2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 685 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 16 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, power adjustJul 23, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Campaign 14V447000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsOct 19, 2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.
GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Campaign 11V511000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
70 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Sep 1, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2025
Rear tailgate. Borrowed vehicle from a friend for a trip. When opening the tailgate with the external switch it opens all the way and immediately comes back down about 12 inches or so then it immediately goes back up and immediately comes all the way down. My wife was almost trapped between the bottom of the tailgate and the floor of the storage compartment. When I tried it, I tried to hold it up when it started down for the second time and it was impossible for me to stop the tailgate from closing. It substantially overpowered me. There is a PROBABILITY that it could have broken her back or strangled her. Even more so if she was packing the car by herself. I exerted all my strength trying to stop the tailgate as I indicated before. I have not contacted anyone about this situation. The vehicle has a little over 84K miles and is in excellent condition. When I called my friend about the problem she said she was aware of it and is living with it because it would cost over $1,000.00 to fix it. I know she bought it used from Ferman Chevrolet in Tampa a few years ago. I was hoping to get it fixed for her before returning the car to her.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2024
2012 Chevrolet equinox burns/leaks oil which cause the serpentine belt to pop off & I had to replace it. Having problems with the MAT & IAT codes, just replaced the fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, & spark plugs... Car still will not crank. They're saying there's no recall but why are all the Chevrolet equinox malfunctioning with the same problems with no help from the manufacturer?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2024
I have owned this car for over 3 years. I have ALWAYS started the car, closed the doors, gotten the kids in the car, and then got in the car myself and went on with my day. On [XXX], I put my 6 month old baby in the car, closed the door, and when I tried to get into the car, all the doors were locked. NEVER in my time of owning this car have the locks EVER locked itself after just starting it and letting it "warm up". Needless to say, thank God my air was already on so my baby was at least "safe" until the police could arrive and get the car opened. But they unfortunately broke my driver side window trying to get in, and so this safety malfunction could have literally killed my child, but it also did cause me damages that I have to get repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while performing a daily oil check, the contact became aware that the oil level was low while checking the dipstick. The contact added oil and contacted the dealer and was advised that oil should be added. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 24,500.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 11, 2023
The contact’s friend owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact who is an independent mechanic stated that his friend had taken the vehicle to be repaired after the key became stuck in the ignition. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the key cylinder lock housing had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, an undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2023
This has already been recalled on some 2012 Chevy equinox but apparently not mine. The key gets stuck in the ignition when I try turning it off. So I have to turn on my on, put it in reverses and then turn my car off and take my keys out and then put my car back in park so I can get out of my car. This has been recalled in my type of car. The recall number is 16V502000 the recall date is 2016-07-05….. I’ve called the local Chevy dealer ship and they said that my Specific car is not covered under this recall even though it 100% has the problem and should be 100% covered. It’s wiper blades also have just gone out and that they are fixing under the recall and I also have the tire pressure sensor that’s messing up as well. All 3 things are recalled on Chevy equinox and it should be covered on mine as well.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 28, 2022
I was driving my equinox coming up on a red traffic light. Upon pushing down on the brake pedal the radio shut off and the dash started flashing all of the lights very rapidly. The light turned green and i pushed on the accelerator, and there was little or no power and the car killed. I was in the intersection so I quickly put it in park and the car restarted, but had very little power. I was now on a slight incline so I barely made it into gas station and before I could park the car stalled again. Now the doors were locked and I could not unlock them. Did I mention I live in MN and the temp was -9 (31 below windchill) and I was stuck in my car. Horn, doors and windows would not work. It got very cold very quick! After trying and trying 15 min later the doors unlocked. I am 64 and disabled. A man gave me a jump and the car ran roughly without power for about 2 min. and died again. I called a friend who came and jumped the car. He left the cables on for 10 min. or so and had me try it. I was about 3/4 mile from home and he unhooked the cables and said "Go! Go!" so I raced toward home. He followed and a block before home the car killed again! He jumped it again and I got it home. The "service stabilitrack, front camera and all wheel drive" warning lights were all flashing in sequence as was the battery light on the dash and the "charging system" warning. I had the alternator and battery replaced, all fuses and connections checked, and all cables and terminals checked. It still will not hold a charge, and it is my only means of transportation. It is a VERY large paperweight! I see pages of complaints, yet there is no recall. If I was in a more secluded area I could have froze to death! Is that what it will take? Loss of life? Let me state that before this happened there was NO WARNING! No lights came up that there was a problem. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!!
