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: power train
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Aug 28, 2025
Its iz using 2 or 3 courts of oil every 200 miles
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?
Engine, Power train, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her husband discovered that the timing chain had failed. In addition, there was an excessive consumption of oil causing the contact to add engine oil frequently. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced but no further diagnosis was available for the other failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 9, 2024
Chevy sold the Equinox knowing full well that it had engine problems. The oil system fails, using oil at an excessive rate and oil dumping from engine. They were aware that around 80,000 miles the car would need over $4000 in repairs. They also knew the timing chain gets off timing causing over $2000 in repairs. Both of which happened to my vehicle within 6 months. The Engine ceased up and was undrivable. It sat in our driveway for over 18 months while we paid off the loan.
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.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, May 19, 2023, crash
My 2012 chevy equinox lt had had nothing but issues with the timing chain the oil consumption where it hardly wants to start I have only had this used vehicle for 6 months or less I shouldn’t be having all these problems with it! The tailpipe isn’t smoking out white clouds but when you put your hand over it it leaves black oil gas smelling grunge on your hand! This is the second equinox I have owed in less than 1 year and it should not be costing me a fortune in repairs within a year even though it’s used makes no sense to me why chevy allows this to happen!!!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 16, 2023
I bought my 2012 chevy equinox Lt 2.4L because I owed one just like it but a deer totaled it at only 10 mph! It been nothing but issues since I purchased it drove it off the lot the check engine light comes on and then I go to get it checked and it states that I have a permanent catylic converter code that no one can fix except gmc! When I idle at a stop for longer than 1 min it starts stuttering and jerking like it’s gonna die! So I clean my throttle body like the mechanic said I should do and I found this dark brown whitish sludge in my pvc tube that runs up into the air box which now my air box is full of this gunk! I have to put oil into this vehicle every 3 days cause it will be full then three days later it’s just a smidge above out on the dipstick! I am poor I can not afford huge repairs or replacement of yet another vehicle ! GMC needs held accountable since they seem to know about this and it’s not recalled they need to do better in taking care of us poor customers who just want a reliable vehicle!! So VERY upset yet again!!!
Power train, Nov 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the front-end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the front axle bracket had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Aug 18, 2022
the camshaft actuators continue creating difficultdriving conditions. The POO11 and POO13 Codes continually show Faulty even after replacement. the Vehicle {2012 Chevrolet Equinox} Lurches and Bucks,creating difficulty for the safe operations of this vehicle. This creates Adverse reactions from other motorists by just acting up ,even after repairs. This is my 3rd time replacing these components to no avail. The OBD does kick out the engine light, but its Definately Manufacturer POOR DESIGNing. This problem while driving in traffic is Concerning. Is there any remedy? parrybruce57@gmail.com August 18,2022 Thank You B A Parry
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.
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.
Power train, Engine, Apr 18, 2021
THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER SENSOR CAME ON AND SHUT DOWN. IT WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE DUE TO LACK OF OIL DUE TO BENT PISTON RINGS AND THE OIL ESCAPING. ALL OF THAT WAS REPAIRED AND MAYBE 6 MONTHS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS BACK ON. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE SHOP AND IT WAS DECIDED THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE DONE TO THE ENGINE BASED ON THE PREVIOUS OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. THE ENGINE WAS THEN REPLACED AS WELL AS THE ECM BOARD DUE TO OIL BEING ALL OVER IT COMPLETELY RUINING THE SENSORS. WE ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE EVAP SYSTEM DUE LACK OF OXYGEN AND THE CAR CONSTANTLY CHOCKING OUT WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE IDELING. WE FILED OUR CLAIM WHEN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT CAME OUT AND OF COURSE WE'RE DENIED, JUST LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE DUE TO THERE BEING 'LACK OF PROOF' THAT IT WAS DUE TO LACK OF OIL. I WAS CONSTANTLY CHECKING MY OIL, GETTING IT CHANGED, ADDING THE RIGHT OIL WHEN IT WAS LOW AND BECAUSE I DID NOT DO THE OIL CONSUMPTION TEST THROUGH GM WE ARE OUT ALMOST 10 THOUSAND DOLLARS ON A CAR THAT STILL HAD ISSUES DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL. THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE DOWN I HAD A POWER TRAIN WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE AND THEY DID AN INVESTIGATION TO MAKE SURE IT WAS DUE TO A LACK OF OIL CHANGES AND BUILD UP OF DIRTY OIL, IT WAS PROVED THAT THE OIL ESCAPED THROUGH THE BENT PISTON RINGS AND BURNT OFF INSTEAD OF GOING BACK INTO THE ENGINE. THEY DID COVER THE TIMING CHAIN BUT ONCE THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WE NO LONGER HAD THE WARRANTY. I'M NOT SURE WHY THAT INVESTIGATION WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE SETTLEMENT TO GO THROUGH BUT REGARDLESS THESE VEHICLES ARE SO UNSAFE AND MONEY PITS AND ARE STILL BEING SOLD TO INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE GETTING THEMSELVES INTO. A RECALL ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE MADE.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 30, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY RURAL ROUTE WHEN I CAME TO A STOP , WENT TO TAKE OFF THE CAR HAD NO POWER. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE 1 MONTH, AND THE CODE SAYS IT IT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE . LUCKILY WE WERE NOT HIT AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS IT KICKS IN AND HAS POWER , NOT VERY SAFE AT ALL .
Power train, Engine, Mar 26, 2021
I BOUGHT A NEW 2012 EQUINOX IN 2012 ([XXX]) LAST WEEK THE ENGINE FAILED. LOW OIL WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON! DO I HAVE ANY OPTIONS? DO DON'T SEE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS? I BOUGHT A NEW 2012 EQUINOX IN 2012 ([XXX]) LAST WEEK THE ENGINE FAILED. LOW OIL WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON! DO I HAVE ANY OPTIONS ? DO DON'T SEE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS? [XXX] [XXX] I BOUGHT A NEW 2012 EQUINOX IN 2012 ([XXX]) LAST WEEK THE ENGINE FAILED. LOW OIL WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON! DO I HAVE ANY OPTIONS ? DO DON'T SEE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 1, 2021
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION EVERY SINCE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. THE FIRST SIGNS OF TROUBLE STARTED WHEN THE CAR WOULD CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IN BUSY TRAFFIC. SUPPOSEDLY THE DEALER FIXED THE ISSUE, NOT SURE IF THAT WAS TRUE BECAUSE IT CONTINUED AS TIME WENT ON. SECONDLY I HAVE HAD SO MANY OIL CHANGES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE AND THERE IS RECORD OF IT: 3/2019,05/2019,07/2019,(JOHNNY LONDOFF CHEVROLET UP UNTIL 05/2020),05/2020,10/2020,11/2020,02/2021... AND COUNTING. THE VEHICLE HAS A VERY HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION AND IS BRINGING ABOUT MORE ISSUES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. LASTLY BUT NOT LEAST THE SENSORS AND OTHER THINGS ARE BEING DAMAGED IN THE PROCESS. AT THIS CURRENT TIME I AM HAVING "REDUCED ENERGY" ISSUES AND I JUST RECEIVED OIL CHANGE AND I'M BEING TOLD I NEEDED TO ADD OIL, BUT HOW WHEN I JUST GOT A OIL CHANGE. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER WHOM SOLD ME THE VEHICLE, RECALLS DEPT, ETC AND I'M NOT BEING PROVIDED WITH ASSISTANCE. PLEASE ASSIST WITH THIS ONGOING MATTER. I HAVE RECORDS.
Power train, Dec 17, 2020
2012 EQUINOX HAS BEEN USING MORE OIL THAN IT SHOULD. TOOK IT IN FOR A RECALL THIS WEEK, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, REPLACED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. ENGINE WOULD LOSE POWER WHEN I SLOWED DOWN OR TRIED TO ACCELERATE. TOOK IT BACK IN, SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID I MY TIMING CHAINS ARE STRETCHED, THE CHAINS, GUIDES AND ACTUATORS NEED TO BE REPLACED ASAP BEFORE MY ENGINE STOPS FOR GOOD. SERVICE PERSON STATED THEY CONTACTED GM AND THEY WILL NOT HELP WITH THE COST TO FIX IT. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN APRIL 2019, IT HAS 89,441 MILES ON IT.
