2013 Chevrolet Equinox: Hundreds of Engine Complaints, Some Electrical Issues, and Two Recalls Compromise Safety

Geoffrey Piehl
Jan 22, 2022

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

Frequently Asked Questions

By Josh Barrett | Jan 22, 2022

How Many Miles can a 2013 Chevy Equinox Last?

The average 2013 Chevrolet Equinox will likely last at least 150,000 without major headache. Well-maintained examples have been known to hit 200,000 miles or more. In terms of costs, Repair Pal estimates annual maintenance for a 2013 Equinox at $498, below average in its class.

Is 2013 a Good Year for Chevy Equinox?

NHTSA has received more than 600 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. More than half of them concern the engine. With its common engine problems and smaller cargo space than its competitors, we recommend avoiding the 2013 model and opting for the 2014 year, which will cost you only about $2,000 more.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Dan O'Donnell on October 5, 2021
SEVERE ENGINE ISSUES!!!
I purchased this car used in July of 2016 with roughly 60k miles on it and I loved it! It handles well, is sleek, has a great/spacious interior, and for an SUV, the gas was pretty good. Fast forward two years and despite the fact it ran well, the engine started chewing through oil at a rate of about a quart per every 500 miles. The dealer denied there were any known issues and then I started doing research online. There is a known issue with 2010-2016 GM engines that are in GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox models. Essentially, the pistons and the O-Rings warp, which causes oil to burn out with the gasoline. Over time, if you are not aware of this issue, your engine will seize up and you'll be stuck with a two ton paper weight. If you are aware of this issue, you will find yourself adding a quart of oil to your car every week. GM has stated that they will not do a recall because this is not a safety issue. The cost to fix this issue will range between $3000-$5000 since the mechanic will need to remove the entire top half of the engine block to replace the parts needed.
accountCircle gelle on February 9, 2023
Loved my equinox until I didn't. Engine Issues in cold weather. Oil consumption OMG
Bought my 2013 brand new. I have had same issues as stated, while still maintaining the car Well. The Car started to consume oil at about 80k miles the advice I received was to check the oil every 3 weeks and add oil. (no alerts on the dash or codes pop up during diagnostic checks).3 weeks turned into 2 weeks then this happened, 2 days within a month of each other of 4-8 degrees and windchill below 0 the car started choking and stalling in spite of me warming the car for about 15 min. Day 2 1 month later i drove 10 miles to get an oil change at the repair shop the car stalls on the ground was...OIL. The mechanic tells me a seal on the engine cracked because of the cold weather, the engine shirking and expanding. He stated its not worth replacing you run the risk of transmission issues after. The so called special warranty expired at 120k I had 131k miles on the car. This also happened on the 2017 model as well. 9years 9months R.I.P
accountCircle SherryHensley on February 22, 2024
Don't buy used equinox
In 2019 I bought a 2013 Chevy equinox my pain $10,000 for it I got to drive it 6,000 miles then I had to put a new engine in it due to oil consumption which cost me $6,900 I had talked to Chevy about this oil consumption problem and they told me that they couldn't help me because I had over 125,000 miles on it my heater kept shutting off and going on shutting off going on they told me that it was the blower motor but the blower motor worked it I still think it I replaced it over $500 and it still does the same thing it's in the electrical system then I've also had to replace part of the exhaust kind of like converters manifold gasket in manifold for the exhaust O2 sensors rotors because they were warped I can honestly say I think about a lemon I am very disappointed in Chevy I thought they were better than this they say them for the people I think they're for their own pocketbooks
accountCircle SherryHensley on February 22, 2024
Don't buy used equinox
In 2019 I bought a 2013 Chevy equinox my pain $10,000 for it I got to drive it 6,000 miles then I had to put a new engine in it due to oil consumption which cost me $6,900 I had talked to Chevy about this oil consumption problem and they told me that they couldn't help me because I had over 125,000 miles on it my heater kept shutting off and going on shutting off going on they told me that it was the blower motor but the blower motor worked it I still think it I replaced it over $500 and it still does the same thing it's in the electrical system then I've also had to replace part of the exhaust kind of like converters manifold gasket in manifold for the exhaust O2 sensors rotors because they were warped I can honestly say I think about a lemon I am very disappointed in Chevy I thought they were better than this they say them for the people I think they're for their own pocketbooks
