2012 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 12%of 685 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,340miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 84 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 12% of the 685 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,340 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on a busy rural route when I came to a stop , went to take off the car had no power. I have only had this vehicle 1 month, and the code says it it the transmission control module . Luckily we were not hit after about 30 seconds it kicks in and has power , not very safe at all .”
NHTSA complaint #11405491, filed 2021-03, 223,500 miles“When my vehicle is in motion I am not getting the amount of power I should be receiving once I press on the gas. I believe the timing is off and I have a code: p0013 issue, actuator circuit, cam shaft position. I have seen a recall to the 2011 model for the same reasons and I'm sure my vehicle is having the same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11104701, filed 2018-06, 70,000 miles“My vehicles check engine light came on then the stability light came on the vehicle sounded like it was choking. When we got it to the repair shop it stalled out and when the shop did shove investigation there was no oil in the vehicle. Although there was no warning about oil being low or lights on. As we were bringing vehicle to shop it smelled of burning. Vehicle started malfunctioning when stationary and became worse when in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11309696, filed 2020-02, 166,000 miles“My car shut down while I was driving. I have been having problems with the check engine light coming on.. I am afraid to drive it. I am having it towed to the dealership tomorrow. I am driving a rental. I will never buy another product from this company. I have been reading the complaints. Why have this SUV not been recalled. Are they waiting for someone to be killed before they do this?”
NHTSA complaint #10970024, filed 2017-04, 106,807 miles“While driving down I-96 in michigan at mile 62, I felt an explosion under my feet. There was a large cloud of black smoke followed by flames underneath and out the back of the vehicle. I pulled to the side of the road, ran to safety while watching the vehicle burn underneath. The air draft from passing traffic extinguished the fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10713502, filed 2015-04, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 22% |
| 2025 | 35 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 13% |
| 2023 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 13% |
| 2019 | 37 | 12% |
| 2018 | 66 | 16% |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% |
| 2016 | 27 | 7% |
| 2015 | 63 | 9% |
| 2014 | 40 | 7% |
| 2013 | 80 | 11% |
| 2012 | 84 | 12% |
| 2011 | 145 | 19% |
| 2010 | 182 | 23% |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 4% |
| 2005 | 114 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
355 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
127 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 31, 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