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2018 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering caliper and fuel pump. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake vacuum pump failure with hard brake pedal.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #18V576000 · Aug 30, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #18V358000 · May 31, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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. 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.

VISIBILITY

Campaign #18V252000 · Apr 19, 2018

Issue: 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."

Risk: 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. 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.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #17V516000 · Aug 22, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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. 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #20V668000 · Oct 29, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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. 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 recall is N202313440.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake vacuum pump failure with hard brake pedal

SERVICE BRAKES

48 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2026-08

“While driving at highway speed, the brake pedal suddenly became completely rigid and could not be depressed. The engine continued running normally, there were no warning lights, and I had to coast into a parking lot because I was unable to brake normally”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755192
“The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the Service Brake Assist warning light illuminated, and the brake pedal became difficult to depress. The contact exited the first available exit and coasted to the side of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681590
“Was parking and the brake went hard without warning. Using both legs pressing as hard as I could, but the brakes would not work. Had to tow this to a repair shop - No warning light at all”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611689

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vacuum pump debris in engine and camshaft damage

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE

32 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2026-07

“A tow was called and brought to the nearest Chevrolet service center (Nels Gunderson Chevrolet), where they confirmed the brake booster vacuum pump failed (exploded) and sent shrapnel into the camshaft, noting that both would need to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737960
“Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the vacuum pump had damaged the cam shaft, causing the cam shaft to explode, releasing particles into the engine long block”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626887
“We discovered later that the vacuum pump responsible for the brake assist failed in catastrophic fashion. It not only failed but deposited numerous metal fragments in the crank case”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594775

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission slipping and loss of motive power

POWER TRAIN

20 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721679
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753336
“The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545615

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine Power Reduced message with turbocharger fault

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-05

“The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the "Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle unintentionally went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630084
“The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the turbo charger failed to operate as designed, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685025
“This complaint I'm filing for Turbocharger/Supercharger A under boost condition (P0299) with my daughters 2018 Chevy Equinox”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631797

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driveshaft fracture while driving

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-02

“While accelerating on an onramp, the rear driveshaft, where it connects to the transmission, just disconnected”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11535592
“On December 26th, unexpectedly, my driveshaft snapped in two. My car was in "all wheel drive" mode as I pulled out of a parking lot onto the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503305
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720483

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof water leaks into cabin

VISIBILITY

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2024-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570953
“The sunroof has a major leak, flowing through the fuze box and filling up the spare tire well and soaking all the carpets”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523382
“The sun roof shade is inoperable. The sunshade retracts, but does not go back into the roof so the whole shade hangs down”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11551825

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel injector and fuel pump leaks with fuel odor

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

19 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-06

“The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vents while driving 45 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where the contact was informed that there was a fuel leak, which could cause fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707454
“The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that all four fuel injectors were damaged and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659245
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716731

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shift-to-park message with battery drain and no-start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

11 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2026-07

“The issue is the harness, solenoid, or sensor in the gear selector assembly is faulty and when trying to put the vehicle in park, the vehicle thinks it is NOT in park when it IS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463652
“My car alerts shift to park when it is already parked and will not shut off. The battery has to be disconnected to turn the car off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627477
“The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The electrical systems in the vehicle turned on and off and the doors were locking and unlocking independently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496563

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

188 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

23

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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