2018 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 409 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, engine and transmission.
409 complaints 5 recalls, 2 fire risk 7th worst of 19 Equinox years
Top 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems
Brake problems
132 complaints (32%) name the brakes, most often the vacuum.
Engine problems
94 complaints (23%) name the engine, most often the engine control module (ECU / ECM) and cooling system.
Transmission problems
66 complaints (16%) name the transmission.
Electrical problems
61 complaints (15%) name the electrical system, most often the speedometer / odometer and instrument cluster / panel.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (183 of 409). The amber line is the middle value, about 25,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox recalls
Automatic transmission
Fire riskThe start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts. 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.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge.
Recall 20V668000 · Oct 2020Rear brake pistons may reduce braking power
Crash riskThe rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient protective coating, which can let gas pockets form in the brake system. This can reduce rear brake performance and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will bleed the vehicle's brake system to remove the gas pockets, free of charge.
Recall 18V576000 · Aug 2018Fuel pump
Fire riskThe high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line. A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge.
Recall 18V358000 · May 2018Escape / egress / exit
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." If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the glass in the front doors, free of charge.
Recall 18V252000 · Apr 2018Driveshaft
The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving. 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.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge.
Recall 17V516000 · Aug 2017Get an email when your 2018 Chevrolet Equinox gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Equinox years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 409 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 19 Equinox model years. The most reported problems involve the brakes, engine and transmission.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
Owners most often report problems with the brakes, engine, transmission and electrical system. 132 complaints (32%) name the brakes, most often the vacuum.
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Equinox brakes problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 38,000–108,000 miles, with a middle value near 64,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have?
5. Automatic transmission (20V668000); Rear brake pistons may reduce braking power (18V576000); Fuel pump (18V358000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
Ask for service records covering the brakes, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2024 and 2009 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.