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2018 Chevrolet Equinox Problems & Owner Complaints

395 NHTSA owner complaints
22 crash 4 fire 27 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~43.9 complaints per year on the road — ranking 5 of 14 Chevrolet Equinox years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Service Brakes is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, cited in 128 of 395 filed complaints (32%).

Engine is next (84 complaints, 21%), followed by Power Train (65), Electrical System (58), Fuel/Propulsion System (32).

Across all complaints, 22 report a crash, 4 report a fire, 27 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 8 crash, 1 fire, 11 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 395.

Service Brakes 128 10 crash 7 injury

“TAKATA RECALL, I WAS TURNING INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDDLE WAS LOCKED AND I COULD NOT APPLY PRESSURE TO STOP. I CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED. WHEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THE AIRBAGS DID NOT INFLATE. WHEN THE CAR STOPPED THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED. WHEN THE OFFICERS ARRIVED THEY LOOKED AT THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND THEY WERE STILL LOCKED IN PLACE.”
NHTSA complaint #11078811, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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 why the emergency braking system or airbags failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11550646, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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. The brake pedal would not depress and the contact stated he observed a warning that stated "brake system fault." The contact ran through the intersection and crashed into a vehicle that was crossing the intersection on the rear passenger side quarter panel. The contact stated that the other vehicle stopped, his vehicle continued through the intersection, and was stopped by the curb on the opposite side…”
NHTSA complaint #11549613, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 84 2 fire

“This rare equinox has a Turbocharge issue that causes rapid engine power loss, and melting under the manifold and around the fuel injector pipes. The recent recalls do not include this GM made diesel equinox due to its rarity, and small consumer ownership of 506,775 units sold in its lifetime. However, GM has been just as negligent with this diesel 1.6L, as with the other major model lineup. Diesel particulate sensor goes bad every year around installation anniversary (previous recall). Stated every year in purchase anniversary month 10/2021, 10/2022”
NHTSA complaint #11654962, 2025 · 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11350086, 2020 · fire

“My granddaughter was driving the vehicle and experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving down the road. Warning messages and audible sounds began and said to turn off the vehicle immediately. The brakes completely stopped working at that point. She pulled over immediately and called to ask what she should do. She was approximately 1/2 mile from home and she drove approximately 10mph to her driveway, pumping the brakes helped get the vehicle to her driveway. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11754341, 2026

Power Train 65 2 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and switching the shifter to the park position the driver exited and moments later the vehicle erroneously rolled backward down the driveway. The driver attempted to get back into the moving vehicle and fell causing the vehicle to roll over the driver's body and crash into a tree. During the incident, the contact experienced an injured hip which required medical treatment. The vehicle was towed to a local body shop for repair. The manufacturer was notified of the incident and a manufacturer's engin…”
NHTSA complaint #11453623, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V516000(POWER TRAIN) AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 700.... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF CONSUMER STATED CORRECTION: MANUFACTURE HAS BEEN NOTIFIED…”
NHTSA complaint #11030469, 2017 · crash

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping and shifted hard. Additionally, while on an incline, the vehicle failed to get up to speed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode back to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,381.”
NHTSA complaint #11753336, 2026

Electrical System 58 1 crash 1 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11350086, 2020 · fire

“I have purchased a 2018 Chevy equinox. It was damaged on the back bumper (rebuilt title). The backup camera works fine but there is a side detection error that comes on everytime I start the vehicle. The shop replaced the entire harness however that did not fix the issue. I have read 1000's of complaints on this. My vehicle has 45000 miles. This is effecting my gas mileage as well as other safety features. I see this has been an issue in MANY GM models and it has been taken care ( special warranty) but not on a 2018 equinox as of yet. I want to report this problem and see if someone can look i…”
NHTSA complaint #11488943, 2022 · crash

“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. I contacted onstar and they attempted to reset it which didn't work. So they escalated the issue to the highest department. I also had the battery and alternator tested and it showed that the battery and alternator were not the issue. It was decided that the problem was electrical. So I had all the electrical connections tested and it was determined that the issue was with the oem module.”
NHTSA complaint #11749883, 2026

