NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Timing belt front cover is bad, the car is constantly leaking oil and fuming dark smoke. I had to stop driving immediately to avoid a fire. The oil was changed 3 weeks ago and today, there’s no oil in the car.
When outside temp is at 60 degrees or below car will stall out after it is put in gear. Letting the car warm up does not stop this problem. Only way to keep it running is by putting it in neutral when coming to a stop. I have previously taken to a dealer (Tom Hesser Chevrolet) who stated it happened to them but they did not have a code come up so they could not fix it. Car also sounds rough at start up. Car previously failed the oil consumption test and had new pistons and solenoids put it. I am concerned from reading about others with this issue that it will be a costly repair of either the drive chain or engine replacement. This has been happening for the past 3 years when the weather gets cold so I deal with this all winter long, October- April. I have no documents to upload as no work has been done due to the lack of a code. Will also note when my car failed the oil consumption test the oil light never came on. I questioned the dealer about this & they stated there is no warning light for low oil but when I turn the car on and all the lights on the dash come on there is a low oil light.
Was driving on the highway to work this morning while raining and wipers just stopped. Had to pull over to wait for rain to stop and caused me to be late for work
the camshaft actuators continue creating difficultdriving conditions. The POO11 and POO13 Codes continually show Faulty even after replacement. the Vehicle {2012 Chevrolet Equinox} Lurches and Bucks,creating difficulty for the safe operations of this vehicle. This creates Adverse reactions from other motorists by just acting up ,even after repairs. This is my 3rd time replacing these components to no avail. The OBD does kick out the engine light, but its Definately Manufacturer POOR DESIGNing. This problem while driving in traffic is Concerning. Is there any remedy? parrybruce57@gmail.com August 18,2022 Thank You B A Parry
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed there was oil in the engine and the engine and exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
I was driving home from work at approximately 6:45 pm, during a downpour with high winds. My wipers had been on their highest setting for about 30 seconds or so when they rotated beyond their usual stopping place, to the point where the driver-side wiper was actually off the windshield and resting on the body of the car, and then completely stopped working. Changing the interval settings did not have any effect. When I stopped on the side of the road I turned off the wipers, put them back onto the windshield, and tried turning on the wipers on again, but they still did not move. I did however hear the wiper motor activating at regular intervals like its trying to move the wipers(no grinding/clicking indicating resistance), and when I move one wiper manually the other moves in tandem, so I believe that one of the parts that connects the wiper motor to the wiper arm assembly (not just a single wiper) is what failed. While it wasn't dark out yet, it was raining hard enough that visibility was reduced even with the wipers on; so having them go out like they did in a high-traffic area at the end of rush-hour put the safety of myself and others at risk. Vehicle is a 2012 Equinox LTZ, 166,815 miles, nothing on the dash at the time of the failure, and no sounds/symptoms to indicate a pending failure. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet since it just happened today, but I am trying to see if I can visually locate the part that failed, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I don't know if any others have had this problem on a 2012 Equinox, but I am aware of a recall on components from the wiper systems on the 2014 Equinox that was just announced in May 2022, as well as a recall back in 2016 on the 2013 Equinox; both of which were due to part corrosion causing the wipers to fail.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while performing a daily oil check, the contact became aware that the oil level was low while checking the dipstick. The contact added oil and contacted the dealer and was advised that oil should be added. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 24,500.
Having problems with the power locks not working, can't lock from the inside driver's door. Door chime goes off with keys out of ignition. Says theft is detected and now the car tries starting on its own without the keys in the ignition. The car has also been in park, the car made a loud noise and started rolling. Safety issue seems to be in the wiring. Who knows what this will effect next.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the front-end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the front axle bracket had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Yesterday I was driving home during a rain storm and my windshield wipers all of a sudden stopped working. I had to pull over on the highway and wait for the storm to pass which was very dangerous situation to be in on the side of the highway with low visibility due to the rain and wind. We took a look at it later that night and the linkage came apart. There were no warning signs it just all of a sudden stopped working. I did find a special coverage adjustment that is available for this vehicle but I have over the 150,000 miles which doesn't apply to this vehicle. Are there other options for those vehicles that are over the 150,000 mileage.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was shuddering and sputtering. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that she had been adding a quart of oil in the vehicle every two weeks. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown extended warranty coverage. The dealer advised the contact to complete an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle had exceeded the 10-years Extended Warranty Coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
I bought this SUV in 2015, August. I was never told about the issue of poor oil.consumption in this particular make ,year and model. In 2017 the dealer had me.do a monthly oil consumption test which it failed . The dealership never said there was a recall but they offered to rebuild the engine at no cost to me. Now I ha e the SUV in the.secind garage and am.told I need a new engine. I called GM and said the warranty on this seems to be current since it had a 7 year warranty. I was told.that the warranty began in 2012 hence it is no longer in place . Seems like had I known about the issue with this model and year equinox I wouldn't have bought it! I am.waiting on carshield to determine the cause of the failure as to whether they will.civer the $6000 repair or not. Seems unfair .The timing chain was new allegedly when dealership rebuilt this engine in 2017, why is it broken now ?
