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: other or unspecified
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 26, 2025
In 2023, I purchased my 2012 Chevrolet Equinox from a private seller. It was in excellent condition, inside and out with only 75,000 miles on it. She had purchased it brand new. The vehicle was serviced and maintained regularly. She gave me all the receipts and service records when I signed the title. Everything was fine until it hit 76,000 miles. Without any type of warning, the motor went in limp mode and wouldn't accelerate over 24 mph and the valves were rattling very loudly. I immediately pulled over and called triple A and got towed to an auto repair shop. The triple A dispatcher told me what the problem was as soon as I told him it was a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. There was NO OIL in it. Sure enough, the mechanic added 5 quarts of oil and it thankfully, I had pulled over immediately before it blew the engine. I'm a [XXX] so I really don't know how mechanicals and motors work but the gist of it, as explained to me by Chevrolet dealers and mechanics have, the 2012 Chevrolet equinoxes are notoriously famous for excessive oil consumption due to faulty Pistons. CHEVROLET SHOULD'VE INCLUDED THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL IN THE RECALLS! I will NEVER purchase another Chevy or GMC. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2025
My Vehicle had an open Recall N192268180 TAILPIPE EMISSIONS - OXYGEN SENSOR. I made an appt for the recall for 1/20/2025 at Capital Chevrolet in Wake Forest, NC. The appt was cancelled and rescheduled for 2/10/2025 due to them needing to order parts for the recall. On 2/10/2025 my vehicle was dropped off and i was told it should be finished by end of day 2/10 or early morning 2/11/2025. On 2/11/2025 I called the dealership to see when my vehicle would be ready and was told the recalled part caused damage to my Catalytic Converter and they would need to replace it but this would be covered under the recall. At that time I asked about a Loaner car from the dealership because they were estimating 3 additional days and I do not have another vehicle to use to get to work or transport my children. The dealership reached back out to me on 2/12/2025 to say I did not qualify for a loaner because it is outside my vehicles extended warranty but they would have the part in hopefully that day or the next. I followed up on 2/13/2025 and was told they did not have the part yet. On 2/14/2025 I contacted the dealership to see when they were estimating I would have my vehicle done and was told that I could pickup my vehicle that day even though the repair was not complete because it was drivable and they just were waiting on a harness. i was scheduled to bring my vehicle back the following Monday for the harness to be installed. On Monday, [XXX] when I went to start my vehicle to take it to the dealership it made unusual noises then cut off and will not turn back on. I have left voicemails for the dealership and the manager, and I have contact my insurance to have it towed to the dealership but at this point I have missed a week of work causing me to lose income and do not have the $168 needed to tow the vehicle to the dealership. I have attempted to get assistance from the dealership and the manufacturer with no solution offered other than to pay out of pocket to tow it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Nov 12, 2024
My drivers side wiper blade stopped working while the passenger side is still working. I saw a recall for this linkage on the site but it’s not for my specific VIN. Additionally, my catalytic converter has damage due to excessive oil consumption. Halfway through my regular oil changes the oil is almost completely empty. Again, there’s a recall on this for my specific make, model and year but not for my VIN. I feel these should be covered to be fixed by manufacture due to symptoms equivalent to recall.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2024
In May 2024 there was an open recall regarding o2 sensor which was "fixed" by the dealer in July 2024. On September 22, 2024 the check engine light was triggered and diagnostics revealed o2 sensor failure. It could be a safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2024
Bought in May 2024 and at that time had a open recall post catalytic converter o2 sensor which led to the discovery of a cracked exhaust manifold and according to service advisor would release toxic fumes in the cab of the vehicle.
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)
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 8, 2024
I own a 2012 Chevy equinox 2.4 eco-tech all wheel drive I purchased it three years ago and a little over 90,000 miles on it asked the dealer if it was part of the class action oil consumption lawsuit. They said they knew nothing about it Shortly after I purchased vehicle I noticed I was having to add to 4 quarts of oil every two months I saw oil puddles under my car and not sure where it was coming from. I have driven less than 10,000 miles in three years and have had my serpentine belt snap off due to excessive oil leakage , I have added myself to the class action lawsuit but I’ve heard nothing. I am still adding at least 3 quarts of oil a month and I don’t even drive 400 miles a month. I believe this is putting my life in Jeopardy and passengers in my car. There is never been a check oil light come on yet. I have checked my oil and it has been almost completely bone dry..
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2024
My car just died, stopped, immediate dead car in full on rush hour traffic on the highway main road, me and my two grandchildren sitting in a car not able to move at all, not able to get restart. In review this is happening to 2012 and other years Chevrolet Equinox with no one knowing what the true actual engine problem is. it had to be pushed off the main hwy before we could have been injured or worse. When will the first death occur Chevrolet. This needs to be RECALLED, or BOUGHT BACK CARS BEFORE DEATH LAWSUITS BEGIN.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2023
A knocking nose fm the back passenger side it's heard every time I drive
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 27, 2022
Timing belt front cover is bad, the car is constantly leaking oil and fuming dark smoke. I had to stop driving immediately to avoid a fire. The oil was changed 3 weeks ago and today, there’s no oil in the car.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2022
The trailing arm bracket rotten through the frame. This is due to premature rusting/rotting of the frame. Apparently Chevy has had this problem, every I spoke to kept saying "check with Chevy for recall" The dealer tried to fix the problem by (modifying the trailer arm? not sure what that means) but approximately two weeks later it went through the frame again. Took it back to dealer but they were unable to fix this problem and sent me on my way. It was a very good thing that while driving this vehicle nothing major happened. I found a body shop that tackled this and fixed the frame. It was very expensive and I feel Chevy should be responsible. I have attached pictures that the R&M Auto Body gave us.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2021
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.
