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
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2017
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO. IT HAS UNDER 50K MILES AND SEEMED TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. CURRENTLY IT IS AT 65K MILES AND HAS EXPERIENCED THESE ISSUES: -STALLING AT INTERSECTIONS OR STOP SIGNS A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES. TAKEN IN MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE. - WHEEL GRINDING AND BUCKING WHEN STOPING OF TURNING RIGHT. ALSO TAKEN IN MULTIPLE TIMES TO DEALER - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE IDENTICAL TO THE PRIOR YEAR MODEL RECALL. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT HOUSES THE HEATING SYSTEM AND THE RADIO HAS STOPPED WORKING. NONE OF THE BUTTONS ARE LIGHTING UP AT ALL. YOU CAN NOT TURN ON THE HEAT OR DEFROST CAUSING S VISIBILITY HAZARD. THE RADIO IT'S SELF DOES WORK BUT YOU HAVE TO OPERATE IT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE 2011 MODELS HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AND WERE RECALLED. I FEEL THIS MODEL SHOULD BE INCLUDED SINCE THE ISSUE IS THE SAME. NO ALTERATIONS OR HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE CONSOLE. EVERYTHING IS STILL AS IT WAS WHEN PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2016
THE MY LINK RADIO GOES OUT AT AROUND 40,000 TO 50,000 MILES. WITH THE LOSS OF THE RADIO YOU LOSE BACKUP CAMERA AND ALL THE INFO ON THE VEHICLE INCLUDING WARNINGS SUCH AS TURN INDICATOR NOISES, HAZARD NOISES, AND ALL THE OTHER SMART FEATURES OF THE VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 4, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE REVERSING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Aug 2, 2016
THIS MAY BE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 16V502000. ON JULY 11, 2016, I WAS IN MY SON'S DRIVEWAY, PLACED MY CAR IN PARK, AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND I GOT OUT OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS STILL, AND MY KEYS WERE STILL IN THE IGNITION. WHILE I WAS BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE CAR, THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS, WHICH KNOCKED ME TO MY FEET AND UNDER THE CAR. THE CAR ROLLED UP ONTO MY RIBCAGE AND MY VISION STARTED TO GO DARK. A NEARBY PERSON MANAGED TO ROLL THE CAR OFF OF ME. I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE I LEARNED I HAD FIVE BROKEN RIBS AND A SMALL PUNCTURE IN MY LUNG. MY LEG IS BRUISED FROM MY THIGH TO MY TOES. ABOUT A WEEK LATER, I DEVELOPED AN INFECTION IN A WOUND ON MY ANKLE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL FOLLOW UP VISITS TO DOCTOR TO CHECK FOR PNEUMONIA AND BLOOD CLOTS. A VISITING NURSE COMES TO MY HOUSE TWICE PER WEEK. I CANNOT DRIVE AND HAVE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. I HAVE MAILED A LETTER TO THE CEO AND GENERAL COUNSEL OF GM, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE.
