2013 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 11%of 751 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, 11% of the 751 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car engine light came on last week after I had picked it up from chevy dealership after they had repaired my vehicle. Since the light has been on I am unable to use my remote start. My engine seems like it wants to cut out. My car does not run properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11014550, filed 2017-08, 87,000 miles“I was doing approx. 25 MPH and went to press down on the accelerator the vehicle hesitated then took off very fast and rapid scared my wife and I almost hit the vehicle that I was trying to pass the vehicle now sits in my garage and will not drive the vehicle very afraid either myself or someone else is going to get killed, this is not the first time during the week of 5-22-2014 it happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10594030, filed 2014-05, 4,915 miles“I was at a stop light preparing to take a right turn on red, which is legal in oklahoma, after coming to a complete stop, and as I had begun the turn slightly depressing the gas pedal, the car died and all lights and power was lost. I coasted the vehicle into the parking lot of a gas station that was on the corner nearest to me and after two to three minutes the car started again and everything was working as normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10731349, filed 2015-06, 35,264 miles“The vehicle has been making strange noise and burning oil for the past year. We had it to the dealer in may 2019 and they informed us that it was something with the muffler that was not covered under the extended warranty. Fast forward to today, and the dealer told us that the timing chain and the pcv need to be cleaned for a total of 2100. But now the warranty has expired, and the reason for the problem is due to the excessive oil consumption which will lead to further problems. I am extemely dissatisfied with Chevrolet and their service.”
NHTSA complaint #11300193, filed 2020-01, 118,000 miles“The 2013 chevy Equinox burns so much oil in between oil changes that I am constantly dumping oil in. Chevy will not include my year in any service bulletins, making me responsible for repairs that may or may not work and buying oil every week. Also, the oil consumption problem is ruining the engine, leading to a crack in the exhaust manifold, which allows exhaust fumes to leak into the cabin. Especially if I use the heat or air conditioning, the windows have to be cracked for fear that I would gas myself to death.”
NHTSA complaint #11091330, filed 2018-05, 113,195 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 22% |
| 2025 | 35 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 13% |
| 2023 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 13% |
| 2019 | 37 | 12% |
| 2018 | 66 | 16% |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% |
| 2016 | 27 | 7% |
| 2015 | 63 | 9% |
| 2014 | 40 | 7% |
| 2013 | 80 | 11% |
| 2012 | 84 | 12% |
| 2011 | 145 | 19% |
| 2010 | 182 | 23% |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 4% |
| 2005 | 114 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
412 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
159 complaintsElectrical system
69 complaintsOther or unknown
63 complaintsFuel system
45 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsElectronic stability control
20 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology