Worst 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Wipers & Visibility
Transmission / Drivetrain
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 354 | 3 | 3 | 89,275 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 120 | — | — | 91,768 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 82 | 1 | 1 | 83,348 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 66 | 1 | 1 | 70,749 mi | |
| Fuel System | 53 | — | 1 | 66,598 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 36 | — | 1 | 55,503 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 26 | 1 | — | 77,986 mi | |
| Body Structure | 22 | 2 | — | 74,848 mi | |
| Airbags | 18 | 9 | — | 70,943 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 16 | — | — | 22,157 mi | |
| Brakes | 12 | 1 | — | 57,014 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 12 | 2 | — | 49,620 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 11 | — | — | 68,871 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | 1 | — | 56,476 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | 1 | — | 50,733 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Camera System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~456,664 vehicles.
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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
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 passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
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 MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
Other Chevrolet Equinox Years
2012 Chevrolet Equinox — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Equinox reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99