Power train, Engine, Sep 20, 2020
ENGINE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. PER MECHANIC THIS HAS AFFECTED TIMING CHAIN, VALVES, PISTONS FOR WHICH THERE WAS A RECALL. I DO NOT RECALL RECEIVING A NOTICE OF THIS RECALL. MECHANIC SAID THERE WAS NO/VERY LITTLE OIL WHEN I TOOK TO HIM TO CHECK WHAT WAS CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN RUFF AND SOUND RUFF. HE SAID PARTS WERE CAKED WITH OIL. MECHANIC SUGGESTED TO TAKE TO DEALER FOR RECALL KIT REPAIR.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 17, 2020
THE TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED WITHOUT ANY KIND OF WARNING CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, I SEE RECALLS FOR THIS DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO CHEVROLET AND EXPECTED SOME TYPE OF ASSISTANCE AS THERE IS ONLY 68,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT THE RON WESTPHAL CHEVROLET A SALESMAN NAMED ROBERT ITHIER HAD SOLD US THE VEHICLE INTRODUCING US TO THE FORMER OWNER, WE LOOKED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD ONE OF OUR MECHANICS CHECK THE VEHICLE AND IT SEEMED FINE. NOW THAT CHEVROLET IS NOT HELPING FIX THIS PROBLEM WE FOUND OUT BEFORE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE CODES WERE CLEARED AND AN ENGINE LIGHT WAS RESET JUST BEFORE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I FEEL CHEATED, ROBBED AND CONNED FROM THIS DEALERSHIP, I AM STILL WAITING FOR REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED
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.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 13, 2020
I OWN A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX (PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2011) THAT HAD BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A CERTIFIED GMC DEALERSHIP (CARL BLACK GMC ROSWELL, GA) WITH THE EXACT SAME CONDITIONS AS GMC SERVICE BULLETIN NO.: 12313D ' SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT ' ENGINE BALANCE CHAIN AND FUEL PUMP. WHILE MY 2012 MODEL IS NOT LISTED AS COVERED, I AM REQUESTING SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MY VEHICLE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS SCA GIVEN THE EXACT MATCH IN VEHICLE SYMPTOMS AND VERY CLOSE CHRONOLOGICAL PROXIMITY TO THE COVERED VEHICLES. I HAVE ATTACHED TWO COPIES OF THE BULLETINS, 1 FROM YOUR WEBSITE AND 1 FROM GM. THANK YOU *TR
Power train, Jun 9, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE JERKED WITH AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 20, 2020
DRIVING AND LOST ALL THE OIL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. HAS A RECALL THAT DOESNT INCLUDE MY VIN. THIS IS AN ISSUE AS THERE ARE THOUSANDS THIS IS HAPPENING TOO. GM REFUSES TO FIX IT. THEY ARE SAYING THAT THE ONLY REASON IT ISNT COVERED IS BECAUSE IT DIDNT COME FROM THE RIGHT PLANT.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 17, 2020
MY VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE STABILITY LIGHT CAME ON THE VEHICLE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS CHOKING. WHEN WE GOT IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP IT STALLED OUT AND WHEN THE SHOP DID SHOVE INVESTIGATION THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO WARNING ABOUT OIL BEING LOW OR LIGHTS ON. AS WE WERE BRINGING VEHICLE TO SHOP IT SMELLED OF BURNING. VEHICLE STARTED MALFUNCTIONING WHEN STATIONARY AND BECAME WORSE WHEN IN MOTION.
Power train, Visibility/wiper, Feb 11, 2020
FRONT TRANSMISSION ALL WHEEL DRIVE HAS NOISE SIMILAR TO BAD BEARING. AT AROUND 40 TO SIXTY MPH THE TRANSMISSION JERKS . HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. 2 YEARS AGO
Power train, Engine, Jan 17, 2020
DONE A OIL CHANGE AND ABOUT 3 WEEKS LATER NO OIL. HAD TO CHANGE THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR AND NOW THROWING THE CODE 420. RUNS SLUGGISH AND EXHAUST IS NOW BLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS.