2012 Chevrolet Equinox Engine Problems

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 snow or rain weather and can lose control of the 2012 Chevy equinox.if I was to drive vehicle on long trip the motor could freeze up while driving and shut down and cause dangerous situation in traffic.

NHTSA ID

11724278

Incident

Feb 12, 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 because I have to constantly monitor and make sure that the engine has oil so it doesn’t blow up.

NHTSA ID

11714384

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

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 ID

11694020

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11683560

Incident

Feb 15, 2018

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 back to same dealership on 12/17/24. I explained to Charles Ramasir ( service advisor) what was happening. He ran a scan even though the check engine was not on at that moment. The code that was stored was a transmission modular code. He said I would have to bring the vehicle back when the engine light was actually on because he could not accept a scan/fix finder report from any other then this dealership. The problem continued and was now affecting the performance of my vehicle. I was able to get the vehicle back to Lou Bachrodt while the lite was on and their scan did indicate the O2 sensor. The part was reordered and the recall was done a second time by Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet. My vehicle continues to have the same problem. The engine lite continues to come on intermittently and the scans continue to indicate a problem with the O2 sensor: code on [XXX] =P0138 code on [XXX] =P2271 I returned to Lou bachrodt on may 3,25 while the lite was on. As I drove into the service area the service greeter advised me to drive up and wait for the service advisor-Charles. I proceeded to turn off he vehicle and wait. As soon as I turn the vehicle back on to show Charles the engine lite, it was no longer on. And once again I was told that if the lite was not on he could not run the scan or accept the scan report from Auto Zone from the day before. He also seems to be fixated on the transmission code that no longer comes up in current scan reports. problem not solved and continues. please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (

NHTSA ID

11658828

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

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 ID

11645277

Incident

Jan 23, 2025

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 loudly. I immediately pulled over and called triple A and got towed to an auto repair shop. The triple A dispatcher told me what the problem was as soon as I told him it was a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. There was NO OIL in it. Sure enough, the mechanic added 5 quarts of oil and it thankfully, I had pulled over immediately before it blew the engine. I'm a [XXX] so I really don't know how mechanicals and motors work but the gist of it, as explained to me by Chevrolet dealers and mechanics have, the 2012 Chevrolet equinoxes are notoriously famous for excessive oil consumption due to faulty Pistons. CHEVROLET SHOULD'VE INCLUDED THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL IN THE RECALLS! I will NEVER purchase another Chevy or GMC. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11645120

Incident

Apr 23, 2023

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. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN. The failure mileage was 137,000.

NHTSA ID

11644737

Incident

Feb 11, 2025

Mileage

137,000 mi

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 accident.suspension is noisey like bushings are bad and need lubrication but no where to lubricate.

NHTSA ID

11634179

Incident

Jun 12, 2024

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, and the pistons needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA ID

11631420

Incident

May 31, 2024

Mileage

127,000 mi

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 ID

11630680

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

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 ID

11617371

Incident

Jun 20, 2024

The underbody of my 2012 Equinox is completely rusted and now not drivable. The KFrame is rotten and the car is not safe to drive. The engine consumes a great amount of oil. I've been told the engine needs to be replaced. I've only had the car for 2 years.

NHTSA ID

11612063

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

I own a 2012 Chevy equinox 2.4 eco-tech all wheel drive I purchased it three years ago and a little over 90,000 miles on it asked the dealer if it was part of the class action oil consumption lawsuit. They said they knew nothing about it Shortly after I purchased vehicle I noticed I was having to add to 4 quarts of oil every two months I saw oil puddles under my car and not sure where it was coming from. I have driven less than 10,000 miles in three years and have had my serpentine belt snap off due to excessive oil leakage , I have added myself to the class action lawsuit but I’ve heard nothing. I am still adding at least 3 quarts of oil a month and I don’t even drive 400 miles a month. I believe this is putting my life in Jeopardy and passengers in my car. There is never been a check oil light come on yet. I have checked my oil and it has been almost completely bone dry..

