This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Chevrolet Equinox brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 92 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 67,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Equinox | 4 |
| 2015 Equinox | 7 |
| 2016 Equinox | 4 |
| 2018 Equinox (this page) | 92 |
| 2019 Equinox | 66 |
| 2020 Equinox | 75 |
| 2021 Equinox | 5 |
| 2022 Equinox | 3 |
7crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Chevrolet Equinox we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 92.
Owners have filed 92 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information discusses potential for a code C0010.5A to store in the brake controller which appears to be setting falsely or is induced by the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides diagnostic/repair information to correct customer concerns of a Crank No Start or Extended Crank, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated or Possible Increased Brake Pedal Effort.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Equinox's brake system is plagued by vacuum pump and booster failures that strike without warning and with dangerous consequences. Owners describe the brake pedal suddenly becoming brick-hard and unresponsive mid-drive, forcing them to coast to the roadside or rely on the emergency brake to avoid crashes. Multiple owners report the same pump failing two, three, even five times—sometimes within weeks or months of replacement—suggesting a systemic defect rather than a one-off failure.
The vacuum pump itself either fails internally or physically disintegrates, and when it does, metal shards are sucked into the engine, causing catastrophic damage requiring engine replacement or rebuild. Owners have incurred $4,000+ repair costs, missed flights due to roadside breakdowns, and live in fear of a fatal accident.
GM issued a recall (Campaign 19V645000) for this exact failure on 3.4 million 2014–2018 vehicles—Escalades, Silverados, Suburbans, Tahoes, Sierras, and Yukons—after documenting 113 accidents and 13 injuries. The 2018 Equinox is conspicuously excluded, despite owners experiencing identical failure modes. Dealerships and GM deny warranty coverage and direct owners to NHTSA. Some owners report oversensitive brakes that grab aggressively with light pedal pressure, creating its own safety hazard when switching between vehicles.
Same Chevrolet Equinox brakes reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Vacuum Pump Failure - Hard Brake Pedal
The brake vacuum pump fails abruptly, causing complete loss of brake boost. The brake pedal becomes extremely hard and unresponsive, forcing drivers to apply extreme force or rely on the emergency brake. The failure occurs without warning and with no prior symptoms.
When: Occurs at various mileages ranging from 20,000 to 182,000 miles; multiple owners report failure within 2-3 months of previous repairs; one owner experienced three failures within one month.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes extremely hard or firm, unable to depress normally; Vehicle fails to slow or stop despite maximum pedal pressure; Pedal may travel to floorboard with no braking effect; Service Brake Assist warning light illuminates (on most failures); No warning prior to failure; occurs suddenly while driving; Requires emergency brake to stop vehicle
Codes mentioned: Service Brake Assist warning, Brake System Fault warning, P0017 (Crankshaft Phaser, Exhaust Camshaft, Valve Cover Gasket), P1556 (Variable-Solenoid), P0011 (Camshaft), P0014 (Engine), P2227 (Turbo Charger)
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement costs owners $500–$2,200+ depending on related damage; one owner spent $750 for pump alone; another $2,200+ for pump plus timing chain and oil change. Owners report repeated failures: one replaced pump at 60,000 miles and 92,000 miles then again at 128,000; another within 2 months of first replacement; another three times in one month.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued recalls for same issue on 2014–2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon (NHTSA Campaign 19V645000) affecting 3.4 million vehicles after 113 reported accidents and 13 injuries. However, 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is conspicuously excluded from this recall despite owners reporting identical failure modes. No TSBs or warranty coverage for non-recalled vehicles; GM denies coverage and directs owners to file NHTSA complaints.
Vacuum Pump Failure with Engine Damage
The vacuum pump fractures or disintegrates internally. The broken gear or metal debris is sucked into the engine, damaging the camshaft, timing chain, pistons, or requiring engine replacement. This occurs as a direct result of the vacuum pump failure.
When: Reported at 60,000, 86,000, 92,000, 107,000, 120,000, 130,000, and 200,000 miles; often on second or third pump failure after initial replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Initial brake failure (hard pedal, no assist) followed shortly by engine symptoms; Engine power reduced message or engine power loss; Reduced Engine Power warning light; Check engine light illumination; Clicking or abnormal engine noise; Engine stalls or fails to restart; Metal shavings or plastic pieces visible in engine oil; Oil leaking from vacuum pump housing
Codes mentioned: P0017 (Crankshaft Phaser, Exhaust Camshaft, Valve Cover Gasket), P1556 (Variable-Solenoid), P0011 (Camshaft), P0014 (Engine), P2227 (Turbo Charger), Engine Power Reduced, Check Engine
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement or complete rebuild required; owners cite costs exceeding $4,000 for full engine replacement. One owner reported $2,200+ repair for pump plus timing chain, oil change, and camshaft/exhaust repairs. Multiple owners unable or unwilling to pay for repairs; vehicles parked and inoperable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Same as vacuum pump failures: excluded from 19V645000 recall; no warranty coverage offered; GM denies responsibility; owners directed to NHTSA.
