2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
751 complaints20 involved a crash5 involved a fire20 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure · Suspension
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The warranty company was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was…
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The warranty company was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test by the warranty company. The vehicle was taken to the certified service center, where it was diagnosed with front passenger-side wheel bearing failure. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being repaired, the contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The warranty company inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not the responsibility of the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
- Engine
We changed the external fuel pump, we changed the oil cap to the vented oil cap, We changed the oil 2x within 2 days, once trying to get it by until we could get the new fuel pump on,and once directly after and still had issues. Losing power and getting stranded while trying to cross a busy…
We changed the external fuel pump, we changed the oil cap to the vented oil cap, We changed the oil 2x within 2 days, once trying to get it by until we could get the new fuel pump on,and once directly after and still had issues. Losing power and getting stranded while trying to cross a busy highway is terrifying, 100% —it is an extreme, life-threatening safety risk.I returned the vehicle and took a heavy financial loss, The fact that this dangerous car is back with a seller means someone else is going to buy it, This report could prevent a fatal accident. We have seen multiple of these same vehicles all over places like facebook marketplace and on the side of the road. They are dangerous vehicles and I've heard multiple accounts in which even your dealerships dont know how to fix it. I believe you have a responsibility to consumers to pull these cars from use and make it right to all who have not gotten what they paid you for buying this car from you. Thank you for your consideration, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Tires · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
225/r17 Pressure system did not alert the other driver of liss of pressure blew out side i recked into her
- Tires · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
225/65/r17 Side wall blew out on me tire pressure system did not let me know . I had to sweave to miss oncoming traffic
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
My 2013 Equinox is experiencing the excessive oil loss without warning..this led to transmission..engine..timing failure. The car loses power jerks at slower speeds it sounds horrible and has cost a lot of money for repairs. Still don’t know if it will last much longer. This is a burden on my…
My 2013 Equinox is experiencing the excessive oil loss without warning..this led to transmission..engine..timing failure. The car loses power jerks at slower speeds it sounds horrible and has cost a lot of money for repairs. Still don’t know if it will last much longer. This is a burden on my family as we can’t afford to just go buy another vehicle. I purchased it in 2022 and in 2019 there was a lawsuit being settled for these exact problems and I was not told this nor was it disclosed on the carfax report!! Very upsetting as I will be without a means of transportation.
- Unknown or other
There is corrosion and rust that is underneith my car! This is a very poor constuction of Chevy! This should never happen as long as the car is driving. When this corrosion happened there are a brake cable that is dangling under my car which is going on because of the rust and corrision underneith…
There is corrosion and rust that is underneith my car! This is a very poor constuction of Chevy! This should never happen as long as the car is driving. When this corrosion happened there are a brake cable that is dangling under my car which is going on because of the rust and corrision underneith my car! I want answers and Chevy to do something about fixing the hanging brake cable under my car! I don't want any risks of saftey because of Chevy's very poor designing of my Equinox! I am not the only owner complaining about the structure of this car! I will take legal action!
- Engine
While driving at around 110,900 to 111,115 miles(it being 111,115 now), it occassionally will get a very loud thumping sound and my car goes into limp mode and loses power. Shakes horribly bad in the process. I have to turn the car off and sit there waiting for it to calm down and then drive 35mph…
While driving at around 110,900 to 111,115 miles(it being 111,115 now), it occassionally will get a very loud thumping sound and my car goes into limp mode and loses power. Shakes horribly bad in the process. I have to turn the car off and sit there waiting for it to calm down and then drive 35mph to get home. Piston problem ive been told. Every time this has happened, ive been on a very busy highway with my 2 kids in the car with me. Please send out a recall! The miles are not high. This started in February 2026.
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption i have the same 2.1 liter echo tech engine that was previously involved in the lawsuit against General Motors for the 2013 chevy equinox excessive oil consumption. My car has stalled, jerked and keeps me in the auto parts stores buying oil all the time even long before time to change the oil.
