Vehicle report
2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has 5 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 5 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
5
Open recalls
15
Complaints
5
Overall safety
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox recalls (5)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
VISIBILITY
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The driver and front passenger door window glass may not be properly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the glass in the front doors, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18136.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox safety ratings
5
Overall
5
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox owner complaints (15)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
My 2018 Equinox is failing California Smog due to an incorrect CVN error code, which is covered under Emissions Recall N212345540 or N202298780 and the dealership is refusing to reflash it and asking me to pay for a full diagnostics when there is no check engine light on. I also had a full diagnostic run on June 2nd $289.99 which confirmed this code and referred me to the BAR Referee who also confirmed this is causing the issue.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving and the brake vacuum pump failed and the metal shards went up into the engine. The service light went on as they failed and I lost the ability to brake. Yes, we still have the part and the shards that came out of the engine, but there are still pieces in the engine. my safety was at risk and everyone else's on the road because I had no brakes and was driving 45 mph. The vehicle has not been looked at yet by any professional because so far no mechanic will touch it.
- ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car cut off on the street with no warning. Once I crank the car back up and pulled over, it was leaking fuel and coolant with no warning lights on the dash boatd
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Early this year I traveled to Mobile AL. While I was driving my car made this sound and it lost acceleration but no warning light appeared on my dashboard. My car eventually lost power and I had to get a tow. I went to a repair shop and they explained to me that it was the turbo that’s why I lost acceleration they said a lot of equinox with turbos are having this problem but it only goes out around 100000 mile but I only had 67000+ miles on my car at the time. The mechanic explain it shouldn’t have gone out so soon as it did. Also the vehicle makes a sudden jerk or jolt while driving this maybe an engine or transmission problem without any warning sign signaling there’s a problem with the vehicle. I’ve researched this and learned that this model vehicle has transmission problem while driving
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel management system leaked from car causing fuel to pour out of 2018 chevy equinox d2
- POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
While driving over the expressway, the engine light came on the vehicle started revving extremely hard but was decreasing speed to less than 20 miles per hour I had to cut on the hazards and coast into s safety lane where I could get off the expressway. I then shifted the car into park cut off the vehicle and cut it back on, the car started up but make loud noises from the engine I was able to coast my way home and park the vehicle. When I checked the app for issues it started engine and transmission service immediately. I looked up the issues on website and was given link to power train recall but it says my Vin is not added in recall....I have to look into getting my transmission serviced
- SERVICE BRAKES
We purchased our car new. Around 70,000 miles or so the brakes went out and were barely usable. We had it towed to Moses in Charleston and it was apparently an issue with brake booster or vacuum pump. I don’t have the specifics at the moment but they fixed it and we drove it home and it did the same thing again with the brakes going out. Had it towed again back to them and they did something else and it was fixed. Fast forward to today and there are 155000 miles in it and it did the same thing. Clearly this is extremely dangerous! Every time it occurred my husband was driving and was able to handle it. If I was driving, it could be a totally different story. Upon a google search it appears there is a lawsuit in Michigan over this because it is clearly a problem and a dangerous one at that. I will also note that my sister in law also has about the same model equinox and hers did it as well.
- ENGINE
Loss of breaks lead to calling mechanic. After diagnosis, vacuum pump had broken teeth. Metal discovered in engine oil.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle for a SMOG emissions inspection, the vehicle failed the inspection due to an engine-related failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Engine Control Module (ECM) required recalibration. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Travelling on a highway with 70 MPH posted speed limit, the vehicle dashboard signaled the check engine light and a variety of warnings that "power reduction measure" was enabled and to "service brake assist." At the next available exit, I was able to exit from the highway and go to a gas station, where upon pulling next to a pump the brake pedal became extremely hard and nonresponsive, resulting in poor braking, nearly striking the car in front of me, even at a very low speed. Upon a quick internet search, it appeared that other vehicles were having the same issue, and it was recommended not to drive, as well as information referring to an ongoing class action lawsuit. A tow was called and brought to the nearest Chevrolet service center (Nels Gunderson Chevrolet), where they confirmed the brake booster vacuum pump failed (exploded) and sent shrapnel into the camshaft, noting that both would need to be replaced, which is the exact same repair that other vehicles similar to this one are having or have had.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while his wife was driving 10 MPH, while depress the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact mention she put the vehicle gear shift in park and two mins later the vehicle began to work as intended. The contact mention once his wife returned to the residence depressing the accelerator pedal attempting to reverse the vehicle and the vehicle failed to respond again causing the contact to push the vehicle into their driveway. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to dealer where they informed him, they will need to breakdown the transmission in order to diagnoses the vehicle The vehicle was not repaired. The contact search on the internet found two recalls relating to the failure NHTSA Campaign Numbers 20V668000 & 17V516000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they informed the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 117,000.
- POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed as needing transmission fluid. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator impact. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign:20V668000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. The contact pulled over to the closest exit and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off and then restarted; however, while attempting to drive forward or reverse, the vehicle failed to move. The contact inspected the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking from the side of the engine near the high-pressure fuel pump underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission intake failed, causing the transmission to fail. The transmission was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,053.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine Auto START/STOP system intermittently failed to restart the vehicle while at a complete stop, requiring the driver to shift to park(P) to manually restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor entering the vehicle from the A/C vents. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10-15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with GM Customer Satisfaction Program: N242489010 (Possible Leak at Fuel Injector Rail Assembly). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 75,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 252,000.
Checking a used Chevrolet Equinox before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2018 Equinox in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Equinox's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Chevrolet Equinox, or browse more Chevrolet models.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox — questions and answers
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?+
Our check found 5 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox safe?+
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Chevrolet free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Chevrolet dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.