Problems with 2012 Chevrolet Equinox ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2012 chevrolet equinox. consumer writes in regards to trailer lighting malfunction. *ld the consumer stated the modulite was incorrectly installed.*js

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. after shutting off the vehicle, the key failed to eject from the ignition switch. the contact mentioned that the vehicle needed to be in gear to remove the key from the ignition switch. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the approximate failure mileage was 67,794.

While driving on city streets and highways the lights dim and the radio will shut off and all lights on the dash will bim and blink. when i have the cruz control on the car will start picking up speed, and one point i felt i was going a little to fast and when i looked down i was doing 83 mph and i had the cruze control set to 60 mph. angel the driver seat will move down on its own while i am driving. i do not feel this is right. i called the dealer ship and they said it was more likely a fuse. i do not believe that. my trackstion control goes off by it self also.

I purchased this vehicle back in 2015. it was a used car at this time. i dont know if the recalls were ever done on this vehicle and i need the recalls to be replaced.

The vehicle turned completely off, could not get key out of ignition and electrical system was totally done. i had to get it towed to repair shop. i paid 1500 to get it back on. r stopped in the middle of highway while driving. repaired it by changing timing chain and a month layer the electrical system went out again while waiting at a stop light. no warning just turned completely off and had to get it towed again to caar repair shop. i was told that it was probably.tje transmission or engine. not worth the price of repair because it would probably end up costing more than the car was worth.

Back on jan 14, 2019 oil was changed as part of routine at a service station. operator suggested we take it in to the dealers as part of an oil consumption recall he heard about, within 200 miles we took it into a dealership for the test to be performed and they refused to do it due to a rear main seal leak that no one mentioned earlier or at the oil change place. they wouldn't repair it as part of the gm service bulletin 14882 (which is what caused the issue) had to pay $1700 just to get the seal fixed so they could perform the test on an issue gm already was aware of! vehicle finally failed the consumption test and had the recall done at another dealership. within 3 weeks of being fixed multiple electronic issues have popped up like the stabilitrak disabling, engine power decrease warning, stalling when in idle, burnt smell, air bag lights, and above avg engine noises and has shut down on the highway. taking it back to the dealer who fixed it to see what can be done. this is my wife's daily driver and takes our kids everywhere so it's imperative that people read this an really think hard before buying this gm product if you've got a family. current;y under 91,000 miles but it seems like oil changes became more frequent around 75,000 without warning of oil being low.

Whenever i'm driving and park not all the time switch the key off but the truck wants to crank back up on its own it just be sitting still and it tries to turn the motor on it's getting a little freaky and i don't like that

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. while driving in rainy weather, the windshield wipers failed. the vehicle was towed to the contact's home. the following day, the vehicle was driven to wilsonville chevrolet (26051 south west boones ferry road, wilsonville, or 97070, (866) 279-5360) where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper transmission failed. the windshield wiper transmission was replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the approximate failure mileage was 66,265. *tt consumer stated recalled in canada but not the us.*jb

1.excessive oil consumption from day 1 - was told it was normal, 2.fluttering sound in the engine when cranked. 3.idling rough for a looooonnnng time. 4. replaced both intake & exhaust cam sensors 5. removed and replaced fan drive belt. 6.car started shifting roughly. 7. started idling so low that i had to keep my foot on the gas so it wouldn't shake violently and cut off. mostly when i was stopped but started shaking and cutting off when i just slow down. same thing when i back up. also when i slow down to make a turn. last time i drove it (2 days ago) it shook violently and cut off on me 4 times. waiting for the dealer to call me back now.. please make gm/chevrolet do a recall!!! thanks for your help!

The right head light side goes on and off, the stereo turnes off while listening to it and the signal lights don't work when the radio turns off on its own also the rear view camera turns off at the same time the radio does. the front and rear wipers don't always work. the engine lights comes on and off and the tire pressure sensor comes on and off. also engine oil consumption.

