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2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT FWD

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT FWD is a 182-hp 2.4-liter inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $25,050 MSRP and is rated at 26 mpg combined.

It makes 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (26 mpg combined).

The Equinox measures 187.8 inches long on a 112.5-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$25,050 ($35,458 *)
MSRP with Destination$25,875 ($36,626 *)
Destination Charge$825
Engine
Engine Type2.4L I4 SIDI
Displacement2.4 L
Horsepower182 hp
Torque172 lb-ft
ValvetrainDOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing
Bore and Stroke88 x 98
Compression Ratio11.2:1
Injection TypeDirect sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-wheel drive
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City22 MPG
Highway31 MPG
Combined26 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent strut-type with tuned coil springs; direct-acting stabilizer bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent four-link with coil springs
Dimensions & Weight
Length187.8 in
Width72.5 in
Height66.3 in
Wheelbase112.5 in
Front Track62.5 in
Rear Track61.8 in
Ground Clearance7.8 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (19.1 % risk)
Tested variant: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2012 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD: 4 ★ overall

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet EQUINOX. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jul 5, 2016 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

NHTSA campaign 16V502000

Jul 23, 2014 · SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.

Consequence: If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.

NHTSA campaign 14V447000

Oct 19, 2011 · TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.

Consequence: UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.

Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

NHTSA campaign 11V511000

685 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Owner Complaints

685 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet EQUINOX (16 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 11 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine355
Visibility/Wiper121
Power Train84
Electrical System70
Fuel/Propulsion System54
Unknown Or Other53
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 20, 2026 · Air Bags
“We would like to know what kind of Airbag is mounted in the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox ? pertaining to the Detroit News Article ,September 5 2026 Page 3B = 11th Death tied to Chinese Air Bag made by…”
Sep 18, 2026 · Engine
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. While the contact's daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine shut off. The contact's daughter attempted to restart the…”
Sep 1, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System
“See attached document for complaint.”
May 3, 2026 · Fuel/Propulsion System, Visibility/Wiper
“Wipers do not work Seems to not recognize when idling and starts to shake if stopped at a red light. Randomly will go through 2 quarts of oil in one day”
Mar 14, 2026 · Service Brakes, Engine
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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