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
685 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 9, 2018
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND STABILITY TRAC.CONES UP AND REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND CAN'T DRIVE TURN CAR OFF FOR A MIN RESTART AND IT GOES OFF BUT AS DRIVING COMES BACK ON.HAPPENED FIRST ON HIGHWAY.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 7, 2018
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE EXPRESSWAY IN A RAINSTORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED & GOT STUCK WHILE UP, AFFECTING VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER. THE VISIBILITY WAS NOT ONLY IMPACTED BY THE WIPER STUCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION, BUT WORSE BECAUSE OF THE RAINSTORM THAT WE NO LONGER HAD WIPERS TO HELP WITH. IT WAS A SCARY SITUATION GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND SUDDENLY LOSING VISIBILITY BECAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT OPERATING. LUCKILY WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TRYING TO GET THE WIPERS TO WORK AGAIN. WE WERE ABLE TO PUT THEM DOWN, BUT THEY WOULD NOT OPERATE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIPER MOTOR IS WORKING BUT THAT THE WIPER TRANSMISSION HAD CORRODED IN THE BALL JOINTS, LEADING TO THE WIPERS BECOMING INOPERABLE. FURTHERMORE, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WHILE THIS ISSUE IS RECALLED IN CANADA, ONLY THE 2013 MODELS ARE RECALLED IN THE USA, THOUGH OTHER YEARS AND MODELS ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 4, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE WIPERS STOPPED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION AND FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER (EWALD CHEVROLET BUICK, 36833 E WISCONSIN AVE, OCONOMOWOC, WI 53066, (262) 567-5555) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT CONSUMER STATED FRONT WIPER MOTOR/TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED.*JB
Engine, Aug 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SIX SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANDREW CHEVROLET (1500 WEST SILVER SPRING DR, GLENDALE, WI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE AND EXHAUST SOLENOID VALVE WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. *TT
Engine, Aug 28, 2018
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION CAUSING TIMING CHAIN
Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 24, 2018
THE STABILITY TRACKING SERVICE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COMES ON THEN EVENTUALLY GOES OFF. I HAVE CALLED ONSTAR SEVERAL TIMES TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND NOTHING SHOWS UP. TT DOES IT ON STRAIGHT ROADS AND CURVES SLOW OR FAST. IT ALSO HAS NOT COME UP ON MY MONTHLY DIAGNOSTICS FROM ONSTAR. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I TOLD THE SERVICE DEPT. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAD NOT HEARD ANYTHING EITHER. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN, HOW UNSAFE IT IS AND WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR A RECALL TO BE ISSUED?
Steering, Aug 21, 2018
POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND SAYS SERVICE SOON.WHEN I GO TO TURN ON IGNITION CAR WONT START OR EVEN TURN OVER.
Engine, Aug 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (AUTRY MORLAN CHEVROLET CADILLAC, 1901 W BUSINESS U.S. 60, DEXTER, MO 63841, 573-232-1561) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT ACTUATOR AND THE TIMING CHAIN FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 8-4533589750. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO NOTIFY NHTSA. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 144,000.
Engine, Aug 13, 2018
THIS VEHICLE (79,000 MILES) BEGAN STALLING AS WE APPROACH IDLE AND REQUIRES IT TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED - THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS INTERMITTENT AND THERE IS NO ENGINE LIGHTS ON OR CODES WHEN CHECKED. IT HAS HAPPENED IN TOWN, IN THE COUNTRY ON A HIGHWAY, AND IN OUR DRIVEWAY. IT HAS HAD MULTIPLE FUEL TYPES/BRANDS IN IT SINCE THIS STARTED WITH NO RESOLUTION. AS I DID RESEARCH THIS ISSUE ONLINE, IT SEEMS WAY TO COMMON AND NOW I WORRY THAT OUR ONLY RELIABLE VEHICLE IS NOT SOMETHING WE CAN COUNT ON ANY LONGER. PLEASE CONSIDER AN INVESTIGATION WITH A RECALL TO MAKE CHEVROLET FIX THE COMMON ISSUE SPANNING OVER SEVERAL YEARS OF THE SAME ENGINE.