CAR SURGES WHEN BRAKES APPLIED WHILE .
The seatbelt tensioner I believe is what is called is broke. I am not sure how it happened but when it was noticed I took it to dealership in the town we were in and he looked up the part for me and explained there was 10 yr kansas seat belt warranty on it. Well come to find out my warranty expired Feb. And no dealership or even GM will help replace it. So if I'm in an accident it will most likely fail. I am a single mom with a special needs child that has to be taken to a specialist 3 hrs away. It is currently being held together by electrical tape but it looks like the wires in the thing failed.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil with the check engine warning light illuminated. The engine oil was topped off every month by the dealer. The contact was informed that the defect was related to the catalytic converter. The contact also stated that the power door locks and windows failed to operate as needed, causing the contact to be locked inside and outside of the vehicle at various times. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
40000 miles and burns 1 qt. of oil per 1000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle began to hesitate and emitted an abnormal sputtering noise while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and turned the vehicle off. The contact refueled the vehicle and was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. As the contact began to exit the gas station, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,275.
Windshield wiper malfunction Wipers stopped operating completely
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign and depressing on the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle but heard an abnormal sound and the vehicle then stalled while parking at a nearby parking lot. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with Manufacturer Communications number 17329; however, the vehicle was not included. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure and was informed that the VIN was associated with the Manufacturer's recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,094. The VIN was invalid.
Wiper assembly has had to be repaired twice and then replaced altogether due to plastic caps in wiper assembly. While driving in a heavy rain, the wipers just stop mid swipe, which nearly caused a wreck due to visibility reduction. The same problem has happened in other Equinox vehicles before and after my vehicle year, and had recalled for safety issue but not 2012.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the rear main seal to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Oil consumption excessive burning oil TIMING Chain has been replaced unfortunately problem still occurs..Car was calculated by mileage driven 2000 miles Heavy Excessive Oil Consumption When removing key from ignition to turn off vehicle. The Vehicle will still run with a heavy shake die out rumble noise.. Scarey..
I have a 2012 Chevy Equinox. A recall dropped years ago about excessive oil consumption problems with the exact engine that I have. My oil consumption test came back inconclusive. So, I thought that I was one of the lucky folks who did not have the bad rings and pistons. WRONG. I just didn't experience the problem yet because I had low miles and it didn't hit at the same time as everyone else. Fast forward to today, I burn one quart of oil every 500 miles. I took it in, when I noticed it, to a DIFFERENT Chevrolet dealership and they said that I am FOR SURE consuming excessive oil. Of course, I just missed the Special Coverage 16118 Excessive Engine Oil Consumption repair from GM, so they want to charge me $2,200 of the $2,400 that it will take to repair it. They will spot me $200. I mean, come on. I have a record of TRYING to get the recall done when it first came out. I was told that I didn't need the repair. I don't know. I feel like I should still be taken care of here. GM is now ignoring my emails and voicemails, asking about getting help.
On dec. 29,2021 I started my car and while I was warming the engine(idle) the following lights came on: Engine,Break, ABS, TCS/StabiliTrak, Service All Wheel Drive, Service StabliTrak & all the gauges except the fuel were moving up & down. Also on the shifter the P was blinking. I turned the car off then sack on after a few seconds & it came on like normal I drove a few blocks made a stop in the corner store for a btl of water & when I got back into the car it wouldn’t start. When I turned the key to start it the dash would go completely dark when I’d let the key go the dash would come back on. Everything time I tried to start the car the dash would go out completely. I got the car towed to a repair shop but they were closed. When I went to the shop that morning I saw that they were closed Jan 1st. So I sat in the car & something said “try it” & the car started like nothing was wrong. I get 3 blocks and the same lights turn on again. I drive for 6 blocks to my parking space in my complex and park. I ended up having to move to let my wife out of the spot but the car wouldn’t start & the dash was doing the same thing from the night before so I put it in neutral and pushed it. Monday I walk to my parking spot & it starts up like nothing happened but the engine light was on so I drove to the mechanic. No lights came on just the engine light and the car has been with my mechanic since 1/1/22. After a few hours googling I found that this car fits the oil consumption issue. How do I go about getting this handled?