Electrical system, Oct 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FRACTURED INSIDE THE IGNITION WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE KEY WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE KEY WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO FUNCTION AND THE CENTER CONSOLE BECAME INOPERABLE. ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,968.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 9, 2015
VEHICLE LIGHTS FOR SERVICE STABILITRAC, ENGINE AND ALTERNATOR WILL BE LIT ON DASH. CAR HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION. CAR WAS CHECKED BY DEALER BUT THEY UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2015
VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY OR SPUTTER OR PAUSE BEFORE ACCELERATING. VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT SEVERAL TIMES. RADIO PRESET STATION ZEROS OUT OR RADIO STATION RANDOMLY CHANGES. CLOCK DOES NOT WORK ON A REGULAR BASIS. KEY FOB LOCKS AND DOOR OPENER RANDOMLY STOPS WORKING UNTIL KEY FOB IS PUT INTO THE IGNITION. WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH COME ON RANDOMLY, MOSTLY ON WASHER FLUID AND TIRE PRESSURE. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Nov 18, 2014
IN JULY OF THIS YEAR, IT WAS A 100 DEGREE DAY IN CHARLESTON, AND MY WIFE HAD OUR 2 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER IN HER CAR SEAT. MY WIFE HAD THE AIRCONDITIONING ON, AND THE CAR RUNNING, AND SHE CHECKED THE MAIL, FOR SOME REASON, THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS ENGAGED, AND MY DAUGHTER WAS LOCKED IN THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER, AND I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. THEY HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK. THEY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD REDONE ALL THE WIRING AND THAT IT SHOULD ALL BE FIXED, AND IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, OUR REAR VIEW CAMERA STARTED GOING IN AND OUT RANDOMLY, BUT WE DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT, THEN SURE ENOUGH, ONCE AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER, I HAD MY DAUGHTER OUT TO LUNCH, I PLACED HER IN HER SEAT, STRAPPED HER IN, AND LAID THE KEYS DOWN NEXT TO HER, THE DOORS WERE ALL UNLOCKED, I CLOSED THE BACK DOOR, WENT TO OPEN THE FRONT DOOR, AND THE LOCKS ENGAGED ONCE AGAIN. THIS TIME THE AC WAS NOT RUNNING. MY WIFE HAD A KEY BUT WAS ABOUT 45 MIN AWAY. THIS TIME, THE BABY WAS IN THERE FOR OVER HALF AN HOUR, AND WAS A HYSTERICAL MESS. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN, OBVIOUSLY MUCH MORE UPSET THIS TIME, AND ASKED THEM TO EXPLAIN WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY HAD NO ANSWER AND ASKED ME TO BRING IT IN AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN, THEY HAD IT FOR OVER 2 WEEKS AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD RESET EVERYTHING TO FACTORY SPECS, AND GIVEN ME 2 NEW KEY FOBS, AS THEY THOUGHT THE FOBS MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE ISSUE. I GOT THE CAR BACK AND WITHIN AN HOUR, OF GETTING THE CAR BACK, THE CAMERA WENT OUT ON THE DASHBOARD.I CALLED THE SALES MANAGER AGAIN, AND HE CAME AND PICKED THE VEHICLE UP. THE ONLY THING WE HAVE BEEN TOLD AND I QUOTE IS "WE ARE CHASING A GREMLIN IN THE WIRING SYSTEM", THEY CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS, THEY WANT TO PUT ME IN A NEW 2015. GM CORPORATE CANNOT OFFER ANY RESOLUTION OUTSIDE OF A NEW KEY FOB. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000..UPDATED 09/ 30/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED TO BREAK FREE AND CONTINUED MOVING ABOUT TWO INCHES. AT THE SAME TIME, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN HE FINALLY STOPPED, HE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/08/14
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2014
WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED ON, THE AIRCONDITIONER WAS NOT WORKING AND THE RADIO IS STUCKED. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2014
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WOULD SEEM TO HAVE TO DO WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE RADIO/GPS UNIT. THE SAFETY PORTION INVOLVES THE DASH AND GPS UNIT DARKENING DURING THE DAY WHICH CAUSES THE DRIVER NOT ABLE TO SEE ANY OF THE GAUGES. NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. AT THE SAME TIME ANY USE OF THE GPS IS UNAVAILABLE. HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ENTIRE UNIT AND COMPONENTS WERE REPLACED. NOW I HAVE MY DOUBTS. THE DEALER AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS DUBLIN CHEVROLET IN DUBLIN, CA. *TR
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jun 8, 2014