NHTSA ID

11607296

Incident

Nov 20, 2021

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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11588003

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

Mileage

110,000 mi

Basically it has the recall for clogged cats and O2 sensors it has [XXX] my pistons I use quart oil every 100 miles I talked to customer service last night was told all ve fixed and I could have rental went to get it cause my car dies at every stop from not having right fuel mixture. Now they changed story . Lawsuit ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11577750

Incident

Mar 15, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11571122

Incident

Jul 15, 2021

PCV freeze-up with blown main rear seal losing all oil almost instantly while driving on the interstate at 70MPH in 1 degree F weather. Spent 2.5 hours on the side of the road in 1F weather in a vehicle with no heat (because the engine was blown) before a tow truck could arrive. No warnings ahead of time, and no notification from GM of this well-known problem. Although it is a design flaw of the engine, it would be easily preventable if GM would notify users of the potential for this catastrophic problem.

NHTSA ID

11567571

Incident

Jan 17, 2024

VEHICLE SHUTTERING/STUTTERING AT STOP LIGHT WHILE IDLING....OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE...CONSUMING OIL...HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ISSUE.LEADING TO LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. BECAUSE OF THIS. LEAKING OIL INTO ENGINE. NEED TO REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS. HAVE COMPLETE OIL CHANGE BECAUSE OIL IS ALL CLUNKY/CLOGGED. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE CAM SHAFT COVER... PCV VALVE. AND NEED TO HAVE WATER PUMP REPLACED. TOTAL COMING TO ABOUT $2600.00!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY I HAVE NOT GOTTEN A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS PROBLEM!

NHTSA ID

11564704

Incident

Jan 10, 2024

Driving to work at 6:30 am. I slowed down at a stop light. Heard a weird noise I've never heard before from under the hood, headlights dimmed and became bright again, started to accelerate as stop light changed to green. Wouldn't accelerate passed 25 mph causing vehicles behind me to almost rear end me. Got to the next stop light, same thing, weird noise dimmed headlights back to bright but accelerated fine. Got to work 2 miles later and my engine was making a very loud noise (rattling). Shut engine off, checked oil which was full. 2 hours later tried to start it and it would not turn over. Towed to a mechanic shop where they determined my engine blew and will cost $7,500 to replace.

NHTSA ID

11555367

Incident

Nov 8, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while having the vehicle serviced, the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,687. The contact stated the passenger airbag light stays on, even though there is no passenger present in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11550588

Incident

Jul 11, 2023

Mileage

129,687 mi

I purchased a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox with 100,550 miles on it in April 2023. The original owner gave me all service receipts & records to show the automobile had been taken great care of. The interior & exterior are still in like new condition. The problem I've experienced is sudden "reduced engine power" that caused the engine to stall while driving. Two weeks prior, I had had a service check with an oil change and the works. I had it towed and to my surprise, the mechanic showed me that my automobile didn't have ANY oil. The oil indicator light NEVER came on. Afterwards, I did research and discovered that GM is aware of this exact problem in this particular make and model and been sued in a class action lawsuit for this and lost. WHY HAVEN'T THEY ISSUED A RECALL TO REPLACE THE FAULTY PISTONS THAT CAUSES THIS?

NHTSA ID

11546425

Incident

Sep 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the instrument display indicated a reduced engine power warning message. The contact stated that while driving up a bridge, the vehicle slowed down and failed to accelerate properly while depressing the accelerator pedal. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the accelerator pedal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but due to cost, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,595. The vehicle is currently at a Chevrolet dealer for repairs but they can’t get the parts because of the strike.

NHTSA ID

11536891

Incident

May 7, 2023

Mileage

74,595 mi

Car is using a quart or more of oil a week. Consistently needing top offs and has shut off while driving before. This is a major safety issue. There is a major possibility I could be driving down the road and my engine explode because it ran out of oil. There is no leak. It is just the oil burning so fast. There is no resolution asides from putting a new engine in it and that is not something I can afford considering I just got the car from a dealership back in November. If there is not a recall on it, there should be. The oil will be full and then suddenly get super black and then next day be empty.

NHTSA ID

11533974

Incident

May 1, 2023

Eats up oil, no oil leaks, shuts off while driving but will start back up. But it's dangerous when your on the interstate and it quits running and traffic is behind you. Multiple of people with this model experience the same thing with the oil consumption, and dying on them even after replacing multiple items that were suggested the vehicle needed but made it worse and now doesn't want to drive when pushing the gas pedal when it is running and in drive

NHTSA ID

11527958

Incident

Jun 20, 2023