Owners have filed 988 complaints
about the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 86
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Equinox. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 32
19% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2013 compares with every other Chevrolet Equinox
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
937.5%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
416.7%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
416.7%
Adaptive Cruise Control
28.3%
Windshield Wiper/Washer
28.3%
Seals/Gaskets
14.2%
Automatic Emergency Braking
14.2%
Warnings
14.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
152.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
446.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
416.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6810.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14020.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13920.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17225.5%
150,000+ miles
568.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2012peak 29Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16V582000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
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: Inoperative windshield wipers may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
16V502000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 201813715,611 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver's visibility under certain operating conditions and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2016-318 to include vehicles originally sold or registered in the province of British Columbia.
Recall 2016318141,407 units in Canada
Visual System
In certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto one of the windshield wiper transmission link joints. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball from its corresponding socket. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will relocate drain holes in the windshield cowl and install a wiper module with revised joints.
Recall 201307111 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205 - Glazing Materials. The Privacy (dark shade) quarter glass may have the markings for Solar (light shade) glass. The glass meets all functional and light transmittance requirements. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Joplin, MOCrash
TIRES
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
NHTSA complaint #11752917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MOCrash
TIRES
225/r17 Pressure system did not alert the other driver of liss of pressure blew out side i recked into her
NHTSA complaint #11752919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MOCrash
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
NHTSA complaint #11752917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MOCrash
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
NHTSA complaint #11752919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,105 milesVicksburg, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Got into a front end collision, vehicle was totaled. Front airbags didn't deploy. Steering wheel and side airbags deployed about 5 minutes after the accident. My head hit the driver side window, cracking the whole window. Had a concussion from that.
NHTSA complaint #11555006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaumont, TXCrash
ENGINE
My vehicle is burning through oil and has a rattle. I did have an accident on 10/04/23 but the problem started before then.
NHTSA complaint #11550761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Joplin, MOCrash
TIRES
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
NHTSA complaint #11752917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MOCrash
TIRES
225/r17 Pressure system did not alert the other driver of liss of pressure blew out side i recked into her
NHTSA complaint #11752919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MOCrash
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
NHTSA complaint #11752917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Joplin, MOCrash
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
NHTSA complaint #11752919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vilas, CO
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11747310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vilas, CO
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11747310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vilas, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11747310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
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 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!
NHTSA complaint #11736975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Logan, OH
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11729284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, KS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, MI
ENGINE
Frozen PCV that blew rear engine seal
NHTSA complaint #11713786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ravenna, OH
ENGINE
PCV Valve froze due to poor design and crankcase couldn't vent which blew out the rear main seal. Obvious design flaw
NHTSA complaint #11705530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11702890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11702890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11702890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Coast, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard display does not work so I'm unable to see my speed or odometer.
NHTSA complaint #11699944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11695927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Munfordville, KY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11693767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
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
NHTSA complaint #11693096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tacoma, WA
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11693096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Evansville, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Air conditioner stops working intermittently
NHTSA complaint #11682667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, IN
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, 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.
NHTSA complaint #11677107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warren, NH
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 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!
NHTSA complaint #11670428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Rapids, IA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, NC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.