2012 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
What owners have reported about the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Equinox. Owners have filed 685 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, wipers and visibility and transmission.
685 complaints 3 recalls 4th worst of 19 Equinox years
Top 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Engine problems
361 complaints (53%) name the engine, most often the catalytic convertor and manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe.
Wiper and visibility problems
127 complaints (19%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the motor and windshield wiper / washer.
Transmission problems
84 complaints (12%) name the transmission, most often the axle assembly and chain / belt.
Electrical problems
70 complaints (10%) name the electrical system, most often the instrument cluster / panel and ignition.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (493 of 685). The amber line is the middle value, about 82,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox recalls
Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Ignition
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." If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge.
Recall 16V502000 · Jul 2016Power adjust
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. If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge.
Recall 14V447000 · Jul 2014Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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. Underinflated tires can result in tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout and possible crash. The resulting crash could cause serious injury. Underinflated tires can also result in premature or irregular wear, poor handling, and poor fuel economy.
Fix: Gm dealers will update the body control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 9, 2011.
Recall 11V511000 · Oct 2011Get an email when your 2012 Chevrolet Equinox gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Equinox years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Equinox. Owners have filed 685 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, wipers and visibility and transmission.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, wipers and visibility, transmission and electrical system. 361 complaints (53%) name the engine, most often the catalytic convertor and manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 67,000–112,000 miles, with a middle value near 89,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have?
3. Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Ignition (16V502000); Power adjust (14V447000); Pressure monitoring and regulating systems (11V511000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.