2013 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
230 owners have reported engine problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, 79% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 109,250 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 230
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 109,250 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 224 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 |
| Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:seals/gaskets | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv) | 1 |
Engine complaints across Chevrolet Equinox years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 2, 2026MOEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11761531 · source - Filed Jun 29, 2026COEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11747310 · source - Filed Apr 5, 2026OHEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11729284 · source - Filed Feb 18, 2026KSEngine
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.
NHTSA complaint #11718889 · source - Filed Dec 4, 2025INEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
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 gave an inaccurate reading, failing to alert me to the critically low oil level. On November 25, 2025, while stopped with my foot firmly on the brake, the vehicle began constantly jumping and jerking…
NHTSA complaint #11702890 · source - Filed Oct 27, 2025KYEngine
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 of power during operation. This issue compromises the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic. A sudden failure of the timing chain system can result in abrupt engine shutdown, without any…
NHTSA complaint #11695927 · source - Filed Oct 13, 2025WAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
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 information says there is no recalls for my vehicle. I did receive a letter in the mail stating my car has a recall
NHTSA complaint #11693096 · source - Filed Jul 1, 2025NHEngine
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 the time and was able to move the car to the shoulder but had I been on the highway, I could’ve died in a wreck that would cause. Huge safety issue. The low oil pressure light came on right before…
NHTSA complaint #11670428 · source - Filed Jun 30, 2025IAEngine
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670364 · source - Filed Jun 29, 2025NCEngine
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 my own safety and the others that my car might suddenly die on the highway while traveling to work. I need help with this matter please.
NHTSA complaint #11670035 · source - Filed Jun 21, 2025MIEngine
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.
NHTSA complaint #11668386 · source - Filed May 27, 2025ILEngine
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. Looked up 2013 Chevy equinox and saw they had a recall that lasted 10 yrs or 100,000 miles. The car has 86000 miles and we had no idea about recall. We are 2nd owner... It was fixed free for many years…
NHTSA complaint #11663169 · source
Other 2013 Chevrolet Equinox problem areas
- Other / Unknown (34)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (33)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (25)
- Electrical System (25)
- Visibility & Wipers (12)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (7)
- Suspension (6)
- Wheels & Tires (4)
- Brakes (4)
- Airbags (4)
- Steering (3)
- Body & Structure (2)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
- Seats & Seat Belts (1)
- Lighting (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology