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, 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.
Power train, May 11, 2022
No prior symptoms or warning lights the transfer case in my equinox went upon further research tons of equinox’s and similar gm cars have had the same issue where a part inside the transfer case cause the case to crack and fluid to leak out if this happens when driving the car will become inoperable creating a safety hazard gm made a replacement transfer case without the issue but never issued a recall a quick look online and you will see a ton of consumer complaints related to this issue I do believe gm knew about it and instead of doing the right thing just made a replacement and left it at that.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 8, 2022
Fuel pump stopped working and caused the car to stall while moving at high speeds. Only has 120000 miles on it. Almost crashed into another car.
Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 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, thank God there were no cars near nor behind me, it would have killed me and my daughter So now the service stabilitrak light is on / the check engine light is on / the power steering light and break light comes on and then goes off. The diagnostic read says – 1.)P0575 Cruise Control switch, 2.)P0700, 3.)U0101 - loss communication with transmission control module replace, 4.)Transmission input shaft speed sensor, 5.)Replace transmission electrical hydraulic control module, 6.)U0073 CAN bus Communication Is there a recall on this – this is very dangerous!!!
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,
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2022
Engine light on
Service brakes, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly brake and jerk. After the failure, the vehicle would drive and operate as needed. The contact experienced the failure approximately six times. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift out of PARK and the key would not move, preventing the contact from turning off the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the service air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact initially called the dealer where they informed him to tow the vehicle to the dealer location. The contact then called AAA where they were able to reset the gear box; the contact was then able to shift the vehicle into the DRIVE and drove to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure with a defective gear box; the vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer while they awaited for the parts to repair the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2022
2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CATAYLTIC CONVERTOR FAILED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE HAPPENED TO FAIL ACROSS THE STREET FROM A REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE LOCAL SHOP. THE CONSUMER LATER WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED REIMBURSING THE REPAIR COST DUE TO AFTERMARKET PARTS BEING USED FOR THE REPAIR.
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.
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.