Briefly, for the last month and a half i have experienced rough idle on start and rough idle & stall with the car losing power and going dead at red lights and in traffic while in drive. i took the car to the auto mechanic and stored codes suggested replacing o2 sensors, the catalytic converter and a tune-up would resolve the issue; i replaced all of the above to the tune of 1400.00; the issue of rough idling, stall & losing power, going dead at the light/ sitting in traffic has not resolved. the 2012 equinox is not safe to drive; it just keeps stalling and going dead/losing power while in drive. i have spent almost 1400.00 trying to diagnose and fix this issue since december 1. my car does not have the cel but still idles roughly, stalls and loses power/stops randomly at red lights and in traffic. i have been unable to safely use the 2012 equinox for approximately three out of the four weeks of december. out of frustration i googled my experiences with the car and discovered that this apparently is a common issue that was found in the 2011 model (see nhtsa id# 10430919; 10437891; 10499684 & 10413320. recall#11195 & 12312. bulletin #pi0562, pi0202a, pip4716 & pi0469). apparently this issue was not fixed or addressed in subsequent models as i have been unable to locate a service bulletin or recall although my car a 2012 chevrolet equinox is having the same issue. the consumer should not have to pay 1,000's of dollars diagnosing and fixing known manufacture defects. subsequent vehicles made after the issue was found in th 2011 should have been fixed or should be covered under service bulletins & recalls especially since the car idles rough when starting, loses power and cuts off while in drive with your foot on the brake in stop & go highway traffic or at street red lights- this is very unsafe and can result in an unnecessary accident or even god forbid a fatality.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle lost power and the check engine indicator illuminated. the vehicle restarted, but the failure recurred several times. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but they did not assist. the contact replaced the actuator, but the failure recurred. the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

When my vehicle idols at a stop light, it starts to shake as if it wants to cut off. when i turn my wheel the inside makes a screeching sound.

The check engine light is on and stability trac.cones up and reduce engine power and can't drive turn car off for a min restart and it goes off but as driving comes back on.happened first on highway.

More than once while driving i have gotten power steering warnings while driving, vehicle locked up in the process and took all of my might to turn and get to the side of the road. i have constant oil changes and was issued a recall letter that the oil censor was off last may and the dealership said no such recall existed. recently my mechanic says the timing is off, an engine power reduced warning has come up more than once and i have stopped driving the car all together for fear is stops with my children and myself in it. the first time it came on two weeks ago, i was at an incredibly busy intersection and could not go over 20 mph, it was as if i was driving in neutral. i took myself and children straight to the mechanic. my mechanic has informed me that the amounts of repairs is more than the car may be worth. i see several complaints with issues matching my own and chevrolet has done nothing. my screen randomly goes out, the radio goes out, the oil censor has stopped coming on, engine lights comes on and off. my radiator was recently replaced as it was rusted and overheating the car. a car this age should not have this many issues. they must lie in the manufacturing process.

The battery just died but the scary part was that the door didnt open, neither the windows. i was locked inside my car for approximately 10 minutes, also the key switch did not work, the ignition key did not cooperate in releasing the key.

Since i purchased the vehicle in september 2014 i have had three instances where the car has stalled while driving. twice it was related to cam sensors and a check engine light came on. this most recent time on 1/5/2018 the car was idling funny and stalled out no lights on dash. i just got an oil change one week prior. as i was trying to make it to my mechanic i heard an awful noise from the engine i had never heard before. i just barely made it to the mechanic. it stalled at every red light on my way there....but when i got there and they hooked up the computer without a check engine light on a message popped up on the dash that said low oil pressure. i had only one quart of oil in there and like i said i just had the oil changed one week prior. in the past i had taken it to valvoline in between oil changes for top offs because that ticking/rattling sound when the oil is low was happening. they recently told me the equinox is notorious for high oil consumption and owners are hoping for a recall. i have consistently looked for leaks because that seems to be my luck with cars. i never saw one until the other day and it appears to be a rear seal as it leaks almost at the rate of an oil change drain, but i won't actually know for sure until they take the engine apart. i am beyond frustrated because of course my warranty on the vehicle was up about 3500 miles ago and this is clearly a very expensive repair that isn't at the fault of the driver but rather the manufacturer. additionally, i'm driving a newborn and two other children around in a car that will randomly stall or potentially combust due to engine failure as a result of lack of oil with no warning from the computer system in the vehicle. this has happened in the vehicle multiple times in 3 years roughly every 25-30k miles.

