ABS stabilizer light on dash shows ABS malfunction.took it to certified mechanic to check the problem and was told the system had to be replaced at the cost of $4000.
2012 Chevrolet Equinox steering problems
36 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 36,000.
- owner complaints
- 36
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 36,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chevrolet Equinox steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Momentary Increased Steering Effort
On June 1, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE20-009 to investigate instances of a momentary increase in steering effort after the vehicle is driven in a straight line for a period of time due to an issue with the steering gear in model year (MY) 2010 through 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain SUVs.If the electric power steering system fails to operate as intended, the driver will experience momentary increased effort when attempting to turn the steering wheel from the straight-ahead position. For this condition to occur, the driver would need to have traveled in a straight line at a sustained high speed, without turning the steering wheel, for approximately 30 minutes or longer. The steering gear contains a servo unit that includes a worm gear with a worm and a worm wheel. General Motors (GM) stated that the primary root cause of the increased steering effort is the supplier's inconsistent application of grease in the interface between the worm and the worm wheel. The grease may have been applied in a location on the worm wheel that didn't interface with the worm, depriving the worm gear of proper lubrication.On November 1, 2014, GM issued Special Coverage 14232 to address the power steering stick-slip issue in MY 2010-2014 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; MY 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt; MY 2012-2014 Buick Verano; and MY 2013-2014 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. GM notified consumers via mail.The Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the steering gear with an improved internal worm gear greasing process for MY 2010-2012 vehicles. For the MY 2013-2014 vehicles, the Special Coverage repair includes a reprogramming of the steering gear control module. The new software has an anti-stick feature which senses and reduces the friction between the worm and worm wheel by oscillating the worm gear. GM stated that the difference in remedy is due to the inability of the MY 2010-2012 steering gear control module to accept the new software.The remedy implemented in GM Special Coverage 14232 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Considering the low complaint and warranty rates of steering rack replacement as well as the field exposure time for the subject vehicles, the potential safety consequences of this issue are very low. To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. ODI has not identified a safety defect or defect-related failure trend in the subject vehicles. In view of the Special Coverage, low rate of failure, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at under the following identification numbers:11424633,11421725,11229647,11101375,10919921,10689932,10671557,10664687,10663350, 10593429,10592065,10585476,10585365,10576237,10575693,10532766,10490295,10434128, 10417845,10412535,10403168,10395532,10395171,10391948,10384211,10375515,10366297, 10360999,10360599,10345626,10319530,10305569,10304769,10299745
PE20009
What 2012 Chevrolet Equinox owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
the abs light came on the dash and traction control.i was driving in a rain storm and went around a corner and front end started to slide.was only going 35 mph so I didn't lose control.this happened on.04/15/2025 .if I would have been going any faster I would have lost control.this is very dangerous as I realized. it should be fixed by GM for safety concerns.
the camshaft actuators continue creating difficultdriving conditions. The POO11 and POO13 Codes continually show Faulty even after replacement. the Vehicle {2012 Chevrolet Equinox} Lurches and Bucks,creating difficulty for the safe operations of this vehicle. This creates Adverse reactions from other motorists by just acting up ,even after repairs. This is my 3rd time replacing these components to no avail. The OBD does kick out the engine light, but its Definately Manufacturer POOR DESIGNing. This problem while driving in traffic is Concerning. Is there any remedy? [email protected] August 18,2022 Thank You B A Parry
Sterring wheel harden and wheels to moving
When in-motion at my power steering fails, the wheel seems to grab and my control of the vehicle is momentarily not in my control. It happens on straight aways and most often in slow speed turns. My concerns are the incidents that might happens in busy traffic and on wet & iced roadways. This has been happening in the last 1000plus miles and my service power steering notice has flashed at least 2 times. I am scheduled for service today.
I was out and about drive the vehicle to destination, turned off as I do before going in to any place. I can out and the vehicle would not start. After adjusting the steering wheel and messing with the gear shifter it started. Acted as if the battery was dead. It standed me for about 45 mins. Now the car acts as if it doesn't want to start and while driving if I turn to the right the radio goes out and power steering cuts out then once out of the turn it works. This is very dangerous while turning, now in either direction this vehicle has been nothing but problems.
Went to drive the car this morning and notice the car said to 'service power steering'. After researching there is an open investigation into the 2010 - 2015 chevrolet equinox power steering as there have been other issues reported of people having the same problem.
Driving normally about 35 MPH on suburban road when dashboard suddenly indicated "service power steering." the steering wheel seemed to lose all power assistance and was strenuous, even dangerously resistant, especially when needing to turn in front of oncoming traffic. Arrived home and check the power steering fuse, which was okay. Next day steering was back to normal power-assist and dashboard indicator message was gone.
Vehicle will stop while driving, sitting at light, and driveway.. I have to continue putting oil in every other day. Power steering light came on, unable to start my vehicle or roll windows up. Doesn't want to start now.
I purchased this car on 3/29/2019 and on 4/1/2019 found that the engine is suuseptable to excessive oil consumption causing engine to wear out and could stop running on the road making it a safety hazard. Also that the steering causes resistance to steering when changing lanes causing a highway safety hazard. Am I included in the class action lawsuit filed against general motors?
Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox steering
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have steering problems?
Owners have filed 36 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 5% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Equinox steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 36,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chevrolet Equinox have bad steering?
The Chevrolet Equinox model years with the most steering complaints are 2007 (78 complaints), 2005 (50 complaints) and 2008 (44 complaints).
Other 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Engine 361Visibility 127Transmission 84Electrical 70Fuel system 54Driver assistance 30Body 26Airbags 19Acceleration 18Brakes 13Suspension 12Wheels 11Lights 6Seats 5Tires 4Seat belts 3Locks 1
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