ProblemsByVin File / 2012-CHEVROLET-EQUINOX NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago

2012 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Equinox problems

682 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 1 active recall campaign on file.

Reliability score

6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2012 Equinox?

Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Steering: 36 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 21,000–109,000 mi
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine

254 reports · fails ~92,152 mi · avg $3,100

moderate

visibility

115 reports · fails ~93,677 mi · avg $350

moderate

powertrain

78 reports · fails ~84,972 mi · avg $2,500

moderate

electrical

52 reports · fails ~74,476 mi · avg $850

moderate

steering

36 reports · fails ~61,445 mi · avg $700

severe

body

20 reports · fails ~74,643 mi · avg $1,500

severe

airbags

16 reports · fails ~66,497 mi · avg $1,100

severe

suspension

10 reports · fails ~49,621 mi · avg $900

severe

Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2012 Equinox's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Honest Calculator

Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2012 Equinox?

We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.

See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Equinox · engine

Exhaust manifold cracked. So many other complaints. Is there a service bulletin available for this issue?

12/29/2018 · at 120,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163951.0 · see engine pattern →

2012 Equinox · powertrain

Briefly, for the last month and a half I have experienced rough idle on start and rough idle & stall with the car losing power and going dead at red lights and in traffic while in drive. I took the car to the auto mechanic and stored codes suggested replacing o2 sensors, the…

12/29/2018 · at 120,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11164048.0 · see powertrain pattern →

2012 Equinox · engine

My motor blew due to a oil leak and seized in the middle of traffic I owned the car for 37 days and I owe 18k on it.

12/29/2015 · at 99,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10816841.0 · see engine pattern →

2012 Equinox · electrical

I was driving my equinox coming up on a red traffic light. Upon pushing down on the brake pedal the radio shut off and the dash started flashing all of the lights very rapidly. The light turned green and i pushed on the accelerator, and there was little or no power and the car…

12/28/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499239.0 · see electrical pattern →

View all 682 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2012 Chevrolet Equinox? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi

At 80,000 miles

Likely repair cost in next 24 months

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 11V511000 October 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)

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.

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 1-866-996-9463.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 682 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 36 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 21,000–109,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 254 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 92,152 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 92,152 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Equinox has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 682 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Equinox. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.

Chevrolet Equinox problems

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

Estimate your repair exposure

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

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)

Common questions

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