2018 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Report
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (371) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 26 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox with 78 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Equinox Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Equinox years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Equinox | 277 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Chevrolet Equinox | 267 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Equinox | 264 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Chevrolet Equinox | 387 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Chevrolet Equinox | 78 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Chevrolet Equinox | 673 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes
59 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
28 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyUnknown Or Other
25 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyEngine
23 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes,Engine
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes,Engine issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Reliability Score
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Foundation Components Some vehicles have experienced sudden brake failure, making it hard to slow down or stop. Regular maintenance is crucial. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission, Driveline, Driveshaft Issues include slipping and shaking, affecting drivability and safety. Check for recalls and service issues. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System Problems with the fuel pump and engine have been reported, though less frequently. Monitor for any unusual noises or performance issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Some vehicles have experienced electrical system issues, including brake assist service light popping up. Regular checks are recommended. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox:
Issues with the service brakes and hydraulic foundation components are the most common problems.
Automatic transmission problems are the second most common issue.
Engine and fuel/propulsion system issues are less common but still significant.
Electrical system issues are the least common but still important to monitor.
Recall Details for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 r...
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
While driving the brake pedal suddenly became hard to push making the car unable to slow down. Put car in neutral and managed to get off street into parking lot and coast to a stop. Car would no longer start. Towed to dealership for assessment. Reports of broken vacuum pump pieces and related metal debris found in engine. Dealership recommended engine replacement. Notified GM, they provided a case...
Losing all power to the brakes.
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 manufact...
Vehicle does NOT come to a complete stop. It moves forward about an inch after I stop and park. It's being going on since I got the car. I assumed it was normal until I drove another car and it didn't happen.
Brake system has failed. “Brake Assist Service” has popped up on screen. Taken to two separate facilities who said this is a KNOWN problem with this vehicle make and model.
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...
Automatic transmission slips and shutters/shakes when accelerating and going from a complete stop. Vehicle is not drivable long distances as the issue gets worse as the car heats up. No codes or sensors are indicating a problem. This is an ongoing problem despite having the transmission rebuilt. Issues first started a year ago and have been progressively getting worse.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to three separate Smog Local State Inspections; however, the vehicle failed to communicate with the system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an unstated module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, Product Emission Rec...
My wife was leaving work. She pulled out onto the highway and while accelerating she heard a loud thumping noise under the car. When she stopped and looked under the car, the driveshaft was broke in half. The repair shop we took it to said that they couldn't find anything that would have caused that to happen except that the driveshaft was rusted about halfway through and probably got week and br...
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle sputtered, and there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to move off from a stop light, the engine shut off. The tractio...
For the 4th time since November 2025, my vehicle has shut off while driving and there was a severe gas smell. Check engine and traction control lights on dash. So far the turbo booster and fuel injector have been replaced but the issue keeps happening. This vehicle is not on recall list for high pressure fule pump recall. I think it should be. Vehicle goes into limp mode and all the gas leaks righ...
Vehicle is leaking coolant excessively. Faulty 55513550 water pump (ACDelco/GM OE) commonly causes engine overheating, coolant leaks (often from the weep hole), and unusual noise (squeaking/rumbling) in 1.6L diesel engines for Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox, and GMC Terrain. It may cause cabin heating issues and trigger engine codes. Major Problem #2: Electrical Described by Tony Dubois at Midas (Cin...
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after having a software update to the ECM following the notice of an unknown recall, on several occasions while in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed like it would accelerate forward. The contact had to push the vehicle for the vehicle to reverse. The contact that while pr...
My car has a slow crank and when I am driving down the road it cuts off completely and does not want to crank. I have a signal on my car that says reduced speed and the speed is cut down and drags . My car also smells like gas and there is a leak coming from the vehicle it drains really bad . my brakes goes out every few months . My Car radio goes out like there is a shortage. Its horrible
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake pads were wearing abnormally quickly. The message speed reduced was displayed. The engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no ...
Engine power low
My vehicle suddenly began giving a message engine power reduced. This happened on a highway that required with a maximum speed of 65 mph. My vehicle reduced speed to under 40mph which may be beneath the minimum speed limit. I took the vehicle to a chevvy dealer who said my transmission was slipping. I took it to AAMCO spent 6000 on repairs only to have the engine power reduced error continue t...
My Code for the transmission is showing up for inspection the engine light on but no noted transmisson prolems noted 2017 is showing up.
While backing out of a parking space, with my 1 year old infant in the back seat, my vehicle became stuck in reverse and would not shift into drive or park. The vehicle became disabled and the warning dash stated to put the vehicle in park but i could not park or do anything else and couldnt take my foot off the brake or else i would continue reversing. Eventually i was able to at least turn the ...
Showing 20 of 371 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Has the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX have?
The 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 371 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 22 involved crashes. 27 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX involve service brakes (59 complaints), power train (28 complaints), unknown or other (25 complaints). Other affected components include engine, fuel/propulsion system, service brakes,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX have?
There are 22 crash reports associated with the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX out of 371 total complaints (5.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX out of 371 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
27 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 371 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (59 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (28 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (25 complaints), 4. ENGINE (23 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 59 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
Regular maintenance and monitoring for recalls are crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of your 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 371 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 371 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 26 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service brakes, hydraulic foundation components and Automatic transmission, driveline, driveshaft.
What are the known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
Known issues with the 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX include: Service brakes, hydraulic foundation components, Automatic transmission, driveline, driveshaft, Engine, fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system. These are based on patterns found across 371 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most common issues are with the service brakes and hydraulic foundation components, followed by automatic transmission problems.
Can you tell me about the automatic transmission issues?
Automatic transmission issues include slipping and shaking, which can affect drivability and safety.
What should I do if I experience brake problems?
If you experience brake problems, have your vehicle checked immediately to prevent accidents.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Regular maintenance and monitoring for recalls are crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of your 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The data includes 371 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 22 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 27 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14