2013 Chevrolet Equinox: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 745 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2013 Chevrolet Equinox trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox has 745 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Equinox
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 745
- Crash-related complaints
- 18
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Visibility/Wiper
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Visibility/Wiper, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine thoroughly and review service records for reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like transmission and wipers.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine thoroughly and review service records for reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like transmission and wipers.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaint data for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox shows a high volume of reports, with the majority concentrated in engine problems. Other notable areas include visibility/wiper issues and transmission concerns. The data suggests potential reliability issues, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of complaints warrant caution.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints among the 2013 model year.
- Visibility/wiper issues are the second most reported component.
- Transmission and drivetrain complaints are also significant.
- Engine Problems
- Visibility/Wiper
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2013 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 420 | 1 | 4 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 144 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 79 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 69 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 62 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 42 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 25 | 11 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 an…
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 e…
Frozen PCV that blew rear engine seal
PCV Valve froze due to poor design and crankcase couldn't vent which blew out the rear main seal. Obvious design flaw
My 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (~132,000 miles) has a serious and unsafe oil consumption problem. I had a full oil change, and only two weeks later the dipstick was completely dry. The vehicle provided no warning lights, no low-oil indication, and the GM Oil Life Monitoring System gav…
Dashboard display does not work so I'm unable to see my speed or odometer.
I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing and serious safety-related timing chain issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT. The timing chain loses tension intermittently, which places the vehicle at immediate risk of significant engine damage, stalling, or complete loss …
It keeps throwing an error and my truck goes into Reduced engine power mode. It happens out of nowhere. One minute it's fine the next my engine starts to reduce power and I can't go faster then 25 mph. We have already replaced the high pressure fuel rail sensor and the fuel pump.…
When gas is applied the transmission skips and doesn't get the power needed to drive car safely. I don't have any lights to indicate this is a problem within the engine. This recall has been issued for my vehicle but when I contacted the customer service for repairs, my vehicle i…
Air conditioner stops working intermittently
Purchased my 2013 Chevy Equinox from certified Chevrolet dealer in 2023. All 4 of my tires are: Michelin Latitude Tour M+S (Radial X Green), P235/55 R18. DOT M33J 007X 3012. These are the same tires that were on my SUV at time of purchase & are still on it. Upon purchasing from…
This car burned through oil like you would not believe. I was unaware of the issues surrounding the engine in my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox until my engine stalled and completely shutdown while I was driving to work in January 2025. I was very lucky I was the only one on the road at …
Have a 2013 Equinox. After driving for 30 minutes the Stabilink light comes on, car car shakes & extreme reduced power. Now my car will not start have been without car. And about to lose my job.
Gm motors sent a recall for 2013 chevy equinox due to bad pistons and excessive oil consumtion . Took to dealership to attempt to fix but they denied to. My car now stalls after a thousand miles in after oil change and it continues to do so while I'm driving. I'm concerned as for…
Vehicle consuming oil to the point where the engine is knocking. I have to constantly add oil to the vehicle to keep it at optimal levels. Already had to replace the engine once out of my own pocket.
I have a crack in the manifold leading to an exhaust leak. This is apparently a very, very common and known issue with the equinox but there's no recall on the 2013 model. Sounds like there should be.
All at once it is burning all the oil. I have done regular oil changes and all was well until about 2 months ago. Was driving car and it made noises so checked oil and none registered on dip stick. Added oil and few weeks later took for oul change and again no oil on dipstick. Lo…
Engine and coolant system. The engine consumes the oil. Burns the oil way too fast. Also the cooling fan is inoperable. I’m afraid the car will overheat. Check engine light is on.
I was driving my car like usual and I almost reached home and my windshield vipers stopped working. I parked my car and checked it and the wipers are not working.
It failed inspection after repairs secondary air injection pump TCM PMC . Check engine light came back on after it passed .
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 745 owner complaints, 18 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
#1: Engine Problems (420 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (144 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (79 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, NHTSA complaints include 18 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 745 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. A major recall area is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Equinox reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.