2013 Chevy Equinox Problems – A Nightmare Waiting To Happen?

“Equinox” is defined as a time or date when the sun crosses the Earth’s celestial equator. It happens only twice every year, once in March, and again in September, when day and night are about equal in length – around 12 hours each. It’s a rare event, then, that most of us might not have noticed. But if there’s one thing that we would easily raise an eyebrow over, is the 2013 Chevy Equinox problems.

The Equinox was launched as Chevrolet and GM’s onslaught on compact crossovers and SUVs. At the time, it was among the smallest vehicles they’ve made. As of 2020, more than 3,300,000 Equinoxes have left Chevy showrooms, which just proves how popular they are. Given its massive sales record, it may have been a bit hard to conceal just how supposedly unreliable and problematic they are.

But is this an exaggeration, or is there truth behind it? Moreover, is the 2013 model year the one to avoid the most, given the possible prevalence of 2013 Chevy Equinox problems? Well, we’re here to find out if your money is better spent elsewhere…

• Chevy Equinox Overview
• 2nd-Generation Equinox
• Is The Chevy Equinox Reliable?
• Common Problems & Issues
• Final Conclusion

Chevy Equinox

Before we get into the specifics of the more common 2013 Chevy Equinox problems, it might help us to understand what the subject in question is. What exactly is the Chevy Equinox? First unveiled in 2004 for the 2005 model year, the Equinox was conceived as a mid-size SUV, which later evolved into the compact crossover segment. For a long time, the Equinox was Chevy’s entry-level model SUV.

Originally, it rode on GM’s modular Theta platform, which was shared among its stablemates. Thus, it’s not surprising that the Equinox was related to at least a half dozen other mini GM-based SUVs. It included crossover-type vehicles made by Pontiac and Saturn (remember them?), Opel, GMC, Saab, Cadillac, and Holden. It’s also interesting to note that GM had a joint venture with Suzuki back then.

So, you’ll find that the Chevy Equinox is mechanically quite similar to the Suzuki XL7, as well. These Equinox-shared vehicles are never made to be hardcore off-roaders. Rather, they’re the perfect do-it-all SUVs for small families, and works wonders as a daily runabout. There have been three generations of the Equinox now and is still widely sold here and now in 2021.

There have been numerous changes and developments over that 17-year lifespan. Over those years, we’ve seen GM and Chevrolet experiment with the Equinox, such as making electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and even natural gas-powered versions of it. The Equinox has gone through significant changes in design, engineering, and its prominence among those looking for an affordable crossover.

Chevy Equinox Second Generation

For today, though, we’ll focus more on the second-generation Equinoxes. After all, this is where we’ll find the root of our 2013 Chevy Equinox problems. It went on sale in 2009 as the 2010 model year and had minute evolutions compared to the earlier cars. In its second generation, the Equinox was still riding on the same GM Theta platform but has since been updated to be much stiffer.

Initially, its powertrain options were familiar too, with some small tweaks here and there. Mostly, it was made to improve fuel economy, which was questioned heavily when journalists finally got their hands on an Equinox. Most of their testing, even in highly favorable settings, saw them getting 20% to 30% lower fuel economy than the published EPA ratings.

There were even claims that Chevrolet and GM “inflated” the fuel economy figures to make it more appealing. Rumors also floated that the Equinox’s trip computer would incorrectly log fuel economy figures that were overly optimistic to the driver. Moving past those concerns, for now, you could spec the Equinox either with front-wheel drive (as standard), or all-wheel drive.

Two powertrain options were made available. The baseline was a 2.4-liter Ecotec LAF (later the LEA) inline-4 motor. It could muster 182hp and 172lb-ft of torque. At the top end, you could get a 3.0-liter High Feature LF1 (or LFW) V6 engine. That one can handle 264hp and 222lb-ft of torque. From 2013 onwards, you could get a 3.6-liter LFXV6 too, with an even higher 301hp and 272lb-ft of torque.

Chevy Equinox 2013MY (Model Year)

That 3.6-liter V6 was apparently just as fuel-efficient, despite having 14% more horsepower and 22% more torque. Of the four engine options, they were all mated to the same 6-speed automatic. When it launched, the second-generation Equinox became the third best-selling Chevy in North America. It was beaten in sales by the Silverado and Cruze, respectively.

