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2012 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems

84 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,681. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
84
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
75,681
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Driveline: chain/belt
    1
  • Axle assembly
    1

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 transmission problems in other years

20052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 35Hesitation 10Transmission failure 9Harsh shifting 5Shudder 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Chevrolet Equinox owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IL

Its iz using 2 or 3 courts of oil every 200 miles

Filed Oct 8, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · AL

2012 Chevrolet equinox burns/leaks oil which cause the serpentine belt to pop off & I had to replace it. Having problems with the MAT & IAT codes, just replaced the fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, & spark plugs... Car still will not crank. They're saying there's no recall but why are all the Chevrolet equinox malfunctioning with the same problems with no help from the manufacturer?

Filed May 10, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 110,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her husband discovered that the timing chain had failed. In addition, there was an excessive consumption of oil causing the contact to add engine oil frequently. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced but no further diagnosis was available for the other failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Chevy sold the Equinox knowing full well that it had engine problems. The oil system fails, using oil at an excessive rate and oil dumping from engine. They were aware that around 80,000 miles the car would need over $4000 in repairs. They also knew the timing chain gets off timing causing over $2000 in repairs. Both of which happened to my vehicle within 6 months. The Engine ceased up and was undrivable. It sat in our driveway for over 18 months while we paid off the loan.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Electrical, Transmission · 132,000 miles · TX

The contact’s friend owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact who is an independent mechanic stated that his friend had taken the vehicle to be repaired after the key became stuck in the ignition. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the key cylinder lock housing had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, an undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Filed May 19, 2023 · Engine, Suspension · MO · crash

My 2012 chevy equinox lt had had nothing but issues with the timing chain the oil consumption where it hardly wants to start I have only had this used vehicle for 6 months or less I shouldn’t be having all these problems with it! The tailpipe isn’t smoking out white clouds but when you put your hand over it it leaves black oil gas smelling grunge on your hand! This is the second equinox I have owed in less than 1 year and it should not be costing me a fortune in repairs within a year even though it’s used makes no sense to me why chevy allows this to happen!!!

Filed Apr 16, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

I bought my 2012 chevy equinox Lt 2.4L because I owed one just like it but a deer totaled it at only 10 mph! It been nothing but issues since I purchased it drove it off the lot the check engine light comes on and then I go to get it checked and it states that I have a permanent catylic converter code that no one can fix except gmc! When I idle at a stop for longer than 1 min it starts stuttering and jerking like it’s gonna die! So I clean my throttle body like the mechanic said I should do and I found this dark brown whitish sludge in my pvc tube that runs up into the air box which now my air box is full of this gunk! I have to put oil into this vehicle every 3 days cause it will be full then three days later it’s just a smidge above out on the dipstick! I am poor I can not afford huge repairs or replacement of yet another vehicle 🚗! GMC needs held accountable since they seem to know about this and it’s not recalled they need to do better in taking care of us poor customers who just want a reliable vehicle!! So VERY upset yet again!!!

Filed Nov 9, 2022 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the front-end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who discovered that the front axle bracket had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 62,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · Engine, Steering · NY

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

Filed Aug 6, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · DC

Gauges- oil light does not turn on, when the vehicle is low in motor oil. Which causes internal engine failure, which include, but not limited: timing belts to piston wear. Vehicle was in highway speed and lost vehicle power, which caused safety issues for my vehicle and vehicles behind me. Vehicle also has braking and transmission issues; at full stop on a hill and putting the transmission in "N"eutral the vehicle rolls forward, even when the brakes are fully applied or putting the vehicle back in park.

Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox transmission

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 84 complaints about the transmission of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Equinox transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,681 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox transmission?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Equinox have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Equinox model years with the most transmission complaints are 2010 (182 complaints), 2011 (145 complaints) and 2005 (114 complaints).

Other 2012 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Engine 361Visibility 127Electrical 70Fuel system 54Steering 36Driver assistance 30Body 26Airbags 19Acceleration 18Brakes 13Suspension 12Wheels 11Lights 6Seats 5Tires 4Seat belts 3Locks 1

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