2012 Chevrolet Equinox Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 70about this part
- Share
- 10%of 685 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 70 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 10% of the 685 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About 3 weeks ago I went to start my Equinox with the key and when I put it in the ignition my vehicle would not start at all. The vehicle was parked on a city street. Then the beginning of december I had gone over a little bump and my dash started showing up with warning lights saying 'service stabiliz' and 'all-wheel drive off'.”
NHTSA complaint #11298452, filed 2020-01, 154,000 miles“My vehicle keeps red lining at 6000 rpms and bangs into gear..been at the dealer many times and they say nothing's wrong but keep replacing parts...my car is still under warranty and now they wanna charge me for a transmission I have every record since we bought the car that this problem has been happening since day 1...the vehicle is in motions and it happens at different speeds I also have videos of it acting up”
NHTSA complaint #11103873, filed 2018-06, 46,000 miles“When I leave my keys in the ignition while the ignition is off and in park. My car sometimes makes a noise like it is trying to start the engine/car or car with the car being off and no one switching the key over. Making the lights flicker on the inside and outside of the car. The mechanic said it could be electrical faliure but he wouldnt be sure without looking at it...however my remote start doesnt work anymore and niether does my bluetooth capability.”
NHTSA complaint #11339039, filed 2020-07, 150,000 miles“This vehicle frequently loses charge on battery battery and alternator are new. Vehicle has less than 70k miles also throws up computer codes radio turns on and off when it wants to. I purchased it used with 40k miles and has been a problem since. I have quotes for over 2k in repairs and was told at time of purchase all recalls were cared for. Was purchased certified preowned from a dealership. Every time I fix something there's another problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11166602, filed 2019-01, 45,000 miles“While driving my car stopped in the middle of the the intersection I turned car off and back on. Made it home and check engine light comes on. Since I bought my car my car rattles and more so when in reverse”
NHTSA complaint #11321785, filed 2020-04, 98 milesRelated recalls
- 16V502000Jul 5, 2016General 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…Covers: Chevrolet Equinox 2010–2013, Cruze 2011–2016, Malibu 2013–2016 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11010421Oct 3, 2024This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11007196Sep 6, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11006293Aug 13, 2024This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer an issue where the vehicle's engine may crank over unprompted and not start afterward. This is the result of hooking up…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 14 | 18% |
| 2025 | 78 | 33% |
| 2024 | 17 | 21% |
| 2023 | 13 | 13% |
| 2022 | 22 | 12% |
| 2021 | 18 | 18% |
| 2020 | 43 | 14% |
| 2019 | 45 | 15% |
| 2018 | 61 | 15% |
| 2017 | 19 | 7% |
| 2016 | 24 | 6% |
| 2015 | 45 | 7% |
| 2014 | 46 | 8% |
| 2013 | 69 | 9% |
| 2012 | 70 | 10% |
| 2011 | 74 | 9% |
| 2010 | 81 | 10% |
| 2009 | 23 | 24% |
| 2008 | 65 | 18% |
| 2007 | 102 | 15% |
| 2006 | 141 | 20% |
| 2005 | 159 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
355 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
127 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
84 complaintsFuel system
54 complaintsOther or unknown
54 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsElectronic stability control
26 complaintsBody and structure
26 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSuspension
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology