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
2013 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems
severe 54 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 54 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 54 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Equinox has widespread electrical gremlins—from infotainment systems that fail repeatedly to engine stalls and unexplained door-locking issues—many persist even after dealer repair attempts. Add in the 2.4L's notorious oil consumption and forward collision system false alarms, and you're looking at years of frustration and repeated trips to the dealer with no guaranteed fix.
The 2013 Equinox's electrical system is a minefield. The infotainment center stack blacks out, freezes, or scrambles regularly—sometimes within days of purchase—and typically does so while driving. Multiple owners report replacing the radio unit two or three times with the problem returning. The backup camera fails simultaneously, and USB device connections seem to trigger total module resets. Dealerships acknowledge the issue exists but refuse to classify it as a recall or warranty repair once you're out of coverage.
Engine stalling without warning is another consistent failure. Owners report the vehicle shutting down completely at highway speeds, losing all electrical power, then restarting normally. Dealers cannot replicate or diagnose this.
The forward collision avoidance system activates on its own constantly—twenty-plus false alerts reported by one owner in 18 months—yet dealerships respond by telling owners to just disable the safety feature because they cannot fix it.
Door locks fail catastrophically, trapping occupants inside until doors pop open spontaneously at highway speed. One owner reported being locked in with OnStar unable to help remotely.
The 2.4L EcoTec burns oil aggressively—one quart per 500–2000 miles—with no visible leaks and no warning light. Timing chains rattle and snap, requiring replacement or full engine rebuild.
Additionally, owners report dashboard lights flickering, tire pressure monitors reading false data, ignition keys sticking, wipers stopping mid-operation, and at least two fires started by electrical faults.
Same Chevrolet Equinox electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Door Locking/Unlocking System Failure
All four doors lock and remain locked despite multiple unlock attempts (buttons, handles, OnStar remote release). Doors open spontaneously while vehicle is in motion or parked.
When: While stopped; spontaneous opening at highway speeds (65-70 mph); intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: All passenger doors locked and unable to open from inside or outside; Door lock buttons pop up but doors remain latched; Rear door spontaneously opens while driving on highway; Front passenger and rear doors open unexpectedly when vehicle in park
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: OnStar unable to remotely release locks; dealership service dept took vehicle but outcome unknown
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
Forward collision warning and automatic braking activate without any vehicle or object in proximity. System applies brakes involuntarily, creating safety hazard.
When: Intermittent, occurs during normal driving at various speeds; primary driver reported 20+ occurrences over 18 months
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision warning light illuminates with no vehicle ahead; Automatic braking engages without obstruction; Collision alert sound activates inappropriately; Reduced or jerky acceleration when alert triggers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two dealerships told owners to deactivate the system; unable/unwilling to diagnose root cause
Infotainment/Radio System Failure
Radio/center console display blacks out, goes fuzzy, freezes, or scrambles. Screen may flicker or become unresponsive. Backup camera display cuts out or stays locked in backup view. Issues persist despite multiple parts replacements.
When: Begins shortly after purchase (new vehicles); ongoing over years; happens intermittently while driving or at startup
Symptoms owners cite: Radio display screen blacks out or goes blank; Screen fuzzy or scrambled like old tube TV; Volume controls unresponsive from steering wheel or unit; Backup camera screen cuts out while reversing or stays in backup while driving forward; Screen flickers on and off; Loss of Bluetooth capability for several days; Clock runs 2 minutes slow and resets incorrectly after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Center stack/radio unit replaced multiple times (2-3 times on same vehicle); $150 charged for 'software updates'; problem recurs post-warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM told dealership 'there isn't anything we can do if you can't replicate it'; acknowledged problem exists but not classified as recall
Center Console Controls Failure (Radio/HVAC/Camera Module)
Radio, air conditioning, defroster, and backup camera controls stop responding. System may reboot intermittently. Affects climate control and defrost capability, creating winter safety issue.
