CarBrief

NHTSA has 751 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Equinox, and engine reports lead the list[1][2]. Two recalls apply[3], and fuel economy depends on the engine and drive[4][5].

751owner complaints[1]
2recalls[3]
19–26MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 751 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Twenty mention a crash, 5 a fire and 20 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts, so the group counts below do not add up to the total[1].

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 420 92,750
Visibility/wiper[7] 144 58,500
Power train[8] 80 84,000
Electrical system[9] 69 35,264
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 43 95,000
Air bags[11] 25 50,000
Electronic stability control[12] 20 87,600

Engine. This group has the most complaints[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a "reduced engine power" message, stalling or power loss (5 of 12), hesitation when accelerating (2 of 12) and odd noises that a dealer could not diagnose (2 of 12)[2].

Wipers and visibility. In the sample we read, 7 of 12 texts describe the wipers failing, and 5 of those describe it happening while driving in rain[7]. A recall covers this problem (see below)[13].

Electrical system. Owners in our sample describe the radio, screen, backup camera or climate controls glitching or going dark (6 of 12)[9]. Some describe the engine shutting off or power dropping out while driving (4 of 12)[9]. A few describe the collision alert or automatic braking triggering with nothing nearby (3 of 12)[9]. The median mileage here is lower than in other groups, at 35,264[9].

Power train. In our sample, owners describe the car failing to accelerate or hesitating (3 of 12) and shutting off or losing power (3 of 12)[8].

Air bags. Only 25 complaints name air bags, but 11 of them mention a crash and 8 an injury[11]. That is a small group, so treat it as a flag to check rather than a pattern.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2013 Equinox[3]. Put the 16V582 windshield wiper bullet first and the 16V502 park lock lever bullet second. Some 2010 to 2013 Equinox vehicles may have been serviced with a defective replacement part. With that part, the key can be removed when the transmission is not in PARK. The vehicle may then roll away as people get out, which raises the risk of injury. Dealers inspect the car and replace the key cylinder lock housing if needed, at no charge. The recall began October 14, 2016[14]. - Windshield wiper module (16V582). The ball joints in the wiper module can corrode and wear, and one or both wipers may stop working. That can reduce visibility and raise crash risk. Dealers repair a hole in the module, inspect it and replace the front wiper module if needed, at no charge. The recall began April 13, 2017[13].

Before buying, ask the seller for proof that both recalls were done.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and the drive type. Drop the[15] id from this sentence or state it as a pack note.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2.4L 4-cyl FWD[5] 22 / 31 / 26 $2,600
2.4L 4-cyl AWD[15] 20 / 28 / 23 $2,900
3.6L 6-cyl FWD[16] 17 / 24 / 20 $3,350
3.6L 6-cyl AWD[4] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550

The same ratings apply to the versions listed as Gasoline or E85[17][18][19][20]. The gap between the thriftiest and thirstiest versions is $950 a year in EPA's estimate[5][4].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive Equinox 4 stars overall, 4 for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 4 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 17.4%[6]. The front-wheel-drive version gets the same star ratings and a rollover risk of 19.1%[21].

Engine and size

EPA test cars list three engines for this model year: a 2.4L 4-cylinder rated 182 hp[22], a 3.0L 6-cylinder rated 264 hp[23] and a 3.6L 6-cylinder rated 308 hp[24]. Horsepower is the rating for EPA test vehicles.

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. Length is 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in and wheelbase 113 in for every version listed[25][26][27][28].

Version Curb weight
2.4L FWD[26] 3,761 lb
2.4L AWD[25] 3,929 lb
3.6L FWD[28] 3,920 lb
3.6L AWD[27] 4,147 lb

How 2013 compares with other years

2005: 638 complaints, 1 recalls20052006: 695 complaints, 0 recalls2007: 685 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 370 complaints, 0 recalls2009: 94 complaints, 0 recalls20092010: 784 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 782 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 685 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 751 complaints, 2 recalls75120132014: 548 complaints, 1 recalls2015: 680 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 399 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 276 complaints, 0 recalls20172018: 410 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 306 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 318 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 100 complaints, 4 recalls20212022: 185 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 99 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 190 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 400 complaints, 6 recalls20252026: 85 complaints, 3 recalls2027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Equinox model year. The 2013 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20056381
20066950
20076854
20083700
2009940
20107843
20117823
20126853
20137512
20145481
20156802
20163991
20172760
20184105
20193064
20203184
20211004
20221856
2023993
20241902
20254006
2026853
202710

NHTSA lists 751 complaints and 2 recalls for 2013[3]. Among the Equinox model years in NHTSA's list, only 2010 (784 complaints) and 2011 (782) have more complaints, so 2013 is third highest[3]. Several later years have more recalls, for example 2018 with 5 and 2022 and 2025 with 6[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show where owners spoke up, not how likely a failure is.

Should you buy a used 2013 Equinox?

The 2013 Equinox has a sizable complaint file, with the engine named most often[1][2]. Both recalls have free repairs listed, so check that they were done[13][14]. Fuel cost differs a lot by engine, from $2,600 to $3,550 a year in EPA's estimate[5][4]. Its 4-star overall safety rating is a point in its favor[6][21]. A pre-purchase inspection that covers the wipers, the electronics and engine behavior is a sensible step, since the complaint texts we read come from a small sample and cannot say how common any one problem is.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
Engine is the component group named in the most complaints, 420 of the 751 on file[1][2]. Wipers are next with 144[7]. Counts are unverified owner reports.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2: the windshield wiper module (16V582) and the electronic park lock lever (16V502)[13][14][3].
How many miles per gallon does the 2013 Equinox get?
EPA combined ratings range from 19 MPG (3.6L AWD) to 26 MPG (2.4L FWD)[4][5].
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox safe?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall[6][21]. Side crash is 5 stars[6][21]. Rollover risk is 17.4% for AWD[6] and 19.1% for FWD[21].
Is 2013 a bad year for the Equinox?
It has the third most complaints of the model years listed, behind 2010 and 2011, with 751 complaints and 2 recalls[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 751 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (20 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 20 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 420 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Equinox model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 144 complaints name the visibility/wiper component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 80 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 69 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,264). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 43 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 25 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 20 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 16V582, filed August 4, 2016: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 16V502, filed July 5, 2016: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 182 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 264 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 308 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 2.4L AWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,929 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 2.4L FWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,761 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 3.6L AWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,147 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV 3.6L FWD LS/LT/LTZ: length 189 in, width 72 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,920 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.