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: engine
361 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Feb 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign and depressing on the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle but heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle then stalled while parking at a nearby parking lot. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with Manufacturer Communications number 17329; however, the vehicle was not included. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure and was informed that the VIN was associated with the Manufacturer's recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,094. The VIN was invalid.
Engine, Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the rear main seal to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Engine, Jan 18, 2022
Excessive oil consumption, recall notice received 3/2021. I had been dealing with excessive oil consumption for years and received recall notice from GM about that exact issue in March 2021. Starting 4/26/2021, I have met the excessive oil consumption requirement three times through Bergstrom Chevy in Middleton, WI. The dealership keeps saying I need to demonstrate further excessive oil consumption. Today I called GM and their representative said I needed to submit a claim in order to qualify for the recall. The dealership was given the recall paperwork in April 2021 and did not submit this claim. I am unsure why the recall is not being honored.
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?
Engine, Dec 4, 2021
2012 Equinox has oil consumption problem and the special warranty GM issued ends in 7.5 months or 120,000 miles however not all cars will experience this issue in that time frame but GM will not repair the cars unless they do. However they also note on their special warranty that this goes into effect after power train warranty ends but still will not repair car. My car needs new motor due to this issue but because it was after 7.5 years I must pay for motor. GM has had over 1,800 complaints and was sued and lost 3 lawsuits over this matter. How does someone who has a Equinox that’s part of this special warranty get their car fixed if it’s past the time frame?
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.
Engine, Nov 18, 2021
Car stalled on highway after picking up my children from school. Purchased this car in March 2021 from a used dealership. After the stalling incident, the car started back up. Since that incident the car has been having a rough Idle and stalls when parked, stopped at a light, stopped at a stop sign and also stalls while letting pedestrians cross the street. I have also been having trouble with oil consumption. I have receipts, and I am getting oil changes every 2-3 months with synthetic oil. Oil needs to be changed way before mileage and also before date due for a change. Synthetic oil is supposed to last up to 6,000 miles or every 6 months. I only use my car for travels to work, bringing children to and from school, and travels for necessity purposes only. All my travels are within 5 miles of my home. The car seems to be burning oil very quickly. I have also noticed that the car gets worse while idling every time I need an oil change. It will run fine for a short while then the rough idle starts up again. I have read many complaints in regards to the same vehicle with the same issues. I have spoken with local mechanics and auto shops and have also heard many people having the same troubles with the same vehicle. I am a single parent of 3 children and I feel very unsafe driving my vehicle. My children do need to get to school and I do need to get to work. I feel that this should be considered as a recall on this vehicle. There are hundreds of reviews and comments of other people with the same issues I am having. This is very unsafe especially to stall out anywhere. Best regards -Natasha
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 11, 2021
The oil consumption in the engine for general use is by far way more than average,you don't even get to the" time to change your oil" notice from the vehicle before most of your oil is gone from your motor.The oil light never comes on to inform you of the low oil in the motor but with the low oil engine sensors for cam position light the check engine light and after awhile the vehicle goes into what I would call limp mode with acceleration decreased which would be dangerous at highway speeds if it happened then
Engine, Nov 8, 2021
My engine constantly overheats and burns through engine oil at an extremely high rate. This issue has caused my timing chain/belt to fail and render the car useless without replacing the entire engine. The constant overheating added undue stress to my timing belt/chain leading to its failure, and now me without a car. The overheating had been an ongoing issue.
Engine, Nov 5, 2021
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSTITUENT WRITES REGARDING ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, THE CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE OF A RECALL DUE TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED. THE REPAIRS ESTIMATED TO BE NEARLY $8000.00 WHICH IS THE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE'S WORTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONATACTED, BUT DENIED RESPONSIBILITY DUE TO THE CLASS ACTION SUIT BEING EXPIRED. HOWEVER, THEY DID OFFER TO PAY 1/3 OF THE COST, WHICH LEFT THE CONSUMER WITH THE $8000.00 REMAINING BALANCE.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 12, 2021
Purchased a 2012 Chevrlet Equinox and a couple of months later had to start monitoring for oil comsumption.
