2013 Chevrolet Equinox: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Engine · MO

We changed the external fuel pump, we changed the oil cap to the vented oil cap, We changed the oil 2x within 2 days, once trying to get it by until we could get the new fuel pump on,and once directly after and still had issues. Losing power and getting stranded while trying to cross a busy highway is terrifying, 100% —it is an extreme, life-threatening safety risk.I returned the vehicle and took a heavy financial loss, The fact that this dangerous car is back with a seller means someone else is going to buy it, This report could prevent a fatal accident. We have seen multiple of these same vehicles all over places like facebook marketplace and on the side of the road. They are dangerous vehicles and I've heard multiple accounts in which even your dealerships dont know how to fix it. I believe you have a responsibility to consumers to pull these cars from use and make it right to all who have not gotten what they paid you for buying this car from you. Thank you for your consideration, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Oct 16, 2025 · Fuel system · KY

It keeps throwing an error and my truck goes into Reduced engine power mode. It happens out of nowhere. One minute it's fine the next my engine starts to reduce power and I can't go faster then 25 mph. We have already replaced the high pressure fuel rail sensor and the fuel pump. It still is having this issue.

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Engine · IA

Have a 2013 Equinox. After driving for 30 minutes the Stabilink light comes on, car car shakes & extreme reduced power. Now my car will not start have been without car. And about to lose my job.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · IN

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

Filed Oct 12, 2023 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · TX

My car is loosing oil, I have to keep putting oil in my car. I think this is affecting the performance of the Cadillac converter that makes the car lose power, make noise and overall make the car not run correctly.

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 Jun 5, 2023 · Engine · 143,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into reduced engine power mode. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the timing chain had caused the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The contact stated the engine went out and she had to take out a loan to repair the engine.

Filed Jan 21, 2022 · Engine · 150,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine reduced power warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed May 20, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

While traveling down one of the main highways outside of Stillwater Ok. While heading into Stillwater our 2013 Equinox lost power and died. We were almost rear ended my a semi. Thank goodness he swerved and we were able to partially be able to coast to the side of the road. As soon as we got to the shoulder and put the car in Park a HUGE puddle of oil gushed out of the car and it had to be towed. The excessive oil consumption that we were not aware of ( and we faithfully had our cars maintained, oil changed, etc) and destroyed the engine of our car. When I first started contacting GM,Chevrolet etc. I was told there was nothing wrong. We put in over $6,000 in our 2013 equinox and would appreciate very much a reimbursement. Thanks- Mp

Filed Mar 5, 2021 · Engine · 83,000 miles · KY

While driving the equinox on a very cold day (9 degrees), I began to lose power as I approached my place of work. Thankfully, my vehicle made it to the small road off of the state route I was traveling, which is 55mph. Upon turning off of the road, my engine completely shut off and I lost all acceleration and power from the engine. I got out of the vehicle to find oil all over the bottom of frame of my vehicle. Upon getting to my office, I looked up what could have caused the issue. Gm has published service bulletin 14882 that claims certain models of vehicles, including the 2013 equinox, can experience a plugged pcv orifice on very cold days, which could result in the blowout of the rear main oil seal of the engine. I had hoped this was not my issue, but it seemed to fit the bill. I had the vehicle towed to a local gm service center and to be diagnosed. The service manager called me two days later to inform me that my rear main oil seal (crankshaft seal) had blown and that I had lost oil while driving. Although the description from the bulletin matched my situation perfectly, gm claimed that my VIN did not line up. As you can understand, this could have been a much more serious situation if it had happened minutes earlier while I was traveling on a 75mph interstate, or if my wife and one year old were in the vehicle. Gm has documented that they know about this issue, but in an effort to reduce their exposure, they are limiting it to a very small number of VIN numbers. Two other customers with the same model car were also at the service center that very day. As a health and safety manager in manufacturing myself, I am surprised that gm has not stepped up and corrected this issue when it is presenting a potential serious hazard to the general public.