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.
Engine, Jun 20, 2023
Eats up oil, no oil leaks, shuts off while driving but will start back up. But it's dangerous when your on the interstate and it quits running and traffic is behind you. Multiple of people with this model experience the same thing with the oil consumption, and dying on them even after replacing multiple items that were suggested the vehicle needed but made it worse and now doesn't want to drive when pushing the gas pedal when it is running and in drive
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine oil was topped off once every month. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
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!!!
Engine, Apr 22, 2023
The engine went completely out as the vehicle is known for excessive oil consumption.
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!!!
Engine, Apr 14, 2023
Excessive oil consumption. Has been since I purchased the vehicle.
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2023
This has already been recalled on some 2012 Chevy equinox but apparently not mine. The key gets stuck in the ignition when I try turning it off. So I have to turn on my on, put it in reverses and then turn my car off and take my keys out and then put my car back in park so I can get out of my car. This has been recalled in my type of car. The recall number is 16V502000 the recall date is 2016-07-05….. I’ve called the local Chevy dealer ship and they said that my Specific car is not covered under this recall even though it 100% has the problem and should be 100% covered. It’s wiper blades also have just gone out and that they are fixing under the recall and I also have the tire pressure sensor that’s messing up as well. All 3 things are recalled on Chevy equinox and it should be covered on mine as well.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 7, 2023
Multiple ongoing issues with the vehicle (oil consumption - approximately 2 quarts consumed per oil life cycle with the updated oil life index monitor, clogged catalytic converter - likely due to the oil consumption) with the most recent being a windshield wiper linkage failure and the Special Coverage that expired 10 months ago based on time, but vehicle is still within the mileage limit of the Special Coverage. The Special Coverage, N192266180 Wiper Transmission Arm Linkage Failure, is good for 10 years or 150,000 miles whichever comes first. The subject vehicle coverage expired on 4/26/22 and it is now March 2023; the vehicle has 122,689 miles on it versus the 150,000 mile limit. The issue was discovered when my daughter attempted to use them to wipe some wet snow from the window but the wipers did not move...she thought the wipers were frozen. When I checked the wipers, you could hear the wiper motor attempting to actuate the wipers but there was not movement of the wiper blades. The wipers can be moved by hand with both wipers moving in unison when one wiper arm is pulled/pushed back and forth, so it appears this is the condition in the special coverage. Contacted a Chevrolet dealer as well as Chevrolet Customer Assistance and neither would offer any coverage since the Special Coverage expired by time (even though the vehicle is well within the mileage limit). Fortunately, the failed wiper system did not cause an accident, but this could easily be considered a safety issue that should have full coverage by Chevrolet, regardless of mileage and time, under a product safety recall.
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the oil level was constantly low, and she was adding 5 quarts of oil in the vehicle every 4-6 weeks. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact’s son lifted the hood and noticed that there was oil residue on all the components under the hood. Additionally, there was a significant amount of smoke coming out of the engine compartment. The contact added oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Engine, Feb 13, 2023
Oil consumption excessive burning oil TIMING Chain has been replaced unfortunately problem still occurs..Car was calculated by mileage driven 2000 miles Heavy Excessive Oil Consumption When removing key from ignition to turn off vehicle. The Vehicle will still run with a heavy shake die out rumble noise.. Scarey..
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 28, 2022
I was driving my equinox coming up on a red traffic light. Upon pushing down on the brake pedal the radio shut off and the dash started flashing all of the lights very rapidly. The light turned green and i pushed on the accelerator, and there was little or no power and the car killed. I was in the intersection so I quickly put it in park and the car restarted, but had very little power. I was now on a slight incline so I barely made it into gas station and before I could park the car stalled again. Now the doors were locked and I could not unlock them. Did I mention I live in MN and the temp was -9 (31 below windchill) and I was stuck in my car. Horn, doors and windows would not work. It got very cold very quick! After trying and trying 15 min later the doors unlocked. I am 64 and disabled. A man gave me a jump and the car ran roughly without power for about 2 min. and died again. I called a friend who came and jumped the car. He left the cables on for 10 min. or so and had me try it. I was about 3/4 mile from home and he unhooked the cables and said "Go! Go!" so I raced toward home. He followed and a block before home the car killed again! He jumped it again and I got it home. The "service stabilitrack, front camera and all wheel drive" warning lights were all flashing in sequence as was the battery light on the dash and the "charging system" warning. I had the alternator and battery replaced, all fuses and connections checked, and all cables and terminals checked. It still will not hold a charge, and it is my only means of transportation. It is a VERY large paperweight! I see pages of complaints, yet there is no recall. If I was in a more secluded area I could have froze to death! Is that what it will take? Loss of life? Let me state that before this happened there was NO WARNING! No lights came up that there was a problem. PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!!
Engine, Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was shuddering and sputtering. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that she had been adding a quart of oil in the vehicle every two weeks. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown extended warranty coverage. The dealer advised the contact to complete an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle had exceeded the 10-years Extended Warranty Coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
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.
