fix it anymore even though the special coverage is still current and they are tired of dealing with me.They told me to go pick up my car because they will not fix it. I am tired of not being heard.
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Livin' Lite Camplite. The contact stated that the welding that attached the tongue of the trailer to the frame had fractured. The contact had taken the vehicle to a welding shop however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. Please correct as follows: The contact owns a 2018 Livin' Lite Camplite. The contact stated that the welding that attached the tongue (drawbar) of the trailer to the frame had fractured causing the trailer to physically separate from the vehicle (except for ancillary connections). This failure is addressed for longer aluminum campers by this manufacturer in: September 19 2018 NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V643000 Drawbar may Crack and Trailer may Separate. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, Humphrey RV, who had no warranty and couldn't repair due to inability to weld aluminum. The contact filed a claim under State Farm for physical damage which was denied as the adjusters determined the damage to be manufacturer's defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case regarding the failure. The manufacturer offered the contact $500 to release any and all claims against them. The contact refused to sign the release. The approximate failure mileage was under 10,000 miles. The contact had taken the vehicle to a welding shop and paid for a repair out of pocket at the cost of $4175.00 + $180 towing.
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
My wife was driving on the highway and the engine started to sputter and then stalled out in the middle of traffic. Mechanic said the engine was almost out of oil but no dashboard notification of any oil issue.
Engine, May 25, 2021
Exhaust manifold cracked
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 20, 2021
While traveling down one of the main highways outside of Stillwater Ok. While heading into Stillwater our 2013 Equinox lost power and died. We were almost rear ended my a semi. Thank goodness he swerved and we were able to partially be able to coast to the side of the road. As soon as we got to the shoulder and put the car in Park a HUGE puddle of oil gushed out of the car and it had to be towed. The excessive oil consumption that we were not aware of ( and we faithfully had our cars maintained, oil changed, etc) and destroyed the engine of our car. When I first started contacting GM,Chevrolet etc. I was told there was nothing wrong. We put in over $6,000 in our 2013 equinox and would appreciate very much a reimbursement. Thanks- Mp
Engine, May 10, 2021
THERE IS DOCUMENTED HISTORY WITH THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD. I AM JUST ONE MORE PERSON FILING THIS. I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A RISK OF INJURY IF THE VEHICLE FAILS WHILE DRIVING. I ALSO BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT THE ONLY WAY FOR THE MASSES OF INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY THE FUNDAMENTAL ENGINE ISSUE TO HAVE ANY RECOURSE IS TO HAVE A RECALL ISSUED.
Engine, Apr 29, 2021
MY VEHICLE IS BURNING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL AND NO OIL LIGHT COMES ON TO LET ME KNOW MY OIL IS LOW. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING BECAUSE I HAD NO OIL.I HAD TO PUT OIL IN MY CAR 3 TIMES WITHIN 3,000 MILES BECAUSE IT WAS ALMOST EMPTY. HAD TO HAVE NEW CONVERTER PUT ON DUE TO CONSUMING SO MUCH OIL. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE SPECIAL WARRANTY TO CHANGE PISTON RINGS UNTIL MY SPECIAL WARRANTY EXPIRED. I ALSO HAD THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST DONE AND GM IS DOING NOTHING TO HELP FIX MY VEHICLE.
Engine, Apr 25, 2021
I AM LOSING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT ON OIL. I HAVE REPLACED SENSORS, TIMING CHANGE, AND NOW I NEED AN ENGINE.
Engine, Apr 21, 2021
OIL CONSUMPTION IS STILL AT AN ALARMING RATE, HAD THE "RECALL" DONE BY THE DEALERSHIP BUT IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THERE ISNT ANOTHER RECALL. PUTTING IN A FORMAL COMPLAINT TO GET THIS VEHICLE FIXED. AS TODAY IT EXPERIENCED ITS FIRST ENGINE SEIZE. AND IT BURNED THROUGH 4 QUARTS OF OIL IN 4000 MILES
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 20, 2021
ENGINE TIMING WAS OFF ABOUT A YEAR AGO. HAD TO GET MY VEHICLE TOWED AND SPEND A LOT TO REPAIR IT. LOW OIL WAS SPOTTED AT THAT POINT, BUT THE SPECIAL WARRANTY WASN'T OUT YET DETAILING TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND O2 SENSORS IF THERE WAS HIGH RATES OF OIL CONSUMPTION. NEARLY A YEAR LATER, AND I'M SEEING TIMING ISSUES AGAIN. I AM NOT SEEING HIGH ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION YET. I BELIEVE THERE ARE MANY ADDITIONAL ISSUES WRONG WITH THESE ENGINES FROM 2010-2017 EQUINOX/TERRAIN THAT HAVE STILL NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THESE ISSUES AND HAVING THEIR WHOLE ENGINES REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES JUST FOR THE ISSUES TO COME BACK ON A NEW ENGINE.
Engine, Apr 19, 2021
OIL CONSUMPTION. ITS BULL CRAP THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL AND WE ARE TAKING LOSSES!!!