2013 Chevrolet Equinox problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 751.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Engine
Visibility/wiper
Power train
Safety recalls (2)
Recalls that cover the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Electrical system › ignition; power train › automatic transmission › control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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."
Consequence: 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.
Questions to ask the seller
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
412 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 72,000 and 120,000 miles.
Do the wipers work on every speed and park correctly? Any wiper motor repairs?
144 owner complaints mention the wipers, half of the reports with mileage are between 42,750 and 75,750 miles.
Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.
80 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 51,907 and 113,893 miles.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
69 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 7,695 and 80,000 miles.
Any stalling, hesitation, loss of power, or fuel smell? Ask whether fuel-system parts were replaced and get the receipts.
43 owner complaints mention the fuel or propulsion system, half of the reports with mileage are between 59,080 and 114,000 miles.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year.
Other Chevrolet Equinox years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
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