Unknown Or Other 53 2 crash 1 fire 4 injury

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON,A TWO LANED HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY I JUST HEAR AN EXPLPSION. THE SOUND OF WHAT I FOUND WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION MY CAR WENT INTO OMCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. I BROKE MY PELVIS AMD THE SEAT BELT CUT ME OPEN. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND HAVE A SLIGHT BRAIN INJURY. I WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH. RIGHT BEFORE THE EXPLPSION SOUND MY CAR VEARED TO THE RIGHT AND I HEARD THE ROAD SAFETY BUMPS. I CORRECTED MYSELF AS I ALWAYS WOULD AND NEXT THING I KNOW IM IN A SEVERE HEAD ON COLLISION LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. TRANSMISSIOMS…”
NHTSA complaint #11163296, 2018 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11350086, 2020 · fire

“1) FCA - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THIS ALLOWED OUR VEHICLE TO STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR. IT INTERMITTENTLY WILL GIVE WARNING OF BEING CLOSE TO CARS IN FRONT OF IT. IN THE ACCIDENT THERE WAS NO WARNING FROM THE FCA 2) FAB - FORWARD AUTOMATIC BRAKING FAILED TO WORK - IT DID NOT ENGAGE WHEN OUR VEHICLE STRUCK A CAR IN FRONT OF IT. OUR VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 7MPH WHICH IS IN THE SPECIFIED RANGE PER THE OWNERS MANUAL. 3) LDW - LANE DEPARTURE WARNING DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT WARN WHEN OUR VEHICLE CROSSES OVER A LANE MARKER LINE N…”
NHTSA complaint #11076833, 2018 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 32 1 crash 2 fire 4 injury

“My wife and I were driving to Galveston on I-45 and were driving through La Marque when our car suddenly lost power. I started moving over to the outside lane and went to turn on the emergency lights. I realized the lights were already on. We heard a thump and thought that the serpentine belt had broken and that the engine would overheat, followed up by white smoke coming from the dash vents. My wife opened her window and leaned out the window while I tried to control the SUV without power. A truck pulled next to us and the passenger screamed that our car was on fire. I stepped on the brakes,…”
NHTSA complaint #11708995, 2025 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“At 12pm on June 11, 2023 I was parked in a church sparking lot in East Rochester and was facing the church's stone wall. My vehicle was only 2 feet from the was when the car accelerated toward the wall and all of the airbags opened and the hood and side panels were affected causing the vehicle was considered totaled by my insurance. My foot was on the brake and I was preparing to put the car in park when the car lurched forward and hit the wall at a high rate of speed. GM examined the car and gave me a report I could not understand but their report indicated that there was not a vehicle defec…”
NHTSA complaint #11538740, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“This rare equinox has a Turbocharge issue that causes rapid engine power loss, and melting under the manifold and around the fuel injector pipes. The recent recalls do not include this GM made diesel equinox due to its rarity, and small consumer ownership of 506,775 units sold in its lifetime. However, GM has been just as negligent with this diesel 1.6L, as with the other major model lineup. Diesel particulate sensor goes bad every year around installation anniversary (previous recall). Stated every year in purchase anniversary month 10/2021, 10/2022”
NHTSA complaint #11654962, 2025 · fire

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Structure 17 1 crash 2 injury

“At 12pm on June 11, 2023 I was parked in a church sparking lot in East Rochester and was facing the church's stone wall. My vehicle was only 2 feet from the was when the car accelerated toward the wall and all of the airbags opened and the hood and side panels were affected causing the vehicle was considered totaled by my insurance. My foot was on the brake and I was preparing to put the car in park when the car lurched forward and hit the wall at a high rate of speed. GM examined the car and gave me a report I could not understand but their report indicated that there was not a vehicle defec…”
NHTSA complaint #11538740, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in cold weather, the message "Caution. Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the charge air cooler was replaced, and the CAC shutter, the temperature control valve and the winter grill cover were installed. Additionally, the ECM was reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: N222372590. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not a…”
NHTSA complaint #11567313, 2024

“The sun roof shade is inoperable. The sunshade retracts, but does not go back into the roof so the whole shade hangs down. This completely blocks the view of the driver out the back window and is a severe safety risk. Even when the sunshade is "closed" the material hangs down, continuing to block the drivers view out of the back window. The shade has come off the tracks and unglued. The issue has been confirmed as inoperable and an internal fault in the roof shade assembly by a Chevrolet dealership and needing to be replaced completely. I have taken it to several other shops around my city, an…”
NHTSA complaint #11551825, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 15 2 crash 2 injury