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Wiper transmission linkage How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Loss of visibility while driving Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
The trailing arm bracket rotten through the frame. This is due to premature rusting/rotting of the frame. Apparently Chevy has had this problem, every I spoke to kept saying "check with Chevy for recall" The dealer tried to fix the problem by (modifying the trailer arm? not sure what that means) but approximately two weeks later it went through the frame again. Took it back to dealer but they were unable to fix this problem and sent me on my way. It was a very good thing that while driving this vehicle nothing major happened. I found a body shop that tackled this and fixed the frame. It was very expensive and I feel Chevy should be responsible. I have attached pictures that the R&M Auto Body gave us.
I own a 2012 Chevy equinox 2.4 eco-tech all wheel drive I purchased it three years ago and a little over 90,000 miles on it asked the dealer if it was part of the class action oil consumption lawsuit. They said they knew nothing about it Shortly after I purchased vehicle I noticed I was having to add to 4 quarts of oil every two months I saw oil puddles under my car and not sure where it was coming from. I have driven less than 10,000 miles in three years and have had my serpentine belt snap off due to excessive oil leakage , I have added myself to the class action lawsuit but I’ve heard nothing. I am still adding at least 3 quarts of oil a month and I don’t even drive 400 miles a month. I believe this is putting my life in Jeopardy and passengers in my car. There is never been a check oil light come on yet. I have checked my oil and it has been almost completely bone dry..
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while she was at the stop light, the vehicle temporarily stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact also stated that the ignition switch of the vehicle would not turn all the way to the locking position and would fail to release the key after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the rearview camera inadvertently turned black while reversing. The dealer was not notified of the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and advised the contact that they could not assist with the repair of the vehicle because the VIN was included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
2012 Equinox has oil consumption problem and the special warranty GM issued ends in 7.5 months or 120,000 miles however not all cars will experience this issue in that time frame but GM will not repair the cars unless they do. However they also note on their special warranty that this goes into effect after power train warranty ends but still will not repair car. My car needs new motor due to this issue but because it was after 7.5 years I must pay for motor. GM has had over 1,800 complaints and was sued and lost 3 lawsuits over this matter. How does someone who has a Equinox that’s part of this special warranty get their car fixed if it’s past the time frame?
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSTITUENT WRITES REGARDING ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, THE CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE OF A RECALL DUE TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED. THE REPAIRS ESTIMATED TO BE NEARLY $8000.00 WHICH IS THE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE'S WORTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONATACTED, BUT DENIED RESPONSIBILITY DUE TO THE CLASS ACTION SUIT BEING EXPIRED. HOWEVER, THEY DID OFFER TO PAY 1/3 OF THE COST, WHICH LEFT THE CONSUMER WITH THE $8000.00 REMAINING BALANCE.
My engine constantly overheats and burns through engine oil at an extremely high rate. This issue has caused my timing chain/belt to fail and render the car useless without replacing the entire engine. The constant overheating added undue stress to my timing belt/chain leading to its failure, and now me without a car. The overheating had been an ongoing issue.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH in the rain with the windshield wipers activated, the windshield wipers became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.
Wipers stopped working while driving on highway in light rain. In heavy rain lost all visibility leaving me no choice but to pull over to shoulder. Motor and linkage had to be replaced. Other Equinox years affected, but no recall listed for this vehicle’s vin.
Sterring wheel harden and wheels to moving
When the alternator stopped working everything on the car locked. The doors locked, the steering wheel locked, the key wouldn't come out of the ignition, the windows wouldn't come up or down. I couldn't even physically pull up the door locks. If the driver's door hadn't been slightly open(I was attempting to back out of my driveway on a dirt road where the visibility is poor) I would have been trapped inside with no way to get out without busting the window. I didn't have my phone with me and I was by myself in a very isolated location and no one would have missed me for over 48 hours since my husband works out of state. The temperature here was in excess of 95° even after 4 pm and the vehicle was under no shade. I'm a disabled person also so I truly am scared of the vehicle now. There was no warning about the alternator failing. The car never even showed a warning light. Even after replacing the alternator the battery will not stay charged and now the seatbelt and Airbag warning lights refuse to turn off. The way everything locked up and the fact that I couldn't even physically pull up the lock and the hatchback in the back wouldn't even come open when I pulled the handle is extremely dangerous and concerning
While trying to back up my engine stalls, engine stalls switching into drive and engine stalls while stopped at stop lights or stop signs. Was almost in several accidents today due to engine constantlystalling out. Check engine light came on reading code : P0010-00
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lunged and then started losing motive power with the engine running. The contact attempted to pull off the road however, the vehicle then accelerated independently. The contact stopped the vehicle, turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the exhaust manifold was cracked and that the oxygen sensors #1 and #2 needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine makes rough idle noise when stopped or going slow. Took in for an oil change(I assumed it was way over due) I was then told, I still had over 3k miles to go. When they checked my fluid they found it was 3.5 liters short. It’s consuming too much oil in a short amount of time.
