repaired · 2023 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. 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…
2018 Chevrolet EquinoxProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 410 owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-668 the manufacturer reports only 79% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has problems
410 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
118Service brakes9 crash/fire/injury
86Engine2 crash/fire/injury
66Power train2 crash/fire/injury
61Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
33Fuel/propulsion system3 crash/fire/injury
17Structure
16Forward collision avoidance
15Air bags
15Steering
10916 other systems7 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 118 | 9 |
| Engine | 86 | 2 |
| Power train | 66 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 61 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 33 | 3 |
| Structure | 17 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 16 | 2 |
| Air bags | 15 | 9 |
| Steering | 15 | 1 |
| 16 other systems | 109 | 7 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2018 Chevrolet Equinox recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Disc: caliper
Risk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Emergency: escape/egress/exit
Risk. If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2018 Q4
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do service brakes problems start?
62kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 29 service brakes complaints. 79% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 46% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
8under 30k miles23under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Equinox year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Equinox median. How we score
'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Chevrolet Equinox safety ratings
2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Later Release in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Equinox owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
On approximately 09/04/2026, while driving my vehicle and slowing to a stop, I applied the brake pedal and it suddenly became extremely hard to depress. At approximately the same time, the steering became very stiff and difficult to turn. I believed I had lost normal braking ability and had…
In my chevy equinox 2018 my vacuum pump and brake booster failed when I was driving and I could not brake. I slid into the gravel side of the road on the 138, luckily there were not alot of traffic at the time cause I would have caused a major accident. Never had any braking issue till now. Now…
While I was getting off the freeway, my vehicle displayed the “Service Brake Assist” warning. When I attempted to brake, the brake pedal became extremely hard and would not respond normally. The vehicle would not stop normally when I pressed the brake pedal. I was almost involved in a crash because…
Own a 2018 Equinox?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.