CarBrief

NHTSA has 410 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Equinox, and brakes are the biggest group[1][2]. The car also has 5 recalls on file, each with a free dealer remedy described[3][4][5][6][7].

410owner complaints[1]
5recalls[8]
24–32MPG combined (EPA)[9]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[10]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 410 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Of those, 23 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 30 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component, so the group counts below overlap.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Brakes[2] 133 64,000
Engine[11] 94 38,299
Power train[12] 66 20,074
Electrical system[13] 61 36,955

Brakes. This is the largest group, with 10 crashes and 7 injuries[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a hard or sinking pedal, a loss of brake help, or warning messages about brake service[2]. Some of the texts tie the problem to a brake part that failed, and some describe brakes that feel too sensitive.

Engine. The group has 94 complaints and 2 fires[11]. In the sample we read, owners describe a check engine light that came on, in some cases early in the car's life[11]. A few describe odors or debris from the air vents.

Power train. Median mileage at failure is 20,074, the lowest of the four big groups[12]. Owners in our sample describe unexpected shifting, hesitation or a lurch when moving off. Some describe the car rolling away when parked or shifted, and two describe the car not reaching top gear in cold weather[12].

Electrical system. In the sample we read, owners describe screens, displays or the radio acting up, and a couple describe door locks that stopped working[13].

Smaller groups include fuel and propulsion with 33 complaints, structure with 17, and forward collision avoidance with 16[14][15][16]. Another 56 complaints fall under unknown or other[17].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[3][4][5][6][7]. Newest first:

Several of these recalls cover other models too, but they still apply to this car. Not every 2018 Equinox is in every recall, so check the VIN with a dealer or on NHTSA's site.

Fuel economy

EPA lists six versions of the 2018 Equinox. The diesel versions have the highest combined MPG and the 2.0L versions the lowest[18][9][19].

Engine and drive City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
1.5L turbo, FWD[20] 26 / 32 / 28 $2,400
1.5L turbo, AWD[21] 24 / 30 / 26 $2,600
2.0L turbo, FWD, premium fuel[22] 22 / 29 / 25 $3,300
2.0L turbo, AWD, premium fuel[18] 22 / 28 / 24 $3,400
1.6L turbo diesel, FWD[9] 28 / 39 / 32 $3,000
1.6L turbo diesel, AWD[19] 28 / 38 / 32 $3,000

EPA's cost estimates use today's fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists two sets of ratings for each drive type. For AWD, one set shows 5 stars overall and the other shows 4 stars overall[10][23]. For FWD, it is the same: 5 stars overall in one set and 4 stars in the other[24][25]. Frontal is 5 stars in all four[10][23][24][25]. Side is 5 stars in the 5-star sets and 4 stars in the 4-star sets[10][23][24][25]. Rollover is 4 stars everywhere, with risk between 16.4% and 18.8%[10][23][24][25].

Engine and size

EPA lists these ratings for its test vehicles: 170 hp for the 1.5L four-cylinder[26], 136 hp for the 1.6L[27] and 252 hp for the 2.0L[28].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

AWD FWD
Length 183 in 183 in
Width 72 in 72 in
Height 65 in 65 in
Wheelbase 107 in 107 in
Curb weight 3,483 lb 3,325 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

2005: 638 complaints, 1 recalls20052006: 695 complaints, 0 recalls2007: 685 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 370 complaints, 0 recalls2009: 94 complaints, 0 recalls20092010: 784 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 782 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 685 complaints, 3 recalls2013: 751 complaints, 2 recalls20132014: 548 complaints, 1 recalls2015: 680 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 399 complaints, 1 recalls2017: 276 complaints, 0 recalls20172018: 410 complaints, 5 recalls41020182019: 306 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 318 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 100 complaints, 4 recalls20212022: 185 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 99 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 190 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 400 complaints, 6 recalls20252026: 85 complaints, 3 recalls2027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Equinox model year. The 2018 is highlighted[8].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20056381
20066950
20076854
20083700
2009940
20107843
20117823
20126853
20137512
20145481
20156802
20163991
20172760
20184105
20193064
20203184
20211004
20221856
2023993
20241902
20254006
2026853
202710

NHTSA has 410 complaints and 5 recalls on file for 2018[8]. Nine model years have more complaints. They are 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010 through 2015, and the highest is 2010 with 784[8]. On recalls, only 2022 and 2025 have more, with 6 each[8]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat the comparison as rough.

Should you buy a used 2018 Equinox?

The record is mixed. Brakes lead the complaints at 133[2], and owners in the sample we read describe braking trouble[2]. On the other hand, each of the five recalls has a free dealer remedy described[3][4][5][6][7], and nine other model years have more complaints[8]. Before buying, run the VIN for open recalls and ask for service records on brakes and the transmission. Pick the engine by the MPG and fuel cost table above, since combined MPG runs from 24 to 32[18][19].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
Brakes lead with 133 of 410 NHTSA complaints, followed by engine with 94 and power train with 66[1][2][11][12].
Has the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls: 20V668, 18V576, 18V358, 18V252 and 17V516[3][4][5][6][7].
What is the gas mileage of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
EPA combined MPG runs from 24 for the 2.0L AWD[18] to 32 for the 1.6L diesel[9][19]. The 1.5L FWD is rated 28 combined[20].
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox safe?
NHTSA lists overall ratings of 5 stars and 4 stars for both AWD and FWD, with rollover at 4 stars[10][23][24][25].
How many complaints does the 2018 Equinox have compared with other years?
It has 410[1]. Nine model years have more, and 2010 is highest with 784[8].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 410 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox (23 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 30 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 133 complaints name the brakes component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 20V668, filed October 29, 2020: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 18V576, filed August 30, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 18V252, filed April 19, 2018: Structure › Emergency › Escape / Egress / Exit. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 17V516, filed August 22, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
  8. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Equinox model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 39 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 94 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,299). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 66 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,074). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 61 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,955). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 33 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 17 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 16 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 56 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,290). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, All-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 38 highway / 32 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,000. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Equinox AWD, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Equinox FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 9-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with 1.5L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 136 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 252 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV AWD: length 183 in, width 72 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,483 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, EQUINOX 4DR SUV FWD: length 183 in, width 72 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,325 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.