2012 Chevrolet Equinox: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 682 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag *internal combustion engine models (2010s, e.g., 2011-2019):.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

682
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
16
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
354
visibility/wiper
121
power train
84
electrical system
69
fuel/propulsion system
54

Recalls affecting the 2012 Equinox

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 16V502000

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.

seats:front assembly:power adjust

Campaign 14V447000

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 hei

tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systems

Campaign 11V511000

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 MOTO

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by powertrain and generation. For the internal combustion engine (ICE) models, particularly from the 2010s (e.g., 2011-2019), sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by reports of severe and recurrent mechanical failures le

  • *Internal Combustion Engine Models (2010s, e.g., 2011-2019):
  • Severe engine problems (oil consumption, timing chain issues, PCV valve failures leading to blown seals, complete engine failure) – very frequent.
  • Unresolved drivability issues (rough idle, stalling, shaking, reduced power warnings) – very frequent.
  • Premature front suspension failure – recurrent.
  • Excessive body rust – isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Equinox.

Typical used price

Used Equinox listings typically run $13,995–$27,354 across 2014 to 2026 model years.

Other Equinox model years