2013 Chevrolet Equinox recalls and problems

The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox has 2 safety recalls and 751 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
751
Crashes / fires
20 / 5
Injuries / deaths
20 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Chevrolet Equinox recalls

Recall 16V-582: Visibility

Reported Aug 4, 2016 · 367,808 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 16V-502: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Jul 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2013 Chevrolet Equinox problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine412
Visibility/Wiper144
Power Train80
Electrical System69
Unknown or Other63
Fuel/Propulsion System43
Air Bags25
Visibility20
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)20
Steering19
Service Brakes12
Vehicle Speed Control12

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 9
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 4
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 4
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings › External/Pedestrian Alert — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Chevrolet Equinox complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Sep 2, 2026
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…
Engine · reported Jun 29, 2026
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 · reported May 11, 2026
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 · reported Apr 5, 2026
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 · reported Feb 18, 2026
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.

Other Chevrolet Equinox years

Compare all Chevrolet Equinox years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox: 16V-582 (visibility), 16V-502 (electrical system, power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?

Owners report engine problems most often (412 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (144). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.