2013 Chevrolet Equinox: engine failure

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

My 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (~132,000 miles) has a serious and unsafe oil consumption problem. I had a full oil change, and only two weeks later the dipstick was completely dry. The vehicle provided no warning lights, no low-oil indication, and the GM Oil Life Monitoring System gave an inaccurate reading, failing to alert me to the critically low oil level. On November 25, 2025, while stopped with my foot firmly on the brake, the vehicle began constantly jumping and jerking forward as if it was trying to move on its own. During driving, I also began hearing a loud crunching, metal-on-metal noise whenever I accelerated or drove under 50 mph. Because these symptoms started suddenly and were severe, I took the vehicle to my mechanic the same day. On November 26, 2025, the mechanic confirmed that the engine had suffered major internal damage due to running with almost no oil. The timing chain and VVT components needed to be replaced. The mechanic confirmed that oil starvation caused this failure despite a recent oil change, and the inaccurate oil life monitoring system contributed to the hazard by failing to alert me to the critically low oil. This defect presents a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle can jerk unexpectedly, stall, lose power, or suffer sudden engine failure while driving, all without warning. I have since learned that excessive oil consumption and inaccurate oil life readings are widespread in GM 2.4L Ecotec engines. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this safety-related defect.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Engine · KY

I am submitting this complaint regarding an ongoing and serious safety-related timing chain issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LT. The timing chain loses tension intermittently, which places the vehicle at immediate risk of significant engine damage, stalling, or complete loss of power during operation. This issue compromises the vehicle’s ability to operate safely in traffic. A sudden failure of the timing chain system can result in abrupt engine shutdown, without any warning lights or diagnostic codes to alert the driver. This creates a dangerous situation, particularly when traveling at highway speeds, merging into traffic, or navigating intersections. The timing chain defect in this model appears to be a known and recurring problem among owners of similar GM engines, and there is evidence suggesting design flaws contributing to premature wear and tension problems. However, this vehicle has not been included in prior recalls addressing similar timing chain failures. I rely on this vehicle for essential travel and live on SSDI, which limits my ability to cover repeated high-cost repairs for what appears to be a manufacturer-related safety defect. The risk of sudden engine failure with no prior indication is unacceptable and warrants further investigation. I respectfully request the federal safety agency review this concern as a potential recall safety issue, given the clear risk of power loss and danger to both myself and other drivers on the road.

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Engine · MI

Vehicle consuming oil to the point where the engine is knocking. I have to constantly add oil to the vehicle to keep it at optimal levels. Already had to replace the engine once out of my own pocket.

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Engine · 151,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic for a second opinion, where it was confirmed that the timing chain had fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Filed Apr 13, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Engine failure after complete service inspection.

Filed Mar 2, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · IL

My car engine blew do to an over oil consumption. There appears to have been a recall but I was never notified. My car is at a dealership and the cost is 11k for new engine do I have any recourse? Timing chain replaced june 2023 by libertyville chevrolet. Libertyville il No one mentioned this engine recall to me then either.

Filed Feb 4, 2024 · Engine · ME

My cars engine started throwing a cam shaft position code. This happened even after a mechanic fixed the part 3 times. The engine failed completely at 87,500 miles.

Filed Nov 3, 2023 · Engine · 137,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started to shake violently before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the oil dipstick, the contact discovered that the engine was extremely low on oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Engine · TX

On Wednesday 10/18/23, the "check engine" light on our 2013 Equinox came on. My husband had been noticing a rattling sound for a few days prior and planned to take the car in on the upcoming Saturday. On Thursday evening10/19/23, he was about to leave for his 2nd job when the car died as he prepared to back out of the driveway. He took my Pilot to work. On Friday 10/20/23, the Equinox was towed to our mechanic who, after running a diagnostic, recommended having it towed to a Chevy dealer and we did so. Hours later, the dealer's service manager called to say the key fob key has become detached in the transfer and they would have to order a new one before assessment could begin. A $350-estimate for that portion was begrudgingly agreed to with the understanding that auto workers are on strike and ... On Tuesday 10/24, the Chevy service manager called to say their department went ahead and used needle-nosed pliers to try to diagnose it w/o waiting. It was late determined that the system was "out of time" which I later learned meant that the timing belt was skipping or something asking other technical things. Bottom line: a new engine is the only fix at a cost of $12k for a car we've only had 8 years. It's KBB value is far, far less. We are now stuck with a worthless car and no way to fix it. Please advise.

Filed Aug 24, 2023 · Driver assistance, Engine · SD

Initially, 6 months or so after owning the vehicle, the PCV reported tech bulletin occurred for me, and my rear main seal blew, causing $2000+ in repairs. Then, the Engine stalled out on the coldest day of the year, got an engine replacement under warranty from my dealership, that replacement engine had 66k miles (rebuilt) and was only driven around 5,000 miles when the same issue happened. “Reduced engine power” “Service stabilitrak” this time it was in 98° heat leaving me and my dog stranded on the highway. I’ve had it diagnosed with a shop, and they have stated for the second time my vehicle has had timing issues, jumped time, I believe this is related to the timing issues and oil consumption issues that GM has already reported to be an issue with some of these models. I am now down the $3000 I’ve put into fixing this car and it’s various t leach bulletin reported issues, as well as out of a car now, due to warranty being expired, and still needing to make payments on this unsafe vehicle. Only have the engine replacement receipt on hand, but can gather new diagnostic as well as PCV valve repair receipt upon request.

Filed Jul 9, 2023 · Engine · OR

Engine failure, rocker arms broke into my timing chain, oil Consumption to where I had to put oil in every week. Now my vehicle has been in the shop for almost 2 months. Never had warning signs other than low oil

Filed Jun 25, 2023 · Engine · MA

While my husband was driving to work at 5:30a.m., may 2022, on the highway, the car started shaking, puttering and making noise.made it to a gas station and checked oil and car had no oil, no warning lights ever came on car had recently gotten an oil change and no where close to 3,000 miles for another oil change yet and display check said I had 58% life of oil. As a result engine blew and was junk, car only had 128,000 miles and did oil changes faithfully. Car sat in driveway for almost a year as I had just paid it off month before this happening. I struggled to save money for new engine and have been waiting for one since March this year. The manufacturer knew of oil consumption burning at high rates and owners getting no warning and new engines would blow and be junk.they did extend some warranty,but only till a certain mileage, which I believe is wrong and should have been offered to everyone regardless of this. I only found out after this happened to me and was to late, how would I know this to happen…… please help me get engine covered as I’m disabled and need car…