2012 Chevrolet Equinox Problems, Recalls & Reliability
943 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, alongside 3 recall campaigns and 3 defect investigations. It scores 73/100 on the trouble index — one of the years to avoid for this model. Engine leads the reports, typically around 89,223 miles.
Avoid this year if you can. The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox sits at the top of this model's complaint rankings. Quieter picks in the same family: 2009, 2021.
Avoid
Where 2012 sits among all Equinox years
What owners report
“The engine is burning oil and consuming oil with 4 quarts over 2,000 miles. The engine oil light is also not illuminating showing that the engine is low on oil. When this occurs it also causes the car to jump forward while stopped and the brake engaged.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 Equinox
“My winshield wipers just compleletly stopped working while driving in a heavy rainstorm.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 Equinox
“Vehicle first started cutting off when placed in drive and reverse. It is now cutting off even when vehicle is being driven when pulling off from a stopped position. This has been happening now for a week. Check engine light came on and gave a p0010 code. Cam sensor was replaced and issue is still…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 Equinox
“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.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 Equinox
“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.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 Equinox
“Car constantly goes through oil, and today started stalling when i stop or start to accelerate.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2012 Equinox
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 659 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 80,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 53,500 and 109,866 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (3)
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…
Fix: 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…
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…
Fix: 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…
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,…
Fix: 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…
Federal defect investigations
Led to recall campaign 22V165000.
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox drew 943 complaints in federal safety records — one of the years to avoid for this model. Its trouble index is 73/100, scored against the model's worst year (2011).
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
The top reported problems for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox are engine (362 complaints), visibility & wipers (128), and transmission & drivetrain (84).
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems show up?
Owners most often report 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems around 80,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 53,500 and 109,866 miles.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?
3 recall campaigns apply to the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.