2013 Chevrolet Equinox Complaint Log

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 not high. This started in February 2026.

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 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 forward as if it was trying to move on its own. During driving, I also began hearing a loud crunching, metal-on-metal noise whenever I accelerated or drove under 50 mph. Because these symptoms started suddenly and were severe, I took the vehicle to my mechanic the same day. On November 26, 2025, the mechanic confirmed that the engine had suffered major internal damage due to running with almost no oil. The timing chain and VVT components needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed that oil starvation caused this failure despite a recent oil change, and the inaccurate oil life monitoring system contributed to the hazard by failing to alert me to the critically low oil. This defect presents a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle can jerk unexpectedly, stall, lose power, or suffer sudden engine failure while driving, all without warning. I have since learned that excessive oil consumption and inaccurate oil life readings are widespread in GM 2.4L Ecotec engines. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this safety-related defect.

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 warning lights or diagnostic codes to alert the driver. This creates a dangerous situation, particularly when traveling at highway speeds, merging into traffic, or navigating intersections. The timing chain defect in this model appears to be a known and recurring problem among owners of similar GM engines, and there is evidence suggesting design flaws contributing to premature wear and tension problems. However, this vehicle has not been included in prior recalls addressing similar timing chain failures. I rely on this vehicle for essential travel and live on SSDI, which limits my ability to cover repeated high-cost repairs for what appears to be a manufacturer-related safety defect. The risk of sudden engine failure with no prior indication is unacceptable and warrants further investigation. I respectfully request NHTSA review this concern as a potential recall safety issue, given the clear risk of power loss and danger to both myself and other drivers on the road.

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. It still is having this issue.

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

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 the dealership, the tires appeared somewhat cracked around the outside walls & where the tread meets the tires. Not being sure how to read all info on tires, I only went by the thickness of the tread, which was great & I didn't question the cracks too much. In the fall of 2024, took my SUV in to have the oil & filters changed, tires rotated, etc, as yearly maintenance. Was made aware at that time by the mechanic that the tread & side walls on the Michelin P235/55 R18 were becoming deeply cracked & I should plan on looking to replace the tires for safety reasons as soon as possible. I don't do a lot of driving, except for around town, so I figured I'll replace them sometime within the next year. I'm now in "the next year". It's 2025 & I've noticed over the last 4-5 months, I am losing air frequently from all the tires & am making biweekly trips to the gas station air pumps. In the past 2-3 months the cracks have increased significantly & now I'm afraid to fill to the recommended air pressure. I think these tires are quite dangerous in the way they seem to be breaking apart. My plan is to get them replaced as soon as I'm financially able. My SUV, only had about 36,000 miles on it when I bought it in 2023. Now it only has 42,000. I don't understand how these tires could be in such bad condition with such awesome, thick tread. I've found an awful lot of complaints re: these specific Michelin Latitude Tour Tires breaking/splitting apart. I don't understand why these specific tires haven't been recalled. There's an incredible danger in driving with these faulty tires. I'm surprised there's been no reported accidents. I'm now afraid to drive much at all, until I can get them replaced.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Air conditioner stops working intermittently

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.

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 but we missed the 10 yr deadline. I am worroed car will lose all oil and catch fire. I think Chevrolet should fix this vehicle since they said it had faulty parts in recall. Can you please help me.

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 .

Unknown motor blown do to car burning oil with no good explanation as to where it was going or why

On the morning of January 20th 2025, the undersized PVC port retained moisture that froze solid during cold temperatures causing pressure to build up resulting in rear seal and intake manifold gasket failure. There should be a recall that includes enlarging the PCV port and replacing the PCV piping that also retains moisture and freezes (this portion was corrected on this vehicle).

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 but hadn’t done so at all prior and I had been super deligent with all oil changes. It truly just burned up all that oil and the engine to this day has yet to start again. Purchased the car used in Santa Ana, CA in. February 2024. Mechanics had looked it over thoroughly during purchase and before we took it across country and found zero issues yet 11 months later the engine was toast. Now I am stuck with a piece of garbage in my driveway that I still owe money on. This has to be a violation of consumer laws now knowing that GM has been aware of this issue for over a decade!

