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
751 reports, newest first.
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.
Electrical system, Feb 2, 2024
The infotainment screen goes blank. I can hear the radio but nothing is on the screen so I can not use any buttons. This also affects the backup camera, being able to see that area to check to make sure nothing is behind the vehicle. The dealership can not duplicate the issue as this happens randomly, mainly when there is a lot of rain/wetness. I have been dealing with this for exactly 10 years now, January 2014-2024. I have all service papers from taking it in and not once did they offer to check other areas to see if something else could be causing this issue. I took it again, after contacting Chevrolet, for the umpteenth time, and paid for diagnostics. The dealership now says it supposedly is the atenna, that water is getting in and causing the issue.
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
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Dec 13, 2023
Car feels like it is going to take off at a red light. Then it rumbles and cuts off at the light. I purchased car from US Auto Sales. DOWC paid PepBoys for multiple repairs for breaks rotors and the light that keeps coming on is service stabile track they got the light to cut off but the issue still persisted. They even changed all things dealing with the gas line. This car is still idling high at stop signs like it will take off on its own. And still cuts off at a red light. This is very unsafe and many drivers have almost run onto the back of me. I told US Auto Sales, DOWC, and PepBoys and they all put me back in the same vehicle after voicing my concerns about safety. Instead of putting me in a safer vehicle they ignored it. This has been happening since I purchased the vehicle in November 2022
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)
Visibility/wiper, Dec 7, 2023
ONE OF THE WIPER ARMS HAS FAILED ENTIRELY. THE DEALERSHIP WE PURCHASED IT FROM (USED) ADVISED IT WAS REPAIRED, BUT IT HAS FAILED NONETHELESS. OUR 18 YEAR OLD SON DRIVES THIS CAR AND IT IS NOT SAFE. BASED ON OTHER INTERACTIONS WITH THE DEALERSHIP, WE BELIEVE THEY MAY HAVE "FAKED" THE ACTUAL REPAIR...OR THEY REPLACED THE POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE PART WITH AN ACTUAL DEFECTIVE PART. WE WANT IT INSPECTED, AND IF OLD OR DEFECTIVE, HAVE IT REPLACED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.
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.
Steering, Nov 21, 2023
DRIVING HOME AND STEERING WHEEL AND VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING LIKE THE WHEELS WERE GOING TO FALL OFF. 11/08/23 PURCHASED NOV OR DEC OF 2022 FROM DAN CUMMINS-AS IS NO ONE MENTIONED THIS. HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK IT UP AND IT'S ACTUALLY CALLED A DEATH WOBBLE
Air bags, Nov 14, 2023, crash
Got into a front end collision, vehicle was totaled. Front airbags didn't deploy. Steering wheel and side airbags deployed about 5 minutes after the accident. My head hit the driver side window, cracking the whole window. Had a concussion from that.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 5, 2023
My car is burning oil I only drive to work which is only 20 miles away I put oil in 2 days ago and it’s rattling and sounds like it’s knocking and is a quart low it says it’s at 54% till my next oil change also my oil cap has condensation under it. How can this be fixed? Also yesterday when I was leaving for work my radio totally went off blank screen for almost a minute, I live in the country and I don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road at 5:00 in the morning I love my car but, how can these 2 issues be fix? Is there anything you can do to fix this?
Engine, Nov 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started to shake violently before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the oil dipstick, the contact discovered that the engine was extremely low on oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption and a failed engine. The contact was informed 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 78,000.
Engine, Oct 27, 2023
The component for bulletin # N192268181 had failed. Releasing carbon monoxide into vehicle and left me with no warning to address the problem. My 02 sensors were sending my control module wrong readings . My car should be listed in this recall. I have been having problems with this since I purchased it and didn't know there was a silent recall for these parts. The only warnings I got was a bad headache everytime I drove my car .. after having it inspected I was told about the exhaust and o2 problems which I then looked online for a solution and fount the service recall announcement. Had I have known or any warning light would of popped up I would have been able to fix it before it got worst.. my vehicle has the same problems exactly down to the t that is in the recall and should be on the list for recall I'm sure there have been more complaints. Inhaling these fumes caused me and my passengers sickness and could be risk of fire from overheating but I was not alerted and did not know there was a problem until failure.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 25, 2023
On Wednesday 10/18/23, the "check engine" light on our 2013 Equinox came on. My husband had been noticing a rattling sound for a few days prior and planned to take the car in on the upcoming Saturday. On Thursday evening10/19/23, he was about to leave for his 2nd job when the car died as he prepared to back out of the driveway. He took my Pilot to work. On Friday 10/20/23, the Equinox was towed to our mechanic who, after running a diagnostic, recommended having it towed to a Chevy dealer and we did so. Hours later, the dealer's service manager called to say the key fob key has become detached in the transfer and they would have to order a new one before assessment could begin. A $350-estimate for that portion was begrudgingly agreed to with the understanding that auto workers are on strike and ... On Tuesday 10/24, the Chevy service manager called to say their department went ahead and used needle-nosed pliers to try to diagnose it w/o waiting. It was late determined that the system was "out of time" which I later learned meant that the timing belt was skipping or something asking other technical things. Bottom line: a new engine is the only fix at a cost of $12k for a car we've only had 8 years. It's KBB value is far, far less. We are now stuck with a worthless car and no way to fix it. Please advise.
Electrical system, Oct 24, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 19, 2023
As I was coming to a red light, I heard a pop from underneath the front. About 3/4 miles down the road, I started smelling rotten eggs and hearing a rubbing noise. At the next red light, with my foot on the brake, the noise went away but the smell got stronger. When the light changed, the noise came back louder so I safely pulled off the road and had it towed to a dealership. No warning lights came on to indicate a problem. The dealership would not look at it because of a dispute with my repair service. So it was towed to a mechanic that took a picture of the transfer case blow-out. He does not do this type of repair. So I had it towed to a 2nd dealership. This dealership visually confirmed the transfer case issue but indicated he would not let his mechanics work on it because "it is too rusted and the chassis is bent." So I have a 3rd dealership that says they will do the repair. I am currently waiting for their inspection report.