2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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4/5

★★★★

Safety Rating

939

Owner Complaints

22 Crashes 8 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

58

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

The 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has received a total of 939 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST. 58 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (353 complaints), Visibilitywiper (120 complaints), and Power Train (82 complaints).

Recalls for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, potentially affecting up to 465,031 vehicles.

Recall 16V502000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

| 8,367 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782....

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Recall 16V502000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

| 8,367 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782....

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Recall 14V447000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

| 414,333 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service...

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Recall 11V511000 — TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

| 33,964 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

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Owner Complaints for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

939 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine
Complaints: 353 3 Crashes 3 Fires
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 120 2 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 82 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 66 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 53 1 Fire
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 53 1 Fire
Steering
Complaints: 36 1 Fire 1 Injury
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 26 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 22 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 18 9 Crashes 6 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 16
Suspension
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes
Service Brakes
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 1 Injury
Wheels
Complaints: 11
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seats
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 3
Structure
Complaints: 3
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 3
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 2
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 2
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Back Over Prevention Camera System
Complaints: 1
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
Complaints: 1
Back Over Prevention Warnings
Complaints: 1
Child Seat
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitioncoil
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentotherownersserviceother Manual
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Warning
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinechainbelt
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11714384 | ENGINE | | N/A miles
The vehicles oil needs to be checked every day to make sure the levels are not low. The vehicle has no visible oil leaks on the ground or inside, but the oil levels will drop. With that I have to constantly have oil on hand to make sure I refill it or the engine would be dry. It’s becoming a hassle because I have to constantly monitor and make sure that the engine has oil so it doesn’t blow up.
#11703120 | STEERING | | N/A miles
ABS stabilizer light on dash shows ABS malfunction.took it to certified mechanic to check the problem and was told the system had to be replaced at the cost of $4000.
#11703120 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
ABS stabilizer light on dash shows ABS malfunction.took it to certified mechanic to check the problem and was told the system had to be replaced at the cost of $4000.
#11699902 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Recently got an oil change, and in a month I’ve had to “top-off” my oil. Constantly have to make sure I carry a few quarts of oil to make sure my oil is filled. One day, I forgot to check the oil and my car was stalling on a busy road. Had to pull over to make sure I put the oil in there. Everyone that I’ve asked said they have the same issue. I stopped asking people after the 10th person. My uncle is a mechanic and he said the same thing about the oil. He said he wasn’t sure where is goes but it just disappears.
#11698293 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear suspension trailing arm and subframe assembly rusted completely through, causing the suspension to separate from the frame. The corroded and broken components are still attached to the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The rusted frame and failed trailing arm caused the rear wheel alignment to shift dangerously, making the vehicle unstable and unsafe to drive. If the part had completely detached while driving, it could have caused a total loss of control and a serious accident, endangering the driver, passengers, and others on the road. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was visually inspected and confirmed by an independent repair facility, which advised that the frame is structurally compromised and the vehicle is unsafe to drive without major frame replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet by the manufacturer, but photos and documentation are available. The damage has been assessed by a certified mechanic who confirmed the severity and the safety hazard. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights or messages appeared. The issue was first noticed after hearing unusual noises and instability from the rear of the vehicle. Upon inspection, severe frame rust and separation of the rear trailing arm were discovered.

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Safety Rating for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

The 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★ (4/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Side Crash ★★★★★ (5/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

General Motors, LLC has issued 58 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

21-NA-280 — ENGINE

This service bulletin provides diagnostic repair information for customer concerns of Engine Run-On, Rough Running, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated.

N192266181 — VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Special Coverage. On certain vehicles, the ball joints in the front windshield wiper modules of these vehicles may experience high corrosion and wear that could result in the separation of one or more ball joints from their sockets during wiper operation. If a ball joint were to separate, one or...

N192287100-01 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Special Coverage (Revised correction statement, service procedure and customer reimbursement). Some vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine and certified to the EPA Bin 4 emission standard and the California Cleaner Federal Vehicle option of Bin 4 emission standard, may exhibit catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor performance degradation, without illumination of...

N192268180 and N — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Emission Recalls and Special Coverage. Population movement between bulletin numbers.

N192287100 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Special Coverage Adjustment. Some vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine and certified to the EPA Bin 4 emission standard and the California Cleaner Federal Vehicle option of Bin 4 emission standard, may exhibit catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor performance degradation, without illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light),...

N192287100 — EQUIPMENT

Special Coverage Adjustment. Some vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine and certified to the EPA Bin 4 emission standard and the California Cleaner Federal Vehicle option of Bin 4 emission standard, may exhibit catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor performance degradation, without illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp (check engine light),...

16118 01 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Special Coverage (Revised Service Procedure). Some 2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine, may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart [0.946 L] of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. If this condition is present, an...

PIC5648A — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This PI was created to address normal operational Characteristics of a UEW nav radio when using TBT with the radio off.

PI0828C — EQUIPMENT

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING 2 WAY TAPE AND SPLASH GUARDS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF DUST INTRUSION INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.

PIP5385A — ENGINE

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN ON THE STEPS TO DIAGNOSING THE CONCERN. THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON OR REDUCED ENGINE POWER MESSAGE ON THE DIVER INFORMATION CENTER.

Showing 10 of 58 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the CHEVROLET EQUINOX

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