accountCircle Jamie Smith on June 8, 2023
Junk from the beginning
I have had nothing but issues from day one with this car. I received paperwork for a recall for the oil consumption got it tested and it was .002 under the 1 court consumption according to the dealership so no repair. Few months later one for catalytic converter that started having issues shortly after purchase, called it normal wear and tear and would not replace that, then got one for O2 sensor and they said I was over the mileage for replacement.. This is the worst car ever and they find every reason to not honor anything! Now the engine is blown and I’m not even sure if it’s worth the $4000 to get it fixed so I’m add another one of these to the junkyard and get stuck still paying the rest of the ridiculous loan while having no car once again! Do Not Buy One.. Also it’s very bad in the winter and a death trap on slick surfaces
accountCircle KATHY E. on July 31, 2023
Run away don't walk!
Boughtit brand new in 2013, only issues I had was blind spots with the mirrors. I loved my car until Feb 2022 when in cold weather it started sputtering and black smoke was coming out the back. Had it towed and they said pvc valve cracked which blew a seal, which are common in this car. Fast forward to July 26, 2023 again while driving home it started sputtering and died and wouldn't start. Towed again this time they said that there wasn't any oil on dipstick, and motor was junk. Now I have to pay $5,000.00 for a new motor. Never was I notified that this was an issue that they consume oil like no tomorrow, and my oil light on dash never came on to let me know there was an issue with oil.
accountCircle Bryan on February 1, 2024
Don’t buy!!
Bought my car used at a dealership in 2020 and have had nothing but problems with it since. 6 months after buying it the transfer case went on it. About a year after that when I hit about 125000 miles the oil started burning quick. Last month I had a ton of front end work done ($2000 worth) and this month the engine dies. The car still needs the exhaust and catalytic converter replaced. I love Chevy but don’t buy this model! You’ll have nothing but a headache and you’ll put more money into it than it’s actually worth.
accountCircle Tina V on November 8, 2021
Chevrolet oil consumption lemon.
My vehicle had an excessive oil consumption engine that Chevrolet originally refused to fix. Once the class action lawsuit was done and they agreed to fix the engine they stipulated that the engine could not have more than 120000 miles on it. Mine had 131000 on it. My engine blew and I had to spend 3800 dollars to replace it. I will never buy Chevrolet again.
accountCircle Nicole O on October 10, 2021
2013 Equinox is definitely a vehicle Chevrolet should not be proud of.
We purchased the vehicle new. We had problems with the oil always running out sooner than we were due for an oil change. We eventually had to replace the engine due to the oil and the vehicle locking up. We have had numerous recalls and are extremely disappointed in the vehicle overall. I wish I would've known prior to purchase how many issues we would have.
accountCircle Sandra W. on October 27, 2021
Don't buy an Equinox
First the windshield wiper motor went out, then the Equinox started burning oil and now the visual screen has gone out. The first two were recalls; however, mine had two many miles and was past the date by the time I received the notice. The screen goes off and on and the back up camera can't be used. The dealership can't diagnosis the problem.
accountCircle Virginia H on December 31, 2021
The car just major repairs 3x/yr.
It constantly needs repairs. The bearing are going out. Electrical for the audio went out and I cannot use the radio, back up cam, Bluetooth, cigarette lighter, and other things connected with that area. I am perpetually spending thousands at the shop on this car! I can get decent gas mileage. The brakes need to be replaced on a constant basis.
accountCircle Estella on December 22, 2023
Trash 2013 Chevy equinox
I just purchased a 2013 equinox. I had problems since the first first day I got it I had to replace the catalytic converter my O2 sensors and it keeps smoking from the engine. This is the worst car ever purchased in my life. I can’t catch a break I regret buying this vehicle. I’ve never been more disappointed with Chevy this SUV is trash