My 2012 equinox is currently dead at a chevy dealership. here is the history: on october 20, 2017 the engine of my 2012 equinox blew at 109,866 miles when key was turned. the engine blew because was absolutely no oil in my engine and no leaks were present. i did not see any lights saying there was an oil problem. in fact, my dashboard read that i had enough oil before the next oil change was needed. i recently purchased an oil change on september 15, 2017 at 108,500 miles. i provided the receipt to dealership. i have always gotten regular oil changes. recently i had to get oil changes and checks more frequently than gm recommends due to oil missing from my vehicle for no apparent reason or explanation. because i had to put in so much oil, i would often take my car in for an oil change at a local oil change business or request my father to change/add oil into my vehicle. i travel around se mi and rely on my vehicle for work, so i do not have the time or extra funds to make an appointment take my vehicle into the dealership for monthly oil changes and top-offs (see below). february 10, 2017 - oil changed march 14, 2017 - oil changed april 26, 2017 - oil added may 18, 2017 - oil changed june 1, 2017 - oil added june 30, 2017 - oil changed july 8, 2017 - oil added august 3, 2017 - oil added august 15, 2017 - oil changed august 28, 2017 - oil added september 15, 2017 - oil changed at 108,500 miles october 20, 2017 - engine blew at 109,866 miles, without any indication that engine needed to be serviced, oil was low, etc. in fact, my dashboard shows that i have ample oil life left in my engine before oil needs to be changed. i have a few receipts for these service dates.

I was driving with my wife and dog in the car late at night in cold iciey conditions in wyoming. car began to lose power dramatically, steering was tight, lights dimmed, also engine stalled after a bit a of a slide and safely pulling over. we could have wrecked in the middle of nowhere in the icey cold temperatures. engine light was one. traction control light was on. dash reads 'service stabilitrak' and 'engine power reduced !'. i could not get the car to quit stalling. i wasn't safely able to drive it. so i then did a ecu reset. (disconnect ecu and battery). sat for 20 minutes. restarted and still same problem after it idled rough for 5 minutes roughly. so next i disconnected the ecu fuse number 42 in the engine fuse box. i then turned key in first position and had same readings. next i reset the code with my obd scan tool. repeated the fuse method again... still same reading but without starting the motor once during this.... my guess is the ecu is volitil to this vehicle motor class. service bulletin states it needs a reflash. updates for engine oil consumption as well. very interesting as we consume too much oil. i believe all motor issues in our vehicle we have now (worn piston rings etc) are due to a faulty ecu. the fact that the warning shows when reset and not connected because the fuse is removed proves to me the ecu is having software issue in rendering proper diagnostics as well as safe engine performance. this incident took place in august of 2017. problem still persists in dry climates where we live in texas. same issues. same symptoms. new sensors, battery, spark plugs and oil change regularly. this vehicle is unsafe and will take lives if not recalled. imagine driving on ice with your kids inside and then your steering goes out and the engine loses power and brakes.... is that what it will take?

First one week ago, the car was slow to turn on when turning the ignition and all the lights on the instrument panel lite up with the message check power steering. tonight 8/11/17 the car will not turn over, but it still has a working horn, lights. and radio. check engine light comes on followed by service power steering, service stabiltrack message, electric windows would not roll up, speedometer and rpm gauges move all the way over and back, and all the lights on the electric panel are on. engine will not turn on.

This vehicle frequently loses charge on battery battery and alternator are new. vehicle has less than 70k miles also throws up computer codes radio turns on and off when it wants to. i purchased it used with 40k miles and has been a problem since. i have quotes for over 2k in repairs and was told at time of purchase all recalls were cared for. was purchased certified preowned from a dealership. every time i fix something there's another problem.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. while driving 55 mph, the electrical system failed and the contact had to use force to control the steering. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the contact pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to an independent mechanic. the mechanic diagnosed that there was an oil leak, the rear main seal needed to be replaced, and the pvc valve needed to be cleaned. the vehicle was not repaired. the dealer was not contacted. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 181,000.

Purchased this vehicle 2 years ago. it has under 50k miles and seemed to be in good condition. currently it is at 65k miles and has experienced these issues: -stalling at intersections or stop signs a total of 6 times. taken in multiple times for this issue. - wheel grinding and bucking when stoping of turning right. also taken in multiple times to dealer - electrical system failure identical to the prior year model recall. the electrical system that houses the heating system and the radio has stopped working. none of the buttons are lighting up at all. you can not turn on the heat or defrost causing s visibility hazard. the radio it's self does work but you have to operate it from the steering wheel. the 2011 models had the same exact issue and were recalled. i feel this model should be included since the issue is the same. no alterations or have been done to the console. everything is still as it was when purchased from the dealer

The control module failed and resulted in headlight gone at ~50k miles. the transfer case went bad and the car did not move at all at 64k miles. can not believe the powertrain got problem just after the warranty expired.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. while reversing into a parking space, the vehicle shook and stalled. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

This may be related to nhtsa campaign number 16v502000. on july 11, 2016, i was in my son's driveway, placed my car in park, and my granddaughter and i got out of the car. the car was still, and my keys were still in the ignition. while i was between the door and the car, the car started to roll backwards, which knocked me to my feet and under the car. the car rolled up onto my ribcage and my vision started to go dark. a nearby person managed to roll the car off of me. i was taken to the hospital where i learned i had five broken ribs and a small puncture in my lung. my leg is bruised from my thigh to my toes. about a week later, i developed an infection in a wound on my ankle. i have had several follow up visits to doctor to check for pneumonia and blood clots. a visiting nurse comes to my house twice per week. i cannot drive and have weight restrictions for several weeks. i have mailed a letter to the ceo and general counsel of gm, but have not received a response.

The my link radio goes out at around 40,000 to 50,000 miles. with the loss of the radio you lose backup camera and all the info on the vehicle including warnings such as turn indicator noises, hazard noises, and all the other smart features of the vehicle.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. the contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the air conditioner failed to function and the center console became inoperable. all the warning lights on the instrument cluster illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 43,968.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled. the contact was able to restart the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 35,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. while driving 15 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle was restarted and driven to the contact's residence. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 29,000..updated 09/ 30/14 *bf the consumer stated while making a right turn, the steering wheel seemed to break free and continued moving about two inches. at the same time, the vehicle shut off, the lights went out. the consumer had to coast to the side of the road. when he finally stopped, he was able to move the gear shift from drive to park and restarted the vehicle. the dealer was unable to find a problem. updated 10/08/14

When the engine was turned on, the airconditioner was not working and the radio is stucked. *tr

Vehicle will accelerate unexpectedly or sputter or pause before accelerating. vehicle has stalled out several times. radio preset station zeros out or radio station randomly changes. clock does not work on a regular basis. key fob locks and door opener randomly stops working until key fob is put into the ignition. warning lights on dash come on randomly, mostly on washer fluid and tire pressure. *tr

in july of this year, it was a 100 degree day in charleston, and my wife had our 2 years old daughter in her car seat. my wife had the airconditioning on, and the car running, and she checked the mail, for some reason, the locks on the doors engaged, and my daughter was locked in the car. i immediately called the dealer, and i brought the car in for service. they had my vehicle for over a week. they returned the vehicle to me and informed me that they had redone all the wiring and that it should all be fixed, and it wouldn't happen again. then as fate would have it, our rear view camera started going in and out randomly, but we didn't think anything of it, then sure enough, once again in september, i had my daughter out to lunch, i placed her in her seat, strapped her in, and laid the keys down next to her, the doors were all unlocked, i closed the back door, went to open the front door, and the locks engaged once again. this time the ac was not running. my wife had a key but was about 45 min away. this time, the baby was in there for over half an hour, and was a hysterical mess. i immediately called the dealer again, obviously much more upset this time, and asked them to explain what was going on. they had no answer and asked me to bring it in again. i brought the vehicle in, they had it for over 2 weeks and informed me that they had reset everything to factory specs, and given me 2 new key fobs, as they thought the fobs may have been causing the issue. i got the car back and within an hour, of getting the car back, the camera went out on the dashboard.i called the sales manager again, and he came and picked the vehicle up. the only thing we have been told and i quote is "we are chasing a gremlin in the wiring system", they cant figure out what it is, they want to put me in a new 2015. gm corporate cannot offer any resolution outside of a new key fob. *tr

