2018 Chevrolet Equinox Complaints

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/27/2026

I am an investigator w/ the Medical Examiner's office in Dallas, TX. We are investigating the death of an individual who was inside a 2018 Chevy Equinox that was "rebuilt." During the minor accident, the steering wheel airbag deployed, but exploded and shot many large pieces of debris and shrapnel at the decedent's face. Ultimately leading to her passing. After the examination, a large piece of metal w/ a serial number was located. [XXX]. We are working alongside Dallas PD VHU for this crash. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/26/2025

My wife and I were driving to Galveston on I-45 and were driving through La Marque when our car suddenly lost power. I started moving over to the outside lane and went to turn on the emergency lights. I realized the lights were already on. We heard a thump and thought that the serpentine belt had broken and that the engine would overheat, followed up by white smoke coming from the dash vents. My wife opened her window and leaned out the window while I tried to control the SUV without power. A truck pulled next to us and the passenger screamed that our car was on fire. I stepped on the brakes, but my foot went to the floor without effect. I hit the button for the emergency parking brake, but it didn't stop the car. I let the car slow down and then black smoke was coming from the vents. We were choking from breathing the smoke and I tried to open my window, but all electrical systems had quit working. The car finally slowed enough for me to shove the gear shift into park. My wife jumped out of the car and fell to the pavement, also hitting the concrete barrier on the side of the highway. My seat belt was stuck and I kept pushing the button and reached for my pocket knife to cut the belt when it released. At this point, flames were coming from the vents when I reached for the door handle and open the door. I fell out of the car onto the highway, rolling away. I was finally able to get up and saw several vehicles stopped behind us, but some were still driving through. I got away from the car and found my wife who was being helped by another man who stopped ahead of us. The car was on fire, mostly from the back, heavily in the left rear where the gas tank is. The car was completely burned and an unknown retired firefighter said all of the signs point to a defective fuel pump.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/14/2025

This rare equinox has a Turbocharge issue that causes rapid engine power loss, and melting under the manifold and around the fuel injector pipes. The recent recalls do not include this GM made diesel equinox due to its rarity, and small consumer ownership of 506,775 units sold in its lifetime. However, GM has been just as negligent with this diesel 1.6L, as with the other major model lineup. Diesel particulate sensor goes bad every year around installation anniversary (previous recall). Stated every year in purchase anniversary month 10/2021, 10/2022

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/19/2024

Driving towards to an address in Orlando, FL, tried to stop at a red light and the vehicle didn't stop, the car driver in front stop short my vehicle just ran behind the car causing a crash. Three additional cars were involved in the accident. My 2018 Chevy Equinox was purchased from Carmax back in 2021 and a recall of breaks was released in August 2018. I just learn about those safety problems or system failed or malfunctioned. My insurance call me and confirm a total loss for the vehicle. Now I still have to pay for a vehicle that I dont have anymore since the market value is much less than what I owe to Carmax Auto Finance. What should I do? This is a safety problem that affected me financially and emotionally. Please your help! (Recall # 18V576000) Service brake assist Breaks failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 08/27/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brake assists warning light illuminated. The contact stated that right after the warning light illuminated, the contact rear-ended the vehicle in front. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable for approximately 10 seconds while driving 40 MPH on a busy roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed vacuum pump for the braking system. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,500.

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 09/29/2023

I was in an accident when my 2018 Chevy Equinox rear ended a stopped vehicle at a traffic light. There was significant damage to the front of my vehicle 12k plus. The emergency braking system did not activate, nor did the airbags. My wife experienced severe contusions to the chest area.we wonder why the emergency braking system or airbags failed to deploy.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/12/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH and coming to a traffic signal, he depressed the brake pedal and felt extreme resistance. The brake pedal would not depress and the contact stated he observed a warning that stated "brake system fault." The contact ran through the intersection and crashed into a vehicle that was crossing the intersection on the rear passenger side quarter panel. The contact stated that the other vehicle stopped, his vehicle continued through the intersection, and was stopped by the curb on the opposite side of the intersection. The contact stated that the entire front end of his vehicle was damaged, both headlights were fractured and the front bumper had detached. The contact stated that all the front and side air bags had deployed. The contact reported he had sustained minor scratches on his arms and legs and a minor abrasion on his left arm. The contact and the other driver refused medical treatment. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and filed a report. The contact stated that both vehicles were towed away from the scene of the crash. The contact's vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/11/2023

At 12pm on June 11, 2023 I was parked in a church sparking lot in East Rochester and was facing the church's stone wall. My vehicle was only 2 feet from the was when the car accelerated toward the wall and all of the airbags opened and the hood and side panels were affected causing the vehicle was considered totaled by my insurance. My foot was on the brake and I was preparing to put the car in park when the car lurched forward and hit the wall at a high rate of speed. GM examined the car and gave me a report I could not understand but their report indicated that there was not a vehicle defect. I find this highly improbable. I can send the report and perhaps your organization can read it or do your own inspection of my vehicle. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. This same thing has happened to 2 other people I know who drive Equinoxes. Best Regards, [XXX] [XXX] Cell [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/10/2023

