2012 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 355about this part
- Share
- 52%of 685 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,956miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 355 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 52% of the 685 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,956 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Drive side seat belt is not latching in place, I am not secure or safe. Seat belt will not safely lock in place. This happens stationary or in motion. Paperwork has been sent twice on the the replacement of my engine. Second time was paperwork was sent registered mail which did so rec'd in early aug but I have still not rec'd a signature of recipient.which was required.”
NHTSA complaint #11353537, filed 2020-09, 99,000 miles“Engine excessive oil consumption sounding like a diesel when running. Then while looking into this issue with the place we change our oil at, all of a sudden no check engine lights on at all and it stalls at an intersection to find out the timing chain broke and now the whole engine needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11386338, filed 2021-01, 155,000 miles“I purchased this vehicle about a year ago from original owner. It has burned oil since I owned it. I have 83,000 miles on the vehicle and the engine seized on me. The cost to repair is $6700. I have had oil changes every 2,000 miles since I bought it and take good care of my vehicles. I will never buy chevy again.”
NHTSA complaint #11300678, filed 2020-01, 83,000 miles“I purchased this car on 3/29/2019 and on 4/1/2019 found that the engine is suuseptable to excessive oil consumption causing engine to wear out and could stop running on the road making it a safety hazard. Also that the steering causes resistance to steering when changing lanes causing a highway safety hazard. Am I included in the class action lawsuit filed against general motors?”
NHTSA complaint #11193139, filed 2019-04, 153,340 miles“As I was driving on the expressway I experienced my vehicle losing engine power. The indicator showed that there was an issue with oil pressure. I have since been informed that the engine has blown. I recently had a parts recall and took it in,within a day my check engine light came on.I went back to the dealership to let them know and was treated with confrontation. Now I have no car and still paying on the loan.”
NHTSA complaint #11396076, filed 2021-02, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 9% |
| 2025 | 24 | 10% |
| 2024 | 14 | 17% |
| 2023 | 18 | 18% |
| 2022 | 28 | 15% |
| 2021 | 16 | 16% |
| 2020 | 93 | 29% |
| 2019 | 100 | 32% |
| 2018 | 86 | 21% |
| 2017 | 180 | 65% |
| 2016 | 203 | 51% |
| 2015 | 227 | 33% |
| 2014 | 219 | 40% |
| 2013 | 412 | 55% |
| 2012 | 355 | 52% |
| 2011 | 386 | 49% |
| 2010 | 271 | 35% |
| 2009 | 18 | 19% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 37 | 5% |
| 2006 | 68 | 10% |
| 2005 | 55 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
127 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
84 complaintsElectrical system
70 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 27, 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