Last updated: 2026-03-04

2018 Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 382 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2018 is the first model year of the Third generation (2018).
Recalls
5
Complaints
382
Complaint Rate
11.5
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$537
About avgMajor Repair Risk
18%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is the first model year of the Third generation (2018).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Refreshed in 2022.
- 3rd generation Equinox (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.
Third generation (2018)
Should You Buy the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox scores 69/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
With 382 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to service brakes (82). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, which scored 2 points higher.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (88 complaints)
- POWER TRAIN issues reported (56 complaints)
Compare 2018 Chevrolet Equinox With
2018 GMC Terrain
Score: 66/100
2018 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 68/100
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 57/100
2018 Kia Sportage
Score: 68/100
2018 Honda CR-V
Score: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- SERVICE BRAKES (88)
- POWER TRAIN (56)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (42)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (31)
- ENGINE (27)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15)
- STEERING (14)
- AIR BAGS (13)
- WHEELS (11)
- STRUCTURE (8)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (7)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7)
- VISIBILITY (6)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (6)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5)
- SEAT BELTS (5)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- TIRES (3)
- SEATS (2)
- PARKING BRAKE (2)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (2)
- Other/I am not sure (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.5
per 10k soldSegment avg: 23.5
Safety Incidents
Crashes
22
Fires
5
Injuries
29
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
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 recall is N202313440.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet Equinox Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$537
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
18%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect brake vacuum pump for signs of failure
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and any unusual noises
- Check for electrical system warning lights on the dashboard
- Verify fuel system for leaks or strong gasoline odors
- Test steering for responsiveness and any delay in control
- Ensure all airbags are functional and warning lights are off
Check Any 2018 Chevrolet Equinox's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2018 Equinox in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Equinox with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems by Component
382 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
SERVICE BRAKES
88 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the brake vacuum pump in the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, often resulting in a hard brake pedal and a loss of braking capability. Complaints frequently mention that these failures occur without warning, sometimes accompanied by dashboard alerts such as "Service Brake Assist" or "Reduced Engine Power." Several reports indicate that the vacuum pump failure can lead to significant engine damage, with some noting occurrences around 50,000 to 120,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with seven incidents involving crashes and two injuries reported, highlighting the potential for loss of vehicle control. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of these recurring brake system issues and the associated risks.
POWER TRAIN
56 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several recurring powertrain issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, with common complaints involving transmission problems and drive shaft failures. Symptoms frequently described include rough shifting, inability to shift gears, and complete loss of propulsion, often occurring around 70,000 to 107,000 miles. Some reports indicate the vehicle gets stuck in reverse or fails to move when in drive, while others mention the drive shaft fracturing during operation. Safety implications include two crashes and one injury, with incidents of sudden loss of power and brake assist failures potentially leading to dangerous situations. These patterns provide useful context for prospective buyers considering the reliability and safety of this model year.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
42 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the accelerator pedal sensor, which causes the vehicle to enter limp mode at highway speeds. Complaints often describe dashboard warning lights, such as traction control and reduced engine power, and mention that these issues occur at high mileage, around 99,400 to 159,000 miles. Additional electrical problems include non-functional speedometers, odometers, and gas gauges, with some reports of the vehicle failing to shut off or restart without disconnecting the battery. Safety implications are significant, with one crash reported and issues such as unintended vehicle shutdowns, loss of braking power, and malfunctioning driver assistance features like side detection and parking brakes. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (31 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
31 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to the Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration Frequency, Brake Vacuum Pump failures, and transmission problems. Symptoms include repeated check engine lights, vehicle power down, erratic braking behavior, and transmission fluid leaks. Complaints often mention mileage as low as 12,580 miles for tire wear issues, while brake and transmission issues are noted around 64,271 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, loss of braking control, and engine shutdowns while driving. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially the potential for brake failure and transmission problems, which have led to injuries in some cases.
ENGINE (27 complaints)
ENGINE
27 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to engine power reduction and stalling. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power, often accompanied by an "Engine Power Reduced" message, and stalling while driving, which can occur without prior warning. These issues typically arise at various mileages, with some reports at approximately 54,000 miles and others at higher mileages like 130,000. There are also multiple complaints about turbocharger failures and camshaft problems. Safety implications are noted, including one report of a fire linked to a turbocharge issue and instances where power loss or stalling occurred in traffic, posing potential risks. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring engine issues when considering a used 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the fuel system, notably fuel leaks and inaccurate fuel gauge readings. Common symptoms include the smell of gasoline, visible leaks underneath the vehicle, and fuel gauges that inaccurately display fuel levels, often failing to register full or empty properly. Several complaints involve fuel-related stalling, with one severe incident involving a fire that resulted in injuries. These issues often occur at various mileage points, with some reports as early as 4,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of potential safety risks associated with fuel leaks and gauge inaccuracies, especially when driving long distances or in remote areas.
STEERING (14 complaints)
STEERING
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the steering system, including steering wheel sticking and electronic steering failures. Complaints describe symptoms such as the steering wheel sticking momentarily, a delay in steering response, and the vehicle pulling to one side, often at highway speeds. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some reports occurring as early as 16,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, with one reported crash involving steering lock-up, and other owners mention near-miss incidents due to loss of control. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues and their associated safety risks.
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)
AIR BAGS
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with airbag deployment, particularly during collisions, with multiple complaints indicating airbags did not deploy despite significant impacts. Typical symptoms include airbag warning lights activating without clear cause and instances where airbags failed to deploy during crashes, leading to injuries. Some complaints also describe airbag-related fires and smoke without deployment. These issues are reported at various mileage ranges, with some as low as 3,050 miles. Safety implications are significant, as reports include crashes with injuries and one involving a fire, which potential buyers should consider.
WHEELS (11 complaints)
WHEELS
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with wheel components, particularly involving rim failures and rapid tire wear. Several complaints describe rims disintegrating or exploding during driving, leading to crashes and injuries, with one report noting the vehicle rolled multiple times. Tire wear is another common issue, with multiple owners indicating excessive wear at low mileages, often below 20,000 miles, despite regular maintenance such as rotations and alignments. Some owners also report persistent tire pressure loss and related TPMS alerts, raising concerns about potential sensor or valve stem issues. These symptoms suggest potential safety risks, including loss of vehicle control, which prospective buyers should consider.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox report several issues related to engine and engine cooling, with oil leaks being a recurring problem. Complaints frequently mention oil leaks due to rusted oil pans and issues with the turbocharger, with some owners needing to add oil weekly. Additional symptoms include the "Engine Power Reduced" message, smoke from the exhaust, and illuminated check engine lights. One owner describes a significant mechanical failure involving a fractured camshaft and related components, leading to vehicle stalling, with failure mileage around 96,000. Safety concerns are noted with stalling incidents, though no crashes or fires are reported. These issues are often observed at mileages ranging from 2,000 to over 130,000, suggesting potential long-term reliability concerns for used car buyers.
When Do 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Equinox Years
Best Chevrolet Equinox Years to Buy
The best Chevrolet Equinox year is 2024 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (76/100) and 2021 (74/100).
Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
No Chevrolet Equinox years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.
See full Chevrolet Equinox years-to-avoid analysis →Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Equinox reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have?
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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