When: Intermittent; often at startup; begins around 18k-31k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radio and HVAC console controls unresponsive; Defroster control disabled, windows ice up; Climate control buttons non-operational; System reboots and comes back online after 5-10 minutes; Occurs more frequently when USB device plugged into center console
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership has replaced 'module switch' and HVAC components; same problem recurs; cost $650 out-of-warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership provided conflicting diagnoses on repeat failures (module switch, then HVAC, then radio/HVAC); no recall
Engine Stall/Loss of Motive Power
Engine shuts off abruptly while driving with no warning. Vehicle becomes immobile at speed or traffic light. Dashboard lights and all electrical systems go dark during stall. Vehicle restarts normally after shutdown.
When: While driving at highway speeds (60+ mph) or stopped at traffic light; intermittent with no pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without warning; Complete loss of electrical power (all dashboard lights off); Vehicle loses power steering during stall; Collision alert may sound and vehicle may stall simultaneously; Engine restarts immediately when attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers checked vehicle, reported 'nothing wrong'; vehicle not under recall; manufacturer states no recall applies
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Malfunction
Tire pressure warning light displays incorrect tire pressures that do not match actual readings verified with manual and electronic gauges. System indicates pressures are low when tires are properly inflated.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure gauge reads incorrectly on dashboard; Indicates one side higher than other or all four off when verified correct; Warning light for tire pressure activates without cause
Interior Lighting Failure
Interior dome lights and dashboard lights go out intermittently. Lights may dim and brighten randomly. Lights fail to illuminate during key insertion/startup.
When: Intermittent; during normal driving and startup
Symptoms owners cite: Interior lights go out intermittently while driving; Dashboard lights disappear, then return; Dome lights fail to illuminate; Lights dim and brighten randomly; No instrument lights illuminate when key inserted in ignition
Ignition Switch Failure
Key becomes stuck in ignition and cannot be removed. Multiple ignition switch replacements required but problem recurs or creates new electrical failures.
When: Several months of ownership; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Key cannot be removed from ignition; After replacement, no instrument lights illuminate when key inserted; No electrical response when key rotated to start position; Key stuck even after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replaced three times; shifting console replaced once; replacements did not resolve issue
Electrical System Fire
Vehicle catches fire due to electrical fault with no warning. Fire starts near fuse box and spreads through firewall and interior. One fire occurred 1 minute after startup; another while parked in driveway overnight.
When: One occurred 1 minute after engine start during normal driving; another while vehicle parked overnight
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle begins smoking and catches fire; Fire starts near fuse box area; Fire spreads through firewall and ceiling console
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fire department confirmed electrical fire; vehicle totaled
Service Airbag Warning Light Malfunction
Service airbag warning with screwdriver icon appears and disappears intermittently. Mechanics cannot identify cause.
When: Intermittent during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light with screwdriver icon appears and disappears; Mechanics cannot identify problem source
Windshield Wiper System Failure
Wipers stop operating during rain while motor continues running. Wiper transmission/gearbox breaks, requiring replacement.
When: While driving in rain
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers stop moving mid-operation; Motor continues running but wipers locked; Windshield transmission broken
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield wiper transmission requires replacement
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns through oil at abnormal rate despite regular oil changes. No external leaks. Oil light does not illuminate as warning. Problem linked to 2.4L EcoTec engine defect.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; consumption rates cited: 1 quart per 500-2000 miles; excessive consumption noted at 8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between changes; No external oil leaks detected; Oil light does not activate to warn driver; Engine rattling and knocking sounds; High air pressure when removing oil cap; Condensation under oil cap
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement quoted at $11,000; timing chain replaced but does not resolve consumption
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for oil consumption on 2.4L EcoTec; dealership recall work did not resolve issue; owner not notified of recall in timely manner
Dashboard Electrical Failures (Multiple Warning Lights)
Multiple warning lights illuminate intermittently including air bag, check engine, power steering, and stability control. Lights flicker on and off or remain illuminated without corresponding system failure.
When: Intermittent; while driving at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Air bag warning light illuminates; Check engine light comes on; Power steering warning light illuminates; Reduced engine power warning activates; Stability control light illuminates for no reason; All dash lights come on simultaneously; Track control light on; Seat belt dinging sound continuous
Repairs/costs cited: ABS electronic control panel not working; parts unavailable
Throttle Response Failure
Vehicle does not accelerate normally when gas pedal pressed after complete stop. Engine revs to high RPM (3000 RPM) but car only moves 1-2 mph, or does not move at all.
When: Intermittent; occurs shortly after vehicle stopped
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal pressed but car does not respond; Engine revs but minimal or no movement; Sudden acceleration at 3000 RPM after delay
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body and pedal position sensor replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership could not replicate issue; stated nothing to fix
Transmission Failure
Transmission exhibits excessive wear and may fail, requiring replacement.
When: Vehicle age 2+ years, higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission 'ready to go' (failing); Possible stalling or loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement anticipated
Backup Camera Failure
Backup camera display malfunctions, showing no image or distorted display. Image may display yellow with blue line across screen.
When: Intermittent; while reversing or while driving forward
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera screen cuts out or goes blank; Stays in backup view while driving forward; Display shows yellow with blue line across it; Backup camera non-functional when needed
Repairs/costs cited: Camera replacement; water may be entering antenna causing intermittent failure
Infotainment Screen Moisture Sensitivity
Infotainment screen goes blank intermittently in wet/rainy conditions. Failure likely caused by water ingress through antenna.
When: Primarily during rain or high-moisture conditions; ongoing for 10 years (January 2014-2024)
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment screen blanks out; Radio can be heard but no visual display; Cannot use screen buttons or backup camera; Occurs mainly during rain and wetness
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership suspects antenna with water ingress after 10 years; paid for diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; dealership offered antenna diagnosis after 10 years of complaints
Engine Timing Chain Noise/Failure
Timing chain makes ticking, rattling, or knocking sounds in dashboard or engine compartment. Eventually timing chain fails requiring replacement or full engine replacement.
When: Ticking noise starts around 2+ years of ownership; failure at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise (sometimes loud) in center/left of dashboard; Rattling and knocking sounds from engine; Noise while stationary or driving; Eventually engine failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement; timing jump and lower bearing causing noise; engine replacement $11,000
Stability Control/Brake System Malfunction
Stability control light illuminates for no reason. Brakes make loud squeaking noise when pressed.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Stability control feature activates for no reason; Brakes make loud squeaky noise when applied
Engine Start Anomaly (Unintended Starting)
Engine starts without key being inserted or turned in ignition.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Engine starts on its own without key insertion; Vehicle starts without driver attempting to start it
Turn Signal Sound Malfunction
Turn signal light and indicator work correctly but no audible chime/sound emits when signal is activated.
When: After extended ownership (6+ years)
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal light works on dash; Turn signal indicator light works; No sound/chime when signal activated
Engine Idling/Jerking at Stop
Vehicle jerks when idling for extended period while stopped. Engine makes irregular sounds.
When: At idle when stopped for extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks or shudders at idle; Reduced engine power warning illuminates; Engine irregular operation at standstill
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I purchased my 2013 Chevy equinox new. Within months the radio turned off while I was driving, the display screen went black, and then came back on to the Chevy link display. This would happen whether or not the radio was on. The dealership where I purchased the vehicle replaced the center stack; not once, but twice. As a note, I was told that other drivers with this issue reported the car…
While sitting stopped at a traffic light yesterday, my brand new equinox just turned off. A co-worker with the same car (different model year) mentioned this happened to her two weeks prior to it happening to me. When I went online to research the issue, I was alarmed after locating multiple forums where equinox owners were having the same problem and looking for answers. The car has been…
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 54 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 35 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 5,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 24,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.