We live in mn, weather was below zero and was driving home in my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with 45,000 miles on it. Car started to shutter and just shut off. Called tow truck, mechanic said pcv froze and blew out rear seal. I am 24 and fighting brain cancer (medulloblastoma)…I have heard this is a design flaw and Chevrolet knows it. I have medical bills and college debt that are continuous….now I have no vehicle…it will be a couple thousand dollars to fix as long as they don’t find other things wrong with it when I can afford to fix it.

This car burns through oil faster than anything despite regular oil changes and fills in between. Never sends a sensor for low oil and now it is believed to have blown a head gasket likely due to this oil issue. There was an extended fix for pistons issued but the date to qualify was before I purchased this car so I was not eligible-I just saw this recently. This is a danger causing the engine to fail while driving without any warning of any issue leading up to it. I have read hundreds if not thousands of complaints of this exact issue online and on Facebook. The company still has yet to this date to recall this vehicle. I also see there has been a class action settlement which I also was never invited to participate in and I believe this issue needs to be investigated further for faulty parts. My vehicles stalled out several times while driving!! Please please look into the complaints on this specific make,model and year and hold this company accountable for the money people have lost trying to maintain and fix this car while they fail to acknowledge it!

Either there's a hose issue or the exhaust system is faulty. The car severely dropped speed while on a freeway and the dash indicated that the engine power was reduced. I was nearly rear ended and it could've caused a horrible accident that lead to myself or others dying. If I have an accident because of it I'm definitely suing GM in a very public way.

High oil consumption, car has had 3 oil changes in less than one month. After about a week after a new oil change, check engine light will come on. Car will shake and jerk while in idle.

I purchased the vehicle November 7, 2024 with 137,251 miles. The car shakes and jerks violently while in idle, mostly at stop signs and red lights. The car will lag or stall while accelerating on the highway. It gets so extreme that the vehicle has almost failed and cut off while in motion. That raised red flags and safety concerns for me as the driver, my children as passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers as well. I looked up common issues and discovered that this particular problem is common in this car and i immediately called GM. I was told by GM, the manufacturer, that they did offer a, “Special Coverage Adjustment” back in 2020 for “N192291100 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption – US Only.” Some 2013 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (RPO LEA) may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart [0.946 L] of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. If this condition is present, an audible rattle or knock from the engine may be heard. The engine oil pressure telltale may illuminate on the instrument panel or the following message may appear in the Driver Information Center: "Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine". Dealers are to perform an oil consumption test and install new pistons and piston rings if excessive consumption is found. In addition, dealers are to repair or replace any engine components that require repair or replacement if the need for such repair or replacement was solely caused by excessive oil consumption due to piston ring wear. The repairs will be made at no charge to the Customer. This warranty expired in 2020. The car lags while accelerating. The car has suddenly stopped twice while driving. The car shakes and jerks violently especially while in idle. The car has been serviced for two oil changes since date of purchase and has been diagnosed of engine burning oil. GM will not consider offering any assistance.

CAR IS CONSUMING TOO MUCH OIL.

My car is chewing through oil, about 1 quart every 500 miles. There are no leaks, I change oil regularly. It went into limp mode, to then discover the 2.4 4 cylinder Chevys and GMCs are having massive issues. It almost stranded me on the side of the road coming home from work.

Dashboard display does not work so I'm unable to see my speed or odometer.

Has exhaust leaking from manifold into cabin area

Vehicle shakes when turning on and while driving, check engine light is on or blinking, service stabilitrack warning, traction control light is on, poor acceleration, Tire monitor system light is on and does not read tire pressure (this is all happening at the same time).

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the oil level was low even though the oil had recently been changed. The contact was informed of a possible oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the front the vehicle. The local dealer determined that the front suspension sway bars were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.

