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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 19, 2014
MARCH 2013 RADIO CONTROL WENT OFF/ RADIO DISPLAY SCREEN FROZE FOR FEW HOURS. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN ON/OFF RADIO AND STAYED ON THE SAME VOLUME. TURNED OFF THE CAR TO RESET AND IT DID NOT GO AWAY. TAKING IT TO THE DEALER FOR FOLLOW UP. STABILITY CONTROL FEATURE GOES ON FOR NO REASON WHEN PRESSING BRAKES THEY MAKE A LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2014
PURCHASED 2013 CHEVY EQUINOX LTZ ON JAN 2013. A MONTH LATER A MOLDY/RUBBERY SMELL COMING FROM THE AC VENTS. IT WAS GETTING WORST SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR CHECK UP. THEY CLEANED AND DISINFECTED AC SYSTEM. INSTALLED A BLOWER COMPRESSOR TO DRY WATER THAT SITS FROM AC.ON...HUM... THEY TOLD ME SINCE I LIVE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, I WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM...HUM... JUST BE AWARE THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT SURVIVE ON A TROPIC CLIMATE BECAUSE OF THE MOLD .... LAME EXCUSED FROM DEALER. TWO YEARS LATER STILL HAVING SAME PROBLEM...TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CLEAN AND DISINFECT AIR VENTS AND KEEPS HAPPENING. APRIL 2014 TAKING IT BACK FOR THAT AND OTHER ISSUES THAT I WILL ADDRESS HERE. THANK YOU. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH GM BUILDING DEFECTIVE CARS AND NOT ADMITTING IT. MY FIRST AND MY LAST AMERICAN CAR. *TR
Steering, Apr 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Visibility/wiper, Apr 2, 2014
THIS IS AN OLD CHEVROLET EQUINOX RECALL THAT IS FROM THE 2010 MODEL AND IS HAPPENING TO MY 2013 AS WELL. THE RADIO CONTROLS AND A/C-DEFROST CONTROL'S ARE NOT WORKING AT ALL. "FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS" CHEVROLET IS TELLING ME THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN CHEVROLET. REFERENCE TO: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/RECALLS/RECALLRESULTS.CFM?START=1&SEARCHTYPE=QUICKSEARCH&RCL_ID=09V489000. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 1, 2014
DRIVING ON 5 LANE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH CAR SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON AND WENT DEAD. CARS AND TRUCKS ON BOTH SIDE OF ME AND HAD TO TRY. AND GET ON LEFT SHOULDER WHICH I DID WITHOUT GETTING HIT. I TURNED OFF IGNITION AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT RESTARTED OK AND I CONTINUED ON . THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE. RETURNED TO DEALER BOTH TIMES AND THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID NOTHING WRONG. I AM AFRAID IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN WITH MY CHILDREN OR GRANDCHILDREN IN CAR AND MAYBE WOULDN'T BE SO LUCKY TO GET OFF ROAD WITHOUT BEING HIT. WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? THANK YOU *TR
Visibility, Back over prevention, Mar 31, 2014
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM HAS ENGAGED FOR NO EXPLICABLE REASON. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE BRAKES ARE AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED, NOT JAMMED ON, BUT IT DOES SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND THE RED LIGHT STARTS FLASHING AND THE WARNING SENSOR GOES OFF, ETC IT CAN BE RATHER UNNERVING. THE REAR VIEW MIRRORS WHICH FACE DOWNWARD WHEN BACKING TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE REAR VIEW CAMERA DON'T ALWAYS RETURN TO PREVIOUS PRESET POSITION. *TR
Service brakes, Mar 31, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING NORTH BEHIND A PICKUP TRUCK ,HE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND IT APPEARED AS IF IT MADE ME GO FASTER INSTEAD OF STOPPING.. I COULD NOT STOP AND I RAN INTO THE REAR OF THE PICKUP TRUCK. MY EQUINOX WAS TOTALED. MY SEAT BELT ACTIVATED AND HELD ME IN PLACE AND THE AIR BAG ACTIVATED. MY ONSTAR CAME TO MY ASSISTANCE AND ADVISED ME TO STAY IN PLACE TILL HELP ARRIVED AND TURN ON THE IGNITION AND PUT ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHT SWITCH .I DIDN'T REMEMBER EVER TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF .COULD THIS VEHICLE BE ANOTHER ONE IN THE VEHICLES IN THE CLASS THAT HAS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM THAT CAUSES ACCIDENTS ? I SUFFERED A CONTUSION OF THE UPPER CHEST AREA. THE OTHER DRIVER WENT TO HIS DOCTOR FOR CHECK UP . *TR
Air bags, Mar 31, 2014, crash
