2013 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
What owners have reported about the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Equinox. Owners have filed 751 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, wipers and visibility and transmission.
751 complaints 2 recalls 3rd worst of 19 Equinox years
Top 2013 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Engine problems
420 complaints (56%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and catalytic convertor.
Wiper and visibility problems
159 complaints (21%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the defroster / defogger / HVAC system and windshield wiper / washer.
Transmission problems
80 complaints (11%) name the transmission, most often the transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE).
Electrical problems
69 complaints (9%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and software.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (508 of 751). The amber line is the middle value, about 80,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox recalls
Motor
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. 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.
Recall 16V582000 · Aug 2016Ignition, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
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." 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.
Recall 16V502000 · Jul 2016Get an email when your 2013 Chevrolet Equinox gets a new recall
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Equinox years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Equinox. Owners have filed 751 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, wipers and visibility and transmission.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, wipers and visibility, transmission and electrical system. 420 complaints (56%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and catalytic convertor.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 74,000–120,000 miles, with a middle value near 95,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox have?
2. Motor (16V582000); Ignition, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (16V502000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.