Of all the many iterative updates and facelifts that the 2nd-gen Equinox underwent, the 2013 model year was the first major one. This may explain why there were so many complaints about the 2013 Chevy Equinox problems. The 2013 model year is when we saw that a 3.6L direct-injection gasoline engine was introduced as an option on the higher-end LT and LTX models.

Here’s a more thorough breakdown of the four engines that you could get on the 2013MY Equinox…

• 2.4-liter Ecotec LAF inline-4 (2010-2011) – 182hp, 172lb-ft (233Nm)
• 2.4-liter Ecotec LEA inline-4 (2012-2017) – 182hp, 172lb-ft (233Nm)
• 3.0-liter High Feature (LF1 or LFW, depending on which market you’re buying it from) V6 (2010-2012) – 264hp, 222lb-ft (301Nm)
• 3.6-liter High Feature LFX V6 (2013-2017) – 301hp, 272lb-ft (369Nm)

On top of that, we got a newer FE2 suspension package on offer, which had a sportier dampening to it. If you’ve sat in a 2013 Equinox, you’ll also be familiar with Chevrolet’s MyLink system. This was their built-in infotainment system back in the day. Among the optional extras included safety kits like lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, rear park assist, and more.

2013 Chevy Equinox Reliability

Now that we’ve learned more about the Chevy Equinox family, could we say that the 2013 Equinox is, or isn’t reliable? You’ll soon find out, once we look further and in greater detail into the common 2013 Chevy Equinox problems, that it’s by no means a headache-free machine. In fact, we’ll look at some figures to better understand this, courtesy of data collected by CarComplaints.com.

Not only do they compile complaints filed by owners on their website, but also share reports made by the NTHSA. As a whole, the entire Chevrolet collection – across many models, and model years – had accrued 31,594 complaints. At the time of writing, the Equinox as a whole accounted for 2,418 of those complaints. A staggering 988 of them went to the 2013 model year alone.

Additionally, the Equinox had over 2,500 TSBs made for them – more than 1,300 just for the 2013 model year. That’s “technical service bulletins”, for those who don’t know, where the manufacturer documents troubleshooting steps for its dealers and technicians. To top it all off, the Equinox was involved in 20 recall campaigns. These figures are quite high, which isn’t what you want if ease of maintenance and robust reliability are concerned.

To give it a score, we then cross-checked with CarComplaints.com’s PainRank scoring system. Here, it’ll rank models and their respective model years by generation based on several factors other than the volume of complaints. It’s weighted by the cost to repair those 2013 Chevy Equinox problems, the mileage at which it occurs, the frequency that it appears, the age of the vehicle, and so on.

2013 Chevy Equinox Problems

So, how did our 2013 Equinox fare on the PainRank leaderboard? In a nutshell, the higher the score on the PainRank charts, the more problematic – in other words, the more painful – the car is. Chevrolet has an average PainRank score of 18.80. The Equinox line-up as a whole – that’s all 16 model years of them – scored a woeful 53.08. This makes the Equinox the second least-reliable Chevrolet model.

Ouch. If we break it down by generation, the second-generation Equinox – including the 2013 model year – scored 40.41. This means it’s the third least-reliable Chevy, ranked 78th out of 80. In contrast, the first-generation Equinox (2005-2009) had a PainRank rating of 36.18 – 74th on the scoresheet. The later third-generation Equinox (2018-present) had a score of 9.11 – 46th among Chevrolets.

Already, this isn’t a good start to guiding you on the 2013 Chevy Equinox problems, is it? To briefly answer our question up above, is the 2013 Equinox reliable? No, it definitely isn’t, and that’s one that we’ll document in more detail here. In summary, it had numerous engine and AC-related issues, with other problems to follow. If you’re looking for an Equinox, the 2013 model year is one to avoid.

If anything, the entire second generation of the Equinox, up till 2017, is best to be ignored if you’d rather now spend bucket loads on repairs. So, just what are the most common 2013 Chevy Equinox problems? Well, let’s begin with…

1. 2013 Chevy Equinox Problems (Engine) – Heavy Oil Consumption

As we mentioned, engine-borne issues are the most prevalent among 2013 Chevy Equinox problems. In that case, we may as well start with oil consumption, which the Equinoxes of the time have quite a thirst over. Specifically, it was narrowed down to the 2.4-liter Ecotec. For a spot of context, GM and Chevy fitted the second-generation Equinox with an upgraded 2.4L Ecotec for the 2010 model year.