HIT A DEER WITH FRONT END OF VEHICLE CAUSING APPROXIMATELY $6,000 IN DAMAGES. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING CONCUSSION RECEIVED BY DRIVER. DRIVER IS STILL EXPERIENCING MEDICAL PROBLEMS DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Mar 26, 2014, crash
I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN (GOING MAYBE 5 MPH) WHEN REAR ENDED BY A 1998 CHEVY LUMINA. HER HOOD AND FRONT WAS ALL DAMAGED AND NONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED (OPENED)!! . I HIT MY HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL AND EAR STARTED BLEEDING. ( IN A DAZE). MANY BRUISES AND HURT BACK AND NECK. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Mar 13, 2014, crash
I WAS HIT BY A CAR PULLING OUT OF A GAS STATION. HIT PRETTY HARD SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 23, 2014
THE LIGHTS IN THE INTERIOR OF MY CAR GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 70MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR JUST DIED ON ME, I HAD TO HAVE SOMEONE PUSH ME OFF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I WAITED ABOUT 10 MINS AND IT STARTED UP AGAIN. THE COLLISION SENOR GOES OFF WHEN THERE IS NOTHING AROUND THE CAR AND BOGGS DOWN THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS AND THEY CAN NOT GET THE PROBLEM TO DUPLICATE. THEY HAVE HAD MY CAR SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING AND GAVE IT BACK TO ME THE WEEK OF CHRISTIMAS. I DROVE IT AND HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL THAT FRIDAY ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK CROSSING OVER A BUSY INTERSECTION THE COLLISION ALERT STARTED RINGING AND THE SENOR IS OFF AND THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED RIGHT AWAY AND GET OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP AND THEY STILL CAN'T GET THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. I SAY THE GM OBVIOUSLY HAS ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THEIR CARS, BECAUSE READING OTHERS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! *TR
Tires, Dec 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR TIRES, SIZE 225/65/17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE IGNITION, THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED PERTAINING. THE CONTACT INFLATED THE FOUR TIRES TO THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE DAILY AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRES. THE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,500.
Tires, Nov 24, 2013
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING MY 2013 CHEVY EQUINOX BACK TO PENNSYLVANIA AND SHE HAD A BLOW OUT ON INTERSTATE 80 IN NEW JERSEY. I HAD TO PAY $165.00 TO HAVE MY TRUCK TOWED OFF THE HIGH WAY. SHE PUT THE DONUT ON AND CONTINUED DRIVING TO PENNSYLVANIA. SHE GOT THE TIRE REPLACED ANOTHER $205.00. THE GUY AT THE TIRE PLACE GAVE HER THE TIRE BACK AND SUGGESTED WE FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE HE DIDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW IT HAPPENED. THE SIDE WALL HAD A BIG HOLE IN IT. *TR
Electrical system, Nov 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE COLLISION SENSOR ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT ANY OTHER VEHICLE WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN REDUCED THE SENSITIVITY OF THE COLLISION SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1831.
Structure, Oct 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR, THE DOORS COLLAPSED INTO THE FENDER, CREATING DENTS IN THE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DOORS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Oct 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH IN REVERSE, A LOAD ROARING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. UPDATED 2/11/14*CN ANOTHER DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE HIGH VALVE FUEL PUMP ON THE ENGINE AND IN THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/18/14
Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2013, crash
2013 EQUINOX LT WAS STRUCK ON PASSENGER SIDE BY A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA WHILE DOING UNDER 10 MPH. THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 35 MPH FOR THE SONATA. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT CAUSED THE EQUINOX TO ROLL OVER ONTO ITS SIDE AND ONLY THE SIDE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. EQUINOX RECEIVED DAMAGE TO ALL AREAS OF THE VEHICLE EXCEPT PASSENGER SIDE FENDER AND FRONT END.