My own words, That my vehicle didn't stop, the car driver in front stop short my vehicle just ran behind the car. My 2018 Chevy equniox I have purchase last year for it safety reason pay extra now and days, those safety is not there very disappointed with GM What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Automatic Emergency Braking - Together - Forward Collision Warning

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 09/16/2022

I have purchased a 2018 Chevy equinox. It was damaged on the back bumper (rebuilt title). The backup camera works fine but there is a side detection error that comes on everytime I start the vehicle. The shop replaced the entire harness however that did not fix the issue. I have read 1000's of complaints on this. My vehicle has 45000 miles. This is effecting my gas mileage as well as other safety features. I see this has been an issue in MANY GM models and it has been taken care ( special warranty) but not on a 2018 equinox as of yet. I want to report this problem and see if someone can look into all the other forums etc to see how widespread this really is. The light has came on a few times lately but only when I am parked and not going anywhere??? Thanks in advance.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/21/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and switching the shifter to the park position the driver exited and moments later the vehicle erroneously rolled backward down the driveway. The driver attempted to get back into the moving vehicle and fell causing the vehicle to roll over the driver's body and crash into a tree. During the incident, the contact experienced an injured hip which required medical treatment. The vehicle was towed to a local body shop for repair. The manufacturer was notified of the incident and a manufacturer's engineer examined the vehicle but no problem was found. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17v516000(Power train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recalls. The failure mileage was 42,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/05/2021

TL* THE CONTACT WAS SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. THE CONTACTS DAUGHTER WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AT LOW SPEEDS, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGED PROPERLY AND TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACTS DAUGHTER MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PRIORITY CHEVROLET (1495 S MILITARY HWY, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320 757) 424-1811) WHERE IT WAS PENDING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT GRILL AND BUMPER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE NUMBER WAS PROVIDED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V576000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) WAS MENTIONED AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000. *DT*JB

SEATS — Filed 10/04/2020

I NOTICED THAT MY LEGS KEPT HURTING ME AND DID NOT KNOW WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. IT FELT LIKE I COULDN'T WALK FOR ABOUT A MONTH. AFTER NOT DRIVING FOR THREE DAYS I FOUND OUT THAT CAUSE OF THE PAIN COMING FROM MY 2018 EQUINOX DRIVERS SEAT. I PUT A PILLOW IN THE DRIVER SEAT AND THE PAIN WENT AWAY. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THE PILLOW BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS SLIDING AND MY FOOT KEEPS SLIDING OFF THE PEDALS. GM NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THEY ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SEATS. GM SHOULD HAVE REPLACEMENT SEAT FOR THESE VEHICLES INSTEAD OF DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. PLEASE HELP. [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

AIR BAGS — Filed 10/06/2020

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. NO OTHER PASSENGERS BESIDES DRIVER OF VEHICLE WAS IN CAR. THE DRIVERS AIRBAG DEPLOYED, BUT UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER SEAT HAD CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAG.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 08/18/2020

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD AREA AND ALL I COULD SMELL WAS BURNED PLASTIC. PULLED OVER AND GOT OUT. NOT EVEN A MINUTE LATER THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.

WHEELS — Filed 06/29/2020

DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE HEARD A LOUD BANG DRIVER FRONT .FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL 6 TIMES UPON FURTHER INSPECTION BY POLICE AND MECHANIC FRONT RIM EXPLODED AND DETACHED FROM VEHICLE LUG NUTS ARE THERE AND CENTER OF RIM IS THERE TIRES ARE ALL NEW BUT RIM WAS GONE

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/13/2020

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING. WHEN I GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT AND HIT A CAR ALMOST HEAD ON. AS MY TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED RED I STARTED TO BREAK BUT MY BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME. WHICH FELT LIKE A BRICK. I TRIED TO PUMP THE BRAKES BUT IT WOULD NOT PUMP IT JUST STAYED VERY HARD LIKE A BRICK. I START TO SLIDE WHILE NOT REALLY REDUCING SPEED I TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL A LITTLE BIT TRYING TO AVOID THE ON COMING TRAFFIC WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS WELL CAUSING ME SLIDE RIGHT INTO A CAR. *TR

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/01/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO TWO VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE ARMS AND HANDS, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THIRTY DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MATTHEWS-HARGREAVES CHEVROLET (2000 TWELVE MILE RD, ROYAL OAK, MI 48067, (866) 275-2746), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *LN ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')*JB*JB