Engine, Sep 10, 2021
Engine makes rough idle noise when stopped or going slow. Took in for an oil change(I assumed it was way over due) I was then told, I still had over 3k miles to go. When they checked my fluid they found it was 3.5 liters short. It’s consuming too much oil in a short amount of time.
Engine, Sep 7, 2021
While trying to back up my engine stalls, engine stalls switching into drive and engine stalls while stopped at stop lights or stop signs. Was almost in several accidents today due to engine constantlystalling out. Check engine light came on reading code : P0010-00
Engine, Aug 28, 2021
Engine light went on in March 2019. I took it to dealer 4.5 quarts low on oil. Oil light never went on. OnStar report said no issues with car. Only 4000 miles since last oil change. Repairs cost me almost $1800. I was told to bring car back after 1000 miles and they’d check it again to see if car was still over consuming oil. 1000 miles later it was still over consuming oil. They repaired it this time at no cost to me. Then in April 2021 my car started making a noise and I took it to the dealer. They said I needed a new engine because my car was still over consuming oil. That cost me $4300. GM picked up an additional $3700. This was a known issue and GM did nothing.
Engine, Aug 19, 2021
Vehicle idles rough (low) when at stop lights and stalls out. I just bought it a month ago.
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.
Engine, Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the spark plugs, timing belt, and some other unknown engine-related parts were replaced however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle was slow to respond. The check engine warning indicator light was illuminated. The engine reduced power message was displayed. The vehicle was taken twice to the local dealer within two years who diagnosed the accelerator pedal sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Engine, Jun 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her engine would burn excessive oil without warning while driving at various speeds. The contact called her dealer and was informed that her vehicle was out of warranty. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown rate of speed, the vehicle shut off. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
The vehicle began to consume oil at an alarming rate (at least a quart per week). When driving on the highway with two toddler children In the backseat of my car, the vehicle began to shake and I lost the ability to accelerate. The engine completely malfunctioned (blew) and the car became inoperable at that point. I had to cross three lanes of highway traffic to get to the side of the road and was doing so at 15 mph when the engine blew. It appears that this is a known issue with GM and there’s contradicting information about legal settlements. My vehicle also shows 0 recalls, which is also confusing because I have the understanding that GM was court ordered to recall affected vehicles. I’m unclear why my vehicle is not part of this recall. In the meantime, my vehicle sits on the side of the highway.
Engine, Jun 2, 2021
Excessive oil consumption. Constantly have to add approx 4qts of oil weekly on top of regular oil change. Mechanic stated GM recognized the issue but will not do anything to correct.
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the pistons and the rings needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,900.
Engine, May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine. Additional oil was added weekly. The contact noticed that there was oil leaking on the ground. The dealer was made aware of the failure and performed an oil consumption test however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was over the warranty coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to another dealer but offered no further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Engine, May 20, 2021
I purchased a 2012 Chevy Equinox in May of 2020, within eight months the water pump went out, after having three sensors within engine failed causing the stabilitrak indicator light started flashing, causing the engine to power down and not allow the vehicle to go over 35mph. Once I was able to take the vehicle to the dealership, I was told that three sensors within the engine went bad. This repair cost $2100 and now the vehicle is excessive having oil consumption issues, oil level indictor warning light is not working, I am constantly placing about 4 QT of oil within my vehicle every other fill up. Prior to having the oil changed within the time frame that is stated I need too.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 17, 2021
Car kept stalling when slowing down on the highway in traffic on beltway from Maryland to home in Virginia. Very dangerous situation. Car was also sluggish when accelerating. Had to drive with two feet one on brake and gas pedal when slowing down to avoid car shutting off completely on the road. Dropped car off at dealer this evening. I checked and did not see any recalls. Can’t locate safety bulletins from Chevy as they are not published. Dealer said would look for any bulletins. Engine light is on. I read others with models from 2011 to 2015 having same issues for Chevy equinox.