I’ve only had my car 2 years. In August 2023. I had my oil changed. In September 2024, I had no oil at all!! No warning on the dash whatsoever!!! It still keeps happening. I’m tired of getting oil changes paying between $50-60 dollars for oil changes. Buying oil a month after an oil change. I wonder did the dealership know this before they sold it to me and I’m still making payments!!! Beyond sick of it!!

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic for a second opinion, where it was confirmed that the timing chain had fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

I need to no more abut this car

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop at a stop light, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. The contact was able to place the vehicle in neutral and pulled it over to the side of the road. The contact stated that all the warning lights were flashing after the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain broke and went to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. However, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

No estoy segura

Engine failure after complete service inspection.

Using to much oil engine making noise

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the vehicle was extremely low on engine oil before an oil change was due. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the O2 sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: N192291100. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 190,000.

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, she observed a loud ticking noise from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised that he should contact NHTSA to add the vehicle to a recall list. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

The car was completely empty of oil even though it wasn’t time for an oil change and there were no leaks or holes. It end up destroying the motor on the vehicle as well. The oil light came on and then the car stop work while driving on the highway. The car was towed to AAmco Transmission and Total Car Care 15282 Veterans Memorial Pkwy Wentzville, MO 63385. 636-223-5113. That’s where the car was assessed at and we found out at that time what the issues was. I then found out this exact issue was on recall for another vin numbers. I call the manufacturer to make them aware of what had taken place with this particular vehicle and was told it wasn’t part of the recall. I then asked even though I have proof that it is the same issues. I was just given a claim number for the call and nothing else happened. So if this happened to our car and thankfully my husband was driving and not my daughter that day it could have been a different situation and she would have not knew how to get it off to the side of the highway while waiting for a tow truck. There was no warning until that day because we were keeping up with our car maintenance.

My cars engine started throwing a cam shaft position code. This happened even after a mechanic fixed the part 3 times. The engine failed completely at 87,500 miles.

The gaskets in the rear of the motor went bad and it blew out while driving down the highway. My mechanic said it is due to a defect in the vacume system. I replaced the motor for about $7300. A few weeks later, my mechanic wanted to check it out again. He said he had 4 equinox vehicles come in with the motors blown in the exact same manner. He researched the cause and had to drill something, or it would have happened again.

Got a diagnostic done and the engine is needing a timing jump and lower bearing that causing noise.

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

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston rod due to excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: [XXX] . The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

ONE OF THE WIPER ARMS HAS FAILED ENTIRELY. THE DEALERSHIP WE PURCHASED IT FROM (USED) ADVISED IT WAS REPAIRED, BUT IT HAS FAILED NONETHELESS. OUR 18 YEAR OLD SON DRIVES THIS CAR AND IT IS NOT SAFE. BASED ON OTHER INTERACTIONS WITH THE DEALERSHIP, WE BELIEVE THEY MAY HAVE "FAKED" THE ACTUAL REPAIR...OR THEY REPLACED THE POSSIBLY DEFECTIVE PART WITH AN ACTUAL DEFECTIVE PART. WE WANT IT INSPECTED, AND IF OLD OR DEFECTIVE, HAVE IT REPLACED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I believe it is a problem with the engine. Currently at Freeway Chevrolet in Chandler, AZ How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car repeatedly cuts off when driving and could have been a danger to my safety and that of others on the road/ highway. There was potential for an accident. My concern is that there were recalls to fix this issue, however, the dealer where I purchased the vehicle (Jones Ford Casa Grande, AZ) did not pursue the issue, nor did the previous owner and I was not notified. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Full inspection and recommendation by authorized Chevy dealer, (Freeway Chevrolet) included at an attachment. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The first time the car cut off was just prior to November 26, 2023 and the "check engine" came on. I purchased the vehicle in May of this year and have been enjoying my car. I want to be able to continue driving it and would like to get the recall service completed.

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 was informed that the timing chain and the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,163.