2012 Chevrolet Equinox engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 18, 2026156,000 miSCEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. While the contact's daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine shut off. The contact's daughter attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that the oil was topped off every two days. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11765306 · source
2. Filed Mar 14, 2026PABrakesEngine

   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 the dipstick reads no oil so I must put 2 -3 quarts of oil in car because I can hear lifters rattle due to lack of oil.the abs stability control keeps car steady especially in i…

   NHTSA complaint #11724278 · source
3. Filed Jan 30, 2026DEEngine

   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 because I have to constantly monitor and make sure that the engine has oil so it doesn’t blow up.

   NHTSA complaint #11714384 · source
4. Filed Oct 17, 2025MOEngine

   I had the excessive oil consumption recall repair done when it was recalled originally, however the problem has returned and from my research it appears that the piston rings were not the proper size to stop the oil from blowing back out the exhaust. Is there anything I can do about that as far as having those repairs covered again?

   NHTSA complaint #11694020 · source
5. Filed May 4, 2025FLEngine

   I purchased this vehicle on[XXX]. I was advised that there was an open recall for the O2 SENSOR. On 11/11/24, I took this vehicle to LOU BACHRODT in Coconut Creek,Fl. where they performed the recall. Shortly after having the recall done my vehicle's check engine light came on and then would turn off and continue to come intermittently. I took it to one of my local parts store that does the check engine light scan and it was giving the code for a faulty O2 sensor. I took it…

   NHTSA complaint #11658828 · source
6. Filed Feb 27, 2025IAEngine

   My check engine light has been on and I've had people with machines to turn it off. It came back on each time. It is available for inspection. I don't feel totally safe as I don't know when or where it might fail and what that would look like. No, the it has not been inspected by anyone. The only warning I have is that the check engine light stays on.

   NHTSA complaint #11645277 · source
7. Filed Feb 26, 2025GAEngineOther / Unknown

   In 2023, I purchased my 2012 Chevrolet Equinox from a private seller. It was in excellent condition, inside and out with only 75,000 miles on it. She had purchased it brand new. The vehicle was serviced and maintained regularly. She gave me all the receipts and service records when I signed the title. Everything was fine until it hit 76,000 miles. Without any type of warning, the motor went in limp mode and wouldn't accelerate over 24 mph and the valves were rattling very…

   NHTSA complaint #11645120 · source
8. Filed Feb 25, 2025137,000 miPAEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine revved up abnormally. While driving at various speeds, there was a humming sound coming from the underbody of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed, the throttle body failed, and the exhaust manifold had fractured. The vehicle had not been repaired.…

   NHTSA complaint #11644737 · source
9. Filed Jan 5, 2025PAEngineSuspension

   purchased this car in June 2024.didnt notice it was leaking oil until having oil changed.the mechanic said the engine was dry with not much oil.the mechanic told me the oil pan seal is bad.i checked and it doesn't take a gasket,and the oil pan must be removed and a sealant must be applied rather than a gasket form.this 2012 Chevy equinox ls ,and does not have a gasket form only the sealant.if the engine doesn't have oil the motor could lock up in traffic and cause…

   NHTSA complaint #11634179 · source
10. Filed Dec 18, 2024127,000 miIDEngine

    The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon slowing down, the vehicle rocked back and forth violently. The contact stated that the check engine and reduced engine power warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 23 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that there was excess crankshaft pressure, the crankshaft faces were faulty,…

    NHTSA complaint #11631420 · source
11. Filed Dec 14, 2024GAEngine

    Why is consuming a lot of oil This car the mileage is Les the 130000 I buy and didn’t know the issue Can you please fix it Sometime I hear noise from the engine

    NHTSA complaint #11630680 · source
12. Filed Sep 30, 2024PAEngineSuspension

    This vehicle is using insurmountable amount of engine oil.since I purchased the vehicle in 2024 I've had the oil changed once and twice the engine oil was down 3-4 quarts and when I started it,the engine was rattling because of oil disappearing.i purchased this nice looking car for.$5000.,so it's not junk to me it must be fixed.i think GM should be responsible for this problem.

    NHTSA complaint #11617371 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology