2013 Chevrolet Equinox recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and 751 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (412), visibility/wiper (144), power train (80). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–26 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2013 has the most owner complaints of any Equinox model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.5 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
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.
Electrical system · ignition
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The warranty company was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic test by the warranty company. The vehicle was taken to the ce…
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…
225/65/r17 Side wall blew out on me tire pressure system did not let me know . I had to sweave to miss oncoming traffic
Safety ratings
2013 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD
2013 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox.
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI
Regular
Equinox AWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Equinox FWD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · SIDI
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, most recently for visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor (08/04/2016). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
Based on 751 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (412), visibility/wiper (144), power train (80).
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox safe?
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2013 a good year for the Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2013 has the most owner complaints of any Equinox model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox get?
EPA ratings for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox range from 20 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: EQUINOX, Equinox.