2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
403 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
21,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 187 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 117 of 403 complaints (29.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 158 | 39.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 37 | 9.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 29 | 7.2% |
| Engine operation | 19 | 4.7% |
| Steering behavior | 19 | 4.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 14 | 3.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 117 |
| Engine | 85 |
| Power Train | 65 |
| Electrical System | 55 |
| Unknown Or Other | 55 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 32 |
| Structure:Body | 16 |
| Air Bags | 15 |
Service Brakes: 117; Engine: 85; Power Train: 65; Electrical System: 55; Unknown Or Other: 55; Fuel/Propulsion System: 32; Structure:Body: 16; Air Bags: 15
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 96 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 26 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 26 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 13 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 18 |
| 150,000 and above | 8 |
Under 25,000: 96; 25,000 to 49,999: 26; 50,000 to 74,999: 26; 75,000 to 99,999: 13; 100,000 to 149,999: 18; 150,000 and above: 8
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (96). 216 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 48 |
| 2019 | 44 |
| 2020 | 45 |
| 2021 | 37 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 54 |
2017: 9; 2018: 48; 2019: 44; 2020: 45; 2021: 37; 2022: 42; 2023: 41; 2024: 48; 2025: 35; 2026: 54
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 158 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 37 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 29 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11002082 · 2017-06-29 (June 29, 2017)
WHILE DRIVING WITH TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR PLUS MYSELF THE DRIVER ON THE FREEWAY STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. THEN THE WARNING SCREEN STARTED BRINGING UP WARNINGS OF MULTIPLE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN IMMEDIATELY AND SO THEY TRIED TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUES AND PUT 200+ MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND THE THE WARNINGS DID NOT COME BACK ON SO A FEW DAYS LATER THEY SAID THE VEHICLE IS FINE AND TO BE PICKED UP. WHILE DRIVING A WEEK LATER WITH THE KIDS IN THE VEHICLE THE CAR STARTED PULLING AND…
Owner-reported narrative. 750 miles reported. Look up ODI 11002082 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11019976 · 2017-08-27 (August 27, 2017)
THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS HAVING A TOW PKG WITH THE CAPABILITY OF PULLING A 3500 LB TRAILER. THERE IS NO BRAKE HARNESS AVAILABLE ON THIS CAR (A SEPARATE CAB BRAKE CONTROL IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN EVERY STATE BASED ON TOW LOADS, MICHIGAN IS 3000 LBS.) DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THEY CAN'T LOCATE IT, WE HAVE A COMPLAINT FILED WITH GM 8-3144268897 I FEEL THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH OR INJURY OR DEATH. WE HAVE HAD MANY TRAILERS AND RECOGNIZE THAT THIS CAB BRAKE CONTROLLER IS A NECESSITY IN PULLING A TRAILER. PEOPL…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11019976 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11030469 · 2017-09-29 (September 29, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. C&O MOTORS (516 MACCORKLE AVE, ST ALBANS, WV) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V516000(POWER TRAIN) AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 700.... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF CONSUMER…
Owner-reported narrative. 700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11030469 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11032088 · 2017-10-06 (October 6, 2017)
I WAS ABLE TO WALK IN FRONT OF MY EQUINOX, IN DRIVE, (UNKOWN TO ME) THINKING THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK.. START BUTTON IS INVISIBLE WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS ALIGNED PROPERLY AND TO SMALL TO SEE, AND THE LIGHTS ON IT ARE TOO SMAIL. EXTERIOR TURN SIGNAL NOT VISIBLE IN DAYLIGHT. NO SUNSCREEN BANNER ACROSS FRONT WINDSHIELD
Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 11032088 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11046413 · 2017-11-15 (November 15, 2017)
DRIVER SIDE MIRROR CAMERA FLICKERS AND GOES BLACK. TOOK IT TO DEALER ON OCTOBER 14, 2017 AND WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW MIRROR NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. AS OF THIS WRITING, NOVEMBER 15, 2017 THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER AND THERE IS NO ESTIMATED TIME OF DELIVERY. TO ME THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN PARTS FOR A NEW CAR ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND A SAFETY PROBLEM SINCE THE CAMERA IS NOT FUNCTIONING.
Owner-reported narrative. 4,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 11046413 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11053645 · 2017-12-09 (December 9, 2017)
VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SCREEN IS EXTREMELY BRIGHT. ESPECIALLY IN CELL PHONE SCREEN PROJECTION MODE. NIGHT TIME DRIVING IS HINDERED. DIMMING IS AVAILABLE FROM THE INTERIOR LIGHTING DIMMING SWITCH. THIS SIMS DASH LIGHTING ALSO WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO SEE THE DASH. INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS STILL TOO BRIGHT WHEN DIMMED AT THE LOWEST SETTING.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11053645 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11054895 · 2017-12-15 (December 15, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V516000 (POWER TRAIN). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE OVER FOUR MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (REX CHEVROLET GMC, 805 S DES MOINES ST, ODEBOLT, IA 51458 [phone removed]) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE T…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11054895 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11056171 · 2017-12-23 (December 23, 2017)
AFTER FILLING FUEL GAUGE READS 3/4 FULL. CAN NEVER BE SURE HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE CAR. THE DEALER SAYS THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS ALL 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX'S AND GM TERRAINS AND THERE IS NO FIX.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11056171 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V516000 · Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft
Reported: 2017-08-22 (August 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V252000 · Structure:Emergency:Escape/Egress/Exit | Visibility
Reported: 2018-04-19 (April 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."
Consequence: If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V358000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Reported: 2018-05-31 (May 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.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V576000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper
Reported: 2018-08-30 (August 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.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V668000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2020-10-29 (October 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