Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Chevrolet Equinox

◆ Worse than typical

2012 Chevrolet Equinox
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 684
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2012: 684 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	638
2006	695
2007	685
2008	370
2009	94
2010	784
2011	781
2012	684
2013	751
2014	547
2015	680
2016	398
2017	275
2018	408
2019	303
2020	308
2021	96
2022	174
2023	96
2024	79
2025	231
2026	74

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

52% · 354 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Recently my car caught on fire while my husband and I were driving. We own a 2012 Equinox 2.4L. We didn't know until now that this engine is known for having extreme issues with a pcv valve and because of this design flaw the valve gets clogged up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-16

I purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox with 100,550 miles on it in April 2023. The original owner gave me all service receipts & records to show the automobile had been taken great care of. The interior & exterior are still in like new condition.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-25

Visibility/wiper

18% · 121 reports

INJURY

Power train

12% · 84 reports

Most commonly citing chain/belt and axle assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Electrical system

10% · 70 reports

Most commonly citing coil and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-12

The night sandy hit on the east coast, it was windy in Michigan. Our city was doing leaf pickup around that time so leaves were accumulated at the edges of the roads.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-11-30

Also filed under Steering

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-01

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 54 reports

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2011-11-09Tires11V511000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2012Complaint volume 684 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2014-12-26Seats14V447000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-10-14Electrical system, power train16V502000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2018-11-02Recall queryClosed 2019-12-19 Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
I
2019-12-13Engineering analysisClosed 2022-11-28 Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
I
2020-06-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-06-03 Momentary Increased Steering Effort

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 354 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 121 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 84 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V511000 · Tires
Recall 14V447000 · Seats
Recall 16V502000 · Electrical system, power train

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?: The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 52% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.