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil with the check engine warning light illuminated. The engine oil was topped off every month by the dealer. The contact was informed that the defect was related to the catalytic converter. The contact also stated that the power door locks and windows failed to operate as needed, causing the contact to be locked inside and outside of the vehicle at various times. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2022
Having problems with the power locks not working, can't lock from the inside driver's door. Door chime goes off with keys out of ignition. Says theft is detected and now the car tries starting on its own without the keys in the ignition. The car has also been in park, the car made a loud noise and started rolling. Safety issue seems to be in the wiring. Who knows what this will effect next.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 7, 2022
On dec. 29,2021 I started my car and while I was warming the engine(idle) the following lights came on: Engine,Break, ABS, TCS/StabiliTrak, Service All Wheel Drive, Service StabliTrak & all the gauges except the fuel were moving up & down. Also on the shifter the P was blinking. I turned the car off then sack on after a few seconds & it came on like normal I drove a few blocks made a stop in the corner store for a btl of water & when I got back into the car it wouldn’t start. When I turned the key to start it the dash would go completely dark when I’d let the key go the dash would come back on. Everything time I tried to start the car the dash would go out completely. I got the car towed to a repair shop but they were closed. When I went to the shop that morning I saw that they were closed Jan 1st. So I sat in the car & something said “try it” & the car started like nothing was wrong. I get 3 blocks and the same lights turn on again. I drive for 6 blocks to my parking space in my complex and park. I ended up having to move to let my wife out of the spot but the car wouldn’t start & the dash was doing the same thing from the night before so I put it in neutral and pushed it. Monday I walk to my parking spot & it starts up like nothing happened but the engine light was on so I drove to the mechanic. No lights came on just the engine light and the car has been with my mechanic since 1/1/22. After a few hours googling I found that this car fits the oil consumption issue. How do I go about getting this handled?
Electrical system, Engine, Back over prevention, Nov 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while she was at the stop light, the vehicle temporarily stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact also stated that the ignition switch of the vehicle would not turn all the way to the locking position and would fail to release the key after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the rearview camera inadvertently turned black while reversing. The dealer was not notified of the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and advised the contact that they could not assist with the repair of the vehicle because the VIN was included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2021
When the alternator stopped working everything on the car locked. The doors locked, the steering wheel locked, the key wouldn't come out of the ignition, the windows wouldn't come up or down. I couldn't even physically pull up the door locks. If the driver's door hadn't been slightly open(I was attempting to back out of my driveway on a dirt road where the visibility is poor) I would have been trapped inside with no way to get out without busting the window. I didn't have my phone with me and I was by myself in a very isolated location and no one would have missed me for over 48 hours since my husband works out of state. The temperature here was in excess of 95° even after 4 pm and the vehicle was under no shade. I'm a disabled person also so I truly am scared of the vehicle now. There was no warning about the alternator failing. The car never even showed a warning light. Even after replacing the alternator the battery will not stay charged and now the seatbelt and Airbag warning lights refuse to turn off. The way everything locked up and the fact that I couldn't even physically pull up the lock and the hatchback in the back wouldn't even come open when I pulled the handle is extremely dangerous and concerning
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 12, 2021
Purchased a 2012 Chevrlet Equinox and a couple of months later had to start monitoring for oil comsumption.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 6, 2021
Gauges- oil light does not turn on, when the vehicle is low in motor oil. Which causes internal engine failure, which include, but not limited: timing belts to piston wear. Vehicle was in highway speed and lost vehicle power, which caused safety issues for my vehicle and vehicles behind me. Vehicle also has braking and transmission issues; at full stop on a hill and putting the transmission in "N"eutral the vehicle rolls forward, even when the brakes are fully applied or putting the vehicle back in park.
