Last updated: 2026-03-04

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
2018 Chevrolet Equinox

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$537

About avg

Major Repair Risk

18%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
62/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
68/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
82/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

SERVICE BRAKES (88)POWER TRAIN (56)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (42)

5 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

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)

2018selected
2019
2020
2021
2022refresh
2023
2024

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 23.5

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

20V6680002020-10-29

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.

18V5760002018-08-30

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.

18V3580002018-05-31

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet Equinox Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

Equinox
$537
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

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.

88
56
42
72
SERVICE BRAKES (88)POWER TRAIN (56)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (42)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (31)ENGINE (27)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15)STEERING (14)AIR BAGS (13)Other (72)

SERVICE BRAKES

88 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

88 complaints total7 crashes2 injuries

POWER TRAIN

56 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

56 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

42 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

42 complaints total1 crash1 fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (31 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

31 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

31 complaints total2 crashes4 injuries
ENGINE (27 complaints)

ENGINE

27 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

27 complaints total1 fire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

15 complaints total1 fire2 injuries
STEERING (14 complaints)

STEERING

14 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

14 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (13 complaints)

AIR BAGS

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

13 complaints total8 crashes1 fire11 injuries
WHEELS (11 complaints)

WHEELS

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

11 complaints total1 crash4 injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

Owners 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.

5 complaints total

When Do 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–120,000 milesBrake vacuum pump failure
70,000–107,000 milesTransmission issues
99,400–159,000 milesElectrical system failures

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.

avg 72
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Equinox reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201869/100Good
201971/100Good
202070/100Good
202174/100Good
202271/100Good
202376/100Good
202476/100Good
202572/100Good

Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202675/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202572/100-4Good5288
202476/1000Good2143
202376/100+5Good370
202271/100-3Good5137
202174/100+4Good475
202070/100-1Good4255
201971/100+2Good4273
2018(selected)69/100Good5382

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 69/100. It is reasonably reliable with 5 recalls and 382 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox include: SERVICE BRAKES (88 complaints), POWER TRAIN (56 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (42 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (31 complaints), ENGINE (27 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has 5 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has estimated annual repair costs of $537/year, which is $16 more than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 69/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue