Based on the photo and the history of this vehicle model, you are definitely not alone. The damage on your 2013 Equinox LT appears to be a case of delamination that has progressed into surface rust.

What Caused This?

There are two primary factors that typically cause this specific type of failure on GM vehicles from this era:

• UV Degradation (Clear Coat Failure): This is the most common cause. The clear coat—the protective top layer—breaks down from sun exposure. Once the clear coat is gone, the “base” (the red color) is unprotected. It becomes porous, absorbs moisture, and eventually flakes off, leaving the bare steel exposed to the air.
• Adhesion/Primer Issues: Many owners of 2008–2013 Equinoxes have reported that the paint didn’t bond correctly to the primer or the metal at the factory. When the bond fails, the paint can actually peel off in large “sheets” or “flakes,” especially on flat surfaces like the roof where water and sun sit the longest.

Are There Others in the U.S.?

Yes, thousands. While there has never been a formal safety recall for the paint (recalls are usually reserved for safety-critical parts like brakes or airbags), there is a significant history of complaints and legal action:

1. Consumer Complaints: Forums like RepairPal and CarComplaints are filled with reports from 2013 Equinox owners describing “paint jumping off the car.” Many reports specifically mention the roof and the area above the doors.
2. The “White Paint” Issue: While your car is red, GM’s white paint from this era is notorious for peeling. However, the red and black variants have also shown similar “delamination” issues due to the same clear coat bonding problems.
3. Class Action Lawsuits: There have been several class-action lawsuits against General Motors for “defective paint and clear coat.” While many focused on 2015–2020 trucks and SUVs (like the Tahoe and Yukon), the underlying issue of water-based paint not adhering to primer has been a point of contention for GM vehicles dating back to the late 2000s.

What You Should Do Now

Because that area has turned orange/brown, it is now active rust.

• Preventing Spread: If left untreated, the rust will eventually eat through the metal, leading to leaks in your cabin.
• DIY Fix: Since the car is a 2013, a professional repaint may cost more than the car’s current value. Many owners use a “rust converter” spray to stop the chemical process, followed by a primer and a color-match “rattle can” (Victory Red is a common GM color) to seal it from the elements.

Since your Equinox is over a decade old, getting a free repair from the manufacturer is difficult, but not impossible. Because this is a known factory defect, there are a few specific places you should direct your complaint to maximize your chances of help or to join a collective effort.

1. General Motors (Chevrolet) Customer Assistance

This is your first stop. Even though the car is out of warranty, GM sometimes offers “goodwill repairs” if you are a loyal customer or if you can prove the paint is failing due to a known manufacturing defect.

• Phone: 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center)
• What to ask for: Tell them you are reporting a “Paint Delamination/Adhesion Failure” on your 2013 Equinox. Ask if there are any “Special Coverage Adjustments” (SCAs) for paint on your VIN.
• Tip: If they say no, ask for a “Case Number” to document that you reported the factory defect.

2. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

While paint is usually considered “cosmetic,” if the peeling is happening on the roof or pillars, it can eventually lead to structural rust or visibility issues. Reporting here adds your car to the federal database that triggers recalls.

• Website: NHTSA.gov/recalls
• Phone: 1-888-327-4236
• Why do this? If enough people report the same issue, the NHTSA can force a manufacturer to issue a recall even years later.

3. Your State’s Attorney General

Many states have consumer protection divisions that track “latent defects” (defects that exist at the factory but don’t show up until later).

• What to do: Go to your state’s Attorney General website and look for the “Consumer Complaint” form. Explain that the paint is failing in a way that suggests a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear.

4. Join an Existing Class Action Research

There have been several lawsuits regarding GM paint peeling (notably Lyman v. General Motors).

• Action: Search for “GM Peeling Paint Class Action Lawsuit 2026” to see if any current settlements apply to the 2013 Equinox. If a firm is currently collecting “Class Members,” you can submit your photo and VIN to be included in potential future payouts.

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What to Have Ready Before You Call:

• Your VIN: Found on the driver’s side dashboard (viewable through the windshield).
• Current Mileage: They will ask for this immediately.
• Repair Estimates: If you’ve already been told by a body shop that it’s a “factory bond failure,” mention that.