“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 why the emergency braking system or airbags failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11550646, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“My own words, That my vehicle didn't stop, the car driver in front stop short my vehicle just ran behind the car. My 2018 Chevy equniox I have purchase last year for it safety reason pay extra now and days, those safety is not there very disappointed with GM What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic Emergency Braking - Together - Forward Collision Warning”
NHTSA complaint #11511902, 2023 · crash

“On a steep gravel road in a remote area, I pressed the accelerator and the vehicle stopped climbing. I inferred that traction control had intervened, but there was no immediate, obvious indication explaining why the car wasn’t responding. The most frightening part was not knowing what the vehicle was doing. A clear, immediate indication that traction control was actively limiting power would have reduced uncertainty.”
NHTSA complaint #11752810, 2026

Steering 15 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING. WHEN I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT AND HIT A CAR ALMOST HEAD ON. AS MY TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED RED I STARTED TO BREAK BUT MY BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME. WHICH FELT LIKE A BRICK. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BRAKES BUT IT WOULD NOT PUMP IT JUST STAYED VERY HARD LIKE A BRICK. I START TO SLIDE WHILE NOT REALLY REDUCING SPEED I TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL A LITTLE BIT TRYING TO AVOID THE ON COMING TRAFFIC WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS WELL CAUSING ME SLIDE RIGHT INTO A CAR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324727, 2020 · crash

“Got word from the mechanic at the dealership that the cam shaft is leaking oil as well as the fuel injectors retainers are out and need to be sealed as they are also leaking. the engine went into safe mode to prevent any engine fires.”
NHTSA complaint #11717648, 2026

“On many occasions while driving at highway speeds the steering wheel sticks causing me to use extra force to move the wheel. It's bad enough on dry pavement but on wet or snow covered roads it's worst. I have spun out 2 times already even while being cautious, luckily no one was around at the time. This needs to be addressed. There have been a few times that the blind spot monitoring stayed lit when there was no car around as well as at times the light never came on while I was being passed”
NHTSA complaint #11566039, 2024

Air Bags 13 8 crash 1 fire 11 injury

“TAKATA RECALL, I WAS TURNING INTO THE LEFT TURN LANE, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDDLE WAS LOCKED AND I COULD NOT APPLY PRESSURE TO STOP. I CONTINUED TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED. WHEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THE AIRBAGS DID NOT INFLATE. WHEN THE CAR STOPPED THE BRAKES CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED. WHEN THE OFFICERS ARRIVED THEY LOOKED AT THE BRAKE PEDDLE AND THEY WERE STILL LOCKED IN PLACE.”
NHTSA complaint #11078811, 2018 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“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 why the emergency braking system or airbags failed to deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11550646, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“At 12pm on June 11, 2023 I was parked in a church sparking lot in East Rochester and was facing the church's stone wall. My vehicle was only 2 feet from the was when the car accelerated toward the wall and all of the airbags opened and the hood and side panels were affected causing the vehicle was considered totaled by my insurance. My foot was on the brake and I was preparing to put the car in park when the car lurched forward and hit the wall at a high rate of speed. GM examined the car and gave me a report I could not understand but their report indicated that there was not a vehicle defec…”
NHTSA complaint #11538740, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Wheels 13 1 crash 4 injury

“DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE HEARD A LOUD BANG DRIVER FRONT .FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL 6 TIMES UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY POLICE AND MECHANIC FRONT RIM EXPLODED AND DETACHED FROM VEHICLE LUG NUTS ARE THERE AND CENTER OF RIM IS THERE TIRES ARE ALL NEW BUT RIM WAS GONE”
NHTSA complaint #11331523, 2020 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“OUR 37 YR OLD SON WHO WAS VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS WAS DRIVING ON OUR LOCAL INTERSTATE WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE FRONT END AND WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS THE DRIVERS SIDE. HE KNEW HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING IN THE ROAD OR POTHOLE. THE NEXT THING HE KNEW HE WAS QUICKLY SLIDING TO A STOP. HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. HE PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SAW THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS MISSING, BUT OBSERVED THAT THE FIVE LUG NUTS AND THE CENTER PART OF THE ALUMINUM ALLOY CAST RIM WERE STILL TIGHT AND INTACT ON THE HUB. TWO NEW YORK STATE POLICE RESPONDED AND RETRIEVED THE TI…”
NHTSA complaint #11162131, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“So where do i begin. There are no leaks on my driveway but I have to add coolant every other day & then when I opened my hood it looks like there’s grease everywhere like over the bolts where the bottom & top meet. At time the car stalls it loses power or doesn’t even pick up power. It just drags. Sometimes a strong odor comes from the vents of the a/c & then it at times doesn’t blow cool air just flat air. Also six months after having the vehicle the 2 TPMS went out & when I took it back to dealer where i purchased it they basically told me that I didn’t even have any TPMS that the machine di…”
NHTSA complaint #11586005, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 11

