YearToAvoid

2012 Chevrolet Equinox Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 25 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, 4% of its 685 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 54,000. Owners report front suspension collapse, tire pressure monitor failures, and tire separations. One related recall (11V511000) applies, though it covers a body control module issue, not the suspension itself.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints
25
4% of 685
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
54,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

  • Front driver's side suspension suddenly drops or lowers toward the ground while driving, in some cases causing loss of brakes and steering control.
  • Stabilizer bar fractures reported at higher mileage, leading to the front end sagging.
  • Tire pressure monitoring system repeatedly gives false low-pressure warnings even when tire pressure is normal, and some owners say the issue persists after dealer visits.
  • Rear hub area produces a moaning or wheel noise that returns after dealer attempts to fix it with a rubber seal replacement.
  • Tires separate or show sidewall damage, in one case with two tire separations happening within a two week period.
  • Vehicle wobbles out of control at any speed while being towed, even after front-end alignment and tow bar inspection.

When 2012 Chevrolet Equinox suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 19, 2012, latest Dec 4, 2025.

2012 Chevrolet Equinox suspension, wheels & tires complaints: complaints filed per month2Jun 2012Dec 2013Feb 2016Jan 2017Nov 2018May 2023Sep 2024Nov 2025
25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2012 to Dec 2025; peak Feb 2018 (2).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox

  1. NHTSA 11V511000Oct 19, 2011Suspension, Wheels & Tires33,964 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Equinox model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200564 (10%)
  2. 200627 (4%)
  3. 200726 (4%)
  4. 200812 (3%)
  5. 20096 (6%)
  6. 201021 (3%)
  7. 201116 (2%)
  8. 201225 (4%)
  9. 201322 (3%)
  10. 20147 (1%)
  11. 201516 (2%)
  12. 20169 (2%)
  13. 20176 (2%)
  14. 201816 (4%)
  15. 20195 (2%)
  16. 202017 (6%)
  17. 20214 (4%)
  18. 20223 (2%)
  19. 20231 (1%)
  20. 20246 (8%)
  21. 202510 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are suspension, wheel, and tire problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA lists 25 complaints in this area for the 2012 model year, making up 4% of its 685 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 54,000.
Is there a suspension or wheel recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
There is one related recall, campaign 11V511000, filed in October 2011, but it addresses a body control module update rather than a suspension or tire defect directly.
Did any 2012 Equinox suspension complaints involve crashes?
Yes, NHTSA data shows 2 crashes tied to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for this model year, with no reported fires or injuries.
What suspension issue do 2012 Equinox owners report most?
Owners describe the front end suddenly dropping toward the ground, tire pressure monitor false alarms, and tires separating, based on NHTSA sample complaints.
How does 2012 compare to other Equinox years for this problem area?
The 2012 model year has 25 complaints (4% share), higher than 2011's 16 complaints (2%) and 2013's 22 complaints (3%), according to NHTSA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.