Visibility, Aug 7, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED AT POAGE CHEVROLET (851 W PEARCE BLVD, WENTZVILLE, MO 63385, (636) 327-6268); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE SAME DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND NO WARRANTY TO COVER THE REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,560.
Air bags, Aug 6, 2018
AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASHBOARD IS ON (NOT FLASHING). SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE ON MESSAGE DISPLAY. NOT CAUSED BY ACCIDENT. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 31, 2018
IN A HEAVY RAINSTORM, DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I TURNED MY WINDSHIELD WIPER SPEED TO MAX. THE WIPER'S STOPPED WORKING. I LOST COMPLETE VISIBILITY. I COULD HEAR THE MOTOR FOR THE WIPERS MOVING BUT NOTHING WORKED. IN AN INCREDIBLE PANIC, I TRIED TO TURN THEM ON/OFF, TO NO AVAIL. THIS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WAS HANDLED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH IN THE FAST LANE. I HAD TO NAVIGATE, WITH NO VISIBILITY, OVER THREE LANES OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC LOOKING OUT MY BACK WINDOW - AS THE ONLY WAY TO JUDGE WHERE I WAS ON THE ROAD IN A HEAVY DOWNPOUR. THE REPAIR COST ME $368. I'VE DONE MY RESEARCH AND I'M SHOCKED TO SEE SO MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. I THANK MY LUCKY STARS THAT THIS WAS THE ONLY DAY I COMMUTED WITHOUT MY KIDS. WHY IS THERE A RECALL TO FIX THIS IN CANADA AND NOT HERE? CHEVY NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM AND POSSIBLE SAVE LIVES WITH A RECALL, IMMEDIATELY. WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER CHEVY PRODUCT.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2018
WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AND WERE STUCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM. HAD TO CAREFULLY DRIVE TO WHERE I COULD GET THIS REPAIRED. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. HOPING IT WAS ONLY A BURNED OUT FUSE, UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS THE WIPER TRANSMISSION THAT WENT OUT. THE REPLACEMENT AND LABOR COST WAS $364.31.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 24, 2018
WHEN MY VEHICLE IDOLS AT A STOP LIGHT, IT STARTS TO SHAKE AS IF IT WANTS TO CUT OFF. WHEN I TURN MY WHEEL THE INSIDE MAKES A SCREECHING SOUND.
Visibility, Jul 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH IN A RAIN STORM, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIPERS HAD DISCONNECTED FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2018
THE WIPER BLADE MOTOR STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY RAIN. IT CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED, FIRST TIME WE HAD IT REPAIRED WAS IN 2015 AND NOW AGAIN IN 2018.
Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2018
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION LEADS TO CHUGGING, DYING & BLOWING CODES. YOU HAVE TO CHECK THE OIL AT EVERY FILL UP OR THE ACTUATORS & THE SELENOID FAIL WHICH THEN RETARDS THE TIMING & TILTS THE CAM SHAFT. I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I FELT IT POWER DOWN & ALMOST STALL OUT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS VIA GOOGLE ON THIS. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN 14 MONTHS THAT MINE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP. THEY NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM NOT JUST BANDAIDE IT. IT HAS COST ME WAY TO MUCH MONEY & THIS IS A ROAD HAZARD SINCE YOU NEVER NOW WHEN IT IS JUST GOING TO LOSE POWER.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2018
I WAS DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAINSTORM AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED MOVING. I WAS ALMOST IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. I HAVE OWNED 10 OTHER VEHICLES OLDER THAN THIS VEHICLE THAT IS 6 YEARS OLD AND NEVER HAD AN ISSUE LIKE THIS. GM SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS.