However, there was a flaw in these redesigned engines, which had direct injection. As GM intended, this relied a lot on low-tension oil control springs, spray jets, and positive crankcase ventilation. It should’ve enabled the engine to run smoother, with greater efficiency, and improved performance. However, it instead opened more opportunities where oil can seep into the combustion chamber.

It’s then burned off, which forces owners to top it up with oil changes more frequently. Oftentimes, it would drink up an entire quart of motor oil every 2,000 miles. Aside from that, owners would notice their Equinox idling roughly or jerking at low speeds, engine knocks and ticking sounds, spark plugs burning up and failing, as well as substantial engine damage.

It would’ve helped if a lot of owners were at least warned of this sooner. Nonetheless, the ‘low oil level‘ monitoring and warning never alerted owners until it was too late. This goes for both the LAF and later the LEA variants of the 2.4 Ecotec engines. So, what caused this to happen anyway? Well, we can point towards key points of failure…

1.1 The Oil Control Rings Were Too Thin

Every piston has several oil control rings around them. As the pistons are being lubricated with oil, the rings play a vital role. Not only does it aid in maintaining compression and transferring heat, but it also keeps the oil out.

The latter is a job assigned to the oil control ring at the bottom-most section of the ring stack. As the pistons move up and down, this ring scrapes oil off the cylinder walls. As it does this, it prevents oil from exiting the crankcase. It’s thus crucial that it needs to be designed properly.

However, GM failed this by using a thinner and low-tensioned oil ring in the 2.4L Ecotec. As a consequence, their overt thinness would wear out far quicker, hence allowing gaps to form. Oil will then seep into this quite easily, before burning off in the combustion chamber.

1.2. Spray Jets That Overloaded The Control Rings

This direct-injection design also enabled GM and Chevrolet to use oil-cooling jets to spray lubricants over the pistons to lower their temperature. This should’ve made it more durable and long-lasting, but it instead worsened those weak oil control rings.

In this design, the jets would spray pressurized oil into the cylinders, right into the path of the already brittle rings. As is, the oil control rings could barely keep oil from exiting the crankcase. With higher oil pressures, it made oil seeping into the combustion chamber that bit easier.

1.3 The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Was Defective

The PCV – or positive crankcase ventilation – has one of the most important jobs within the engine of these Equinoxes. Mainly, it was to draw gas out of the crankcase, where it could then send it back to the intake manifold. Next, it would flow back into the combustion chamber, where it could be used.

This should’ve made the engine more efficient. That said, GM and Chevy’s design flaws had made it so that the PCV would ventilate more than just gases and vapor. Even in regular use, it could suck out motor oil from the valvetrains, and throws it into the combustion chamber to be burned.

1.4 How Did They Fix It?

For this part of the 2013 Chevy Equinox problems, it wasn’t a cheap fix. Owners had to spend $3,000 or more just to repair the engine. For the most part, the 2.4L Ecotec was damaged badly enough due to oil starvation, that only a complete engine replacement would suffice.

Otherwise, owners would need to replace parts like the timing chain, which can fail with mileage as little as 20,000 miles. There’s some good news, though, as GM and Chevy did acknowledge this in a later TSB. Previously, they had only resorted to software updates.

As of May 2016, they offered an extended warranty. It should up the coverage to 7.5 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. This would make GM and Chevy liable to cover the costs associated with replacing the aforementioned faults.

2. 2013 Chevy Equinox Problems (Engine) – Delayed And Slow Acceleration

Here’s another design flaw to add to the list of 2013 Chevy Equinox problems. It seemed as though the electronic throttle control system was slow to respond to user inputs. This caused some delayed acceleration and throttle lag, which proved quite dangerous. Owners would pull up to junctions, or attempt to overtake on the highway, only to find themselves barely shuffling along.

Drive-by-wire systems that came with the advent of electronic throttle control (ETC) are very common these days. Instead of using cables and mechanical linkages, your input on the gas pedal is signaled by the sensors to the ECU. That’s the electronic control unit, which is the engine’s brain. It has plenty of advantages, especially when it comes to improved performance and fuel efficiency.