Vehicle idles rough (low) when at stop lights and stalls out. I just bought it a month ago.
The oil consumption in the engine for general use is by far way more than average,you don't even get to the" time to change your oil" notice from the vehicle before most of your oil is gone from your motor.The oil light never comes on to inform you of the low oil in the motor but with the low oil engine sensors for cam position light the check engine light and after awhile the vehicle goes into what I would call limp mode with acceleration decreased which would be dangerous at highway speeds if it happened then
2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEIR WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR COST OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS.
Gauges- oil light does not turn on, when the vehicle is low in motor oil. Which causes internal engine failure, which include, but not limited: timing belts to piston wear. Vehicle was in highway speed and lost vehicle power, which caused safety issues for my vehicle and vehicles behind me. Vehicle also has braking and transmission issues; at full stop on a hill and putting the transmission in "N"eutral the vehicle rolls forward, even when the brakes are fully applied or putting the vehicle back in park.
Chevy sold the Equinox knowing full well that it had engine problems. The oil system fails, using oil at an excessive rate and oil dumping from engine. They were aware that around 80,000 miles the car would need over $4000 in repairs. They also knew the timing chain gets off timing causing over $2000 in repairs. Both of which happened to my vehicle within 6 months. The Engine ceased up and was undrivable. It sat in our driveway for over 18 months while we paid off the loan.
My wipers continues to not work. I changed the motor and the arms still work when they want to come on. They even do this in a down pour of rain which causes me not to be able to see
Car stalled on highway after picking up my children from school. Purchased this car in March 2021 from a used dealership. After the stalling incident, the car started back up. Since that incident the car has been having a rough Idle and stalls when parked, stopped at a light, stopped at a stop sign and also stalls while letting pedestrians cross the street. I have also been having trouble with oil consumption. I have receipts, and I am getting oil changes every 2-3 months with synthetic oil. Oil needs to be changed way before mileage and also before date due for a change. Synthetic oil is supposed to last up to 6,000 miles or every 6 months. I only use my car for travels to work, bringing children to and from school, and travels for necessity purposes only. All my travels are within 5 miles of my home. The car seems to be burning oil very quickly. I have also noticed that the car gets worse while idling every time I need an oil change. It will run fine for a short while then the rough idle starts up again. I have read many complaints in regards to the same vehicle with the same issues. I have spoken with local mechanics and auto shops and have also heard many people having the same troubles with the same vehicle. I am a single parent of 3 children and I feel very unsafe driving my vehicle. My children do need to get to school and I do need to get to work. I feel that this should be considered as a recall on this vehicle. There are hundreds of reviews and comments of other people with the same issues I am having. This is very unsafe especially to stall out anywhere. Best regards -Natasha
Driving home in a heavy downpour, I engaged my wipers from medium speed to high. The driver side wipers extended over the edge of the car and got hung up. Turned off wipers. Pulled over and lifted the wipers back into position. Turned wipers back on. Wipers would not restart.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the rocker panel of the vehicle had been rusting. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver’s and passenger’s side outer and inner rocker panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the spark plugs, timing belt, and some other unknown engine-related parts were replaced however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The vehicle began to consume oil at an alarming rate (at least a quart per week). When driving on the highway with two toddler children In the backseat of my car, the vehicle began to shake and I lost the ability to accelerate. The engine completely malfunctioned (blew) and the car became inoperable at that point. I had to cross three lanes of highway traffic to get to the side of the road and was doing so at 15 mph when the engine blew. It appears that this is a known issue with GM and there’s contradicting information about legal settlements. My vehicle also shows 0 recalls, which is also confusing because I have the understanding that GM was court ordered to recall affected vehicles. I’m unclear why my vehicle is not part of this recall. In the meantime, my vehicle sits on the side of the highway.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026