The 2013 Chevy Equinox is known for having serious engine and electrical issues, on top of recalls for windshield wiper corrosion and improper key removal.
Key Points
- Over 50% of the 604 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox involve engine issues.
- A class-action lawsuit settlement for the 2.4-liter engine includes “special coverage adjustments” for 2013 Equinox, with the engine warranty being extended to seven years or 120,000 miles.
- A recall was issued for windshield wipers that could become inoperative due to components corroding. Dealers will inspect the wiper control module and replace free of charge if necessary.
- The prevalence of electrical issues on the 2013 Chevy Equinox can be inconvenient, like climate controls cutting off, and unsafe, like advanced safety features not working.
- A recall was issued for circumstances that could allow the key to be removed from the ignition on a small number of affected vehicles when not in park.
2013 Chevy Equinox has Reported Engine Problems Due to Excessive Oil Consumption, Rattling, and Failure
Engine problems with the second-generation Chevrolet Equinox, specifically model years 2010 to 2013, have been well documented by owners, with over 50% of complaints filed with the NHTSA involving its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2.4-liter engine found in the 2013 Equinox, as well as its counterpart the GMC Terrain, suffers from a defect with the piston rings that can cause excessive oil consumption.
Research suggests the defective piston rings in the 2013 Equinox tend to prematurely wear, which can loosen the seal surrounding the pistons and therefore allow oil to flow into the engine’s combustion chamber.
As a result, Chevy Equinox models with the 2.4-liter engine may burn one quart of oil every 1,000 miles which can cause engine knocking, low oil pressure, fouled spark plugs, damage to the timing chains, and eventually engine failures. Many of the complaints filed on the NHTSA document these conditions, in addition to the vehicle shaking or jerking, camshaft damage, and catalytic converter issues.
A class-action lawsuit was filed against General Motors (GM) to remedy the engine problems and financial burden owners have experienced with their Chevy Equinox. A settlement agreement was reached where GM issued “special coverage adjustments” in January 2020 for the 2013 Equinox. Under this agreement, GM extended engine warranty coverage for a period of seven years and six months, or 120,000 (whichever comes first), from the date the 2013 Equinox was placed in service should the excessive oil consumption condition emerge.
Owners who file a claim with GM for the excessive oil consumption issues shall receive free-piston assembly replacement on their 2013 Equinox with the 2.4-liter engine or reimbursement for prior out-of-pocket repair or rental vehicle costs which would have been covered by this special coverage adjustment.
2013 Equinox Windshield Wiper Module Corrosion Can Render Wipers Inoperative, Safety Recall Issued
GM issued a recall on over 360,000 vehicles, which covers the 2013 Chevy Equinox (and 2013 GMC Terrain), for a problem where the ball joints in the windshield wiper module may experience high corrosion and wear that could result in the separation of the joints from the sockets, ultimately leaving one or both of the wipers inoperative. Over 20% of complaints filed with the NHTSA for the 2013 Equinox involve this problem with corrosive wiper modules.
GM says upon notification of owners, vehicles brought to certified dealers will have the front wiper module inspected to determine if there is any corrosion, and has not already been replaced. If both conditions have been met, dealers will replace it with the new module that has a water deflector and improved ball joints.
In addition, dealers will fill the water-management hole near the passenger-side wiper-pivot and drill a small hole on the adjacent wall of the air inlet panel. If the wiper module has already been replaced, dealers will complete the air inlet panel hole repair.
Complaints About Electrical Issues on the 2013 Equinox are Frequent
While engine and powertrain complaints overwhelmingly dominate the NHTSA filings for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, electrical issues appear to be frequent as well. Climate controls not working, infotainment system failure and emergency alert system issues are among the most common complaints found with the 2013 Equinox.
Owners report that HVAC controls do not function when they go to operate them, particularly the defroster, which can cause visibility issues for drivers when unable to utilize it. With the infotainment system, owners have experienced issues such as a frozen or scrambled screen that prevents usage, as well as the backup camera not functioning or remaining active after shifting to drive.
Owners report bringing their vehicle to a dealer to have the infotainment system reset. In extreme circumstances, some mention needing a full infotainment replacement at an expense of over $1,000.
Another electrical issue most reported among 2013 Equinox owners is with GM’s forward collision alert, which engages when approaching an object or vehicle too quickly without applying the brakes. In affected units, the system may activate under unnecessary or inappropriate circumstances.
Unfortunately, owners say they have not been able to properly diagnose the problem, with the only remedy being to disable the system or decrease its sensitivity.
Recall for Possible Key Removal from Ignition when Vehicle is not in Park Affects a Small Number of Vehicles, but Includes 2013 Chevy Equinox
GM issued a recall over a damaged electronic park lock lever. An affected vehicle may contain a damaged lever that could fail to prevent the ignition key from being removed when the transmission or gear selector is in a position other than park.
While it only affects approximately 8,300 vehicles across multiple GM products, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is included on the list. This recall is worth mentioning to potential buyers/drivers because without fixing it, conditions may arise that would allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly.
GM says the 2013 Equinox may have a damaged electronic park lock lever that could fail to prevent the ignition key from being removed when the vehicle’s transmission or gear selection control is in a position other than park. The automaker says dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing as necessary at no expense to owners.
2013 Chevy Equinox is a Practical Daily Driver, but 2.4L Engine Problems, Electrical Issues, and Safety Recalls Should not be Overlooked
Chevrolet sold almost 240,000 Equinox vehicles in 2013. While the model is practical and affordable, it has gained a reputation for being rather unreliable. The engine issues with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder are numerous, so much so that they’re almost inevitable.
If anything, the $1,500 upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 engine seems worth the upgrade over the problem-ridden 2.4-liter. The recalls for the windshield wiper corrosion and improper key removal may be inconvenient and may comprise safety, but intervention by a certified dealer should rectify them swiftly. In any case, potential buyers should weigh these factors when considering the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox.
Photos: Chevrolet