2012 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems
354 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox — 52% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The abs braking and stability control light came on and has stayed on and took to mechanic shop and was told to repair would be $4000 .that's more than what the car is worth!changed motor oil many times since I owned the car and it uses oil quite much.ihe oil gauge can say I have 70 percent oil and…”
filed Mar 14, 2026
“The vehicles oil needs to be checked every day to make sure the levels are not low. The vehicle has no visible oil leaks on the ground or inside, but the oil levels will drop. With that I have to constantly have oil on hand to make sure I refill it or the engine would be dry. It’s becoming a hassle…”
filed Jan 30, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Equinox years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Equinox | 7 | 12% |
| 2025 Equinox | 21 | 10% |
| 2024 Equinox | 14 | 20% |
| 2023 Equinox | 14 | 16% |
| 2022 Equinox | 25 | 16% |
| 2021 Equinox | 15 | 17% |
| 2020 Equinox | 84 | 28% |
| 2019 Equinox | 98 | 33% |
| 2018 Equinox | 84 | 21% |
| 2017 Equinox | 178 | 66% |
| 2016 Equinox | 200 | 51% |
| 2015 Equinox | 227 | 33% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.