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 23, 2022
I bought this SUV in 2015, August. I was never told about the issue of poor oil.consumption in this particular make ,year and model. In 2017 the dealer had me.do a monthly oil consumption test which it failed . The dealership never said there was a recall but they offered to rebuild the engine at no cost to me. Now I ha e the SUV in the.secind garage and am.told I need a new engine. I called GM and said the warranty on this seems to be current since it had a 7 year warranty. I was told.that the warranty began in 2012 hence it is no longer in place . Seems like had I known about the issue with this model and year equinox I wouldn't have bought it! I am.waiting on carshield to determine the cause of the failure as to whether they will.civer the $6000 repair or not. Seems unfair .The timing chain was new allegedly when dealership rebuilt this engine in 2017, why is it broken now ?
Seat belts, Jun 10, 2022
The seatbelt tensioner I believe is what is called is broke. I am not sure how it happened but when it was noticed I took it to dealership in the town we were in and he looked up the part for me and explained there was 10 yr kansas seat belt warranty on it. Well come to find out my warranty expired Feb. And no dealership or even GM will help replace it. So if I'm in an accident it will most likely fail. I am a single mom with a special needs child that has to be taken to a specialist 3 hrs away. It is currently being held together by electrical tape but it looks like the wires in the thing failed.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2022
CAR SURGES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED WHILE .
Engine, May 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH on the highway, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle and smoke coming from the exhaust. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Engine, May 19, 2022
40000 miles and burns 1 qt. of oil per 1000 miles
Visibility/wiper, Apr 25, 2022
Wiper assembly has had to be repaired twice and then replaced altogether due to plastic caps in wiper assembly. While driving in a heavy rain, the wipers just stop mid swipe, which nearly caused a wreck due to visibility reduction. The same problem has happened in other Equinox vehicles before and after my vehicle year, and had recalled for safety issue but not 2012.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 3, 2022
Windshield wiper malfunction Wipers stopped operating completely
Engine, Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle began to hesitate and emitted an abnormal sputtering noise while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and turned the vehicle off. The contact refueled the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. As the contact began to exit the gas station, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,275.
Engine, Mar 31, 2022
I have a 2012 Chevy Equinox. A recall dropped years ago about excessive oil consumption problems with the exact engine that I have. My oil consumption test came back inconclusive. So, I thought that I was one of the lucky folks who did not have the bad rings and pistons. WRONG. I just didn't experience the problem yet because I had low miles and it didn't hit at the same time as everyone else. Fast forward to today, I burn one quart of oil every 500 miles. I took it in, when I noticed it, to a DIFFERENT Chevrolet dealership and they said that I am FOR SURE consuming excessive oil. Of course, I just missed the Special Coverage 16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption repair from GM, so they want to charge me $2,200 of the $2,400 that it will take to repair it. They will spot me $200. I mean, come on. I have a record of TRYING to get the recall done when it first came out. I was told that I didn't need the repair. I don't know. I feel like I should still be taken care of here. GM is now ignoring my emails and voicemails, asking about getting help.
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.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 18, 2022
Wipers stopped working while driving on highway in light rain. In heavy rain lost all visibility leaving me no choice but to pull over to shoulder. Motor and linkage had to be replaced. Other Equinox years affected, but no recall listed for this vehicle’s vin.
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?
Visibility/wiper, Dec 22, 2021
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Wiper transmission linkage How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Loss of visibility while driving Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
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.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH in the rain with the windshield wipers activated, the windshield wipers became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 12, 2021
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 20, 2021
Sterring wheel harden and wheels to moving