2012 Chevrolet Equinox Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 938 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and visibility/wiper.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 938 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
352 37.5%
VISIBILITY/WIPER
120 12.8%
POWER TRAIN
82 8.7%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
66 7%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
53 5.7%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 37.5% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 50 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 938 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 38% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox are ENGINE (352), VISIBILITY/WIPER (120), POWER TRAIN (82).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 561 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 30 of 30 systems
ENGINE
78 Reports31% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT SOMETIMES THE ENGINE TRIES TO CUT OUT, AND THE CAR JERKS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO STAY CRANKED. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS A GM TERRAIN AND HERS DOES THE SAME THING. WHEN TURNING THERE IS A KNOCKING IN THE STEERING. THE SPEAKERS HAVE A RATTLING SOUND LIKE THEY ARE BUSTED, BUT IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL OF THE TIME. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER, BUT OF COURSE THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, THE CAR NOW HAS 23,000 AND IT STILL HASN'T BEEN FIXED. (THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2011 WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR). *TR
8/9/2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TR
4/30/2013
POWER TRAIN
25 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,048.
1/17/2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THREE SEPARATE SUDDEN ACCELERATION FAILURES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WERE UPDATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT GUARANTEE THE REPAIRS WOULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT FOR THE PAST 100 MILES, THE FAILURE HAD NOT OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,800.......UPDATED 08-03-12 *BF
7/12/2012
STEERING
19 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN REVERSE, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES SINCE PURCHASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,177. UPDATED 12/16/11*LJ UPDATED 12/22/11
11/16/2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A GROANING NOISE WAS EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHENEVER IT WAS TURNED AT LOW SPEEDS OR WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. UPDATED 7/20/12 *CN UPDATED 07/30/12
3/26/2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
19 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT SOMETIMES THE ENGINE TRIES TO CUT OUT, AND THE CAR JERKS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO STAY CRANKED. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAS A GM TERRAIN AND HERS DOES THE SAME THING. WHEN TURNING THERE IS A KNOCKING IN THE STEERING. THE SPEAKERS HAVE A RATTLING SOUND LIKE THEY ARE BUSTED, BUT IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL OF THE TIME. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER, BUT OF COURSE THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, THE CAR NOW HAS 23,000 AND IT STILL HASN'T BEEN FIXED. (THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2011 WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR). *TR
8/9/2012
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. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN THROUGH A SUBDIVISION ON A PAVED ROAD AND IT JUST CAUGHT ON FIRE. GM WILL TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE. THEY SAY LEAVES BLEW UP UNDER THE CAR AND THEY ARE WHAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. HOW CAN VULNERABLE AREAS NOT BE SHIELDED FROM THIS? THE CAR WAS ABOUT A MONTH OLD!!! THE FIRE BURNT FOR ABOUT 7 MINUTES. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. A TEAM FROM GM INSPECTED THE CAR AND THEY WILL NOT EVEN LET US SEE THEIR REPORT. WE HAVEN'T HAD A CAR FOR OVER A MONTH AND I FOR ONE AM FURIOUS! THEY TELL US IF WE HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED WE LOSE ANY RIGHT TO PURSUE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.... WE HAVE TO PAY $500 (OUR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE) TO START REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THEY WONT TELL US WHAT IS DAMAGED EVEN THOUGH WE PURCHASED ADDITIONAL INSURANCE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THROUGH THE DEALER TO COVER OUR DEDUCTIBLE IN THE EVENT OF DAMAGE... ALL THEY SAY IS THAT IT WAS OUR FAULT FOR NOT READING THE MANUAL REGARDING DRIVING OR PARKING OVER LEAVES... WE FOUND REFERENCE TO IT IN THE OFF ROAD PORTION OF THE MANUAL. THE CAR HAD NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF ROAD. *TR
11/30/2012
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHERE A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AGAIN AND THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO BAD WIRING AND A FRACTURED TERMINAL ON THE FUEL LINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,400. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
7/16/2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN ROAD DEBRIS STRUCK THE FUEL LINES, CUTTING THE LINES INTO TWO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE EXPOSED AND COULD BE COMPROMISED EASILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,579. UPDATED 09/11/12*LJ UPDATED 09/14/2012 *JS
8/1/2012
VISIBILITY/WIPER
14 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
EVERY TIME A SMALL ROCK HITS MY WINDSHIELD IT CRACKS OR CHIPS. SMALL SAND OR GRAVEL EVEN PUTS CHIPS IN THE WINDSHIELD. CHEVY HAS A HISTORY OF USING INCORRECT PRIMER, SO I AM WONDERING IF IT IS STILL AN ISSUE. I CAN VISIBLY SEE OVER 10 CHIPS IN MY WINDSHIELD. *TR
6/26/2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
9/5/2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CONTACTS ERRONEOUSLY BRUSHED AGAINST THE ROLLER BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND WAS CONCERNED WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, STATING THAT THE COMPONENT WAS POSITIONED AWKWARDLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE HIS HANDS WERE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH THE BUTTON IN THAT MANNER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED HE WOULD HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD LOCK IN AT ANY SPEED IF THE CRUISE CONTROL ROLLER SWITCH WAS BRUSHED AGAINST ACCIDENTLY WHILE DRIVING.BUT, OFTEN AT TIMES THE SPEED THAT LOCKED IN WAS HIGHER THAN THE SPEED HE WAS TRAVELLING.
