VehicleVerdict

2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 943 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Equinox year — the 2012 model ranks #7 of 22 Equinox years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 362 reports (38% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

943

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

16

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Equinox years?

See all Equinox years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine36238%
Visibility & Wipers12814%
Electrical System9510%
Transmission849%
Other576%
Fuel System546%
Steering364%
Body & Structure263%
Speed Control182%
Airbags182%
Tires & Wheels162%
Brakes141%
Suspension121%
Driver Assistance71%
Lighting61%
Seats51%
Seat Belts30%
Latches & Locks10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V502000Electrical SystemJuly 5, 2016 · 8,367 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

14V447000SeatsJuly 23, 2014 · 414,333 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

11V511000Tires & WheelsOctober 19, 2011 · 33,964 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THIS VEHICLE FREQUENTLY LOSES CHARGE ON BATTERY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE NEW. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 70K MILES ALSO THROWS UP COMPUTER CODES RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF WHEN IT WANTS TO. I PURCHASED IT USED WITH 40K MILES AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE. I HAVE QUOTES FOR OVER 2K IN REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 14, 2017 · crash

I WAS GOING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY RAIN AND MY WIPERS WENT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND STOPPED WORKING, LEAVING ME STRANDED ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. I WAS LUCKY THAT I MADE IT TO THE SHOULDER. IT WAS DARK OUT IN POURING RAIN WITH SEMI TRUCKS ALL AROUND ME. THIS HAPPENED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 24, 2017

THIS VEHICLE FREQUENTLY LOSES CHARGE ON BATTERY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE NEW. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 70K MILES ALSO THROWS UP COMPUTER CODES RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF WHEN IT WANTS TO. I PURCHASED IT USED WITH 40K MILES AND HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE. I HAVE QUOTES FOR OVER 2K IN REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 14, 2017 · crash

My 2012 chevy equinox lt had had nothing but issues with the timing chain the oil consumption where it hardly wants to start I have only had this used vehicle for 6 months or less I shouldn’t be having all these problems with it! The tailpipe isn’t smoking out white clouds but when you put your…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 31, 2023 · crash

ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2020 1:09PM MY 2012 EQUINOX VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE 10 MINUTES AFTER REACHING MY DESTINATION IN A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY. THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF, AND LOCKED WITH THE KEY BEFORE ENTERING THE RESIDENCE. SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY WITH FLAMES. MY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 4, 2020 · fire

2012 Chevrolet Equinox — common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 943 complaints put the 2012 model at #7 of 22 Equinox years. It is one of the Equinox years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Equinox problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (362 complaints), visibility & wipers (128 complaints), electrical system (95 complaints).

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equinox years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2013, 2005, 2007, 2006, 2012, 2015. The cleanest record among Equinox years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.