2018 Chevrolet Equinox
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 638 |
| 2006 | 695 |
| 2007 | 685 |
| 2008 | 370 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 784 |
| 2011 | 781 |
| 2012 | 682 |
| 2013 | 749 |
| 2014 | 546 |
| 2015 | 679 |
| 2016 | 395 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 401 |
| 2019 | 300 |
| 2020 | 303 |
| 2021 | 91 |
| 2022 | 164 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2024 | 73 |
| 2025 | 217 |
| 2026 | 63 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: service brakes — 131 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231018
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and coming to a traffic signal, he depressed the brake pedal and felt extreme resistance.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231012
The brake vacuum pump has gone out four times now. While driving the brakes suddenly become hard as a rock to push. Of the four times two of them have been close calls to having a serious collision.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
21% of complaints: engine — 85 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
While turning right at a red light my vehicle started making knocking noises, loss of acceleration then the ECM (limp mode) and ESC code happened. Protecting the vehicle from damage due to transmission fluid loss.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260722
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
16% of complaints: power train — 65 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170929
14% of complaints: electrical system — 58 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and alternator/generator/regulator.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
About 3 weeks ago my battery completely died and I had to get 3 jump starts in one day. Upon replacing my battery I continued to experience a drained battery. Then my in-car wifi stopped working.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260712
8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 32 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 17V516000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The driver and front passenger door window glass may not be properly tempered.
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.
Campaign 18V252000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18V358000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018.
Campaign 18V576000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 20V668000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Chevrolet Equinox — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (131 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (85 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (65 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V516000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V252000 (structure, visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V358000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V576000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V668000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.