“I own a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with a 1.5L engine. While driving with my children in the vehicle, the car experienced a sudden and frightening failure. The engine began malfunctioning, and after inspection, my mechanic and the repair shop confirmed damage to the vacuum pump, broken engine pieces, and issues with the timing chain and camshaft. These issues are identical to those described in an existing recall for this vehicle, but my VIN is not included. The shop even questioned why my mechanic had to replace the vacuum pump, which shows this failure is directly related to the known recall pr…”
NHTSA complaint #11689098, 2025

“1st Incident: Code P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Sensor In March of 2024 - driving on highway dashboard warning lights illuminated(traction control & reduced engine power) vehicle went into limp mode putting my family & I in danger due to traffic volume and speed on highway. Had to drive on berm at speeds below 25mph to exit freeway safely. Removed battery cable to reset computer. Taken to Serra Bartlett Chevrolet in Memphis- couldn't get vehicle to repeat error. 2nd Incident: Code - P2138 June 2024 - while traveling on highway same dashboard warning signals & car went into limp mode. Had to…”
NHTSA complaint #11669940, 2025

“The speedometer does not operate. The gas gauge does not operate. The odometer does not operate and is not tracking miles driven. The blinkers work but no blinker sound occurs. Head lights must be turned on and off manually. The radio must be turned off manually. I ran out of gas on the freeway and Highway Patrol had to close the freeway to remove me safely under quite dangerous conditions. There is no way to monitor my speed. The milage is not being reported to reflect the miles put on the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11656588, 2024

Visibility/Wiper 10

“The sun roof shade is inoperable. The sunshade retracts, but does not go back into the roof so the whole shade hangs down. This completely blocks the view of the driver out the back window and is a severe safety risk. Even when the sunshade is "closed" the material hangs down, continuing to block the drivers view out of the back window. The shade has come off the tracks and unglued. The issue has been confirmed as inoperable and an internal fault in the roof shade assembly by a Chevrolet dealership and needing to be replaced completely. I have taken it to several other shops around my city, an…”
NHTSA complaint #11551825, 2023

“I was driving 55 mph heading to a friends for the weekend with another one of my friends and my dog. It started raining and it was scaring my dog to see the rain drops on the sunroof so I closed the shade. About 15 minutes later there was a loud constant sound almost like a warning so I looked at my dash, radio ect to see what was going on and about 3-5 minutes after the loud constant whining sound started there was a loud boom!! sounded like a bomb or gunshot. I pulled over and got out to look and found a hole in my sunroof. By looking at it you can totally see that the pressure or blast…”
NHTSA complaint #11427504, 2021

“THE WIPERS ON THIS CAR HAVE NEVER BEEN RIGHT. I HAD THEM LOOKED AT OCT 2018. NOW THEY STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. IF YOU GOOGLE IT, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE SINCE 2000. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!”
NHTSA complaint #11394620, 2021

Engine And Engine Cooling 9

“My 2018 Equinox is failing California Smog due to an incorrect CVN error code, which is covered under Emissions Recall N212345540 or N202298780 and the dealership is refusing to reflash it and asking me to pay for a full diagnostics when there is no check engine light on. I also had a full diagnostic run on June 2nd $289.99 which confirmed this code and referred me to the BAR Referee who also confirmed this is causing the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11745632, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle for a SMOG emissions inspection, the vehicle failed the inspection due to an engine-related failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Engine Control Module (ECM) required recalibration. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11738565, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. The contact pulled over to the closest exit and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off and then restarted; however, while attempting to drive forward or reverse, the vehicle failed to move. The contact inspected the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking from the side of the engine near the high-pressure fuel pump underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illumi…”
NHTSA complaint #11734222, 2026

