2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 408 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 23 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 30 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 29, 2020
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.
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
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.
Campaign 20V668000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperAug 30, 2018
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.
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V576000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpMay 31, 2018
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.
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V358000 on NHTSA.gov
VisibilityApr 19, 2018
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."
If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 18V252000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftAug 22, 2017
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.
If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
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.
Campaign 17V516000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
66 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 23, 2026
Complete and sudden failure of Transmission involving the clutches (clutches are burned up inside the transmission). No warning or dash lights. Confirmed by mechanic and the solution is transmission replacement ($10,000). Car would not accelerate and began losing power on highway. After I exited the highway, the car would not engage gears and stopped accelerating resulting in having to push it out of the roadway and get it towed to my mechanic for diagnostic.
Power train, Jul 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping and shifted hard. Additionally, while on an incline, the vehicle failed to get up to speed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode back to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,381.
Power train, Engine, Jul 22, 2026
While turning right at a red light my vehicle started making knocking noises, loss of acceleration then the ECM (limp mode) and ESC code happened. Protecting the vehicle from damage due to transmission fluid loss. Looked under the car and Transmission fluid was pouring out between the transmission and drive shaft. Car will no longer start due to codes being present from the computer shutting the car down during fluid loss.
Power train, Engine, May 23, 2026
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
Power train, May 12, 2026
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, May 7, 2026
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, Apr 28, 2026
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2026
Automatic transmission slips and shutters/shakes when accelerating and going from a complete stop. Vehicle is not drivable long distances as the issue gets worse as the car heats up. No codes or sensors are indicating a problem. This is an ongoing problem despite having the transmission rebuilt. Issues first started a year ago and have been progressively getting worse.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after having a software update to the ECM following the notice of an unknown recall, on several occasions while in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed like it would accelerate forward. The contact had to push the vehicle for the vehicle to reverse. The contact that while pressing the ignition button on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start. The contact continued to press the ignition button, and the vehicle eventually started. Additionally, when the vehicle was started, the "Parking Brake Release" message was displayed even though the parking brake was not engaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Power train, Jan 8, 2026
While backing out of a parking space, with my 1 year old infant in the back seat, my vehicle became stuck in reverse and would not shift into drive or park. The vehicle became disabled and the warning dash stated to put the vehicle in park but i could not park or do anything else and couldnt take my foot off the brake or else i would continue reversing. Eventually i was able to at least turn the vehicle off but the vehicle remains with the shifter stuck in reverse after being towed. The lights and power to the vehicle remained on and this was not a battery issue. This was extremely terrifying for me especially with a baby in the car and getting it hooked up to the tow truck was also nervracking for all involved as the vehicle was in reverse. While there is not a current recall related to this issue on my vehicle, research shows that there have been in the past and this is a common issue for this vehicle.
Power train, Service brakes, Nov 6, 2025
While going 80mph on the highway at 2:00am on or around 10/6/2023, my power braking system went out without warning. I was able to get it off the road and to a shop where they told me it was the vacuum pump and cam shaft. Repair took a week. 7 months later on 5/31/2024, it went out again, luckily in town going 35mph, and involved the vacuum pump, cam shaft, and this time the oil pump as well. Repair took 5 months due to parts availability. The only time the engine light came on, it was for a sensor unrelated to this issue.
Power train, Oct 8, 2025
I’ve heard about some recalls and Technical Service Bulletins related to the transmission, especially the start-stop accumulator bolts possibly missing and some transmission lubrication concerns. I checked my VIN on the NHTSA website, and it shows no open recalls. However, I want to confirm: Whether my vehicle was part of any recall related to the transmission or start-stop accumulator bolts. If the recall was completed or if any transmission-related TSBs apply. Whether there are any service campaigns or software updates for the transmission control module that I should be aware of. Start-stop accumulator bolt missing leading to fluid leaks and possible failure, Missing transmission cup plugs causing lubrication issues, Valve body spacer plate replacement and transmission control module reprogramming. I am currently experiencing significant transmission issues including, symptoms like: rough shifting, slipping, hesitation, noises, fluid leaks, loss of power, which are severely affecting the vehicle’s drivability and safety. This vehicle only has 107K miles which only go over 7K from warranty. I am concerned that my vehicle may be affected by one or more of these issues — even if the recall was marked as closed or VIN was excluded in error. Given the volume of known transmission complaints for this model year and my relatively low mileage, I strongly believe this could be part of a broader safety defect that deserves further investigation. Please review this issue for potential inclusion in an investigation or expanded recall campaign. These transmission issues are not only costly but potentially dangerous, especially if they result in sudden loss of propulsion. This transmission issue is seriously impacting my vehicle’s safety and reliability. This matter is urgent due to the impact on vehicle safety and reliability.
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2025
The vehicle calls power module has failed
Power train, Aug 18, 2025
Loss of propulsion as well as hard shift
Power train, Service brakes, Apr 18, 2025
The brake booster vacuum pump; available upon request. Yes, the brake assist stopped working while driving on the interstate making it unsafe for my vehicle and others. Problem was confirmed by an inspection at Brakes Plus. The warning light came on after the failure, Service Brake Assist.
Power train, Engine, Jan 21, 2025
No code, no indication of anything wrong, no lights or warnings, no sounds or rough running indications on the vehicle. It just completely died in the middle of the highway while traveling down the road and would not restart. Middle of the night with me and my granddaughter in the vehicle. It ended up being a problem with the timing chain which was not broke. Nor were there any indication there was a problem with it.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2025
1. Drive Shaft fractured while driving my vehicle, yes it is available for inspection. 2. Car made a loud popping noise and part of the car was dragging and the car was shaking and unsafe to drive. 3. Yes, the car is in the shop and the drive shaft fracture has been confirmed. 4. Not at this time. Only AAA and my local garage have inspected the vehicle. 5. No warning lamps/lights were present. 6. I heard a loud pop and immediately pulled over because I thought it was my tire. I saw something hanging and called AAA for a tow because it was unsafe to drivet.
Power train, Sep 4, 2024
When put in drive it does move when gas pedal is pressed for a couple of seconds, and also when I come to a stop and the start ans stop feature activates it stalls as well with the D flashing. The engine light comes on as well.
Power train, Engine, May 29, 2024
P0299. Engine power reduced [XXX] mileage 95617 Charged air cooler needs to be replaced. P0299 [XXX]. Mileage 96101. Turbocharger O.E. REPLACEMENT replace Turbocharger Assembly. P0299 [XXX] engine power reduced. P0299 [XXX] engine power reduced. Mileage 68340. Engine light goes on and off. The code P0299 is a code where my engine light comes on. Then after calling the dealership Miller Brothers Ellicott City, MD With my concerns that the light is on again but by the time I'm given a service appointment the engine light goes back out. I feel that this continues to happen with my vehicle several times while my car was covered by my extended warranty as well as my 100 thousand miles powertrain where in which my Turbocharger is not functioning correctly and should be made part of a recall of All Chevy equinox vehicle which have the 1.5 liter engine where the engine power reduced code P0299 APPEARS the goes out on its own knowingly Even though my car VIN is not part of a recall it remains a safety issue for myself as well as other Equinox owners. It's like I think I am having a heart attack today (reduced engine power) But My local Chevy dealerships want me to make and appointment. This needs to be replaced and repaired by the dealership at no cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Wheels, Engine, Apr 30, 2024
So where do i begin. There are no leaks on my driveway but I have to add coolant every other day & then when I opened my hood it looks like there’s grease everywhere like over the bolts where the bottom & top meet. At time the car stalls it loses power or doesn’t even pick up power. It just drags. Sometimes a strong odor comes from the vents of the a/c & then it at times doesn’t blow cool air just flat air. Also six months after having the vehicle the 2 TPMS went out & when I took it back to dealer where i purchased it they basically told me that I didn’t even have any TPMS that the machine didn’t pick up any & now the display was showing all 4 empty & the TPMS icon constantly on the display. I found that odd & I didn’t know much about TPMS at the time. I was still bothered so I kept asking other people I would come in contact with being new to the state of Texas & they said the only way it would not come up on the machine would be as if they wouldn’t be inside as they were removed but again I drove in with just 2 marking on the display. Not a big deal. I did purchase the gold package of warranty with the vehicle but I have no idea how to use it. I’m not sure if they even did all the past recalls on this vehicle. I read one of them was a window & I too hear that as I drive
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 20, 2024
2/20/24 while coming to a stop at a stop light in a busy intersection, the car completely died/shut down. Hazard lights could not be turned on. No lights in car, no error message. no lights at all. RPM gauges remained in the same position as when the vehicle died. I was able to put it in park. After about 5 minutes the car was able to be restarted. It was not clear why it finally restarted. I tried to push break, push start button and push hazards. There have been similar incidents in the past but this incident took much longer to be able to restart the car. Those incidents the RPM gauge dropped into the off position in those other situations. The hazard lights were at least able to be turned on and I still had lights in my dash. This is a dangerous engine error that can not be replicated for service personnel to demonstrate the problem.
Power train, Feb 17, 2024
While driving the right front intermediate driveshaft fractured and separate. Took it immediately to a repair shop and they said it rusted for the inside out.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 16, 2024
My 2018 equinox is not included in any recalls. However, it has been in for engine repair, even though the vehicle only had 70,000 miles on it at the time. After that, the ABS system was acting up, the automatic door locks and locking mechanism failed and went outs, the brakes have been repaired three times and the suspension is worn down. I only have $86,000 mi on it. I am now getting ready to take it in again for transmission issues. My car is not included in any recalls, but seems to have the issues stated and all the recalls
Power train, Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a service appointment and while being serviced, the mechanic informed the contact that the DTC code for an open solenoid was retrieved. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to a transmission specialist where it was pending the repair. The contact stated that the dealer referred her to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,400.
Power train, Sep 12, 2023
SUV started making weird sounds like winding up on acceleration and winding down slowing down underneath in June 2023. Got it on video. Intermittent. Had appointment for service in August. July 26 driving for vacation driveshaft fell from the front down on the highway. 54000 miles approximately on Equinox. GM said I hit something but nothing in road and no other damage underneath. Since new driveshaft installed, no more noises underneath. I have video of the noises underneath but can't upload them.