Nonetheless, Chevrolet and GM’s design of ETC created more lag than necessary. It meant that when pressing the throttle pedal, there was a long delay before the engine kicked in. It may just be one or two seconds, but it makes a lot of difference even in regular day-to-day driving. Many have pointed out that the Equinox’s ECU has a delay somewhere in the programming of the ECU or the sensors.

2.1 How Did They Fix It?

Tracking down the source of the delay has been rather difficult. Owners and technicians have tried replacing sensors, flashing the software, or cleaning the throttle bodies. Unfortunately, it became a hit or miss, depending on individual cars. Therefore, this issue was never really solved.

There’s at least some good news, as there are aftermarket solutions. Some Equinox owners found that installing a throttle controller helped to alleviate the lag. These controllers can sense the input going between the gas pedal and the ECU and adjust the relay speeds on the fly.

3. 2013 Chevy Equinox Problems (A/C) – Heater Would Only Blow Out Cold Air

The extent of 2013 Chevy Equinox problems mostly started and ended with the engine. Heavy motor oil consumption was the most pressing issue, but that doesn’t mean the concerns stopped there. One of the other odd reliability quirks of the Equinox was with its air conditioning system, especially the heater. While this was mostly fixed by the 2013 model year, it was still troublesome.

Your car’s heater is produced by the heater core, whose airflow is controlled by a blend door. This is basically a vent that opens and closes and thus letting more or less air passing through the core. It should be a robust and reliable component, but that’s not the case with the Equinox. The blend doors there are attached to flimsy plastic control arms, which are prone to breaking.

3.1 How Did They Fix It?

When it does break, the blend door can no longer move. As a result, you – the unfortunate driver or passenger – will only get frosty air with the heater on. The cheap plastic arms can break with mileage as little as 60,000 miles on average. The part itself should be affordable to replace.

However, the labor that’s required to remove the entire dashboard and center console to get to the heater core is not. It can take even experienced mechanics hours to replace that plastic arm. This will rack up the hourly labor rates, setting owners of Equinoxes back between $750 to $1,000.

4. 2013 Chevy Equinox Problems (Exterior) – Faulty Windshield Wiper Transmissions

We may as well end our list of the most common 2013 Chevy Equinox problems with another weird fault – the windshield wipers. To be more specific, the windshield wiper transmission on the 2013 Equinox can fail. When it happens, owners find themselves driving in the rain… Without any wipers to rely on. There was a recall notice issued, but it hasn’t fixed this completely.

Combined with that broken heater that can’t defrost the windshields, the Equinox can turn out to be a hazardous vehicle to drive when its systems do break down. When turning the wipers on, several owners can hear the motors whirring along. However, the wipers remained stubbornly stuck in their resting place, unable to move. Often, one wiper would move, while the other did not.

4.1 How Did They Fix It?

The solution to this varied significantly. As mentioned, several Chevrolet and GM dealers issued a recall notice to fix the wiper transmissions. Yet, many owners still reported that the issue persisted even after a replacement. On CarComplaints.com, there were more than 140 reports on the wipers.

Based on prior experiences, replacing the wiper transmission unit will set you back around $300 at a Chevy dealership. Nevertheless, owners quickly found that aftermarket solutions were more reliable and effective. In fact, these third-party solutions would often cost even less. For more insight, check out our guide on the cost to replace alternator at dealership.

5. 2013 Chevy Equinox Problems (Transmission) – Slipping and Hard Shifts

One area we can’t overlook when discussing the 2013 Chevy Equinox is the transmission. Some owners reported transmission issues, notably slipping and hard shifts. The car would sometimes have difficulty transitioning from one gear to the next. This led to unexpected jerks and sudden accelerations, causing a rough driving experience.

5.1 The Culprit Behind Slipping Transmissions

Fluid leakages from the transmission were frequently the cause of these hard shifts and slippages. Over time, seals can deteriorate, allowing transmission fluid to escape. Low fluid levels in the transmission can make shifting erratic and may result in long-term damage.

5.2 How to Address This Issue

If you notice transmission fluid on your driveway or garage floor, it’s wise to have the Equinox inspected immediately. A technician can identify the leak’s source and address it before more significant damage occurs. Typically, the fix may involve replacing worn-out seals or gaskets. Refilling the transmission fluid to the recommended levels usually restores normal function. But if the transmission has been running low on fluid for a prolonged period, more extensive repairs might be necessary.