Driving slowly the engine and entire electric system shuts down and the car just turns off while driving. then you have to put it in park and start the car back up and then it happens again. *tr

I filed a different report earlier for the same vehicle. now the vehicle is starting on its own, if the key is left in the ignition when you turn it off, about 30 seconds to 1 minute later the car will start with no one behind the wheel. it will continue to try to start until you pull the key out. it is just the key in the ignition, no key chain hanging from it. last week apr 29,2014 the car started and ran for 10 second with the ignition off. how long before the vehicle jumps into gear and runs someone over with no one behind the wheel? i found out that this website does not investigate any report unless you pay $50.00 plus, whatever else they want for it. *tr

Tl-the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph. the vehicle all wheel drive indicator light illuminated and became inoperable. the contact called onstar roadside assistance. the contact had to turn off his vehicle and turn it back on, for the vehicle to reset the computer. the vehicle was able to be driven home. the contact stated that the failure had not recurred. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnosis of repairs. the manufacturer had not been made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 25,000.lj

2012 chevrolet equinox - 43,600 miles. driving normally along a residential road and all inside electrical begin flashing like a strobelight. vehicle dies soon after. taken to mechanic, analysis done and faulty alternator is the culprit. gm claims vehicle is out of warranty and i have to pay for repair out of pocket. after less than 1.5 years of ownership (and buying brand new), already have to replace a major electrical component. *tr

Vehicle lights for service stabilitrac, engine and alternator will be lit on dash. car hesitates upon acceleration. car was checked by dealer but they unable to correct the problem. *tr

2012 chevrolet equinox has been to the dealer four times for the same problem. would seem to have to do with the electrical components in the radio/gps unit. the safety portion involves the dash and gps unit darkening during the day which causes the driver not able to see any of the gauges. not being able to see the speedometer is extremely dangerous. at the same time any use of the gps is unavailable. have been told the entire unit and components were replaced. now i have my doubts. the dealer and service department is dublin chevrolet in dublin, ca. *tr

My vehicle keeps red lining at 6000 rpms and bangs into gear..been at the dealer many times and they say nothing's wrong but keep replacing parts...my car is still under warranty and now they wanna charge me for a transmission i have every record since we bought the car that this problem has been happening since day 1...the vehicle is in motions and it happens at different speeds i also have videos of it acting up

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. the contact stated that the instrument panel became blurry when the sun reflected on it. as a result, the contact was unable to see the gauges on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however they did not provide any further assistance. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and they stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. the approximate failure and current mileages were 956. updated 9/10/12 *cn

When stopped at a stop sign or red light sometimes the engine tries to cut out, and the car jerks like it is trying to stay cranked. i have a friend that has a gm terrain and hers does the same thing. when turning there is a knocking in the steering. the speakers have a rattling sound like they are busted, but it doesn't do it all of the time. i took my car to the dealer, but of course they couldn't find anything wrong with it, the car now has 23,000 and it still hasn't been fixed. (this has been going on since september of 2011 when i bought the car). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. the contact stated that the key fractured inside the ignition while attempting to start the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and the key was replaced. the failure recurred. the vehicle was not repaired and the key was not replaced. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 21,000.

The night sandy hit on the east coast, it was windy in michigan. our city was doing leaf pickup around that time so leaves were accumulated at the edges of the roads. the car was being driven through a subdivision on a paved road and it just caught on fire. gm will take no responsibility for the fire. they say leaves blew up under the car and they are what caught on fire. how can vulnerable areas not be shielded from this? the car was about a month old!!! the fire burnt for about 7 minutes. the dealership says that there is nothing they can do. a team from gm inspected the car and they will not even let us see their report. we haven't had a car for over a month and i for one am furious! they tell us if we have the car repaired we lose any right to pursue legal proceedings.... we have to pay $500 (our insurance deductible) to start repairs even though they wont tell us what is damaged even though we purchased additional insurance at the time of purchase through the dealer to cover our deductible in the event of damage... all they say is that it was our fault for not reading the manual regarding driving or parking over leaves... we found reference to it in the off road portion of the manual. the car had never been driven off road. *tr