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Body and structurePart report

2012 Chevrolet Equinox Body and structure Problems

Complaints
26about this part
Share
4%of 685 total for the year
Median mileage
68,875miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 4% of the 685 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,875 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I purchased the vehicle from a dealership in lexington ky 6k and under. I had to change the breaks and I was unable to jack the car up. After taking it to the auto shop the frame and rocker panels are rusted out. The vehicle was made in canada and I seen there was a recall on the vehicle. It is dangerous to drive because the frame is weak. What should I do and is the recall still valid?”

NHTSA complaint #11414088, filed 2021-04, 93,000 miles

“The front windshield side pillars are so wide near the side mirrors that it causes a foot wide blind spot which has caused me to be in an accident and almost several other accidents. I have heard that I am not the only one who has had a problem with this. This blind spot caused me to hit a pole while turning and pulling out of a parking area.”

NHTSA complaint #10908351, filed 2016-09, 31,000 miles

“On may 27th I was opening the lift gate to unload items. The car was off. I opened the lift gate using the button under the handle.the door opened fully. I reached in the car to remove luggage. The door closed quickly on my back and stopped just before pinning me in the door way. The door immediately opened a second time and I moved quickly out of the way. As soon as it opened fully,it slammed completely shut. I am still unable to use the lift gate safely.”

NHTSA complaint #10994526, filed 2017-06, 147,824 miles

“We were sitting still at train crossing when we were struck from the rear and was shoved forward 8-10 feet into the car in front of us. The car is a total loss. With all of the rear and front damage, none of the airbags were deployed. Also, both front seats broke loose from the seat brackets that hold the seats to the floor. My wife (passenger seat) not only broke loose but the seat twisted.”

NHTSA complaint #10554862, filed 2013-12, 21,000 miles

“I have recently went to a garage for a simple oil change and to see if I could install a hitch kit. Come to find out the frame itself is rotting internally to externally. This stirred up some concern because I need an inspection come june of this year and it will not pass inspection due to the rot. My chevy Equinox is only a 2012. Being that I've only personally had this vehicle for a year, and it is only 8 to 9 years old, I was informed that this kind of rot that exists is bad. I found this out just this past week.”

NHTSA complaint #11322812, filed 2020-04, 134,515 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202611%
202542%
202434%
202322%
202253%
202155%
202062%
201921%
2018174%
201752%
201662%
2015101%
201492%
2013111%
2012264%
2011152%
2010223%
200933%
2008339%
2007355%
2006223%
2005345%

Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox

Engine
355 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
127 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
84 complaints
Electrical system
70 complaints
Fuel system
54 complaints
Other or unknown
54 complaints
Steering
36 complaints
Electronic stability control
26 complaints
Air bags
19 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Brakes
13 complaints
Suspension
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