Brake Pedal Oversensitivity
The brake system is designed with no freeplay and aggressively engages with minimal pedal pressure. The brakes grab with the slightest touch, causing abrupt stopping that jerks occupants forward and creates dangerous inconsistency when switching between vehicles.
When: Present from early ownership; persists across multiple thousands of miles without improvement.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes engage abruptly and aggressively with very light pedal pressure; No freeplay in brake pedal; Occupants lunge forward on normal braking; Touching brakes to disengage cruise control causes jerking; Inconsistent braking compared to other GM vehicles (Corvette, Silverado); Safety hazard when switching from Equinox to other vehicles with normal pedal feel
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; dealership acknowledges it is the vehicle design; owners report technician warned them the brakes are problematic even during service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and dealership state the design is standard for the Equinox model; no service bulletins issued; no technical details provided on whether design meets standards; no corrective action taken despite owner complaints.
Missing Brake Harness on Tow-Package Vehicles
Vehicles sold with tow package and capability to pull 3,500 lb trailers arrive without a brake harness (cab brake controller) required by law for trailer braking. The missing component is a legal requirement in all states for trailer loads over 1,000–3,000 lbs depending on state.
When: Present from vehicle purchase; discovered upon attempting to tow trailer.
Symptoms owners cite: No brake harness available on vehicle with tow package; Dealership unable to locate the missing component; Incompatibility with trailer brake systems
Repairs/costs cited: Component not available from dealership; cannot be sourced; renders tow package non-functional for safe trailer braking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledges inability to source missing component; GM case filed (complaint #8-3144268897); no resolution provided.
Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction
The electronic parking brake engages and disengages unexpectedly while driving, causing sudden and involuntary vehicle deceleration at various speeds. Owner unable to prevent re-engagement even after manual disengagement.
When: Occurred during highway driving and low-speed city driving; worsened over 24 hours.
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake engages automatically without user input; Vehicle jerks and slows unexpectedly at any speed; Manual disengagement temporary; brake re-engages within minutes; Eventually unable to disengage at all
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; not repaired in narrative.
Brake Booster Failure - Soft Pedal
The brake booster or master cylinder fails, resulting in loss of brake assist and a soft or spongy brake pedal that lacks responsive braking power. Vehicle may fail to stop with normal pedal pressure.
When: Reported at various mileages; one owner first reported in 2015.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes soft or spongy; Reduced brake responsiveness; Requires excessive pedal pressure to achieve braking; Vehicle fails to stop promptly or at all; Brake fluid level may be normal despite loss of braking
Repairs/costs cited: Booster or master cylinder replacement; first replacement owner cost $750; no cost data for subsequent repairs in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage mentioned; no recall issued for this specific failure mode on Equinox.
Brake Fluid Leak from Vacuum Pump Housing
A crack in the brake vacuum pump housing or detachment of the vacuum pump line allows brake fluid or oil to leak from the pump area. This results in brake assist loss and visible fluid pooling under the vehicle.
When: Discovered at 109,888 and 130,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid leaking from vacuum pump housing connection; Brake pedal unresponsive or in down position; Visible oil leaking beneath vehicle near engine; Crack visible in vacuum pump housing
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster or pump replacement required; engine damage possible if fluid contaminates engine; one vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case opened with GM; no assistance provided in narrative.
Brake System Electrical/Control Module Failure
Electronic brake control module (EBCM) or related electrical component fails, resulting in brake assist malfunction or brake system fault warnings. Vehicle stuck in relearn mode or requires EBCM replacement.
When: Reported at 64,000 miles; occurred after dealership brake service.
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake warning light remains illuminated after service; Vehicle stuck in relearn mode post-service; Brake assist warning; Extended braking distance
Codes mentioned: EBCM pump valve failure
Repairs/costs cited: EBCM pump valve replacement required; not repaired in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Unknown TSB mentioned; owner advised to contact NHTSA Hotline.
Vacuum Line Detachment
The brake booster vacuum line detaches from the brake booster or vacuum pump, eliminating brake assist.
When: Reported at 109,888 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake booster vacuum pump line detached; Loss of brake assist; Vehicle unable to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement required; not repaired in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware in this narrative.
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
While attempting to apply the brakes to slow down a message appeared on the instrument panel that said Service Brake Assist.. My safety was put at risk by not having proper breaking. The problen was addressed at a gm dealer and I was told there are no recalls for this type of problem for my vehicle.
The vacuum pump that provides brake assist failed without any prior warning. This resulted in an inability to properly stop the vehicle. This could have resulted in serious injury or death, but we were fortunate that the failure occurred at night in an area where there was no traffic or pedestrians. This failure appears to be similar to a previous recall that affected slightly earlier model years…
Vacuum pump for brake booster failed. Lost braking power. Caused debris to be injected in to engine. Caused camshaft failure. Dealership confirmed, and inspected. Check Engine light and Reduced Engine Power message at time of failure. Slight rear brake pulsation 1/2 hour before. I thought it was just moisture/rust on the rotor as the car had been in the body shop for 2 months following a deer…
Had brakes trouble with your 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 92 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 61,000 and 109,888 miles, with the median around 67,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,000; a quarter make it past 109,888. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.