This page covers 5 recalls, 379 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
24–32 mpg combined
7.4–9.8 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake and powertrain complaints dominate the 2018 Equinox owner reports. On the brake side, owners frequently describe warning lights for brake assist activating unexpectedly while driving, sometimes accompanied by a "power reduction" message that limits throttle response, a pattern that shows up across highway and low-speed driving scenarios alike. Powertrain complaints center on the engine and transmission: owners report the vehicle failing to accelerate when pressing the gas pedal, unexpected deceleration at speed, and the vehicle becoming temporarily unable to move forward or reverse even after restarting. The auto start/stop system draws its own cluster of complaints, with owners saying the engine intermittently fails to restart at a stop, requiring a manual shift to park to get the vehicle going again. A smaller but recurring thread involves fuel odor entering the cabin through the HVAC system while driving.
379
Total Complaints
22
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has 5 recalls, with the most serious being a driveshaft that can fracture and separate while driving, causing sudden loss of power and raising the risk of a crash.
Two other recalls also carry crash or fire risk. The high-pressure fuel pump can detach from its mounting and damage the fuel line, creating a fuel leak that raises the risk of fire. On the transmission side, the start/stop accumulator may be missing bolts on its end cap, which can cause a transmission oil leak and eventually a loss of drive power. The rear brake calipers are also affected: the pistons may have an inadequate coating that causes gas pockets to form inside, reducing braking force at the rear wheels. Finally, the driver and front passenger door windows may not be properly tempered, meaning that if the glass breaks, it can shatter into large jagged pieces rather than the small fragments tempered glass is designed to produce.
At a glance
What can fail
The endcap on the start-stop transmission accumulator may be missing bolts, which could affect transmission operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the accumulator endcap and replace it if bolts are missing, at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear brake caliper pistons may have inadequate coating, allowing gas pockets to form and reducing rear brake performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will bleed the brake system to remove gas pockets and restore brake performance at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump can separate from its mounting flange, potentially damaging the high pressure fuel line.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front door window glass may not be properly tempered, which means it could break more easily than it should and fail safety standards for vehicle glazing.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front door window glass at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front intermediate driveshaft can fracture and separate during driving, potentially losing power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right front intermediate driveshaft assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
