2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. This model year has 681 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Visibility/Wiper
Transmission / Drivetrain
Considering a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 361 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 120 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 84 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 69 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 53 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 53 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 36 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 26 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 9 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 681 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
The abs braking and stability control light came on and has stayed on and took to mechanic shop and was told to repair would be 4000 .that's more than what the car is worth!changed motor oil many times since I owned the car and it uses oil quite much.ihe oil gauge can say I have …
The vehicles oil needs to be checked every day to make sure the levels are not low. The vehicle has no visible oil leaks on the ground or inside, but the oil levels will drop. With that I have to constantly have oil on hand to make sure I refill it or the engine would be dry. It’…
ABS stabilizer light on dash shows ABS malfunction.took it to certified mechanic to check the problem and was told the system had to be replaced at the cost of $4000.
Recently got an oil change, and in a month I’ve had to “top-off” my oil. Constantly have to make sure I carry a few quarts of oil to make sure my oil is filled. One day, I forgot to check the oil and my car was stalling on a busy road. Had to pull over to make sure I put the oil …
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear suspension trailing arm and subframe assembly rusted completely through, causing the suspension to separate from the frame. The corroded and broken components are still …
I had the excessive oil consumption recall repair done when it was recalled originally, however the problem has returned and from my research it appears that the piston rings were not the proper size to stop the oil from blowing back out the exhaust. Is there anything I can do ab…
Rear tailgate. Borrowed vehicle from a friend for a trip. When opening the tailgate with the external switch it opens all the way and immediately comes back down about 12 inches or so then it immediately goes back up and immediately comes all the way down. My wife was almost t…
Its iz using 2 or 3 courts of oil every 200 miles
I purchased this vehicle on[XXX]. I was advised that there was an open recall for the O2 SENSOR. On 11/11/24, I took this vehicle to LOU BACHRODT in Coconut Creek,Fl. where they performed the recall. Shortly after having the recall done my vehicle's check engine light came on and…
the abs light came on the dash and traction control.i was driving in a rain storm and went around a corner and front end started to slide.was only going 35 mph so I didn't lose control.this happened on.04/15/2025 .if I would have been going any faster I would have lost control.th…
About six months ago, my steering wheel would get hot in the middle of it, but I kind of didn’t know what that was but then now my airbag sensor came on and then went off. I’m not really sure but I feel like something’s not right with it. Gonna go get it fixed, but I don’t feel l…
My check engine light has been on and I've had people with machines to turn it off. It came back on each time. It is available for inspection. I don't feel totally safe as I don't know when or where it might fail and what that would look like. No, the it has not been inspected by…
In 2023, I purchased my 2012 Chevrolet Equinox from a private seller. It was in excellent condition, inside and out with only 75,000 miles on it. She had purchased it brand new. The vehicle was serviced and maintained regularly. She gave me all the receipts and service records wh…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine revved up abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a humming sound coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The…
My Vehicle had an open Recall N192268180 TAILPIPE EMISSIONS - OXYGEN SENSOR. I made an appt for the recall for 1/20/2025 at Capital Chevrolet in Wake Forest, NC. The appt was cancelled and rescheduled for 2/10/2025 due to them needing to order parts for the recall. On 2/10/2025 m…
purchased this car in June 2024.didnt notice it was leaking oil until having oil changed.the mechanic said the engine was dry with not much oil.the mechanic told me the oil pan seal is bad.i checked and it doesn't take a gasket,and the oil pan must be removed and a sealant must b…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon slowing down, the vehicle rocked back and forth violently. The contact stated that the check engine and reduced engine power warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exce…
Why is consuming a lot of oil This car the mileage is Les the 130000 I buy and didn’t know the issue Can you please fix it Sometime I hear noise from the engine
My drivers side wiper blade stopped working while the passenger side is still working. I saw a recall for this linkage on the site but it’s not for my specific VIN. Additionally, my catalytic converter has damage due to excessive oil consumption. Halfway through my regular oil ch…
Bought in May 2024 and at that time had a open recall post catalytic converter o2 sensor which led to the discovery of a cracked exhaust manifold and according to service advisor would release toxic fumes in the cab of the vehicle.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.
Recalls for 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?▾
Notable Issues. The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 681 NHTSA owner complaints, 16 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (361 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
#1: Engine Problems (361 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (120 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (84 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 16 crash-related complaints and 6 fire reports out of 681 total NHTSA complaints. 13 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The largest issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has notable issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Equinox reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.