Most common 2013 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Share of the 751 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Equinox complaints by model year
Best Equinox years: 2021, 2017, 2016. Years to avoid: 2025. Compare all years →
2013 Chevrolet Equinox recalls (2)
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.
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.
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.
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.
What 2013 Chevrolet Equinox owners say
Engine & cooling all 420 →
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving and merging onto the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently turned off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact and her two children occupied the disabled vehicle until another motorist assisted with pushing the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact requested Roadside Assistance and the personnel attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that Roadside Assistance attempted to jumpstart the vehicle and the contact heard an unusual clicking sound; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed timing chain and a failed water pump. …
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle started lunging forward. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The mechanic replaced the VVT solenoids; however, the failure increased significantly. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal tractor-like sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 155 →
Hello I had an open recall for the wiper transmission replacement. I took my vehicle to Don Brown Chevy in st.louis missouri. They where suppose to replace the wiper transmission. Mine failed while driving. Since my car had an open recall I should of received a replacement one installed. This dealer told me they did the recall and everything was good to go. Well they lied they did not complete my recall. I had to go buy one from the local parts place and install it my self. the new design comes with a rain deflector baffle. the original one in my car still had the paint lines on the wiper transmission from the factory install. They lied about doing the recall and endangered my life.
Was driving thru Atlanta at night in a rainstorm and without any warning my passenger side wiper totally quit. The driver side wiper was all I had. I had to cautiously keep driving in the very center of Atlanta. I do have the complete motor parts as I replaced it myself after buying the part from a local GM dealer. I have had no dealer inspection yet because I just heard about the recall on the 2014 and 2015 wiper recall. this happened in April of 2021.
Transmission & drivetrain all 80 →
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to shift out of PARK and the key would not move, preventing the contact from turning off the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the service air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact initially called the dealer where they informed him to tow the vehicle to the dealer location. The contact then called AAA where they were able to reset the gear box; the contact was then able to shift the vehicle into the DRIVE and drove to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure with a defective gear box; the vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer while they awaited for the parts to repair the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, the vehicle was not included. …
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had fractured and caused engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,539.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox a good car?
Based on 751 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Equinox rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Equinox at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
The engine & cooling — 420 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (155) and transmission & drivetrain (80).
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, the most recent from August 4, 2016 (motor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Equinox?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2021, 2017 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025. See the full Chevrolet Equinox years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Equinox problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 23% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.