Is the 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX reliable?

The 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX has 570 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Top problems: BRAKES (125 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (91 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (63 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, VISIBILITY, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

The 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX gets 27 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1778. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX is approximately $1,652/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX has 570 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 487. The most common issue is brakes problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: this vehicle was sold as having a tow pkg with the capability of pulling a 3500 lb trailer. there is no brake harness available on this car (a separate cab brake control is a legal requirement in every state based on tow loads, michigan is 3000 lbs.) dealership acknowledges they can't locate it, w. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 6 fire reports filed.

6 fire reports 22 crash reports 20 injuries

570

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

125 complaints

22%

• THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS HAVING A TOW PKG WITH THE CAPABILITY OF PULLING A 3500 LB TRAILER. THERE IS NO BRAKE HARNESS AVAILABLE ON THIS CAR (A SEPARATE CAB BRAKE CONTROL IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN EVERY STATE BASED ON TOW LOADS, MICHIGAN IS 3000 LBS.) DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THEY CAN'T LOCATE IT, W
• I HAVE MY 2018 AWD EQUINOX 3 WEEKS AND 800 MILES. SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST DISPLAYS ON THE INFO-CENTER. BRAKES ARE CONSTANTLY GRINDING AND INCONSISTENT. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES ENGAGE HARD WITH NORMAL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING THE CAR TO COME TO A SERIOUS AND UNEXPECTED ABRUPT STOP. THIS CAN CAUS
• I BOUGHT MY CAR TO BE DINGHY TOWED. THAT MEANS THE CAR IS PULLED BEHIND A MOTORHOME WITH ALL 4 WHEELS ON THE GROUND.MY FIRST PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY WAS DYING WHEN IT WAS BEING TOWED. MY NEXT PROBLEM WAS THAT THE BRAKES LOCKED UP WHEN IT WAS BEING TOWED CAUSING THE REAR TIRES TO BE GROUND DOWN PAST

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 10 crashes

“THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS HAVING A TOW PKG WITH THE CAPABILITY OF PULLING A 3500 LB TRAILER. THERE IS NO BRAKE HARNESS AVAILABLE ON THIS CAR (A SEPARATE CAB BRAKE CONTROL IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN EVERY STATE BASED ON TOW LOADS, MICHIGAN IS 3000 LBS.) DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THEY CAN'T LOCATE IT, W”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Based on 246 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 22K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

132

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 43 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 37K mi · 28 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 18K mi · 26 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 24 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 41K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER30/08/2018

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.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 Cost Calculator for 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,778

Per month

$148

Per mile

14.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,652

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-1%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1652

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet EQUINOX Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2018 EQUINOX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 570 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: THIS VEHICLE WAS SOLD AS HAVING A TOW PKG WITH THE CAPABILITY OF PULLING A 3500 LB TRAILER. THERE IS NO BRAKE HARNESS AVAILABLE ON THIS CAR (A SEPARATE CAB BRAKE CONTROL IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN EVERY STATE BASED ON TOW LOADS, MICHIGAN IS 3000 LBS.) DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THEY CAN'T LOCATE IT, W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: MY 2018 CHEVY EQUINOX WITH THE 1.5L TURBO ENGINE FAILS TO SHIFT INTO 6TH GEAR WHEN THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 14 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE FIRST RESPONSE I GOT WAS "THIS IS NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE, JUST DRIVE IT AS NORMAL"
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED AWAY AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. C&O MOTORS (516 MACCORKLE AVE, ST ALBANS, WV) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE DRIVING WITH TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR PLUS MYSELF THE DRIVER ON THE FREEWAY STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND ALMOST CAUSING A COLLISION. THEN THE WARNING SCREEN STARTED BRINGING UP WARNINGS OF MULTIPLE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN IMMEDIATELY AND SO THEY TRIED TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)