Bringing in the SUV’s third generation, the 2018 Equinox is a solid first-year model. However, five recalls have been issued against Chevy’s compact SUV, and a few are of real concern. Plus, online forums reveal owners complaining of a faulty start/stop system and reduced engine power.
Key Points
- Five recalls have been issued for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox concerning issues that can lead to poor braking performance and engines failing.
- The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Equinox, as reported by owners, involve the brakes, engine, and electrical system.
- Online forums see owners complaining of the SUV hesitating during acceleration, which may be due to turbo lag with the 1.5L engine.
- Other complaints mention water entering the fuel tank during heavy rains, and owners noticing a gas smell in the cabin after filling up.
- One particularly serious recall covers brake caliper pistons with an insufficient coating that can lead to reduce braking performance.
- Chevy’s 2018 Equinox is generally well regarded, with Edmunds naming it one of the “Best Small SUVs for 2018.”
2018 Chevy Equinox Has Five Recalls Over Dangerous Issues With Missing Bolts and Easily Fractured Components That Can Lead to Stalls, Bad Brakes, and Fire Hazards
There have been five recalls for the 2018 Chevy Equinox, and most involve potentially dangerous problems. The one less serious recall is for window glass that is not tempered properly.
One of the more concerning recalls is over missing bolts on the start-stop unit that can lead to the transmission leaking fluid, potentially affecting propulsion, or worse, catching fire.
Another recall covers rear brake caliper pistons that may have an insufficient coating that can cause gas pockets to form and potentially reduce braking performance.
Also addressed in recalls is a faulty front driveshaft that may separate while driving, and a fuel pump weld that may easily fracture, creating a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
There are no investigations listed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, whereas both the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have one open investigation each. They have, however, each only undergone two recalls.
Owners Commonly Complain of Problems with the 2018 Chevy Equinox’s Brakes, Engine, and Electrical System
According to the NHTSA, of the SUV’s nearly 200 complaints, 30 pertain to engine and electrical system issues, and 38 to the braking system.
Some owners had a “service brake assist” warning appear on the dash with no ill effects. However, others experienced complete or partial brake failure due to issues such as failed brake boosters or vacuum pumps.
Engine issues vary, ranging from dashboard warning lights, a lack of power, and hesitant acceleration.
Consumer reviews on Edmunds have also been favorable, with over 36% of consumers giving the model a perfect five-star rating. However, reports of engine issues and electrical gremlins are common.
According to Car Complaints, some owners report loss of engine power or erratic responses to the throttle pedal. Issues range from turbo failures to unusual error codes that needed a trip to the dealer to sort out.
Owner Discussions in Equinox Forums Reveal a Few Design Issues, but Major Reliability Problems are Scarce
A few drivers on Terrain Forum mention hesitation when shifting gears. However, replies seem to suggest the transmission is not the culprit, but rather the start/stop system or turbo-lag in the 1.5L engine.
Another discussion on Chevy Equinox Forum concerns a reduction in engine power when driving through heavy snow. The issue appears to vanish once the snow had been cleared out of the low-mounted air intake. Some owners found success by modifying the intake to prevent snow intrusion.
Other complaints mention water entering the fuel tank during heavy rains, and owners noticing the smell of gasoline after filling up. The latter issue seems to resolve itself after a few miles of driving, and likely stems from overfilling the tank.
Auto review sites have commented favorably on the redesigned 2018 Equinox. Edmunds named the 2018 model one of the “Best Small SUVs for 2018,” but they do mention the base 1.5-liter engine and sluggish transmission make the car feel slow.
Car and Driver appreciated the car-like handling and good fuel economy, as well as the numerous options on offer. However, they do find the base engine underpowered.
Chevy’s 2018 Equinox is a Solid, Sensible Choice in the Compact SUV Segment
The Chevrolet Equinox has proven itself to be a solid and largely reliable vehicle since its 2018 update. Most major concerns, like the poorly welded fuel pump flange and fracturing driveshaft, have been resolved by recalls.
Complaints to the NHTSA have gradually decreased each year since the refreshed Equinox was introduced. The model holds a reliability rating of 3.5 from J.D. Power, besting both the Honda CR-V and RAV4.
Ultimately, the 2018 Equinox makes for a solid compact SUV, so long as all the necessary recalls have been carried out and routine maintenance performed.
Photos: Chevrolet
