2012 Chevrolet Equinox
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 638 |
| 2006 | 695 |
| 2007 | 685 |
| 2008 | 370 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 784 |
| 2011 | 780 |
| 2012 | 682 |
| 2013 | 747 |
| 2014 | 543 |
| 2015 | 678 |
| 2016 | 391 |
| 2017 | 270 |
| 2018 | 388 |
| 2019 | 290 |
| 2020 | 291 |
| 2021 | 86 |
| 2022 | 153 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 65 |
| 2025 | 206 |
| 2026 | 53 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
52% of complaints: engine — 354 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20180116
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, 20230925
18% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 121 distinct reports on file.
INJURY12% of complaints: power train — 82 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: electrical system — 66 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20190112
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, 20121130
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 54 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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 REQUIRE
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 1-866-99
Campaign 11V511000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 14V447000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16V502000 — check if this car was fixed
Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure
Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (354 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (121 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (82 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V511000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V447000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V502000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.