11/15/2011
AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, I THEN APPLIED THE GAS TO GO AROUND A CORNER. UPON APPLYING THE GAS, THE ENGINE REVVED UP MUCH FASTER THAN IT WOULD NORMALLY. I QUICKLY APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND STOPPED FORWARD MOVEMENT. HOWEVER,THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO "REV". I PUT THE GEAR IN "NEUTRAL" AND THEN "PARK", THE MOTOR CONTINUING TO "REV". I DROVE ABOUT 50 FT TO THE TOP OF THE HILL, PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL, THEN PARK, AND THEN SHUT THE MOTOR OFF. I LET THE CAR SIT ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND STARTED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE "REVVED" AS BEFORE SO I DID THE NEUTRAL, PARK, ENGINE OFF SEQUENCE AGAIN AND WAITED ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO START THE ENGINE. SAME PROBLEM. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE THIS TIME, HOWEVER, I WAITED ABOUT 4 OR 5 MINUTES TO START THE ENGINE. THIS TIME THE ENGINE SPEED WAS NORMAL SO I DROVE HOME. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND THE DEALER HAD THE CAR TOWED TO ITS DEALERSHIP WHERE IT IS AT THIS TIME. THE DEALER IS VAN CHEVROLET-CADILLAC IN KANSAS CITY, MO. *TR
9/24/2012
STRUCTURE:BODY
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES THE REAR HATCH WAS OPEN AND HAS UNEXPECTEDLY COME DOWN AND HIT PEOPLE IN THE BACK. NO BUTTONS HAVE BEEN PUSHED TO START THIS ACTION. ONE TIME THE HATCH RAISED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CHEVY DEALER HAS STUDIED THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED TWO PARTS WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS THEY CANNOT GET MORE INFORMATION FROM GM CENTRAL ON SOLVING THE PROBLEM. A PERSON WITH A GM TERRAIN HAD THE SAME PROBLEM DURING THE TIME I HAVE HAD MY EQUINOX PROBLEM. I BELIEVE HE IS IN PHILADELPHA, BUT I HAVE FOUND HIM ONLY BY AN INTERNET NAME OF "PHILLYTHEKID" AND DON'T KNOW IF HIS SUV GOT FIXED. I BELIEVE THERE MUST BE A GM ENGINEER WHO DESIGNED THE HATCH SYSTEM, (WHICH IS TERRIBLY COMPLICATED), AND THIS PERSON COULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE SEVERAL CONTROL BOXES INVOLVED, AND NUMEROUS INTERLOCKS. BUT NO ONE CAN REACH THIS PERSON THROUGH CHEVROLET DEALERS AND CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PEOPLE, AND THAT AMAZES ME. THE ONLY REASON I FIND FOR SUCH A FIREWALL IS THAT GM DOESN'T WANT TO SPEND TIME AND MONEY ON A PROBLEM THAT IS NUMBERED IN TENS, NOT THOUSANDS. THEY WOULD JUST AS SOON WE FEW PEOPLE GO AWAY AND BUY ANOTHER BRAND. I CAN FIND SEVEN INSTANCES OF UNEXPECTED HATCH ACTIONS ON THE NET THAT ARE FROM VARIOUS GM SUVS. THE GM DEALERS HAVE FOUND NOTHING IN THEIR GM SITES. I WANT MY CAR FIXED SO NO ONE WILL BE HURT. *TR
5/30/2012
I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AT AN ANGLE TO THE CURB WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED CAUSING IT TO JUMP THE CURB AND HIT A TREE NEAR THE CURB CAUSING CAUSING OVER $6000 WORTH OF DAMAGE. *TR
11/3/2013
AIR BAGS
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WHEN A VEHICLE REAR ENDED MY VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING AROUND 40-50 MPH AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT PUSHED ME FORWARD INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND THE CAUSING VEHICLE AND MINOR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO ACTIVATE WHICH PROMPTED ONSTAR TO COME ON. THE AIRBAGS NEVER ACTUALLY ACTIVATED. THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE CRASH WAS $17,000 TO REPAIR WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE TOTALED. THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE UPON INSPECTION SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *TR