Fuel System 8

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine Auto START/STOP system intermittently failed to restart the vehicle while at a complete stop, requiring the driver to shift to park(P) to manually restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor entering the vehicle from the A/C vents. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10-15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was ass…”
NHTSA complaint #11733511, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle stalled, shut off, and failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed back to the residence. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that the fuel pump had failed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11724548, 2026

“The contact's mother owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump and other fuel system parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline t…”
NHTSA complaint #11722282, 2026

Seat Belts 7 1 injury

“I AM NOT ABLE TO ADJUST THE HEIGHT IN WHICH MY SEAT BELT LAYS ON MY CHEST. I AM 5'3' AND USUALLY NEED TO ADJUST THE SEAT BELT HEIGHT IN THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, WHEN I LEASED MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED THERE WAS NO WAY TO ADJUST THIS. WHEN I AM DRIVING, I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO RAISE THE HEIGHT OF MY SEAT, HOWEVER, MY KNEES BECOME TOO CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND I AM THEN SITTING TOO HIGH IN THE VEHICLE TO HAVE GOOD VISION OF THE ROAD. THIS EVENING, I WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHILE MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, HE HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKES VERY UPRIBPTLY AS DEER WERE IN OUR PATH AS HE WAS GOING APPROX…”
NHTSA complaint #11089254, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“When buckled, the part of the seat belt buckle where the LAP belt slides through the actual buckle part becomes binding and has to be manual pushed through the buckle in order to move your hips when seated. This issue has absolutely nothing to do with the shoulder part of the belt or the belt not retracting. It is solely an issue with the plastic buckle and the belt not sliding through it when seated. This is a safety issue because the lap belt becomes binding while seated. If the driver needs to shift in the seat, he must pull the shoulder belt out to create give in the belt and then use bo…”
NHTSA complaint #11480943, 2022

“AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT GOES ON WHEN FRONT PASSENGER BUCKLES UP, IF PASSENGER UNBUCKLES LIGHT DISAPPEARS, IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, PARKED, BACKING UP, ALL SPEED, ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS, ANY ROADS. IT LOOKS THE SEATBELT ACTIVATE THAT SERVICE LIGHT . I BOUGHT THE CAR USED 11/28/20 AND STILL HAVE DMV WARRANTY 60 DAYS, HOWEVER STEPHEN AUTOMALL CENTRE, BRISTOL CT DOESN'T HONOR THE WARRANTY!”
NHTSA complaint #11390074, 2021

Seats 7 1 injury

“I NOTICED THAT MY LEGS KEPT HURTING ME AND DID NOT KNOW WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. IT FELT LIKE I COULDN'T WALK FOR ABOUT A MONTH. AFTER NOT DRIVING FOR THREE DAYS I FOUND OUT THAT CAUSE OF THE PAIN COMING FROM MY 2018 EQUINOX DRIVERS SEAT. I PUT A PILLOW IN THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE PAIN WENT AWAY. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE PILLOW BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS SLIDING AND MY FOOT KEEPS SLIDING OFF THE PEDALS. GM NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THEY ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SEATS. GM SHOULD HAVE REPLACEMENT SEAT FOR THESE VEHICLES INSTEAD OF DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. PLEASE…”
NHTSA complaint #11386715, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving, my driver's side power seat will automatically go to the "exit position". Because of my short stature, this causes me to not be able to reach the gas and brake pedals until I move the seat back up. It first occurred when I was in 5 lanes if traffic during rush hour traffic. There was no warning or indication of a problem before it happened. Scary, as momentarily I couldn't brake. I took it to the dealership for repair. They we able to reproduce the issue and diagnosed it as the power seat memory switch in the door panel. They replaced the part but it did not fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11492199, 2022

“We were driving at night I had turned on the overhead cabin light and when I turned on the overhead cabin light so my wife could hand food to our are sun and behind us the At the same time that I push the button the sunshade started to go and so I let it go but then it got jammed and it started to crank so I pushed the button in it started to go and reverse and then it like Jim in it aint like you know the motor growing sound and like there's a big shatter we thought that it was the glass from the moon roof shuttering turned out it was just like the plastic piece it was like holding the shade…”
NHTSA complaint #11450605, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6