- Engine
Frozen PCV that blew rear engine seal
- Engine
PCV Valve froze due to poor design and crankcase couldn't vent which blew out the rear main seal. Obvious design flaw
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
My 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (~132,000 miles) has a serious and unsafe oil consumption problem. I had a full oil change, and only two weeks later the dipstick was completely dry. The vehicle provided no warning lights, no low-oil indication, and the GM Oil Life Monitoring System gave an inaccurate…
My 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (~132,000 miles) has a serious and unsafe oil consumption problem. I had a full oil change, and only two weeks later the dipstick was completely dry. The vehicle provided no warning lights, no low-oil indication, and the GM Oil Life Monitoring System gave an inaccurate reading, failing to alert me to the critically low oil level. On November 25, 2025, while stopped with my foot firmly on the brake, the vehicle began constantly jumping and jerking forward as if it was trying to move on its own. During driving, I also began hearing a loud crunching, metal-on-metal noise whenever I accelerated or drove under 50 mph. Because these symptoms started suddenly and were severe, I took the vehicle to my mechanic the same day. On November 26, 2025, the mechanic confirmed that the engine had suffered major internal damage due to running with almost no oil. The timing chain and VVT components needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed that oil starvation caused this failure despite a recent oil change, and the inaccurate oil life monitoring system contributed to the hazard by failing to alert me to the critically low oil. This defect presents a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle can jerk unexpectedly, stall, lose power, or suffer sudden engine failure while driving, all without warning. I have since learned that excessive oil consumption and inaccurate oil life readings are widespread in GM 2.4L Ecotec engines. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this safety-related defect.
- Unknown or other
Dashboard display does not work so I'm unable to see my speed or odometer.
- Engine
I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing and serious safety-related timing chain issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT. The timing chain loses tension intermittently, which places the vehicle at immediate risk of significant engine damage, stalling, or complete loss of power during…
I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing and serious safety-related timing chain issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT. The timing chain loses tension intermittently, which places the vehicle at immediate risk of significant engine damage, stalling, or complete loss of power during operation. This issue compromises the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic. A sudden failure of the timing chain system can result in abrupt engine shutdown, without any warning lights or diagnostic codes to alert the driver. This creates a dangerous situation, particularly when traveling at highway speeds, merging into traffic, or navigating intersections. The timing chain defect in this model appears to be a known and recurring problem among owners of similar GM engines, and there is evidence suggesting design flaws contributing to premature wear and tension problems. However, this vehicle has not been included in prior recalls addressing similar timing chain failures. I rely on this vehicle for essential travel and live on SSDI, which limits my ability to cover repeated high-cost repairs for what appears to be a manufacturer-related safety defect. The risk of sudden engine failure with no prior indication is unacceptable and warrants further investigation. I respectfully request NHTSA review this concern as a potential recall safety issue, given the clear risk of power loss and danger to both myself and other drivers on the road.
- Fuel/propulsion system
It keeps throwing an error and my truck goes into Reduced engine power mode. It happens out of nowhere. One minute it's fine the next my engine starts to reduce power and I can't go faster then 25 mph. We have already replaced the high pressure fuel rail sensor and the fuel pump. It still is having this issue.
- Engine · Power train
When gas is applied the transmission skips and doesn't get the power needed to drive car safely. I don't have any lights to indicate this is a problem within the engine. This recall has been issued for my vehicle but when I contacted the customer service for repairs, my vehicle information says there is no recalls for my vehicle. I did receive a letter in the mail stating my car has a recall
- Unknown or other
Air conditioner stops working intermittently
- Tires
Purchased my 2013 Chevy Equinox from certified Chevrolet dealer in 2023. All 4 of my tires are: Michelin Latitude Tour M+S (Radial X Green), P235/55 R18. DOT M33J 007X 3012. These are the same tires that were on my SUV at time of purchase & are still on it. Upon purchasing from the dealership…
Purchased my 2013 Chevy Equinox from certified Chevrolet dealer in 2023. All 4 of my tires are: Michelin Latitude Tour M+S (Radial X Green), P235/55 R18. DOT M33J 007X 3012. These are the same tires that were on my SUV at time of purchase & are still on it. Upon purchasing from the dealership, the tires appeared somewhat cracked around the outside walls & where the tread meets the tires. Not being sure how to read all info on tires, I only went by the thickness of the tread, which was great & I didn't question the cracks too much. In the fall of 2024, took my SUV in to have the oil & filters changed, tires rotated, etc, as yearly maintenance. Was made aware at that time by the mechanic that the tread & side walls on the Michelin P235/55 R18 were becoming deeply cracked & I should plan on looking to replace the tires for safety reasons as soon as possible. I don't do a lot of driving, except for around town, so I figured I'll replace them sometime within the next year. I'm now in "the next year". It's 2025 & I've noticed over the last 4-5 months, I am losing air frequently from all the tires & am making biweekly trips to the gas station air pumps. In the past 2-3 months the cracks have increased significantly & now I'm afraid to fill to the recommended air pressure. I think these tires are quite dangerous in the way they seem to be breaking apart. My plan is to get them replaced as soon as I'm financially able. My SUV, only had about 36,000 miles on it when I bought it in 2023. Now it only has 42,000. I don't understand how these tires could be in such bad condition with such awesome, thick tread. I've found an awful lot of complaints re: these specific Michelin Latitude Tour Tires breaking/splitting apart. I don't understand why these specific tires haven't been recalled. There's an incredible danger in driving with these faulty tires. I'm surprised there's been no reported accidents. I'm now afraid to drive much at all, until I can get them replaced.