12/26/2012
I WAS TRAVELING SOUTH AS ANOTHER CAR WAS TRAVELING NORTH. THE CAR TRAVELING NORTH MADE A RAPID LEFT TURN DIRECTLY IN MY TRAVELING PATH. WE COLLIDED AND MY CAR WAS TOTALED. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL PRETTY HARD BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. HOW SHOULD I PROCEED? *TR
9/30/2013
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE ABS LIGHTS TURN ON AND THE "SERVICE STABILITRAK" MESSAGE APPEARS. THE LIGHTS AND MESSAGE TURN OFF AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, BUT THEN CONTINUOUSLY TURN OFF AND ON. THE CHEVY DEALERSHIPS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
5/25/2014
DRIVING SLOWLY THE ENGINE AND ENTIRE ELECTRIC SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AND THE CAR JUST TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THEN YOU HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND START THE CAR BACK UP AND THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
6/8/2014
SERVICE BRAKES
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2012 CHVEROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH TOWING THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL, THAT IN ORDER TO TOW THE VEHICLE ON ALL FOUR WHEELS, THE NUMBER 32 FUSE MUST BE REMOVED. HOWEVER, WHEN IT WAS REMOVED, THE 12 VOLT RECEPTACLE WAS DISCONNECTED WHICH RENDERED THE BRAKE BUDDY NON-FUNCTIONAL.*JB UPDATED 11/27/12 UPDATED 02/11/13.
11/13/2012
AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN GETTING READY TO COME TO A STOP AT ABOUT 10/15 MPH, I PRESSED MY BRAKES AND THEY FELT HARD. I COULD NOT PRESS DOWN SO I CONTINUED TO TRY, WHEN THEY VIBRATED AND COULD NOT STOP, I CRASHED INTO THE PERSON AT THE RED LIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
5/25/2014
WHEELS
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON FIRST VISIT IN AUGUST 2012 WAS TOLD IT WAS A WHEEL NOISE AND THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY .DAYS LATER NOISE WAS BACK .TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER SERVICE MANAGER RODE WITH ME HEARD NOISE. CAR WAS KEPT A DAY ON PICKING IT UP WAS TOLD IT WAS A "MOANING NOISE" AND IT WAS DUE TO RUBBER SEAL DRYING AND RUBBING ON METAL SLEEVE RIGHT REAR HUB REPLACED .NOISE RETURNED!!!!!CAR TAKEN BACK "THIRD TIME" CAR KEPT OVERNITE TECH DID NOT HEAR NOISE AGAIN SERVICE MANAGER RODE WITH ME DID NOT HEAR NOISE WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK IF NOISE OCCURS .NOISE HAS OCCURRED NOT FEELING "SAFE"DRIVING THIS CAR TAKING CAR BACK NOISE OCCURS TO OFTEN!!!FRIENDS AND FAMILY HEARS IT ALSO THEY SAY IT SOUNDS LIKE "DOOR" WITH HINGES LOOSE. *TR
10/18/2013
DRIVING BACK FROM EL PASO I FELT A SMALL VIBRATION 1/4 OF THE WAY ON A TRIP BACK FROM EL PASO TO PHX. THE VIBRATION BECAME STRONGER THE FARTHER I WENT. I CHECKED AND THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS SEPARATED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIRE THAT HAS SEPARATED IN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE PREVIOUS WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
5/31/2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE LOUDLY IDLES WHEN STARTING. WHEN STOPPED VEHICLE IDLES IN A JUMPING MOTION.
