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, Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Technical Service Bulletin Numbers: TSB: N192287100 (Catalytic Converter and Oxygen Sensor Performance Degradation) and TSB: N192268180 (Tailpipe Emissions – Oxygen Sensor) were repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: TSB: N192291100 (Excessive Engine Oil Consumption). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,087.
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.
Power train, Feb 22, 2023
While driving in November of 2022 my truck started to make some really horrific noises. Got it into a shop who proceeded to tell me that my transfer case basically exploded. While trying to research my options for repair ( which this & extensive oil burning and consumption seem to be very common on this year, make, and , model) I learned through GM that my truck also has a branded title which wasn't disclosed to me at purchase from a dealership, because they said they didn't klnow. I don't know if this all ties into the branded title, but I feel like there needs to be a recall to address the faulty transfer case and the excessive oil consumption.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2023
Rear main seal and not available for inspection. Losing oil too fast and will make car stall when driving it and cause an accident also can ruin motor when driving it. Vehicle was inspected by auto mechanics and needs to be fixed but the 2013 year there was never a recall for this issue. There were no signs of symptoms at all. This started to happen back in December 2022.
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.
Air bags, Jan 11, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH down an inclined road, the front driver-side air bag was erroneously deployed causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash down an embankment. During the crash, the driver sustained a concussion and left arm, neck, and rib injuries which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away to the insurance company. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 22, 2022
Was driving thru Atlanta at night in a rainstorm and without any warning my passenger side wiper totally quit. The driver side wiper was all I had. I had to cautiously keep driving in the very center of Atlanta. I do have the complete motor parts as I replaced it myself after buying the part from a local GM dealer. I have had no dealer inspection yet because I just heard about the recall on the 2014 and 2015 wiper recall. this happened in April of 2021.
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.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Sep 8, 2022
SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE AND MADE CAR PAYMENT ONE, I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE BEST VEHICLE FOR ME. THEN SHORTLY THERE AFTER CAME THE RECALLS/PROBLEMS (Catalytic Converter, Electrical System inside the vehicle, and last but not least, the Engine. I have to make sure I take the vehicle in 1000-1500 miles early than normal because of the oil is low and the vehicle. The vehicle starts to vibrate/shake in the steering wheel and making noise that I know that it is time for the Oil Change. This vehicle has been not at all what I thought it was. I have spoken to someone at GM, which was supposed to get back to me. Please call for more information. [XXX]. Really would like to resolve this. If this vehicle is not safe for My 3-year-old granddaughter that I have in the vehicle or myself that I have put my TRUST and money in. I would love to give you my vehicle and you can drive your love ones and yourself to Doctor and other places you need to go. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2022
UNKNOWN. This particular make & model has an oil consumption recall & a recall on the piston rings due to the oil consumption. I have owned the vehicle since 2019 & have had issues with it every since it was purchased. It was taken to the dealership for idling & a rear knocking consistent noise & they could not find the issue & they were even aware that had recalls but could not find an issue or even offer to fix the recall issue. Now, the past year it has been consuming oil & it has completely stop operating & smokes like crazy. The check engine light is not even on & the car is feeling like it is overheating as well. Still, there are no warning or check engine lights on. The car is not giving any codes on a diagnostic meter. Last year the check engine light came on & all fluids were changed & air intake & valves were replaced as well. I have received both recall letters after purchase but was unsuccessful at getting anyone to locate or search for the recall issue. Our safety was compromised as the car just completely stopped going in traffic & could have caused someone else to hit it due to it stalling. I am not certain at what component has failed but the complete system is inoperable. UNKNOWN cause.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2022
I was driving along and all of a sudden heard and felt a crunching underneath my car. I went directly home and upon shutting my vehicle off, it ran for a few seconds more before quitting. There was also fluid(gear oil) pouring out from underneath my car. No warning lamps or messages. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic where it was confirmed that the fuel pump and transfer case were non operational.
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.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2022, fire
My car caught fire 1 minute after it started smoking while I was driving it due to an electrical issue. I nearly died. The fire totaled my car. I had to pull over as fast as possible and nearly caught a nearby restaurant on fire. It was inspected by the fire department. There was no warning messages or symptoms.