accountCircle Connie R on September 12, 2021
I thought it was going to be a good car and it isn't.
The sensor keeps going out of the car and sensors on the tires have to put air in the tires all the time and you have to drive it all the time to pump up the tires waste of gas in your car and having problem with the brakes all the time and I do not drive it much because I'am afraid going to hit someone in another car.
accountCircle JH on July 23, 2022
Run from these cars
I have had nothing but issues with this car since purchase in 2015. The oil issues, air flow issues, transmission issues. In the past 2 months we have paid almost $4k to "fix",i just had $2k put into 2 weeks ago and the car is having same "limp mode" driving problems, again!! Dont buy this year model...run far away
accountCircle Megan V on November 27, 2021
Not recommended for families
It doesn't have rear vents so the back Seat is very hot and children in rear facing car seats get zero air. From day one it's had a strange shutter thing at stop lights and they've never been able to fix it. The AC goes in and out, hot and cold, like it has a mind of its own. Rear view mirror vibrates when driving
accountCircle Kathryn B on January 1, 2022
Why I do not recommend the 2013 Chevy Equinox.
The timing belt has had to be replaced twice within a two month time span. The replacements happened under 105, 000 miles. The vehicle is hard to drive comfortably because the window shapes create too many blind spots making it hard to see traffic from many angels. The car consumes more gas than advertised.
accountCircle Francis G on January 20, 2024
Nothing but problems
I bought the car new in 2013. I had nothing but problems with, everything from leaking water pump, electrical issue with the coolant temp gage, excessive oil consumption, and leaking oil pan. Finally traded it in for a Toyota, I’m done with Chevy, do not buy. They do not stand behind their product.
accountCircle Alexis P on October 14, 2021
Never recommend, terrible.
Since I bought the car I have had nothing but issues. First the air wasn’t working, then the car would die in the middle of driving it on the highway. Now it is leaking oil so I have to go in every few thousand miles to get it checked. The radio will glitch and volume does not work well.
accountCircle Tyler S on June 11, 2021
2013 Chevy equinox has been a disappointment for sure.
The engine in this year class burns oil and for no reason. I had to put in a remanufactured engine because you can check oil one day and the next day it is dry. The electrical system has caused lots of problems as well. The hood latch is defective and gives an alert every time it rains.
accountCircle Kayla G on August 1, 2021
Overall reliable but feels cheaply made and visibility is not good.
It has been pretty reliable but sounds and feels cheap. It has always had an annoying rattle in the back and it does not run well until it warms up. My main issue is lack of visibility though, I am short and it is hard to see out of when I am backing up/pulling out of parking spaces.
accountCircle Lauren A on July 29, 2021
When problems never end..
When I first purchased the vehicle I loved it but then the problems started. I had an issue with oil consumption had to have the engine repaired. The head gasket has cracked numerous times. The windshield wipers had a recall. Just seems to have problem after problem.
accountCircle HOLLY on October 7, 2022
Don't buy is a piece a of c**p
I brought this car 3 years ago 2019 the car was okay for the first 2 years after that downhill had a recall fixed it timing messed up they fixed it now supposedly engine done now I am sitting here with a hunk of metal I love my car but I will never buy another Chevy
accountCircle Jamie C on November 10, 2021
2013 Chevrolet equinox review - not worth the money!
The interior dome light fuse blows often and needs replaced frequently. The transmission struggles to shift gears and often tachs around 5,000 before shifting. The entertainment center often completely and shuts off while driving and reboots after a few minutes.
accountCircle Lisa green on May 17, 2022
Chevy equinox 2013 LTZ
Had this car for 2 years in it has nothing but problems.. Needs oil all the time.. Now it’s leaking oil.. It stalls, shakes when I’m at a stop, and it makes rattling noises.. Bluetooth barley work.. It’s just unreliable to high maintenance
accountCircle Hem Bilkhu on September 25, 2021
Engine Defect and Recall...on GM Cars..
Hi i bought my Chevy Equinox brand new since than i have had to replace back engine seal blow out and camshaft acutator and now its the timing chain defect making a rattle noise at start up this should have been a recall engine defect by GM