“I WAS ALMOST IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT ON OCT 7, 2019. I WAS TRAVELLING ON STATE HIGHWAYS FROM AUBURN, PA TO HERSHEY, PA AT APPRX 930AM. ROADS WERE DAMP/WET BUT RAIN HAD STOPPED. SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, I HAD ALWAYS ENGAGED ALL SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDING LANE KEEP ASSIST (LKA), COLLISION ALERTS, ETC. THIS WAS MAIN REASON I UPGRADED FROM MY 2014 EQUINOX. ON RT 183, HEADING UP A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD, I ALMOST LOST CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES, DESPITE DRIVING WELL UNDER SPEED LIMIT. **NOTE: MY BF AND I HAD PREVIOUSLY COMPLAINED TO DEALER, AND EVEN HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE, BC WE BOTH FELT CAR PULLED TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11302110, 2019

“I STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN A MESSAGE SAYING THE ENGINE POWER WAS LOW. THE CAR WOULD NOT START OR GO INTO NEUTRAL HOWEVER I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON AS WELL AS THE RADIO AND ON-STAR. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER GOT IT STARTED IN LOW GEAR TO GET IT ON THE TOW TRUCK, BUT IT DIDN'T START AGAIN. I WAS ON A CITY STREET IN RUSH HOUR, GOING LESS THAN 15 MPH. I JUST GOT MY VEHICLE BACK FROM SERVICE AT THE MIRAK.COM DEALERSHIP IN ARLINGTON, MA, AND APPARENTLY THE ISSUE WAS: "CAUSED BY: PERFORM SCAN TOOL TEST. THE TECH "EXTRACT CODES WITH SCAN…”
NHTSA complaint #11282560, 2019

“TAKATA RECALL -CAR ENGINE LIGHT IS COMING ON NOW ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS ONCE ON HIGHWAY ONCE IN. SIDE STREET AND THEN IN AFTER JUST STARTING CAR . HAS BEEN SERVICE NOW ALL 3 TIMES AND EMU SYSTEM WAS FULLY REPLACED . IT WILL GO INTO SAFETY MODE AND THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GAS. THE ENGINE THEN RUNS HIGH AND CAR LOCKS UP. THE CAR IS FEELS LIKE IT IS STRESSING AT EVEN 35 MILES BEFORE THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. I HAVE SERVICE PAPERWORK FROM THE FIRST TWO SERVICES AND PICTURES OF THE CAR IN SAFETY MODE. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AGAIN FOR THE 3RD TIME NOW. PURCHASE THE CAR ON…”
NHTSA complaint #11100461, 2018

Exterior Lighting 6

“After being in a severe accident w/ another 2018 equinox I purchased a used 2018 equinox w/ 10k miles on it . saved my life 1x - i was happy with the car. In Dec 2019 my front passenger headlight went out. Still under warranty I had the dealer replace the bulb. In late December 2020 my front passenger headlight went out again. I was told it was over $400 to fix. This was "replacing the lightbulb". I decided to purchase my own lightbulb from a reputable source. The problem is not the lightbulb but instead the ballast or the wiring. I have NEVER had to replace a lightbulb in a…”
NHTSA complaint #11428176, 2020

“THE NAVIGATION SCREEN IS WAY TOO BRIGHT AT NIGHT, MAKING DRIVING DIFFICULT AND DISTRACTING. WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AT NIGHT THE BRIGHTNESS IS NORMAL BUT AFTER USING REVERSE IT BRIGHTENS TO DAYTIME LEVEL AND CANNOT BE CHANGED WITHOUT DIMMING THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS CONSIDERABLY. MANY OTHER 2018 EQUINOX OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM ON VARIOUS WEB FORUMS.”
NHTSA complaint #11297165, 2020

“USING NAVIGATION WITH PHONE THROUGH INFOTAINMENT DISPLAY CAN SWITCH TO BLINDING BRIGHTNESS AT NIGHT. USING PHONE NAVIGATION (BOTH GOOGLE MAPS AND WAZE) AT NIGHT WILL START WITH NORMAL BRIGHTNESS WHICH CAN BE CONTROLLED BY THE DIMMING KNOB. IF A PHONE CALL OR TEXT IS RECEIVED THE DISPLAY GOES TO FULL BRIGHTNESS AND CANNOT BE DIMMED THIS CAUSED ME TO SWERVE OFF OF THE ROAD IT WAS SO BLINDING THE CONDITION CAN ALSO BE SIMULATED BY ENGAGING THE BACKUP CAMERA AT NIGHT THIS WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALER OVER A YEAR AGO IN THE CASE OF THE PHONE CALL THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING THIS PROBLEM H…”
NHTSA complaint #11230836, 2019