12/6/2014
JULY 10, 2015: I TOOK MY 2012 CHEVY EQUINOX LT (2.4 L 4 CYL) TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP IN KY. THE VEHICLE WAS AT 100,505 MILES AND I WANTED IT CHECKED BEFORE DRIVING ON VACATION DUE TO THE HIGH MILEAGE, A ROUGH IDLE AND BECAUSE IT HAD RECENTLY SHUT OFF WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. A GM GOODWRENCH MULTI-POINT VEHICLE INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED. I WAS TOLD THE CAR SHOWED NO SIGN OF ANY ISSUES BUT I WOULD NEED TO PURCHASE NEW TIRES BEFORE WINTER. BY DEC 2015 THE ROUGH IDLE HAD GOTTEN MUCH WORSE, THE VEHICLE WAS LOUD (ALMOST SOUNDING LIKE A DIESEL), WOULD JERK AND FELT LIKE IT MAY SHUT OFF ANY TIME I HAD TO STOP OR DRIVE SLOWER SPEEDS. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR WOULD "SLIP" AS IT WAS SHIFTING GEARS SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON DEC 8, 2015. THE CAR WAS AT 115,720 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION, #2 CYLINDER, SPARK PLUG AND COIL WERE REPLACED AND A THROTTLE BODY CLEANING SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. SINCE THEN, THE CAR HAS IDLED HIGH REVVING TO 4,000+RPM AT TIMES BEFORE IT WILL SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEARS (PARTICULARLY WHEN DRIVING 70+MPH ON THE INTERSTATE). DOWNSHIFTING TO LOWER GEARS DOESN'T ALWAYS GO SMOOTH EITHER. THE ROUGH IDLE HAS RETURNED AND PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. THE CAR ALMOST SHUT OFF WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ON FEB 13, 2016. YESTERDAY (FEB 15, 2016), THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING! THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO IT SHUTTING OFF. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RE-STARTED THE CAR AND FINISHED THE FINAL (~3) MILES TO WORK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED FROM WORK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO OIL ON THE DIPSTICK (THE OIL LIFE SENSOR SHOWED ~25% LIFE LEFT ON OIL) AND I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS 2 QTS LOW ON OIL. THE CAR REMAINS AT THE DEALERSHIP AS OF TODAY, FEB 16, 2016. THERE ARE A LOT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON WWW.ARFC.ORG. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR DIES!
2/16/2016
STRUCTURE
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE CONTACTS ERRONEOUSLY BRUSHED AGAINST THE ROLLER BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND WAS CONCERNED WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH, STATING THAT THE COMPONENT WAS POSITIONED AWKWARDLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE HIS HANDS WERE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH THE BUTTON IN THAT MANNER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED HE WOULD HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD LOCK IN AT ANY SPEED IF THE CRUISE CONTROL ROLLER SWITCH WAS BRUSHED AGAINST ACCIDENTLY WHILE DRIVING.BUT, OFTEN AT TIMES THE SPEED THAT LOCKED IN WAS HIGHER THAN THE SPEED HE WAS TRAVELLING.
11/15/2011
2012 CHEVY EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BLIND SPOT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE PEDESTRIANS WHEN THEY WALKED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BLIND SPOT WAS CAUSED BY THE SIDE MIRROR AND THE DOOR FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *JB
3/20/2012
SEATS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEAD RESTS REMAINED STATIONARY AND COULD NOT BE MANEUVERED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE HEAD REST WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
9/25/2013
WE WERE SITTING STILL AT TRAIN CROSSING WHEN WE WERE STRUCK FROM THE REAR AND WAS SHOVED FORWARD 8-10 FEET INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. WITH ALL OF THE REAR AND FRONT DAMAGE, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. ALSO, BOTH FRONT SEATS BROKE LOOSE FROM THE SEAT BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE SEATS TO THE FLOOR. MY WIFE (PASSENGER SEAT) NOT ONLY BROKE LOOSE BUT THE SEAT TWISTED. *TR
12/4/2013
SUSPENSION
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL ALSO BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AS THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL HAD COLLAPSED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE ENGINEERS HAD DETERMINED THAT THE CRASH COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,391.
