I just purchased a used 2012 Equinox LS AWD. Great vehicle so far and my wife loves it. However there was only one key/fob with the vehicle and the dealership we purchased from said that was only one with the car when they obtained it. So, I went about getting another key. Contacted local Chevy dealer and was told they have key in stock and key would be $69 and was told that new key must be programmed by the dealer at a cost of about $70. Contacted another nearby dealer and was quoted about the same but they had to order the key. So went with dealer #1. Thought this was a little pricey but had no choice since had to have a spare key. Set up appointment and wife took the car in. Was told it would take about an hour. 2 hours later it was done and when she was presented the bill there were extra charges. Service manager told her the machine they do the laser cut on key was not working today, so they had to send it out to local locksmith shop to be cut, so that was an extra charge. There were some other charges for "materials" or some such. Bill now way over $200. Wife hit the roof and after some discussion, they did, to their credit, cut the bill a little bit, and she had a coupon for $25 off service, but still about $200 just for a new key. I consider this highway robbery both by the dealer and GM, to make a person pay such an outrageous price for a key. Yeah, I now it is supposed to be anti-theft measures but at least make it so I can program it myself and save a little bit of my hard earned cash. Liking the Equinox but not liking having to pay extortion for a key. Come on GM.

 

Hi there,

We apologize for this inconvenience, and we understand how unexpected this may have been for the both of you. As our dealerships are independently owned and operated, the price ranges can vary. We apologize again for this outcome, and we take comments like this very seriously.

However, we are happy to hear that your wife is enjoying her Equinox, and we are always here to help with vehicle concerns or questions the best way possible. If you have any further questions or future concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us in a private message.

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

I have the same problem with my 2012 Chev Equinox. I lost one key and ordered a replacement from a place on the internet (ikeyless.com).
I then did a search on youtube to learn how to program it myself. I found the following video on youtube. I have no idea if this really works yet...but if it looks very simple and I will try it. Tomorrow I will go to the locksmith to have it laser cut to match my one existing key then try the youtube method. (actually there are 2 videos posted on youtube by 2 seperate people.) Both used the same method and it worked for them...apparently.
I will try it tomorrow and keep you posted.

 

I just returned home from the local locksmith. They charged me $30.00 to laser cut my new key.
I then followed the simple instructions as shown in the above video. The new key worked like a charm first try.
Hope this will help others who may encounter this situation.

 

I have a 2012 Equinox LT1 FWD. 60,500KM's. So, far I've had major engine repairs (under warranty); complete brake replacement (not under warranty); wiper motor and wiper arms/mechanisms replaced (not under warranty); low gas mileage; transmissions 'buck' from 2nd to 3rd gear; road noise in cabin; hatch struts replaced (because of rust). The vehicle is not less tha 4 years old with low KM's.

 

Wow! Seems you didn't catch a break with your Nox. Fortunately, my experience couldn't be more different.

I bought a new 2010 Equinox LTZ six years ago. I did have intermittent trouble with the rear hatch remote for most of the time I owned the car, but other than that, it was absolutely trouble free in every way. In 67,000 miles, it was in the shop for a couple recalls, the rear hatch, and nothing else (I change oil myself). When it was time to replace the 2010, my wife wanted a new 2016 LTZ, and that's what we got. The cars are pretty much the same, except for infotainment, but the 2016 is noticeably quieter, tighter, and even seems a tad quicker. I've had many cars, but this is the first time I bought an identical replacement, but the Equinox hits the sweet spot of size vs room vs economy.