This page covers 2 recalls, 682 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.
19–26 mpg combined
9–12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 8 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox draws complaints heavily concentrated around the engine, with oil consumption being the dominant theme by a wide margin. Owners across many reports describe losing significant amounts of oil between changes with no visible external leak, no puddles on the ground, no obvious drips, yet the oil level drops steadily and sometimes rapidly. Many owners say they've made a habit of carrying extra quarts and checking the dipstick frequently just to keep the engine running. When the oil gets too low, owners report stalling, rough idling, and shaking at stops. The second most-reported system is wipers and visibility, where owners describe wiper failures, including wipers that stop working entirely. A smaller but notable group of powertrain complaints rounds out the picture, and at least one owner describes rear suspension components rusting through completely, though that appears to be an isolated report rather than a recurring pattern.
682
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
11
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 2 recalls, the more serious being a tire pressure monitoring system that may not alert the driver to underinflated tires, which can overheat and blow out at speed.
The second recall involves the tire pressure monitoring system failing to meet federal standards, meaning low tire pressure can go undetected long enough for a tire to overheat and fail. There is also a compliance recall covering the ignition and transmission park lock: on certain vehicles, the ignition key can be removed before the transmission is fully in Park, leaving the vehicle free to roll while occupants are getting out.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure warning light doesn't turn on until tire pressure drops more than 25% below recommended levels, instead of at exactly 25% below.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the body control module at no cost to fix the warning light timing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
