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, 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.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 1, 2021
On Feb 14 2021 took car in to a Chevy dealership to have 2 recalls done . Tailpipe emission oxygen sensor, Front wiper transmission corrosion failure . Notice on 8/29/2021 while on a road trip needed to clear bugs off front windshield no windshield fluid was coming out , so I feel the front wiper transmission corrosion failure was not repaired . Will contact dealership to have issue checked out with a different location.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2021
Engine runs rich with a P0172 code and requires a new fuel pump to resolve the issue. Causes an engine light, fluctuating tach reading at idle, excess fuel consumption, and some performance issues as the computer figures out how to compensate.
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
Visibility/wiper, May 18, 2021
Hello I had an open recall for the wiper transmission replacement. I took my vehicle to Don Brown Chevy in st.louis missouri. They where suppose to replace the wiper transmission. Mine failed while driving. Since my car had an open recall I should of received a replacement one installed. This dealer told me they did the recall and everything was good to go. Well they lied they did not complete my recall. I had to go buy one from the local parts place and install it my self. the new design comes with a rain deflector baffle. the original one in my car still had the paint lines on the wiper transmission from the factory install. They lied about doing the recall and endangered my life.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 25, 2021
WHILE GETTING READY TO LEAVE WORK ONE DAY IT STARTED TO RAIN A BIT, SO I TRIED CUTTING ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND NOTHING HAPPENED, IT WOULDN'T MOVE AT ALL, SO I TRIED PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING THE CAR AND THEY STILL WOULDN'T WORK. I CAN STILL HEAR THE MOTOR BUT STILL NO MOVEMENT, PLEASE HELP NEED FIXED BEFORE WINTER !!
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!!!
Engine, Apr 19, 2021
TIMING CHAIN BROKE
Engine, Apr 19, 2021
2013 CHEVY EQUINOX WAS TAKEN TO MECHANIC FOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND LOSS OF STABILITRAK. MY MECHANIC PULLED THE CODES AND SAID THIS REPAIR WAS ABOVE THEIR ABILITY AND RECOMMENDED I TAKE TO CHEVY DEALER. CHEVY'S SERVICE GUY SAID THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION AND I SAID YES IT IS USING A LOT OF OIL WE HAVE HAD IT HERE FOR SIMILAR OIL RELATED ISSUES WITH NO SUCCESS. TECH COMES BACK WITH BROKEN TIMING BELTS AND LATER A SHAVED PISTON $4200 IN REPAIRS. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS IT IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE RECALL AND CHEVY WONT STAND BY THE REPAIRS AND COVER THE COST BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T NOTE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION.
Engine, Apr 15, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WITH A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WINTER CHEVROLET (3750 CENTURY CT, PITTSBURG, CA 94565) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,991.
Engine, Apr 13, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT HAD RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION DUE TO PISTON RING WEAR AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CHEVROLET OF MILFORD, INC. (655 BRIDGEPORT AVE, MILFORD, CT 06460) FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PER THE MANUFACTURER'S POLICY FOR THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST, THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DRIVEN FOR 2,000 MILES THEN THE RECALL COULD BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN CLOSE TO THE 2,000 MILES AS DIRECTED BY THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED RATTLING AND KNOCKING THEN STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK HAD NO COMPRESSION AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE DISASSEMBLED TO EXAMINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVER THE WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Apr 13, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSUME AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 2,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PINEGAR CHEVROLET (769 E, US-60, REPUBLIC, MO 65738) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE 02 SENSORS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE ISSUE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.