- Engine
This car burned through oil like you would not believe. I was unaware of the issues surrounding the engine in my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox until my engine stalled and completely shutdown while I was driving to work in January 2025. I was very lucky I was the only one on the road at the time and was…
This car burned through oil like you would not believe. I was unaware of the issues surrounding the engine in my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox until my engine stalled and completely shutdown while I was driving to work in January 2025. I was very lucky I was the only one on the road at the time and was able to move the car to the shoulder but had I been on the highway, I could’ve died in a wreck that would cause. Huge safety issue. The low oil pressure light came on right before but hadn’t done so at all prior and I had been super deligent with all oil changes. It truly just burned up all that oil and the engine to this day has yet to start again. Purchased the car used in Santa Ana, CA in. February 2024. Mechanics had looked it over thoroughly during purchase and before we took it across country and found zero issues yet 11 months later the engine was toast. Now I am stuck with a piece of garbage in my driveway that I still owe money on. This has to be a violation of consumer laws now knowing that GM has been aware of this issue for over a decade!
- Engine
Have a 2013 Equinox. After driving for 30 minutes the Stabilink light comes on, car car shakes & extreme reduced power. Now my car will not start have been without car. And about to lose my job.
- Engine
Gm motors sent a recall for 2013 chevy equinox due to bad pistons and excessive oil consumtion . Took to dealership to attempt to fix but they denied to. My car now stalls after a thousand miles in after oil change and it continues to do so while I'm driving. I'm concerned as for my own safety and the others that my car might suddenly die on the highway while traveling to work. I need help with this matter please.
- Engine
Vehicle consuming oil to the point where the engine is knocking. I have to constantly add oil to the vehicle to keep it at optimal levels. Already had to replace the engine once out of my own pocket.
- Unknown or other
I have a crack in the manifold leading to an exhaust leak. This is apparently a very, very common and known issue with the equinox but there's no recall on the 2013 model. Sounds like there should be.
- Engine
All at once it is burning all the oil. I have done regular oil changes and all was well until about 2 months ago. Was driving car and it made noises so checked oil and none registered on dip stick. Added oil and few weeks later took for oul change and again no oil on dipstick. Looked up 2013 Chevy…
All at once it is burning all the oil. I have done regular oil changes and all was well until about 2 months ago. Was driving car and it made noises so checked oil and none registered on dip stick. Added oil and few weeks later took for oul change and again no oil on dipstick. Looked up 2013 Chevy equinox and saw they had a recall that lasted 10 yrs or 100,000 miles. The car has 86000 miles and we had no idea about recall. We are 2nd owner... It was fixed free for many years but we missed the 10 yr deadline. I am worroed car will lose all oil and catch fire. I think Chevrolet should fix this vehicle since they said it had faulty parts in recall. Can you please help me.
- Engine
Engine and coolant system. The engine consumes the oil. Burns the oil way too fast. Also the cooling fan is inoperable. I’m afraid the car will overheat. Check engine light is on.
- Visibility/wiper
I was driving my car like usual and I almost reached home and my windshield vipers stopped working. I parked my car and checked it and the wipers are not working.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009170This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008986This Preliminary information communicatesdirection and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006849This service bulletin provides information on regular inspection of the Seat Belt Lap Anchor.
- 11006711This service bulletin provides diagnostic repair information for customer concerns of Engine Run-On, Rough Running, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
Every Chevrolet Equinox model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.