Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Back on jan 14, 2019 oil was changed as part of routine at a service station. Operator suggested we take it in to the dealers as part of an oil consumption recall he heard about, within 200 miles we took it into a dealership for the test to be performed and they refused to do it due to a rear main seal leak that no one mentioned earlier or at the oil change place. They wouldn't repair it as part of the GM service bulletin 14882 (which is what caused the issue) had to pay $1700 just to get the seal fixed so they could perform the test on an issue GM already was aware of! Vehicle finally failed the consumption test and had the recall done at another dealership. …
1.excessive oil consumption from day 1 - was told it was normal, 2.fluttering sound in the engine when cranked. 3.idling rough for a looooonnnng time. 4. Replaced both intake & exhaust cam sensors 5. Removed and replaced fan drive belt. 6.car started shifting roughly. 7. Started idling so low that I had to keep my foot on the gas so it wouldn't shake violently and cut off. Mostly when I was stopped but started shaking and cutting off when I just slow down. Same thing when I back up. Also when I slow down to make a turn. Last time I drove it (2 days ago) it shook violently and cut off on me 4 times. Waiting for the dealer to call me back now.. Please make GM/Chevrolet do a recall!!! Thanks for your help!
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. While the vehicle was being diagnosed for the stability and service engine soon indicators illuminating the technician informed the contact of water leaking in the area near the spare tire. The vehicle was scheduled to be diagnosed by an independent mechanic for the leaking. The contact also stated that there was a mildew odor in the vehicle. The manufacturer provided reference number: 8-2934661496. The contact inquired as to why a recall was not issued. The manufacturer stated that NHTSA issues recalls and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 33,886. Updated 07/11/17
This is my second time in less than 2 years having to have repairs made to this vehicle for the camshaft aculator and solenoid valve. Once again in the middle of driving on the road the car shut off! Tried getting it to go by putting it in park and as I put it back in drive and attempted to press the gas it shut off again! I was nearly hit by a car in the mist of all this. Something has got to be done about this malfunction within this vehicle!!! I've seen so many comments by people say the same thing has happened to them in this 2012 Chevy Equinox!! Please recall these pieces!
While driving on city streets and highways the lights dim and the radio will shut off and all lights on the dash will bim and blink. When I have the cruz control on the car will start picking up speed, and one point I felt I was going a little to fast and when I looked down I was doing 83 MPH and I had the cruze control set to 60 MPH. Angel the driver seat will move down on its own while I am driving. I do not feel this is right. I called the dealer ship and they said it was more likely a fuse. I do not believe that. My trackstion control goes off by it self also.
The timing chain had to be replaced at 140,000 miles. ($2,000) [occurred jan. 2018] their is an issue causing with leaky pistons causing oil to evaporate. My car was low on oil (though the "low oil" indicator had not gone off) and the pressure inside the engine caused the rear main seal to break. (replacement of refurbished engine + labor est. $4,000) [occurred jan 2018 at 170,000 miles) not to mention that the back,left door is closed, though a sensor says it is ajar. The sensors in the tires are always way off, tempting me to over-inflate tires. [infinity.]
The stability tracking service light continuously comes on then eventually goes off. I have called OnStar several times to run a diagnostic check and nothing shows up. Tt does it on straight roads and curves slow or fast. It also has not come up on my monthly diagnostics from OnStar. I have read other complaints regarding the same problem. When I told the service dept. At the dealership they had not heard anything either. Does anyone know what would cause this to happen, how unsafe it is and what does it take for a recall to be issued?
First one week ago, the car was slow to turn on when turning the ignition and all the lights on the instrument panel lite up with the message check power steering. Tonight 8/11/17 the car will not turn over, but it still has a working horn, lights. And radio. Check engine light comes on followed by service power steering, service stabiltrack message, electric windows would not roll up, speedometer and RPM gauges move all the way over and back, and all the lights on the electric panel are on. Engine will not turn on.
Service stabilitrak system warning message appears with associated ABS and traction control lights. Occurring randomly when hitting bumps in the road while highway and city driving, the lights will illuminate with dinging alert. Duration of the message varies from a couple of seconds to minutes before all lights extinguish. Various references online indicate the solution for others are all over the place with some dealership maintenance shops trying multiple fixes with no avail. Has been occurring since 2017.
My vehicles check engine light came on then the stability light came on the vehicle sounded like it was choking. When we got it to the repair shop it stalled out and when the shop did shove investigation there was no oil in the vehicle. Although there was no warning about oil being low or lights on. As we were bringing vehicle to shop it smelled of burning. Vehicle started malfunctioning when stationary and became worse when in motion.
Traction Control complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 4% of the model year's 685 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Equinox traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Equinox traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to stability & traction control problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.