2018 Chevrolet Equinox VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 382 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Severity signals include 22 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (82), Power Train (62), Electrical System (42).
Equinox reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Chevrolet Equinox before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 Chevrolet Equinox issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Service Brakes82
- Power Train62
- Electrical System42
- Unknown Or Other31
- Engine28
- Fuel Propulsion System17
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- 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
2018 Equinox recalls (5)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Equinox. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020
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, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V576000Aug 30, 2018
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, GASOLINENHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018
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.
- VISIBILITY, STRUCTURENHTSA 18V252000Apr 19, 2018
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 17V516000Aug 22, 2017
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.
Used-market value
2018 Chevrolet Equinox resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox on the road
332,621 2018 Chevrolet Equinox units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox posts a reliability score that lands right at the segment average, pointing to a near-average ownership profile rather than a clear strength or weakness. With an elevated recall count, the model shows more formal corrections than a low-recall vehicle, which adds some buyer exposure even without implying how each action affects day-to-day use.
Complaint patterns are not confined to a single system. Reports cluster most around braking, then extend into the powertrain and electrical system, with additional volume spread across engine-related and miscellaneous categories. That distribution suggests reliability outcomes can vary by subsystem instead of hinging on one dominant problem area. As the first year of a new generation, the data aligns with a moderate, mixed risk picture.
Overall, this Equinox presents a moderate buyer risk level.
What you get in a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox report
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2018 Chevrolet Equinox — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox posts a reliability score that lands right at the segment average, pointing to a near-average ownership profile rather than a clear strength or weakness. With an elevated recall count, the model shows more formal corrections than a low-recall vehicle, which adds some buyer exposure even without implying how each action affects day-to-day use.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have?
5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems?
The most-reported 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problem areas are: Service Brakes (82), Power Train (62), Electrical System (42).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.