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
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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2021
ON DEC 9TH I TOOK MY CAR TO A CERTIFIED CHEVY DEALER TO HAVE MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER RECALL DONE. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME, THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE AND IT WAS DRIVING RUFF. I WAITED A WHILE TO SEE IF IT WOULD GET BETTER AND AFTER A DAY OR SO IT WAS BACK TO NORMAL. THEN IT STARTED, IT WOULD VIBRATE WHILE IDLE ON A STOP LIGHT, OR EVEN GETTING STUCK ON A STOP LIGHT. FIRST IT WAS JUST ONES WHILE OUT, NOE IT HAPPENS QUITE A FEW TIMES. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TALKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY ANALYZED THE PROBLEM IT SEEMED AND DID SOMETHING TO THE CAR, WHAT I DO NOT KNOW, BUT THE ATTENDANT TOLD ME IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS THE AIR INTAKE. IT DID NOT WORK. I HAVE THE FEELING SOMETHING HAPPENED WHILE WORKING ON THE CONVERTER?
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 26, 2021
THE DRIVER WINDSHIELD WIPER CAME OFF AND MOTOR BROKE BY JUST TURNING THEM ON. THE DRIVER WIPER STOPPED WORKING AND THE PASSENGER ONE IS THE ONLY ONE WORKING.
Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2021
THE SUV SOUNDS LIKE ITS TRYING TO START ITS SELF. WE LEAVE OUR KEYS IN THE RIG. DURING THE DAY WE CAN HEAR THIS CLICKING SOUND. WE GO OUT TO THE RIG AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON AND MUSIC PLAYING IN THE RIG. THE SOUND THAT IT MAKES SOUNDS LIKE WHEN A RIG IS ALREADY STARTED AND TRYS TO START AGAIN. WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING THIS. FOUND NO INFO ONLINE ABOUT OTHER RIGS HAVING THIS PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2020
VEHICLE HAD BEEN STALLING AT LEAST EVERY OTHER DAY FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS TO GO. IT HAS TURNED OFF ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR RED LIGHT AT THE POINT I STEP ON THE GAS. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLES ENGINE SOUNDS FORCED AND TREMBLES ON IT OWN ON A DAILY BASIS, EVEN WHEN IN PARK MODE.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 30, 2020
IT HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. IT ALSO SHAKES REAL BAD WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. I HAVE BOUGHT NEW ROTORS AND PADS AND IT STILL SHAKES NO MATTER THE SPEED I'M GOING.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2020
CAR SHAKES PRETTY ROUGH WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. IT TAKES ABOUT 5-10 SECONDS FOR THE MOTOR TO COMPLETELY STOP AFTER THE KEY HAS BEEN REMOVED. IT HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR ABOUT A MONTH OR 2 AND WHEN THE CAR IS TAKEN IN TO BE SERVICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS OFF AND NO CODE CAN BE GENERATED. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2020
I HAVE RECENTLY WENT TO A GARAGE FOR A SIMPLE OIL CHANGE AND TO SEE IF I COULD INSTALL A HITCH KIT. COME TO FIND OUT THE FRAME ITSELF IS ROTTING INTERNALLY TO EXTERNALLY. THIS STIRRED UP SOME CONCERN BECAUSE I NEED AN INSPECTION COME JUNE OF THIS YEAR AND IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO THE ROT. MY CHEVY EQUINOX IS ONLY A 2012. BEING THAT I'VE ONLY PERSONALLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR A YEAR, AND IT IS ONLY 8 TO 9 YEARS OLD, I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS KIND OF ROT THAT EXISTS IS BAD. I FOUND THIS OUT JUST THIS PAST WEEK.
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2020, fire
ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2020 1:09PM MY 2012 EQUINOX VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE 10 MINUTES AFTER REACHING MY DESTINATION IN A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF, AND LOCKED WITH THE KEY BEFORE ENTERING THE RESIDENCE. SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY WITH FLAMES. MY CONCERNS: 1) I HAD MY PASTOR WITH ME AND THIS COULD HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING; 2) MY NEXT DESTINATION WAS PARKING IN MY GARAGE AND I WOULD HAVE HAD A HOUSE FIRE. GOD WAS WATCHING OVER US.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2019
WE PURCHASED A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 08/24/2017. IT HAS AN EXCESSIVE OIL USAGE, THE CHEVY GARAGE SAID IT WAS 1/4 OF A QUART FROM BEING COVERED. THE RINGS ARE BAD, REAR MAIN HAS OIL RESIDUE. THE CHEVY GARAGE MONITORED IT EVERY 1000 MILES AND ADDED OIL WHILE DOING SO. WE DID THIS FOR 4000 MILES. THEN WAS TOLD NO COVERAGE. BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IT'S A PREEXISTING PROBLEM. WE STILL OWE A LOT OF MONEY FOR A VEHICLE THAT MAY BLOW A REAR MAIN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE BLOWS, LOSS OF OIL ALL OVER, AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.