Complaint volume
384 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints
384 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, grouped by component category.
384 Total complaints
22 Crash reports
4 Fire reports
16 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are service brakes, power train, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 22 crash reports, 4 fire reports, 16 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 184 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 42,366 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to service brakes, power train, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox complaints?
22 Crash
4 Fire
16 Injury
0 Fatality
30 Towed
10 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Equinox complaint categories?
SERVICE BRAKES 60
POWER TRAIN 29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 26
ENGINE 24
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 14
WHEELS 11
AIR BAGS 8
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 8
384 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Vacuum pump for brake system failure | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 120,000 |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 130,000 |
| Oct 2024 | AIR BAGS | On or about 10/10/24 …2018 EQUINOX my SRS light came on my digital control along with the body holding a ball indicating the I had an airbag(s) issue. I immediately called my dealership that wanted me to bring it in (a week later) and cost to put it on the machine would cost $180 for diagnostics. Later the next day, honked my hour..everything back to normal. Next morning, back on. Est costs to fix$1,000 approx. no accidents. No other issues. Diag indicates R/FRT & L.RT AIRBAG SENSOR needs replace. NHTSA #10137388 & 10164117 cases | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 120,000 |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Purchased the car on 10/20/2023. Since that time it had 7 check engine lights with the P2459 code for Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency. The car has powered down 3 times and been repaired several times, for things NOT that code. The vehicle is currently powered down at the dealership where purchased, as I attempt to mediate repairs and costs. I have spent $9398.73 in repairs, Uber’s, rentals, car payments, and warranty payments. And, I am still without a working vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pan had rusted and caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the part to do the repair was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 132,000 |
| Sep 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 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) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | POWER TRAIN | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 64,000 |
| Aug 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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 | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 159,000 |
| Jul 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | 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!!!! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There's a leak by the rear fuse box. Moisture and water gets on the fuses. My sunroof and sunshade have stopped working. I noticed the Julian date on my sunroof motor falls with in the date range that it needs to be replaced cause it could be a faulty one. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Driver side mirror sets itself to non useable position even when auto mirror option is not turned on. Everytime I shift gears the mirror positions itself to an unuasable position making it impossible to safely pull out from a parked position. It happens wether pulling forward or backing out. I can not seem to find any information on how to correct the issue. Other owners have reported the same issue but Chevrolet refuses to address the issue. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Service brake light comes on. Can hardly push brake pedal down. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | 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) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his fiancée was driving 15-20 MPH uphill, the vehicle jolted and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's fiancée was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact's fiancée was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft had fractured, causing the vacuum pump and the solenoid sensor to be fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided because the vehicle was out of Warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 96,000 |
| May 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | The brakes in our 2018 chevy equinox have went out three times in the past month. First time the car was parked fully functioning the night before, woke up the next morning for work and there was no brakes. Replaced the vacuum pump and they worked good as new. Second time we are driving down a busy highway and had been for half an hour. 2 minutes from our destination at the ONLY turn we had to make the whole trip, the brakes all of a sudden went out. This could have easily resulted in a fatal crash. Again, the vacuum pump. Now were to today, the third time our brakes have failed and this time it came with the check engine light and “engine power reduced”. GM NEEDS TO RECALL. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |