Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Chevrolet Equinox owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine Auto START/STOP system intermittently failed to restart the vehicle while at a complete stop, requiring the driver to shift to park(P) to manually restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor entering the vehicle from the A/C vents. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10-15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with GM Customer Satisfaction Program: N242489010 (Possible Leak at Fuel Injector Rail Assembly). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the program. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle sputtered, and there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to move off from a stop light, the engine shut off. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving her minor child to school. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was not provided to the contact. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was started after several attempts. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light the vehicle began shaking and lost motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into park(P), the vehicle stalled three times, and the vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that all four fuel injectors were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle stalled, shut off, and failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed back to the residence. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that the fuel pump had failed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer had not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 85,900.
The contact's mother owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump and other fuel system parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle began to sputter with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 41,400.
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
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brake pads were wearing abnormally quickly. The message speed reduced was displayed. The engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Since I bought this car I have had to replace sensors like they're going out of style. However I would like to report on 3 sensors that went out simultaneously on my vehicle in heavy traffic. I had the vacuum boost sensor for my master cylinder, my cam shaft sensor and my crank shaft sensor go out simultaneously. As a result my vehicle engine cut off completely (battery components still working) and I had zero control over my breaks. I had to use my full body weight on my break pedal to get the vehicle to stop. I was fortune to have been able to pull off into a parking lot. I have had to replace several o2 sensors on this vehicle. I didn't think anything of having any electrical issues until this happened. My check engine light has stayed on for over a year despite clearing codes and replacing o2 sensors. We check periodically and the only code is usually for the o2 sensor. …
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Equinox years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 10% of the model year's 410 complaints. The component named most often is delivery (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Chevrolet Equinox fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-358 (fuel pump, May 31, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Equinox fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 4 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.