DRIVING SLOWLY THE ENGINE AND ENTIRE ELECTRIC SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AND THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THEN YOU HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND START THE CAR BACK UP AND THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Engine, May 9, 2014
I FILED A DIFFERENT REPORT EARLIER FOR THE SAME VEHICLE. NOW THE VEHICLE IS STARTING ON ITS OWN, IF THE KEY IS LEFT IN THE IGNITION WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF, ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO 1 MINUTE LATER THE CAR WILL START WITH NO ONE BEHIND THE WHEEL. IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO START UNTIL YOU PULL THE KEY OUT. IT IS JUST THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, NO KEY CHAIN HANGING FROM IT. LAST WEEK APR 29,2014 THE CAR STARTED AND RAN FOR 10 SECOND WITH THE IGNITION OFF. HOW LONG BEFORE THE VEHICLE JUMPS INTO GEAR AND RUNS SOMEONE OVER WITH NO ONE BEHIND THE WHEEL? I FOUND OUT THAT THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT INVESTIGATE ANY REPORT UNLESS YOU PAY $50.00 PLUS, WHATEVER ELSE THEY WANT FOR IT. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 10, 2014
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE ALL WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ONSTAR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF HIS VEHICLE AND TURN IT BACK ON, FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESET THE COMPUTER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD NOT RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OF REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.LJ
Electrical system, Nov 25, 2013
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX - 43,600 MILES. DRIVING NORMALLY ALONG A RESIDENTIAL ROAD AND ALL INSIDE ELECTRICAL BEGIN FLASHING LIKE A STROBELIGHT. VEHICLE DIES SOON AFTER. TAKEN TO MECHANIC, ANALYSIS DONE AND FAULTY ALTERNATOR IS THE CULPRIT. GM CLAIMS VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. AFTER LESS THAN 1.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP (AND BUYING BRAND NEW), ALREADY HAVE TO REPLACE A MAJOR ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 30, 2012, fire
THE NIGHT SANDY HIT ON THE EAST COAST, IT WAS WINDY IN MICHIGAN. OUR CITY WAS DOING LEAF PICKUP AROUND THAT TIME SO LEAVES WERE ACCUMULATED AT THE EDGES OF THE ROADS. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN THROUGH A SUBDIVISION ON A PAVED ROAD AND IT JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE. GM WILL TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE. THEY SAY LEAVES BLEW UP UNDER THE CAR AND THEY ARE WHAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. HOW CAN VULNERABLE AREAS NOT BE SHIELDED FROM THIS? THE CAR WAS ABOUT A MONTH OLD!!! THE FIRE BURNT FOR ABOUT 7 MINUTES. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. A TEAM FROM GM INSPECTED THE CAR AND THEY WILL NOT EVEN LET US SEE THEIR REPORT. WE HAVEN'T HAD A CAR FOR OVER A MONTH AND I FOR ONE AM FURIOUS! THEY TELL US IF WE HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED WE LOSE ANY RIGHT TO PURSUE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.... WE HAVE TO PAY $500 (OUR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE) TO START REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THEY WONT TELL US WHAT IS DAMAGED EVEN THOUGH WE PURCHASED ADDITIONAL INSURANCE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THROUGH THE DEALER TO COVER OUR DEDUCTIBLE IN THE EVENT OF DAMAGE... ALL THEY SAY IS THAT IT WAS OUR FAULT FOR NOT READING THE MANUAL REGARDING DRIVING OR PARKING OVER LEAVES... WE FOUND REFERENCE TO IT IN THE OFF ROAD PORTION OF THE MANUAL. THE CAR HAD NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 9, 2012
WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT SOMETIMES THE ENGINE TRIES TO CUT OUT, AND THE CAR JERKS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO STAY CRANKED. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS A GM TERRAIN AND HERS DOES THE SAME THING. WHEN TURNING THERE IS A KNOCKING IN THE STEERING. THE SPEAKERS HAVE A RATTLING SOUND LIKE THEY ARE BUSTED, BUT IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL OF THE TIME. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER, BUT OF COURSE THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, THE CAR NOW HAS 23,000 AND IT STILL HASN'T BEEN FIXED. (THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2011 WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR). *TR
Electrical system, Aug 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME BLURRY WHEN THE SUN REFLECTED ON IT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THEY DID NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 956. UPDATED 9/10/12 *CN