Visibility 6 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHADE CLIP FRACTURED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON THREE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RANDY MARION CHEVROLET BUICK CADILLAC (220 W PLAZA DR, MOORESVILLE, NC, (866) 906-8109) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHADE CLIPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11202901, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that moisture was leaking from the panoramic sunroof. On multiple occasions, the contact stated that the floor of the vehicle was soaked with moisture upon entering the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle was flooded, and that moisture had accumulated up to the ankles. Moisture was also leaking onto the contact's head from the panoramic sunroof while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions where attempts to repair the vehicle were performed; however, the failure persisted after each repair. Afte…”
NHTSA complaint #11570953, 2023

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the panoramic moon roof failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to fix the vehicle. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11522832, 2022

Lane Departure 3 1 crash

“I have purchased a 2018 Chevy equinox. It was damaged on the back bumper (rebuilt title). The backup camera works fine but there is a side detection error that comes on everytime I start the vehicle. The shop replaced the entire harness however that did not fix the issue. I have read 1000's of complaints on this. My vehicle has 45000 miles. This is effecting my gas mileage as well as other safety features. I see this has been an issue in MANY GM models and it has been taken care ( special warranty) but not on a 2018 equinox as of yet. I want to report this problem and see if someone can look i…”
NHTSA complaint #11488943, 2022 · crash

“On many occasions while driving at highway speeds the steering wheel sticks causing me to use extra force to move the wheel. It's bad enough on dry pavement but on wet or snow covered roads it's worst. I have spun out 2 times already even while being cautious, luckily no one was around at the time. This needs to be addressed. There have been a few times that the blind spot monitoring stayed lit when there was no car around as well as at times the light never came on while I was being passed”
NHTSA complaint #11566039, 2024

“WHILE DRIVING, WHEN TRYING TO CENTER THE CAR IN THE LANE I AM DRIVING IN, THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS. IT IS FOR JUST A SPILT SECOND BUT NONETHELESS, IT IS STICKING. ALSO, THE CAR DETECTION LIGHT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR (CAR IN YOUR BLIND SPOT) STAYS ON. ALSO GET A MESSAGE THAT SAYS "SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM" DEALER SAYS NO ERROR SHOWS UP FOR THEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11165295, 2019

Tires 3

“2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED 3 OF THE 4 HANKOOK TIRES WEAR BADLY WORN. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11329950, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EQUIPPED WITH MICHELINE TIRES, TIRE LINE: PREMIERE LTX TIRES, TIRE SIZE: 225/65/R17 N/A, DOT NUMBER UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MORAN CHEVROLET CLINTON TWP LOCATED AT (35500 GRATIOT AVE, CLINTON TWP, MI 48035, (866) 774-3206) FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAG…”
NHTSA complaint #11319456, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TOTAL PERFORMANCE TIRES, SIZE 225/60/R18 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE WORN AND CAUSED A BUMPY RIDE WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD OCCASIONALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KLEME SALES INC. (125-129 N 2ND AVE, STRATFORD, WI 54484, (715) 407-4179) WHERE A MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TIRES WERE FINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE FAILURE M…”
NHTSA complaint #11171713, 2019

Parking Brake 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact was able to steer the vehicle safely to the side of the road. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11465449, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE PARKING BRAKE SEIZED IN THE ACTIVATED POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BERGER CHEVROLET (2525 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512; (616) 949-5200), WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOE HOLLAND CHEVROLET (210 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARL…”
NHTSA complaint #11377191, 2020

Equipment 1

“2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO FAULTY RADIO SCREEN THAT BLACKS OUT AT NIGHT AND DOES NOT COME BACK ON. * AS *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11175474, 2018

Other/I Am Not Sure 1

“I am filing this complaint regarding a defective CYBEX Callisto car seat and the company’s mishandling of my replacement request. The tension door of the car seat has malfunctioned three times while driving, causing the seat to become unsecured and putting my child’s safety at significant risk. This malfunction is deeply concerning and could lead to severe consequences. Details of the Incident Component Failure: The tension door of the car seat pops open during use, rendering the seat unsecured. This has occurred three times. Availability for Inspection: The defective car seat is available f…”
NHTSA complaint #11659760, 2025

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox draws about 43.9 complaints per year on the road, ranking 5 of 14 among the Chevrolet Equinox model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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