2012 Chevrolet Equinox

Introduction

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a variety of engine and transmission options. Engine options include a 2.4L inline-4 (182 horsepower, 172 pound-feet of torque), a 3.0L V6 (264 horsepower, 223 pound-feet of torque), and a 3.6L V6 (301 horsepower, 272 pound-feet of torque). Transmission options include a 6-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual, and a 5-speed manual.

Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox generally praise its roomy interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. However, the vehicle has also been plagued by a number of issues, including engine problems, transmission problems, and suspension problems.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Cam Phaser Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cam phaser can fail, causing the engine to run rough, have reduced power, and produce a rattling noise.
  • Solution: Replace the cam phaser.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can leak, causing a loss of power, rough idling, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000

3.0L V6

• Piston Ring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The piston rings can fail, causing the engine to burn oil, produce blue smoke, and have reduced power.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
• Timing Chain Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power, have a rough idle, and produce a rattling noise.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
• Valve Guide Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve guides can fail, causing the engine to burn oil, produce blue smoke, and have a rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the valve guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+

3.6L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to shudder, slip, or lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The TCM can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve body can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or not engage.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Synchronizer Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The synchronizers can fail, causing the transmission to grind when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The lower control arm bushings can fail, causing the vehicle to have poor handling, excessive tire wear, and a rattling noise.
  • Solution: Replace the lower control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The struts can fail, causing the vehicle to have poor handling, a rough ride, and excessive tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links can fail, causing the vehicle to have poor handling, a loose steering feel, and a rattling noise.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain, causing the vehicle to fail to start.
  • Solution: Check the electrical system for a parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Fuse Box Melting
  • Description/Symptoms: The fuse box can melt, causing the vehicle to lose power.
  • Solution: Replace the fuse box.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Wiring Harness Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The wiring harness can fail, causing a variety of electrical problems, such as loss of power, inoperative lights, and inoperative gauges.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door handles can fail, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Liftgate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The liftgate actuator can fail, causing the liftgate to not open or close properly.
  • Solution: Replace the liftgate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Roof Rack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The roof rack can fail, causing it to detach from the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the roof rack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Interior

• Airbag Deployment Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The airbags may not deploy in the event of a crash.
  • Solution: Replace the airbags.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: 13V421000, 14V081000, 15V438000
• Center Console Lid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The center console lid can fail, causing it to not open or close properly.
  • Solution: Replace the center console lid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters may not work properly or may overheat.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has a number of potential issues, including engine problems, transmission problems, suspension problems, and electrical problems. Some of these issues can be costly to fix, and some can even affect the safety of the vehicle. However, the Equinox is also a popular vehicle with many positive qualities, such as a roomy interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. Potential buyers should be aware of the potential issues with this vehicle before making a purchase, and should also consider the cost of fixing these issues.