2012 Chevrolet Equinox: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 681 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2012 Chevrolet Equinox trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 681 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Equinox
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 681
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Visibility/Wiper
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Visibility/Wiper, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and wiper systems before purchase.
- Check for any outstanding safety recalls related to the vehicle.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, transmission, and wiper systems before purchase.
- Check for any outstanding safety recalls related to the vehicle.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox are heavily concentrated in engine problems, with over half of all reports. Visibility/wiper issues and transmission/drivetrain faults also appear frequently. The data suggests potential powertrain and electrical concerns, though the low confidence level warrants caution.
- Engine problems account for the majority of complaints (361 out of 681).
- Visibility/wiper issues are the second most reported component (120 complaints).
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 84, indicating a recurring theme.
- Engine Problems
- Visibility/Wiper
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 681 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 681 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?▾
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.