Tires, Jul 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR TIRES, SIZE P255/65R/17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD MULTIPLE HOLES ON THE SIDEWALL. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13T006000 (TIRES) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE TIRE SIZE OF THE SPECIFIC TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRES AND VEHICLE WAS 6,000. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND HEARD A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE NOISE WAS THE RESULT OF MOISTURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH MORNING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 550.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 17, 2013
CPSC#I1360158A. 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR HER CAR REVERSED WHILE IT WAS STILL IN DRIVE. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED SHE IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKE, ONCE THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE. THE CONSUMER STATED IT FELT AS THOUGH,THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL ON A HILL. SHE MANAGED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THEN IN DRIVE AGAIN, AND ONCE SHE PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD, WITHOUT INCIDENT. ALSO, WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL/COMPUTER RELATED PROBLEMS.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 12, 2013
WHEN THE RADIO IS ON, EVEN AT MEDIUM VOLUME, THE REARVIEW MIRROR SHAKES AND IMAGES IN THE REARVIEW BECOME VERY BLURRED. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 20, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING THE DASH LIGHTS AND THE TOUCH SCREEN RADIO LIGHTS GO OUT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. HAVE TALKED WITH OTHER EQUINOX OWNERS AND THE HAVE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER CAN NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT ALL THE LIGHTING SYSTEMS TO INCLUDE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT DURING NIGHT DRIVING. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 4, 2013
THE EXTREME SLOPE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENSIVE DASHBOARD SURFACE TOP, COMBINED WITH MY SLOPED DRIVEWAY PRODUCES A SEVERE GLARE THAT REDUCES VISIBILITY TO THE POINT WHERE I AM FORCED TO INCH INTO MY GARAGE. THE GREY DASHBOARD BECOMES THE DOMINATE VISIBLE ELEMENT, REFLECTED ONTO THE WINDSHIELD IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO A HEADS UP DISPLAY. DAYLIGHT IS THE MOST CRITICAL TIMEFRAME. ADDING A BLACK CARPET DASHBOARD COVER REDUCED BUT DID NOT ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM. I WOULD EXPECT TALLER DRIVERS WOULD HAVE AN EVEN GREATER PROBLEM. DRIVING IN NORMAL LIGHTING CONDITIONS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AN ISSUE, HOWEVER THE TRANSITION INTO A LOW LEVEL LIGHTED AREA IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE HAS AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS, TURNING THEM ON OR OFF DID NOT HELP. *TR
Electrical system, May 16, 2013
AFTER DRIVING THE 2013 EQUINOX OFF THE DEALER LOT WITH 5 MILES ON THE SPEEDOMETER, THE RADIO SCREEN BEGAN TO SCRAMBLE. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE BACKUP SCREEN DID NOT WORK, AND GOES BLANK, THE RADIO SCREEN BEGINS TO FLICKER, SCRAMBLES, AND BLANKS OUT. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THAT FRIDAY THE DEALER CHECKED IT AND ORDERED THE PART. ON APRIL 19, AT THE DEALER WE WERE TOLD THEY ORDERED THE WRONG PART, NO EXPLANATION NO COMMUNICATION. ON MAY 10 RETURNED TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE RADIO SCREEN. ON THE WAY HOME THE RADIO SCREEN FLICKERED. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE BACKUP CAMERA DID NOT WORK. CONTACTED THE GENERAL MANAGER ON MAY 11 AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD GET BACK WITH US THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. WE CALLED MAY 16TH AND THE GM GAVE A LAME EXCUSE, ON MAY 17 WE ARE RETURNING TO THE DEALER TO GET THE PROBLEM RESOLVED. WE LIVE 70 MILES FROM THE DEALER. A $28K PURCHASE AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE IT OUT NOR OWN UP TO THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE LOUSY SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS. SIGNED DISAPPOINTED IN GM PRODUCTS! *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2013
WHEN I TAKE OFF AND BEGIN TO ACCELERATE, CAR HESITATES. GETTING WORSE. AS I WAS APPROACHING THE TOP OF AN OVERPASS, HAD TO SPEED UP BECAUSE IT SEEMED TO HESITATED. TOOK IT IN ONCE, SERVICE MANAGER AND ASSISTANT BOTH SAID THEY DROVE IT AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I LEFT THERE AND IT HAPPENED AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. *TR