VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox sits mid-pack among Equinox years: 570 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 509, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (127), engine (91), and electrical system (64), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

570

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

32

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Equinox years?

Equinox NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1,137 complaints2005: 950 complaints2006: 950 complaints2007: 950 complaints2008: 535 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 1,118 complaints2011: 1,137 complaints2012: 943 complaints2013: 984 complaints2014: 696 complaints2015: 844 complaints2016: 487 complaints2017: 367 complaints2018: 570 complaints2019: 408 complaints2020: 463 complaints2021: 117 complaints2022: 210 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 111 complaints2025: 331 complaints2026: 92 complaints
Equinox NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equinox years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes12722%
Engine9116%
Electrical System6411%
Transmission6311%
Other5510%
Fuel System417%
Driver Assistance214%
Body & Structure173%
Visibility & Wipers163%
Tires & Wheels163%
Steering153%
Airbags132%
Speed Control112%
Seats71%
Seat Belts71%
Lighting61%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

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.

18V576000BrakesAugust 30, 2018 · 210,628 units

Defect

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.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

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.

18V252000Body & StructureApril 19, 2018 · 379 units

Defect

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.

17V516000TransmissionAugust 22, 2017 · 2,905 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was in an accident when my 2018 Chevy Equinox rear ended a stopped vehicle at a traffic light. There was significant damage to the front of my vehicle 12k plus. The emergency braking system did not activate, nor did the airbags. My wife experienced severe contusions to the chest area.we wonder…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 29, 2023 · crash

“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AREA AND ALL I COULD SMELL WAS BURNED PLASTIC. PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT. NOT EVEN A MINUTE LATER THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 18, 2020 · fire

“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AREA AND ALL I COULD SMELL WAS BURNED PLASTIC. PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT. NOT EVEN A MINUTE LATER THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 18, 2020 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 24, 2017 · crash

“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AREA AND ALL I COULD SMELL WAS BURNED PLASTIC. PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT. NOT EVEN A MINUTE LATER THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 18, 2020 · fire

2018 Chevrolet Equinox — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

It is close to typical for the Equinox: 570 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Equinox problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (127 complaints), engine (91 complaints), electrical system (64 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equinox years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2013, 2005, 2007, 2006, 2012, 2015. The cleanest record among Equinox years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.