6. 2013 Chevy Equinox Problems (Electrical) – Infotainment System Glitches

The infotainment system in some 2013 Equinox models wasn’t as reliable as one would hope. Owners occasionally reported screens going blank, unresponsive touch controls, and frequent system reboots.

6.1 Tracing the Source

Most glitches can be traced back to software bugs or faulty connections within the infotainment unit. Over time, connections can become loose or corroded, leading to inconsistent system performance.

6.2 Resolving the Infotainment Woes

Chevrolet dealers often suggest system updates as a potential solution. A software patch can resolve many of the bugs causing system glitches. If software isn’t the culprit, a more hands-on approach might be necessary. Checking for loose connections and ensuring all components are firmly connected can sometimes resolve the issues. In extreme cases, the entire unit may need replacement.

7. 2013 Chevy Equinox Problems (Suspension) – Uneven Tire Wear

While the engine and transmission took center stage in the list of complaints, the suspension had its fair share of problems too. A frequent issue was uneven tire wear, especially on the front tires. This rapid and uneven wear often pointed to misaligned or damaged suspension components.

7.1 Underlying Causes

Misalignment can stem from several sources. Hitting a pothole, for example, can misalign the wheels. Damaged or worn-out struts and shocks can also lead to uneven wear on the tires. Additionally, faulty wheel bearings or worn-out bushings might be to blame.

7.2 Getting Back on Track

Regular inspections and rotations can identify uneven wear before it becomes severe. If uneven wear is spotted, a thorough suspension check is in order. Addressing the root cause—whether it’s realigning the wheels or replacing worn-out components—can ensure your tires wear evenly and last longer.

The 2013 Chevy Equinox, like any vehicle, had its set of challenges. While the engine problems were the most pressing, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues in other areas, from transmission hiccups to infotainment glitches. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these problems early on, ensuring your Equinox remains reliable and safe on the road.

In Conclusion…

In summary, the heap of 2013 Chevy Equinox problems can be summarized in two words – “engine”, and “heater”. You might wonder why, even as mentioned that issues were numerous, did we only noted down four common complaints with the 2013 Equinox. While there was no end to the varying degrees of problems hither and tither, these four were the most pressing.

Mainly, you should be cautious of the engine if you’re shopping around for a 2013 Equinox. If we’re privy to giving you a buyer’s guide, the 2.4L Ecotec should be avoided at all costs. While not the most unreliable vehicle ever, do be diligent, especially given the repeated frequency of these 2013 Chevy Equinox problems. Maybe even skip the entire second-generation Equinox altogether.

Issues with the Equinox: Facts to Consider

1. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine found in the 2013 Chevy Equinox is known to have a defect with the piston rings that causes excessive oil consumption, which can lead to engine failure.
2. A class-action lawsuit was filed against General Motors due to the engine problem, which was later settled with a warranty extension covering 7 years and 6 months or 120,000 miles from the date the vehicle was placed in service.
3. The windshield wiper module in the 2013 Equinox is prone to high corrosion and wear, which could cause the wipers to become inoperative. GM issued a recall for this issue that affected over 20% of 2013 Equinox owners.
4. Electrical issues are also common in the 2013 Equinox, including problems with the climate control, infotainment system, and the forward collision alert system.
5. A recall was issued for a damaged electronic park lock lever, which affects a small number of GM products, including the 2013 Chevy Equinox.
6. Despite being a practical and affordable vehicle, the 2013 Equinox has a reputation for being unreliable due to its engine problems, electrical issues, and safety recalls.
7. The 2.4-liter engine issues are numerous, making the upgrade to the 3.6-liter V6 engine a worthwhile consideration for potential buyers.
8. A well-maintained 2013 Equinox can last up to 200,000 miles or more, and Repair Pal estimates annual maintenance at $498, which is below average in its class.
9. NHTSA has received over 600 complaints about the 2013 Equinox, with over half of them concerning the engine. This may be a factor for potential buyers to consider before purchasing a 2013 model.
10. Buyers are recommended to avoid the 2013 Chevy Equinox and opt for the 2014 model, which costs about $2,000 more, but does not have the same issues as the 2013 model.