2012 Chevrolet Equinox

◆ Worse than typical

2012 Chevrolet Equinox
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

2012: 682 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2005	638
2006	695
2007	685
2008	370
2009	94
2010	784
2011	781
2012	682
2013	749
2014	546
2015	679
2016	395
2017	271
2018	401
2019	300
2020	303
2021	91
2022	164
2023	94
2024	73
2025	217
2026	63

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 52%

52% of complaints: engine — 354 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

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, 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

VISIBILITY/WIPER 18%

18% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 121 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing chain/belt and axle assembly.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 69 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil and ignition.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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, 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

Also filed under STEERING

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 54 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20111109 — tires

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

▮ 2012 — complaint volume: 682

R 20141226 — seats

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

R 20161014 — electrical system, power train

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

I 20181102 — RQ (closed 20191219)

Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure

I 20191213 — EA (closed 20221128)

Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative

I 20200601 — PE (closed 20220603)

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 (84 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

▲ 2026 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2021

WORST YEARS

■ 2010 ■ 2011 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.