Visibility, Jul 6, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO YEMM CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (2195 N HENDERSON ST, GALESBURG, IL) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V582000 (VISIBILITY) DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 8-4381411259. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE THAT NHTSA INITIATED THE RECALL; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 156,750. *TT UPDATED 10/9/18*JB
Visibility/wiper, Jul 5, 2018
DRIVING ON A BUSY HWY IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM AND THE WIPERS ON HIGH WHEN THEY SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. UNABLE TO EVEN SEE THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. HORNS BLARING AS CARS AND TRUCKS PASSED WITHIN 3 INCHES OF MY SIDE VIEW MIRROR. GENERAL MOTORS NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM NOW! BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 2, 2018
DRIVING ON FREEWAY IN A HEAVY DOWNPOUR WHEN THE WIPERS JUST QUIT WORKING. CAN HEAR MOTOR RUNNING BUT WIPER NOT MOVING.
Power train, Jul 1, 2018
I HAVE ONLY HAD MY CAR FOR 3 YEARS AND THERE IS ONLY 70,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I GET REGULAR MAINTENANCE DONE AS NEEDED FROM THE DEALERSHIP. WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC TO DO A TRANSMISSION FLUSH, I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRANSMISSION HAD A BAD LEAK AND THAT IT WAS LEAKING ALL INSIDE THE AXLE ETC. THE TOTAL COST TO FIX IS 3,000 TO 4,000 BECAUSE I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT WHEN MY CAR WOULD NOT SWITCH GEARS SMOOTHLY AND IT STARTED MAKING A WINDING SOUND. THE CAR WOULD BARELY PICK UP ON THE HIGHWAY.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 29, 2018
WHEN MY VEHICLE IS IN MOTION I AM NOT GETTING THE AMOUNT OF POWER I SHOULD BE RECEIVING ONCE I PRESS ON THE GAS. I BELIEVE THE TIMING IS OFF AND I HAVE A CODE: P0013 ISSUE, ACTUATOR CIRCUIT, CAM SHAFT POSITION. I HAVE SEEN A RECALL TO THE 2011 MODEL FOR THE SAME REASONS AND I'M SURE MY VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES.
Steering, Power train, Jun 27, 2018
THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION. I'VE HAD A MECHANIC LOOK IT OVER AND HE STATED THAT THE CAR ISN'T ALL THE WAY IN PARK EITHER BECAUSE THE BUTTON ON THE GEAR SHIFT CAN BE PUSHED IN WHILE THE CAR IS TURN OFF AND IN PARK.
Engine, Jun 26, 2018
THE ENGINE ON MY 2012 CHEVY EQUINOX "DIED" UNEXPECTEDLY AFTER ~67000 MILES. IT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, SHORTLY AFTER I HAD EXITED I-95. IT RESULTED IN AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER THAT REQUIRED ME TO SWERVE ONTO THE GRASS BESIDE THE ROAD TO AVOID GETTING HIT BY THE CAR BEHIND ME. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR, AND NONE OF MY CHILDREN WERE PRESENT. THE CAR WAS INSPECTED BY MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPORTED THAT THE TIMING BELT HAD FAILED, WHICH CAUSED IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH RESULTED IN MULTIPLE REPORTED CASES OF 2012 EQUINOXES THAT HAD SIMILAR ISSUES. FORTUNATELY, THE ENGINE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER I HAD EXITED THE HIGHWAY. IF IT HAD OCCURRED 15 MINUTES SOONER, I WOULD HAVE LOST POWER ON THE SCUDDER'S FALL BRIDGE OVER THE DELAWARE RIVER AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN SIGNIFICANTLY MORE DANGER. WHEN ASKED WHETHER THE DAME WAS THE RESULT OF A MATERIAL DEFECT IN THE ENGINE, THE GM REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE WITH AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP WERE NON-RESPONSIVE AND WOULD NOT COMMENT.