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, 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
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 12, 2021
Purchased a 2012 Chevrlet Equinox and a couple of months later had to start monitoring for oil comsumption.
Engine, Sep 10, 2021
Engine makes rough idle noise when stopped or going slow. Took in for an oil change(I assumed it was way over due) I was then told, I still had over 3k miles to go. When they checked my fluid they found it was 3.5 liters short. It’s consuming too much oil in a short amount of time.
Engine, Sep 7, 2021
While trying to back up my engine stalls, engine stalls switching into drive and engine stalls while stopped at stop lights or stop signs. Was almost in several accidents today due to engine constantlystalling out. Check engine light came on reading code : P0010-00
Engine, Aug 28, 2021
Engine light went on in March 2019. I took it to dealer 4.5 quarts low on oil. Oil light never went on. OnStar report said no issues with car. Only 4000 miles since last oil change. Repairs cost me almost $1800. I was told to bring car back after 1000 miles and they’d check it again to see if car was still over consuming oil. 1000 miles later it was still over consuming oil. They repaired it this time at no cost to me. Then in April 2021 my car started making a noise and I took it to the dealer. They said I needed a new engine because my car was still over consuming oil. That cost me $4300. GM picked up an additional $3700. This was a known issue and GM did nothing.
Engine, Aug 19, 2021
Vehicle idles rough (low) when at stop lights and stalls out. I just bought it a month ago.
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.
Visibility, Jul 30, 2021
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEIR WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR COST OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS.
Engine, Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the spark plugs, timing belt, and some other unknown engine-related parts were replaced however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 7, 2021
My wipers continues to not work. I changed the motor and the arms still work when they want to come on. They even do this in a down pour of rain which causes me not to be able to see
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle was slow to respond. The check engine warning indicator light was illuminated. The engine reduced power message was displayed. The vehicle was taken twice to the local dealer within two years who diagnosed the accelerator pedal sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Engine, Jun 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her engine would burn excessive oil without warning while driving at various speeds. The contact called her dealer and was informed that her vehicle was out of warranty. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an unknown rate of speed, the vehicle shut off. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Structure, Jun 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the rocker panel of the vehicle had been rusting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side outer and inner rocker panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 11, 2021
Driving home in a heavy downpour, I engaged my wipers from medium speed to high. The driver side wipers extended over the edge of the car and got hung up. Turned off wipers. Pulled over and lifted the wipers back into position. Turned wipers back on. Wipers would not restart.
Engine, Jun 9, 2021
The vehicle began to consume oil at an alarming rate (at least a quart per week). When driving on the highway with two toddler children In the backseat of my car, the vehicle began to shake and I lost the ability to accelerate. The engine completely malfunctioned (blew) and the car became inoperable at that point. I had to cross three lanes of highway traffic to get to the side of the road and was doing so at 15 mph when the engine blew. It appears that this is a known issue with GM and there’s contradicting information about legal settlements. My vehicle also shows 0 recalls, which is also confusing because I have the understanding that GM was court ordered to recall affected vehicles. I’m unclear why my vehicle is not part of this recall. In the meantime, my vehicle sits on the side of the highway.
Engine, Jun 2, 2021
Excessive oil consumption. Constantly have to add approx 4qts of oil weekly on top of regular oil change. Mechanic stated GM recognized the issue but will not do anything to correct.
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the pistons and the rings needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,900.
Engine, May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine. Additional oil was added weekly. The contact noticed that there was oil leaking on the ground. The dealer was made aware of the failure and performed an oil consumption test however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was over the warranty coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to another dealer but offered no further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Engine, May 20, 2021
I purchased a 2012 Chevy Equinox in May of 2020, within eight months the water pump went out, after having three sensors within engine failed causing the stabilitrak indicator light started flashing, causing the engine to power down and not allow the vehicle to go over 35mph. Once I was able to take the vehicle to the dealership, I was told that three sensors within the engine went bad. This repair cost $2100 and now the vehicle is excessive having oil consumption issues, oil level indictor warning light is not working, I am constantly placing about 4 QT of oil within my vehicle every other fill up. Prior to having the oil changed within the time frame that is stated I need too.
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.
Engine, May 2, 2021
JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN OCTOBER OF 2020. HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON OCTOBER 26TH. ON NOVEMBER 25TH MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF OIL. NO LEAKING, NO OIL SPOTS UNDER MY PARKING SPACE AND NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. FILLED OIL AND ON FEBRUARY 12TH MY ENGINE OIL WAS COMPLETELY GON. HAD ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AND IT IS NOW MAY 2ND AND I HAVE BOT DRIVEN MORE THAT 1000 MILES SINCE MY LAST OIL CHANGE YET I HAVE NO OIL AGAIN IN MY CAR AND NOW MY EMGINE IS STALLING OUT WHEN I ACCELERATE STATING MY CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATOR CIRCUIT (BANK 1) IS BAD WHICH IS DIRECLY LINKED TO RUNNING WITH BAD OR NO OIL.
Engine, Apr 28, 2021
YESTERDAY WAS PRETTY SCARY MY CAR CUT OFF EVERY 5 MINS WHILE DRIVING I HAD NO CONTROL. I'VE GOTTA EVERYTHING I COULD THINK OF FIXED..I WAS DRIVING DOWN GRATIOT & CONNER WHEN IT JUST STOPPED ON ME AT THE GREENLIGHT AS I WAS TURNING. NOW I AM REALLY SCARED TO GET BACK IN IT. I FEEL LIKE GM KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THESE ENGINE/MOTOR AND STILL WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT THE OIL CONSUMPTION IS CRAZY Y'ALL WON'T BE HAPPY UNTIL SOMEONE GET SERIOUSLY HURT. MY CAR JERKS THE WHOLE DRIVE REALLY BAD AT STOP LIGHTS AFTER A WHILE IT JUST TURNS OFF I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP FIXING HELP ME
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 27, 2021
HAVING TO CONTINUES PUT OIL IN THE VEHICLE HAVE HAD IT CHECK OUT. THEY SAID NO SIGNS OF A LEAK. DO NOT SMELL ANY OIL BURNING. SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THESE SAME PROBLEMS.
Structure, Apr 27, 2021
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP IN LEXINGTON KY 6K AND UNDER. I HAD TO CHANGE THE BREAKS AND I WAS UNABLE TO JACK THE CAR UP. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE AUTO SHOP THE FRAME AND ROCKER PANELS ARE RUSTED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS MADE IN CANADA AND I SEEN THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE FRAME IS WEAK. WHAT SHOULD I DO AND IS THE RECALL STILL VALID?
Engine, Apr 19, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ENGINE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE ABNORMALLY WHILE COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD RUN FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD AFTER THE IGNITION HAD BEEN TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INITIALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART RIGHT AWAY HOWEVER, AFTER THE LAST FAILURE, SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DIAMOND AUTO SALES (255 EASTON RD, GLENSIDE, PA 19038, (215)887-2345) WHO REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND THE CAM SHAFT SOLENOID ADJUSTER HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BRYNER CHEVROLET, INC. (1750 THE FAIRWAY, JENKINTOWN, PA 19046, (215)402-7267) WHO REPLACED THE WATER PUMP HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS THEN REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.