12/12/2013
DRIVING BACK FROM EL PASO I FELT A SMALL VIBRATION 1/4 OF THE WAY ON A TRIP BACK FROM EL PASO TO PHX. THE VIBRATION BECAME STRONGER THE FARTHER I WENT. I CHECKED AND THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS SEPARATED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIRE THAT HAS SEPARATED IN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE PREVIOUS WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
5/31/2014
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED AS THE CONTACT ROTATED THE TIRES. THE SYSTEM FAILED TO NOTIFY OF ANY PRESSURE ISSUES WITH THE TIRES. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE ROTATED AGAIN TO CORRECT THE TIRE MONITORING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
7/9/2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY INDICATED THAT THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE TIRE AND DETERMINED THAT THE AIR PRESSURE WAS NORMAL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V511000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
7/16/2015
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I FILED A DIFFERENT REPORT EARLIER FOR THE SAME VEHICLE. NOW THE VEHICLE IS STARTING ON ITS OWN, IF THE KEY IS LEFT IN THE IGNITION WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF, ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO 1 MINUTE LATER THE CAR WILL START WITH NO ONE BEHIND THE WHEEL. IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO START UNTIL YOU PULL THE KEY OUT. IT IS JUST THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, NO KEY CHAIN HANGING FROM IT. LAST WEEK APR 29,2014 THE CAR STARTED AND RAN FOR 10 SECOND WITH THE IGNITION OFF. HOW LONG BEFORE THE VEHICLE JUMPS INTO GEAR AND RUNS SOMEONE OVER WITH NO ONE BEHIND THE WHEEL? I FOUND OUT THAT THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT INVESTIGATE ANY REPORT UNLESS YOU PAY $50.00 PLUS, WHATEVER ELSE THEY WANT FOR IT. *TR
5/9/2014
IN JULY OF THIS YEAR, IT WAS A 100 DEGREE DAY IN CHARLESTON, AND MY WIFE HAD OUR 2 YEARS OLD DAUGHTER IN HER CAR SEAT. MY WIFE HAD THE AIRCONDITIONING ON, AND THE CAR RUNNING, AND SHE CHECKED THE MAIL, FOR SOME REASON, THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS ENGAGED, AND MY DAUGHTER WAS LOCKED IN THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER, AND I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. THEY HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK. THEY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD REDONE ALL THE WIRING AND THAT IT SHOULD ALL BE FIXED, AND IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT, OUR REAR VIEW CAMERA STARTED GOING IN AND OUT RANDOMLY, BUT WE DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT, THEN SURE ENOUGH, ONCE AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER, I HAD MY DAUGHTER OUT TO LUNCH, I PLACED HER IN HER SEAT, STRAPPED HER IN, AND LAID THE KEYS DOWN NEXT TO HER, THE DOORS WERE ALL UNLOCKED, I CLOSED THE BACK DOOR, WENT TO OPEN THE FRONT DOOR, AND THE LOCKS ENGAGED ONCE AGAIN. THIS TIME THE AC WAS NOT RUNNING. MY WIFE HAD A KEY BUT WAS ABOUT 45 MIN AWAY. THIS TIME, THE BABY WAS IN THERE FOR OVER HALF AN HOUR, AND WAS A HYSTERICAL MESS. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER AGAIN, OBVIOUSLY MUCH MORE UPSET THIS TIME, AND ASKED THEM TO EXPLAIN WHAT WAS GOING ON. THEY HAD NO ANSWER AND ASKED ME TO BRING IT IN AGAIN. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN, THEY HAD IT FOR OVER 2 WEEKS AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD RESET EVERYTHING TO FACTORY SPECS, AND GIVEN ME 2 NEW KEY FOBS, AS THEY THOUGHT THE FOBS MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE ISSUE. I GOT THE CAR BACK AND WITHIN AN HOUR, OF GETTING THE CAR BACK, THE CAMERA WENT OUT ON THE DASHBOARD.I CALLED THE SALES MANAGER AGAIN, AND HE CAME AND PICKED THE VEHICLE UP. THE ONLY THING WE HAVE BEEN TOLD AND I QUOTE IS "WE ARE CHASING A GREMLIN IN THE WIRING SYSTEM", THEY CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS, THEY WANT TO PUT ME IN A NEW 2015. GM CORPORATE CANNOT OFFER ANY RESOLUTION OUTSIDE OF A NEW KEY FOB. *TR
11/18/2014
EQUIPMENT
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
CHEVY HAS KNOWN FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS THAT ANDROID AND BLACKBERRY PHONES DO NOT WORK WITH MANY NEW CHEVYS. THEY HAVE A SOFTWARE GLITCH THAT THEY CAN NOT REPAIR. THIS MEANS THAT OWNERS ARE NOT ABLE TO SAFELY USE THEIR PHONES WHILE IN THEIR CARS. I BELIEVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I PERSONALLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT I HAD A BLUETOOTH IN IT. I MAKE AND RECEIVE A LOT OF CALLS WHILE IN MY CAR AND I CAN NOT DO THIS SAFELY WITH THE EQUINOX. *TR
