Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle immediately and the vehicle started to operate normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 137,000.
My car caught fire 1 minute after it started smoking while I was driving it due to an electrical issue. I nearly died. The fire totaled my car. I had to pull over as fast as possible and nearly caught a nearby restaurant on fire. It was inspected by the fire department. There was no warning messages or symptoms.
SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE AND MADE CAR PAYMENT ONE, I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE BEST VEHICLE FOR ME. THEN SHORTLY THERE AFTER CAME THE RECALLS/PROBLEMS (Catalytic Converter, Electrical System inside the vehicle, and last but not least, the Engine. I have to make sure I take the vehicle in 1000-1500 miles early than normal because of the oil is low and the vehicle. The vehicle starts to vibrate/shake in the steering wheel and making noise that I know that it is time for the Oil Change. This vehicle has been not at all what I thought it was. I have spoken to someone at GM, which was supposed to get back to me. Please call for more information. [redacted]. Really would like to resolve this. If this vehicle is not safe for My 3-year-old granddaughter that I have in the vehicle or myself that I have put my TRUST and money in. …
The infotainment screen goes blank. I can hear the radio but nothing is on the screen so I can not use any buttons. This also affects the backup camera, being able to see that area to check to make sure nothing is behind the vehicle. The dealership can not duplicate the issue as this happens randomly, mainly when there is a lot of rain/wetness. I have been dealing with this for exactly 10 years now, January 2014-2024. I have all service papers from taking it in and not once did they offer to check other areas to see if something else could be causing this issue. I took it again, after contacting Chevrolet, for the umpteenth time, and paid for diagnostics. The dealership now says it supposedly is the atenna, that water is getting in and causing the issue.
My car is burning oil I only drive to work which is only 20 miles away I put oil in 2 days ago and it's rattling and sounds like it's knocking and is a quart low it says it's at 54% till my next oil change also my oil cap has condensation under it. How can this be fixed? Also yesterday when I was leaving for work my radio totally went off blank screen for almost a minute, I live in the country and I don't want to be stranded on the side of the road at 5:00 in the morning I love my car but, how can these 2 issues be fix? Is there anything you can do to fix this?
Recall for oil burning consumption I took car to dealership to fix but I'm continuing to have the same problems and still no oil light comes on and it continues to use oil some where and it never leaks onto the ground and new problems now it's jerking when at a stop if idle for to long a warning light says reduced engine power. Very unsafe in traffic
My car engine blew do to an over oil consumption. There appears to have been a recall but I was never notified. My car is at a dealership and the cost is 11k for new engine do I have any recourse? Timing chain replaced june 2023 by libertyville chevrolet. Libertyville il No one mentioned this engine recall to me then either.
Engine Problems Due to Excessive Oil Consumption, Rattling, and Failure. Then There Is The Electrical Issues Which Would Drive Anyone Insane causing certain functions not to work. The constant dimming of the screen it self.Im very upset cause im a single mom of a college student, I can't afford these kind of issues.
Abs electronic control panel not working all dash lights come on abs, track, power steering , seat belt dinging sound , rpm and mph gauge erratic . Part is unavailable . Car consumes excessive oil, transmission. ready to go. Car could stall and or slow and cause accident. Car was taken to dealership
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, 9% of the model year's 751 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-502 (ignition, Jul 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.