Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact's friend owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact who is an independent mechanic stated that his friend had taken the vehicle to be repaired after the key became stuck in the ignition. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the key cylinder lock housing had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, an undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her husband discovered that the timing chain had failed. In addition, there was an excessive consumption of oil causing the contact to add engine oil frequently. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced but no further diagnosis was available for the other failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
My 2012 chevy equinox lt had had nothing but issues with the timing chain the oil consumption where it hardly wants to start I have only had this used vehicle for 6 months or less I shouldn't be having all these problems with it! The tailpipe isn't smoking out white clouds but when you put your hand over it it leaves black oil gas smelling grunge on your hand! This is the second equinox I have owed in less than 1 year and it should not be costing me a fortune in repairs within a year even though it's used makes no sense to me why chevy allows this to happen!!!
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.
I bought my 2012 chevy equinox Lt 2.4L because I owed one just like it but a deer totaled it at only 10 mph! It been nothing but issues since I purchased it drove it off the lot the check engine light comes on and then I go to get it checked and it states that I have a permanent catylic converter code that no one can fix except gmc! When I idle at a stop for longer than 1 min it starts stuttering and jerking like it's gonna die! So I clean my throttle body like the mechanic said I should do and I found this dark brown whitish sludge in my pvc tube that runs up into the air box which now my air box is full of this gunk! I have to put oil into this vehicle every 3 days cause it will be full then three days later it's just a smidge above out on the dipstick! I am poor I can not afford huge repairs or replacement of yet another vehicle ! …
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? [email] August 18,2022 Thank You B A Parry
Car kept stalling when slowing down on the highway in traffic on beltway from Maryland to home in Virginia. Very dangerous situation. Car was also sluggish when accelerating. Had to drive with two feet one on brake and gas pedal when slowing down to avoid car shutting off completely on the road. Dropped car off at dealer this evening. I checked and did not see any recalls. Can't locate safety bulletins from Chevy as they are not published. Dealer said would look for any bulletins. Engine light is on. I read others with models from 2011 to 2015 having same issues for Chevy equinox.
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.
2012 Chevrolet equinox burns/leaks oil which cause the serpentine belt to pop off & I had to replace it. Having problems with the MAT & IAT codes, just replaced the fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, & spark plugs... Car still will not crank. They're saying there's no recall but why are all the Chevrolet equinox malfunctioning with the same problems with no help from the manufacturer?
Transmission complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 12% of the model year's 685 complaints. The component named most often is axle assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.