accountCircle Sergio Ceres on April 2, 2022
Sr
Worst car ever, buy it a year ago yesterday engine ligth came up, car stall when I am driving pull over, car sounds like I s going to explode and die completely.. Tow to ashop timing chain 😡 cost repairs around 7000.dont buy this junk.
accountCircle Susan L on January 8, 2022
Do not buy Chevy equinox 2013
Warranty expired end of April 2018. Check engine light came on in June 2018 and engine started consuming mass amounts of oil. Because of high oil consumption the timing chain guides broke and I need the guides replaced. Expensive fix.
accountCircle Dustin on February 23, 2023
Been great
I'm at 136k and I haven't had a single problem, been driving it in the back country of Oregon...sucks to hear so many people having problems lol . Only thing I wish could be changed would be size..the back could be just a bit bigger.
accountCircle Pissed off client on January 27, 2024
Yep! My main seal blew out. 2013 Equinox
Wow! What a piece of junk. Main seal blew out twice. Oil everywhere. 1500$ to fix. Heater broke in the winter. Had to replace rear wheel bearings. I'm scared as hell to keep driving this thing. Nice looking car though.
accountCircle Michelle S on July 22, 2021
Stay away it is burns oil like crazy, oil in my truck and check it constantly.
It burn oil like crazy, it is shifts funny, the timing chain went on it. It is had chipping paint since day one. Had electrical problems since day one. Bought it back numerous times but always was told nothing wrong.
accountCircle Fred Kinsey on April 24, 2023
Oil Leakage
Cold weather and moisture freeze up the PCV System, causing excessive engine pressure and pushes out the rear crankshaft seal. Which is abotut 30to 4 thousand to fix, and this will happen time and again
accountCircle D on February 28, 2023
2013 Equinox LTZ 3.6L
Great vehicle. A little over 187,000 miles in NY weather and going strong. Zero issues. Always opt for the V6. Too bad the Gov’t is making them go away. (Got over 224,000 on my 2004 Impala V6 too)
accountCircle Cindy on October 8, 2021
Transfer case
I love my Chevy but recently with only 86,000 miles on it the transfer case went out just after the warranty was up, and the transfer case is the most expensive thing to replace.
accountCircle Cristal on October 1, 2021
Dont buy it
Dont waste your money on this suv. Engine isn't good . I had to replace it and it only had 107k miles. The oil didn't last. It had no leaks, good maintenance.
accountCircle Selene P on September 19, 2021
Things are starting to break on the 2013 Equinox
It getting old. Motor keeps making weird noises. Sometimes the windows do not go all the way up. It takes a while for the ac to provide heat or coolness.
accountCircle Daniel K on December 6, 2021
Oil consumption in 2013 Equinox
Do Not Buy this car ! Period ! Oil consumption junk car ! Chevy knew about it , and hid data till the warranty expired ! I’ll never buy a chevy again
accountCircle Thonya Ballard on September 6, 2021
Engine problems
And now need a new motor. And Chevrolet will not help with the problem and they have had numerous complaints on this. Will not buy another chevy.
accountCircle Marc H on August 12, 2021
It is terrible in the snow even with good tires.
It burns too much oil. GM claims this is acceptable but if I had known that, I would never have purchased this vehicle.
accountCircle Patti D on November 23, 2021
Nice looking on the outside but uncomfortable on the inside.
This vehicle does not have enough room to stretch your legs. The seats are too narrow, not comfortable for long rides.
accountCircle Ashley O on October 14, 2021
Known engine issues that should be recalled but are not.
Timing chain issues shortly after buying. Burns through tons of oil! Cannot fit three car seats in the back.
accountCircle Howard on January 3, 2023
2013 Equinox engine failure
Our 2013 Equinox 2.4L engine just blew the main seal at 130k mls. Piece of junk. Stay away from this car.
accountCircle Jodydelong on March 30, 2022
s**t box
Oil never pass oil company cuz you Ned one. Every thing is gone on it
accountCircle Lauren W on January 10, 2022
This car burns oil and that can be scary!
This car burns oil. It has timing issues and has some recalls.
accountCircle Ben j Poma on May 22, 2022
Oil burning equix fix
Use one can stp it stoped the oil consumpon by 75%
avatar Geoffrey Piehl
Geoff Piehl has been covering industry trends for many popular automotive websites for over two years. He is a longtime content creator for the IB Auto Group, and in addition to contributing to Vehicle History his byline can be found on Club Lexus and Ford Trucks.
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