VISIBILITY — Filed 02/01/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHADE CLIP FRACTURED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON THREE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RANDY MARION CHEVROLET BUICK CADILLAC (220 W PLAZA DR, MOORESVILLE, NC, (866) 906-8109) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHADE CLIPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,500.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/20/2019

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A GRADE. THE VEHICLE WAS ON WITH GEAR IN PARK POSITION, WITHOUT THE PARK BRAKE ENGAGED, WHEN THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ROLLED-AWAY. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OUT OF CONTROL HITTING ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE AND FIXED OBJECT.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/25/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK PAINS AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A SEVERE CONCUSSION AND A BROKEN RIGHT ELBOW. BOTH OCCUPANTS RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED AND "NO SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/05/2018

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON,A TWO LANED HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY I JUST HEAR AN EXPLPSION. THE SOUND OF WHAT I FOUND WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION MY CAR WENT INTO OMCOMING TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. I BROKE MY PELVIS AMD THE SEAT BELT CUT ME OPEN. I LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND HAVE A SLIGHT BRAIN INJURY. I WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH. RIGHT BEFORE THE EXPLPSION SOUND MY CAR VEARED TO THE RIGHT AND I HEARD THE ROAD SAFETY BUMPS. I CORRECTED MYSELF AS I ALWAYS WOULD AND NEXT THING I KNOW IM IN A SEVERE HEAD ON COLLISION LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. TRANSMISSIOMS AND ENGINES DONT JUST FLY OUT DURING AN ACCIDENT EXCEPT AT VERY HIGH SPEEDS... I BELIEVE THE CAR WAS DEFECTIVE AS I DID NOT DRIVE IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON.

WHEELS — Filed 11/17/2018

OUR 37 YR OLD SON WHO WAS VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN FOR THE HOLIDAYS WAS DRIVING ON OUR LOCAL INTERSTATE WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD NOISE IN THE FRONT END AND WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS THE DRIVERS SIDE. HE KNEW HE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING IN THE ROAD OR POTHOLE. THE NEXT THING HE KNEW HE WAS QUICKLY SLIDING TO A STOP. HE DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. HE PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND SAW THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS MISSING, BUT OBSERVED THAT THE FIVE LUG NUTS AND THE CENTER PART OF THE ALUMINUM ALLOY CAST RIM WERE STILL TIGHT AND INTACT ON THE HUB. TWO NEW YORK STATE POLICE RESPONDED AND RETRIEVED THE TIRE, RUBBER STILL FULLY IN TACT, NO BLOW OUT, NO DAMAGE, BUT THE ENTIRE INNER RIM HAD DISINTEGRATED WAS MISSING. THE ONLY PART OF THE RIM LEFT WAS THE CIRCLE AREA THAT THE TIRE HUGS, BASICALLY THE LIP AREA. ALL THE CENTER MASS, SPOKES WERE GONE. LUG NUTS WERE TIGHT..TROOPER SAID IN HIS 28 YRS HE NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE THIS AND WROTE IN HIS ACCIDENT REPORT AS CAUSE OF ACCIDENT "FAULTY EQUIPMENT FAILURE". THE VEHICLE STRUCK NOTHING PRIOR, DURING, OVER AFTER THIS EVENT. HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING, SHE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE PANICKED OR WORSE. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY BECOME A MULTI CAR PILEUP WITH INJURIES AND OR FATALITIES. HAVING AN AUTOMOTIVE BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING BUILDING MY FIRST CAR ENGINE AT AGE 15 YRS OLD IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THIS WAS A FAULTY RIM BASED ON IMPURITIES IN ITS CASTING PROCESS OR A POSSIBLE STRESS CRACK. HAD THIS BEEN BILLET MACHINED ALUMINUM INSTEAD OF CAST ALUMINUM/ALLOY THIS EVENT WOULD NEVER HAD HAPPENED. MY CONCERN IS PUBLIC SAFETY IN REGARDS TO THIS FAILURE, NOT KNOWING IF THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT OR ARE THERE MILLIONS OF CARS OUT THERE THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN TO, WHICH I KNOW GM WOULD TRY TO SWEEP UNDER THE RUG AS IT WOULD COST MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR RECALLS TO REFIT CARS WITH NEWER SAFER RIMS. I HAVE SEVERAL PHOTOS/VIDEO. THANK YOU

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/24/2018

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN COLLISION OF THE REAR END AND FRONT END ....AIR BAGS SMOKED BUT DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHEN REAR ENDED AND THEN HIT STATIONARY CAR IN FRONT WHILE TRAVELING ON CITY STREET

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/08/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. RED WING CHEVROLET BUICK CADILLAC (2500 US-61, RED WING, MN 55066, (651) 388-4777) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.