Engine, Nov 3, 2022
Yes, vehicle is available for inspection. Car dies while in motion, which causes increased risk for accidents to occur. Problem has been inspected by several independent service centers. Not inspected by manufacturer (Chevy) as they will not book appointment for recall inspection as they say no recalls on vehicle. The check engine light came after some time of experiencing issues with car prior to the failure (car constantly dying). Concern: I took my vehicle into a mechanic shop to be serviced as it was having multiple issues, one being that my car was constantly dying while being driven. Diagnostics determined that my car has a plugged PCV system. They did not perform repairs as they found a recall for this issue that covers my specific year, make, and model. I called my local Chevy dealership and they stated they could not find a recall and referred me to General Motors. I contacted GM and they stated that my particular VIN was not apart of the recall. I was told that my car did not receive parts from the same location that was deemed to have been producing faulty parts. Given this reasoning, I asked for information on where my parts came from vs where the parts came from for the recall. They said they did not have access to that level of detail and that my option for escalation was to submit a safety concern to NHTSA. I find it highly suspicious that they state my car is not affected, but cannot provide proof as to how they came to that conclusion. I cannot be the first person to question why my car is not covered when it has the exact issue being recalled. This is our family car that transports our children daily and is now unsafe without proper repairs. GM/Chevy should be required to show proof of why my particular car is not covered and if not, they should be liable for the repairs. Here is the recall information that I have: Document ID: 4098165 Document title: #14882: Special Coverage Adjustment – Plugged PCV Orifice in Intake Manifold (Mar 4, 2015)
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.
Engine, Oct 4, 2022
When outside temp is at 60 degrees or below car will stall out after it is put in gear. Letting the car warm up does not stop this problem. Only way to keep it running is by putting it in neutral when coming to a stop. I have previously taken to a dealer (Tom Hesser Chevrolet) who stated it happened to them but they did not have a code come up so they could not fix it. Car also sounds rough at start up. Car previously failed the oil consumption test and had new pistons and solenoids put it. I am concerned from reading about others with this issue that it will be a costly repair of either the drive chain or engine replacement. This has been happening for the past 3 years when the weather gets cold so I deal with this all winter long, October- April. I have no documents to upload as no work has been done due to the lack of a code. Will also note when my car failed the oil consumption test the oil light never came on. I questioned the dealer about this & they stated there is no warning light for low oil but when I turn the car on and all the lights on the dash come on there is a low oil light.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 18, 2022
Was driving on the highway to work this morning while raining and wipers just stopped. Had to pull over to wait for rain to stop and caused me to be late for work
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged and then started losing motive power with the engine running. The contact attempted to pull off the road however, the vehicle then accelerated independently. The contact stopped the vehicle, turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the exhaust manifold was cracked and that the oxygen sensors #1 and #2 needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed there was oil in the engine and the engine and exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
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
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil with the check engine warning light illuminated. The engine oil was topped off every month by the dealer. The contact was informed that the defect was related to the catalytic converter. The contact also stated that the power door locks and windows failed to operate as needed, causing the contact to be locked inside and outside of the vehicle at various times. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 27, 2022
I was driving home from work at approximately 6:45 pm, during a downpour with high winds. My wipers had been on their highest setting for about 30 seconds or so when they rotated beyond their usual stopping place, to the point where the driver-side wiper was actually off the windshield and resting on the body of the car, and then completely stopped working. Changing the interval settings did not have any effect. When I stopped on the side of the road I turned off the wipers, put them back onto the windshield, and tried turning on the wipers on again, but they still did not move. I did however hear the wiper motor activating at regular intervals like its trying to move the wipers(no grinding/clicking indicating resistance), and when I move one wiper manually the other moves in tandem, so I believe that one of the parts that connects the wiper motor to the wiper arm assembly (not just a single wiper) is what failed. While it wasn't dark out yet, it was raining hard enough that visibility was reduced even with the wipers on; so having them go out like they did in a high-traffic area at the end of rush-hour put the safety of myself and others at risk. Vehicle is a 2012 Equinox LTZ, 166,815 miles, nothing on the dash at the time of the failure, and no sounds/symptoms to indicate a pending failure. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet since it just happened today, but I am trying to see if I can visually locate the part that failed, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I don't know if any others have had this problem on a 2012 Equinox, but I am aware of a recall on components from the wiper systems on the 2014 Equinox that was just announced in May 2022, as well as a recall back in 2016 on the 2013 Equinox; both of which were due to part corrosion causing the wipers to fail.
Electrical system, Jul 25, 2022
Having problems with the power locks not working, can't lock from the inside driver's door. Door chime goes off with keys out of ignition. Says theft is detected and now the car tries starting on its own without the keys in the ignition. The car has also been in park, the car made a loud noise and started rolling. Safety issue seems to be in the wiring. Who knows what this will effect next.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 6, 2022
Yesterday I was driving home during a rain storm and my windshield wipers all of a sudden stopped working. I had to pull over on the highway and wait for the storm to pass which was very dangerous situation to be in on the side of the highway with low visibility due to the rain and wind. We took a look at it later that night and the linkage came apart. There were no warning signs it just all of a sudden stopped working. I did find a special coverage adjustment that is available for this vehicle but I have over the 150,000 miles which doesn't apply to this vehicle. Are there other options for those vehicles that are over the 150,000 mileage.
Engine, Jul 1, 2022
My PVC hole for my oil got plugged due to a poor design choice resulting in water build up to accumulate inside the tube. As a result the rear main oil seal blew out resulting in significant damage to the engine.