Electrical system, Dec 7, 2020
REAR CAMERA NOT WORKING. WENT BLACK AND FUSES REPLACED STILL NO CAMERA VIEW. VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND STILL NO CAMERA EVEN WHEN YOU PUT IN REVERSE. CAMERA DOESN'T COME ON..ITS JUST BLACK. I HAVE THE DISPLAY ON FOR CAMERA AS WELL STILL DON'T WORK
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 3, 2020
MULTIPLE TIMES, I WOULD CHECK MY OIL PREPARING FOR LONG DRIVES, AND I WOULD HAVE TO ADD A QUART OR 2 OF OIL BECAUSE THE DIPSTICK WAS DRY. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT IT AT THE DEALERSHIP, FOX MOTOR'S NEGAUNEE, I WAS REPEATEDLY TOLD THEY WERE KNOWN FOR OIL CONSUMPTION. THE LAST TIME WE DROVE IT, WE WERE DRIVING IN MARQUETTE MI, WHEN STARTED TO SOUND AND RUN AS IF IT'S A DIESEL MOTOR AND THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED AND RAN LIKE IT WAS AT HALF POWER. IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY NO HIGHER THAN 35 MPH. WE DROVE IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP; THEY BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE AND DISCOVERED THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ONCE INTO SERVICE THEY DISCOVERED THE RINGS HAD FAILED, IT ONLY HAD JUST OVER 84,000 MILES, WAY TOO SOON TO HAVE A TIMING BELT FAILURE, OR AN ENGINE FAILURE. AT NO TIME DID THE DEALERSHIP MENTION GETTING OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS AT OUR OIL CHANGES, WHEN THE CONSUMPTION WAS BROUGHT UP, NOR WERE WE ADVISED THERE WERE SERVICE BULLETINS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FAILURE. THIS IS NOT A RARE INSTANCE, BUT HAS BECOME A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE FAILURE HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE TO CONSUMERS GETTING THEIR MOTORS REBUILT ONLY TO EXPERIENCE FAILURE ANOTHER TIME.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 2, 2020
I WAS OUT AND ABOUT DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO DESTINATION, TURNED OFF AS I DO BEFORE GOING IN TO ANY PLACE. I CAN OUT AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND MESSING WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER IT STARTED. ACTED AS IF THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. IT STANDED ME FOR ABOUT 45 MINS. NOW THE CAR ACTS AS IF IT DOESN'T WANT TO START AND WHILE DRIVING IF I TURN TO THE RIGHT THE RADIO GOES OUT AND POWER STEERING CUTS OUT THEN ONCE OUT OF THE TURN IT WORKS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHILE TURNING, NOW IN EITHER DIRECTION THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS.
Electrical system, Sep 1, 2020
IN GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY, NOTHING WHEN TURNING IGNITION SWITCH. AFTER WAITING A MINUTE, CAR STARTED. NOTHING ELSE SEEMS TO BE OUT OF ORDER OR NOT IN CORRECT POSITION, SHIFT LEVER, BRAKES OR STEERING WHEEL. I DON'T WANT THIS TO HAPPEN IN TRAFFIC. PURCHASED CAR USED IN DECEMBER 2019. THANKS
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 13, 2020
WHEN I LEAVE MY KEYS IN THE IGNITION WHILE THE IGNITION IS OFF AND IN PARK. MY CAR SOMETIMES MAKES A NOISE LIKE IT IS TRYING TO START THE ENGINE/CAR OR CAR WITH THE CAR BEING OFF AND NO ONE SWITCHING THE KEY OVER. MAKING THE LIGHTS FLICKER ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE MECHANIC SAID IT COULD BE ELECTRICAL FALIURE BUT HE WOULDNT BE SURE WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT...HOWEVER MY REMOTE START DOESNT WORK ANYMORE AND NIETHER DOES MY BLUETOOTH CAPABILITY.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2020
VIN# MISMATCH TECHNICIAN REPORTS ECU/PCM CAN'T BE FLASHED AND IS ACTUALLY MISSING THE VIN NUMBER. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON AND CANNOT BE CLEARED. VEHICLE DRIVES AND OPERATES FINE. I HAVE NO MORE INFORMATION OR PROBABLE CAUSES.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 21, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE THE INTERSECTION I TURNED CAR OFF AND BACK ON. MADE IT HOME AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR MY CAR RATTLES AND MORE SO WHEN IN REVERSE
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Mar 30, 2020
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS GO OFF, THE RADIO GOES OFF AND READS 'LOST COMMUNICATION WITH TELEMATICS CONTROL MODULE'. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR IS STILL RUNNING IN MOTION, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS COME BACK ON, BUT THE GAUGES ARE AT 0. THE RADIO TURNS OFF COMPLETELY, THE HEATING/AIR SHUTS OFF, THE SIGNAL LIGHTS DON'T WORK, AND MY HEADLIGHTS START TO FLICKER GOING ON AND OFF. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. AFTER MINUTES, EVERYTHING COMES BACK ON, BUT LIKELY GOES OUT AGAIN. I'VE STARTED TO EXPERIENCE THIS IN EVERY TRIP TO AND FROM. ALSO, I RECENTLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY CLOG MY MOTOR IF NOT HANDLED PROPERLY, AND FIRST HAVE TO FIND OUT WHAT METAL PIECES ARE RUBBING. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, MY TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM DOES NOT PROPERLY READ THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START.
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2020
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRAILER LIGHTING MALFUNCTION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MODULITE WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED.*JS
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 10, 2020
ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO I WENT TO START MY EQUINOX WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PUT IT IN THE IGNITION MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET. THEN THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER I HAD GONE OVER A LITTLE BUMP AND MY DASH STARTED SHOWING UP WITH WARNING LIGHTS SAYING 'SERVICE STABILIZ' AND 'ALL-WHEEL DRIVE OFF'.