3/8/2012
TIRES:SIDEWALL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
SIDEWALL DAMAGE TO TIRE. PURCHASED 03/12 AND THE VEHICLE HAS 1200 MILES ON IT. NO WRECKS OR ACCIDENTS IN CAR. *JS
6/19/2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME BLURRY WHEN THE SUN REFLECTED ON IT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER THEY DID NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 956. UPDATED 9/10/12 *CN
8/6/2012
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
2012 CHVEROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH TOWING THE VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL, THAT IN ORDER TO TOW THE VEHICLE ON ALL FOUR WHEELS, THE NUMBER 32 FUSE MUST BE REMOVED. HOWEVER, WHEN IT WAS REMOVED, THE 12 VOLT RECEPTACLE WAS DISCONNECTED WHICH RENDERED THE BRAKE BUDDY NON-FUNCTIONAL.*JB UPDATED 11/27/12 UPDATED 02/11/13.
11/13/2012
CHILD SEAT
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE CROTCH BUCKLE ON MY CHILD'S CAR SEAT GETS STUCK AT TIMES WHICH MAKES IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET MY SON OUT. IT'S HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ANY REASON TO WHY OR WHEN IT HAPPENS. IN ORDER TO GET THE BUCKLE TO RELEASE I HAVE TO USE SO MUCH FORCE THAT IT HURTS ME AND I FEAR THAT EVENTUALLY I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UNLATCH IT AND I WILL HAVE TO CUT MY SON OUT. I ALSO WORRY THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN DURING AN EMERGENCY. I HAVE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A REPLY. *TR
2/22/2013
VISIBILITY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
FILLED UP MY GAS TANK AND WHEN TANK WAS FILLED AND PAID FOR PUT IN D AND A HUGE BANG WAS HEARD, LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR TO FIND THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED. THREE GENTLEMEN CAME RIGHT TO THE CAR AND ASKED WHAT HAPPENED CAUSE THE HEARD THE BANG. ONE OF THE MEN CLEANED THE GLASS OUT OF MY WINDOW SO I COULD GO 15 MILES HOME. I THEN MADE A CLAIM TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY AFTER CALL THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED AND THEM TELLING ME IT WAS ANYTHING THEY DID, REPORT IT TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. *TR
4/3/2013
SEAT BELTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER REAR SEAT BELT CONTINUOUSLY TIGHTENED AND CONSTRICTED THE PASSENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SEAT BELT WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
9/12/2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE ABS LIGHTS TURN ON AND THE "SERVICE STABILITRAK" MESSAGE APPEARS. THE LIGHTS AND MESSAGE TURN OFF AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, BUT THEN CONTINUOUSLY TURN OFF AND ON. THE CHEVY DEALERSHIPS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
5/25/2014
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT BECAME LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS INDICATING A FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,303.
7/24/2014
PARKING BRAKE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE DOOR OPEN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE KNOCKED THE CONTACT DOWN, DRAGGED HER DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, AND ROLLED OVER HER RIGHT LEG. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,500. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN UPDATED 10/18/2017*CN
6/2/2015
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE OPENING THE DOOR, THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE SEAM OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WITNESSED THE RUST ON ALL FOUR DOOR SEAMS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON ALL FOUR DOOR HEM FLANGES AND THE RUST NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,556.
7/16/2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WHEN OPENING THE STORAGE IN THE FRONT SEAT THE LIGHT BURNS SO HOT THAT IT BURNS THE RIGHT HIP/LEG OF THE DRIVER BADLY. STEERING MAKES A SUPER LOUD RUBBING SOUND WHEN TURNING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT THAT DEALERSHIP CANNOT SEEM TO FIX.
1/5/2016
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
Are complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
Are complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Chevrolet Equinox: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 938
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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