2012 Chevrolet Equinox Review: An Updated Small SUV With Mechanical Problems

Airek on September 12, 2024

The 2012 Chevy Equinox has been nothing but a frustrating money pit for me. I’ve spent an outrageous amount of money on replacement parts, from constant engine issues to transmission problems, and it feels like something new breaks down every other month. Whether it’s the faulty timing chain, excessive oil consumption, or malfunctioning sensors, I’ve poured way more into repairs than the car is even worth at this point. Instead of being a reliable vehicle, it’s been a source of constant headaches and expenses. I regret ever buying it, and it's become the definition of a financial burden.

Roxanne Forney on May 27, 2024

My dad is a 72 year old man who bought this car from stars cars/green light in Ohio . His engine blew and has wynns warranty. Palecheck auto who keep his car for two months . My dad and I are looking into this further everything keeps breaking and the car won’t run barely now

Sarah on January 21, 2024

Bought this vehicle as my first car, used, about 2 years ago, and one of the very first experiences with it was it shutting down as I tried to leave a gas station, and found the thing to have no oil. I believe to have bought it at around 100,000 miles on it. This thing was a oil guzzler through and through, and oil changes and checking my oil was almost religious in how often I was on it, often trying to set up the next oil change appointment so that I was the least amount of miles over. Having it shut off whilst trying to take off or slow down was a very often experience, to the point that I ussually had one to two quarts of oil in the back in preparation. Don’t get me wrong though, even though Oil changes were incredibly often and checking oil was a near often 3 times a week basis, this was the only problem I had with my car. I did not have any other major problems with this vehicle, nothing transmission or otherwise. I was able to take this vehicle across multiple states, including one or two trips almost getting up to 20 hours of driving in one direction. Another warning though, do try to avoid any mountains, as the vehicle was only a few mph faster then the semi trucks going up, no breaking whilst going back down the steep slopes was more of a fear for my life type deal. Eventually, the vehicle served its purpose, missing an oil change by 2,000 miles due to life circumstances, and the oil pan thing cracking severly by the timing belt, at 252,478 miles (approximate). I would not recommend this car, due to awful oil consumption, and if you do think about getting this, know that you must be on top of maintenance for this vehicle as it is not forgiving on forgetfulness.

Divine on December 7, 2023

This vehicle stopped me on traffic light. Drivers suspected I was in distress before it restarted. 170km and doing oil change bi weekly. Now Catalyst Convert is gone. The Engine is dysfunctional consumed more fuel and oil.

Xtitan11 on November 2, 2023

We bought a used Equinox 2 years ago with less than 40k miles on it. The car has given us trouble since the first week we had it. We have had two instances driving that the power steering failed. We had to stop, pull over and restart the car which fixed the problem the first time. The second time it took 2-3 restarts before the power steering worked again. This could have been life threatening, luckily the roads weren’t busy at the time. We took the car to a Chevy dealership and they could find nothing wrong. We took it to private mechanics and they found the same….:nothing. Now when you start the car occasionally (once a month or so) the car starts and shows the power steering failure message. Have to sit and wait about 30 minutes and try again which does work sometimes. But, now you’re a little late for work or you have to wake up super early, just to make sure the car will work and then you are super early to work or let it sit in the driveway running. I was a Chevy only kind of person at first. Chevy had all my business. After going 0-2 with the last two chevys I will stick to a brand that has at least some kind of reliability. I’m assuming the year of the Chevy is just xxxxty. Because my other was also a 2012, but I’m not risking my money, time or the safety of my family to “give Chevy a chance.” My wife won’t even sit in the car anymore and I can’t blame her. My 3 year old was in the car one of the times the power steering stopped and I can’t imagine how that felt to my wife. I want to stick to the American Makes of car. Problem is my Honda Pilot has 155k miles and never has given me a problem. Hard to rationalize getting a Chevy again to myself. Maybe Ford would do a better job…….

Heather E on June 14, 2023

I bought my 2012 Equinox used, with 30,000 miles. I was able to get 201,000 before trading. Lots of little mechanical issues and replacing parts after 150,000. AC stopped blowing out of vents... that is a $900 fix. But engine overall was good and she never needed a transmission!

Steve lyman on February 25, 2023

The car runs great.The car is in good condition.the previous owner did the maintenance regularly.the tires are brand new.the interior is excellent.i have the old receipts for work done on the car.i know the previous owner my mom. the car has a new built in security key for the security system also a spare door key this car is an excellent bargain.i am confident in all weather with all the safety features.i will pay for a new windshield for the new owner comes with spare and jack. I would feel comfortable selling it to someone with children like I said very safe car.thankyou Steve Lyman.

Beth Kordonowy on February 10, 2023

DONT BUY THIS VEHICLE. Bought it used, 93000. Ate oil, got most enine repaired. Ran good til 120000. Now catalytic converter. Never buying a chevy again.

Rose on November 19, 2022

My 2012 Equinox has 156,000 miles on it and I've never had any engine problems. I plan on driving it until it dies, which I hope won't be any time soon. And I might get another one when it comes time to replace it. I love it.

Paul on September 26, 2022

Okay the car burns oil and you have to put in the Dexos high priced oil,but to me that is a minor annoyance.It runs great and gets good gas mileage. Is comfortable to drive too. The BIG problem that I have not seen mentioned is that the A/C ducts are horrible! The drivers is blocked by the steering wheel and most have very limited adjustment, In sunny Florida this is a major drawback.