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: service brakes
132 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Jun 7, 2025
The vacuum pump went out on the car while I was on I-70 in a rain storm construction traffic… I absolutely had no brakes they were so hard to push… I was stuck I almost crashed this crappy designed car… The brake light engine light came on.. I barely made it to the side of the highway… Now my engine is messed up cause of some faulty brake pump… What kinda silly design is this… I could have died out there on that highway.. I was on the way to the airport and I missed my flight… GM needs to get their stuff together on this they’re going to kill somebody….
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal seized while depressing the brake pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that a gasket had detached and was missing, and there were plastic pieces inside the engine, and there was oil intrusion into other parts of the vehicle and engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was parked at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Service brakes, Apr 28, 2025
I reported the first incident that happened in Feb 2025 when my brakes failed and nearly crashed due to my Vacuum Brake Booster failing, and I replaced it. Less than 2 months later, 4/28/2025, my breaks failed again, the same thing happened. My break pedal was hard and I was unable to stop my car. This time I had leave the roadway to avoid a collision and nearly lost control of my car. After having the mechanic check it out he told me it is a faulty system that GM/Chevrolet needs to replace or redesign. I have not fixed it because I am not only afraid to drive it anymore for fear of crashing but I don't have the money to just keep replacing a part that is never going to be ok. I am without a car, my job is at risk bc I can't always find a way to work, it has cost me money that if it wasnt faulty I would not have had to shell out the money to repair 2x in 2 months. I need GM to take responsibility before someone is hurt or killed. I need a dependable vehicle like I thought I was getting when I paid cash outright for the vehicle in 2022. The mechanic has also said he thinks it could have damaged my motor. This is a life & death situation that I can't even sale the car without worrying someone else may lose their life. Essentially I was sold a vehicle that is no good, dangerous, and it's due to GMs negligence bc they are aware that the brake booster is faulty and can't be fixed by replacing the faulty part. It is likely to keep causing a brake failure.
Service brakes, Apr 28, 2025
On or about 2/8-2/13/2025, I was on my way home when suddenly, without warning, I applied my brakes to slow down and the brake pedal was so hard, so stiff that even while I was literally standing on the pedal, I was unable to stop. I nearly rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. I was honking , and honking to get the car to move and thank God without another second to waste, he moved over. I could not stop the car, I had to let off the gas and let it coast to a stop. I called a mechanic friend and he towed my car in. My car is not under warranty any more therefore Alan, my mechanic friend went over my car and determined my Vacuum Brake Booster failed. I did do some research along with the mechanic and found that the Chevy Equinox (several yrs, including mine) had a recall for this same exact problem. I ran my VIN and my car is not included in the recall. The mechanic believes my car should be recalled for the brake system being faulty and he installed the new Vac Brake Booster. Now on 4/12/2025, only 2 months later, the same thing happened, my pedal is hard and I can't stop. The first time I felt like I was going to crash, kill myself or somebody else. The 2nd time I had to exit the roadway where there was only dirt, I ended up nearly flipping my car because the dirt caused me to nearly lose control. Again, I escaped causing a crash but at the risk of my own life by not being able to stop and having to leave the roadway to avoid a collision. I had the same mechanic, along with a family member who is experienced enough to understand what the mechanic showed him. It is the vac brake booster, the same part I just replaced, it failed. Without warnings, without any other factors that can explain what is causing this system to fail. I have not replaced this part again because I believe it is faulty by the GM factory and it will keep happening. I am scared it will continue to cause brake failure and I could potentially cause an accident that could be fatal.
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact had to firmly depress the brake pedal for the vehicle to respond. The "Service Brake Assist" message was displayed. Additionally, the engine made a clicking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vacuum pump was replaced, but the mechanic discovered metal shavings from the vacuum pump in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "Brake System Failure" message was displayed while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the brake pedal was firm. The contact continued driving to the residence. The contact parked the vehicle, and inspected the calipers but found no cause for the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.
Service brakes, Feb 6, 2025
Vacuum brake pump broke while driving leaving me unable to stop, luckily I was not in a horrible accident. No indicator lights came on. The part that broke went into my engine and was inspected by a mechanic.
Service brakes, Dec 10, 2024
The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while pulling in the driveway the vehicle shut off. Contact mention she was not able to restart the vehicle and when depressing on the brake pedal the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic at contact's residences. where it was diagnosed the brake booster vacuum pump line detached and that the brake booster needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,888
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Nov 26, 2024
My car alerts shift to park when it is already parked and will not shut off. The battery has to be disconnected to turn the car off. It won't start and the dash displays multiple lights park, check engine lights, tire lights and more
Service brakes, Nov 26, 2024
Vacuum pump for brake system failure
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Reduced Engine Power" message flashed on the instrument panel with an audible beep coming from the vehicle. The vehicle started to lose power and the contact pulled over to the side of the road. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the vacuum pump had damaged the cam shaft, causing the cam shaft to explode, releasing particles into the engine long block. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) which was then linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Service brakes, Nov 22, 2024
The 2. 1018 Equinox has a brake booster.Vacuum pump on the side of the engine that is a known Failure. The vehicle has very hard brake pedal and barely stops. If left unfixed? The vacuum pump seizes and will blown the engine resulting in full engine replacement. The chevy dealer (local) acknowledges the issue and has stocked the parts shelf at $159. The problem is with multiple makes with the 1.5 l turbo engine. The cost of a new engine is around $5200.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine, Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, and attempting to stop at a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a left turn into a parking lot and became aware that there was brake fluid leaking from the vacuum pump where it was attached to the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the brakes became inoperable. The brake pedal failed to depress as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump to the brake booster was inoperable. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Sep 5, 2024
I'm writing to request an extension of the recall for the Brake Vacuum Pump issue and seek compensation for repairs on my 2018 Chevy Equinox. In November 2023, while exiting [XXX] in Warwick, RI, my brakes failed despite full pressure. I had to steer into the breakdown lane and eventually stopped in a parking lot. At the time, I was nine months pregnant and extremely shaken. After stopping, the vehicle exhibited erratic behavior and not stopping, entering "limp mode." The car was towed to a local mechanic who initially thought the brakes were at fault. It was later diagnosed at Sullivan Tire that a "catastrophic failure of the Brake Vacuum Pump" caused camshaft damage, leading to repair costs of $3,197.17. The mechanic stated this failure was unprecedented for a vehicle with only 64,271 miles. I discovered that a recall for this issue exists but does not cover the 2018 Equinox. Many owners of this model have reported similar problems. Requests: Recall Extension: Please extend the recall to include the 2018 Equinox and other affected models to prevent further incidents. Compensation: I seek reimbursement of $3,197.17 for repairs. I have documentation and faulty parts available for inspection if needed. I have contacted Chevy and they have not been helpful, and this needs to be filed for a full recall. Attached are the repair invoice, proof of faulty parts, and links to related complaints. I look forward to your prompt resolution to prevent future issues for consumers. I still have the damaged parts for proof failure in my possession. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Sep 5, 2024
Without warning my brakes just stopped working, had to push all the way to the floor and even then barely stopped. There were no warnings or lights.
Service brakes, Aug 29, 2024
Was parking and the brake went hard without warning. Using both legs pressing as hard as I could, but the brakes would not work. Had to tow this to a repair shop - No warning light at all. Brought to the shop, they confirmed a faulty vacuum pump that had gone completely bad. Very dangerous!
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50–60 MPH, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact stated that the infotainment screen was blank. The contact made a right turn and coasted the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the electrical system. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Aug 12, 2024
Vacuum pump failed and broke with no warning signs at all. After replacement now it will not start well and when it does I have lose off power. Lost brakes while driving on a country road and had to have it towed.
Service brakes, Jul 31, 2024, crash
Driving towards to an address in Orlando, FL, tried to stop at a red light and the vehicle didn't stop, the car driver in front stop short my vehicle just ran behind the car causing a crash. Three additional cars were involved in the accident. My 2018 Chevy Equinox was purchased from Carmax back in 2021 and a recall of breaks was released in August 2018. I just learn about those safety problems or system failed or malfunctioned. My insurance call me and confirm a total loss for the vehicle. Now I still have to pay for a vehicle that I dont have anymore since the market value is much less than what I owe to Carmax Auto Finance. What should I do? This is a safety problem that affected me financially and emotionally. Please your help! (Recall # 18V576000) Service brake assist Breaks failure
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Service Battery Charger" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who replaced the alternator, but the failure persisted. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the pedal felt spongy, and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 23, 2024
Brake assist light went on, had the brake pads and rotors replaced, light went off. 6 months later the light came back on but this time the brake pedal was hard. I did not drive it after that. After looking online and seeing dozens of people with the same issue, I took a chance and bought the brake booster and had my friend, who is a certified mechanic, replace the part. The old vacuum pump had frozen up and broken along with the gears, which had fallen into the engine, just like what I was seeing all over the Internet. People are getting hurt and lives are at risk, this should have been recalled!!!!
Service brakes, Jun 17, 2024
Driving interstate without difficulty. Made stop at rest area, got out with children, turned vehicle off. Returned to vehicle to leave, cranked vehicle put in reverse but had no brakes. Brakes in down position. Brakes would not return to normal position. Turned vehicle off and Looked under vehicle and noticed oil on the ground. No indicator lights on dash to alert of any issues. Tried to crank vehicle all power came on but motor would not turn over (long crank) Brakes remained in down position. Had vehicle towed home and upon inspection, oil was seen leaking out of the side of motor where brake vacuum pump is housed and noticed a crack in the brake vacuum pump housing. Oil leaking onto ground.
Service brakes, Jun 17, 2024
My son was driving our 2018 Equinox on the interstate when he went to brake while turning to an off-ramp. He discovered he had almost no ability to brake and narrowly avoided an accident. We discovered later that the vacuum pump responsible for the brake assist failed in catastrophic fashion. It not only failed but deposited numerous metal fragments in the crank case.