Model year
2012 Chevrolet Equinox
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 685 complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (355), VISIBILITY/WIPER (121), POWER TRAIN (82). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA rated 2 variants 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 19–26 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,600–$3,550, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2005 638 complaints
- 2006 695 complaints
- 2007 685 complaints
- 2008 370 complaints
- 2009 94 complaints
- 2010 784 complaints
- 2011 782 complaints
- 2012 685 complaints
- 2013 751 complaints
- 2014 548 complaints
- 2015 680 complaints
- 2016 399 complaints
- 2017 276 complaints
- 2018 410 complaints
- 2019 306 complaints
- 2020 318 complaints
- 2021 100 complaints
- 2022 186 complaints
- 2023 99 complaints
- 2024 82 complaints
- 2025 237 complaints
- 2026 75 complaints
- 2027 1 complaints
Recalls
16V502000 · Jul 5, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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,…
14V447000 · Jul 23, 2014
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
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…
11V511000 · Oct 19, 2011
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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…
Complaints
685 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 16, fire flag on 6, injury field 13, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ18002 | Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure · VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD… | Nov 2, 2018 | Dec 19, 2019 |
| EA19005 | Front Wiper Transmission Inoperative · VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES; VISIBILITY/WIPER | Dec 13, 2019 | Nov 28, 2022 |
| PE20009 | Momentary Increased Steering Effort · STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; STEERING | Jun 1, 2020 | Jun 3, 2022 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.174 | NHTSA photo |
| SUV FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.191 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox FWD · 3L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 17 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Equinox FWD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 22 | 31 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Equinox FWD · 3L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 17 | 24 | 20 | — | — | $3,350 |
| Equinox AWD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Equinox AWD · 3L · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 16 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Equinox AWD · 3L · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 16 | 23 | 19 | — | — | $3,550 |
| Equinox FWD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 31 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Equinox AWD · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 28 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Chevrolet Equinox at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.