2018 Chevrolet Equinox electrical problems

Sensor reports fault code P2138, triggering traction control and reduced engine power warnings that force vehicle into limp mode during highway driving. Vehicle loses normal acceleration capability and must be driven at low speeds to exit roadway safely. Multiple resets and replacements do not resolve the recurring fault; dealer claims part tests good despite persistent code history.

When: March 2024, June 2024, June 2025 at highway speeds

Symptoms owners cite: Traction control warning light illuminates; Reduced engine power warning appears; Vehicle enters limp mode; Acceleration severely limited; Code P2138 appears repeatedly

Codes mentioned: P2138

Repairs/costs cited: Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor replaced at least once under extended warranty; dealer reluctant to replace again despite fault code history despite GM Service Bulletin No. 074-06-04-019F

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin No. 074-06-04-019F issued acknowledging sensor issues; warranty coverage initially provided then denied on repeated failures claiming part tests good

Water accumulates in spare tire compartment and rear hatch areas due to clogged sunroof drainage pipes. Water contacts fuse box and electrical connections, creating mold and mildew odor that mimics cigarette smoke. Water appearance and mold growth persist even after air-clearing the drainage pipes. Condition poses electrical fire risk and health hazard from mold inhalation, particularly concerning with children in vehicle.

When: Summer 2019 onward; water intrusion occurs during heavy rainfall

Symptoms owners cite: Cigarette smoke-like odor that worsens with moisture; Water running out of driver-side fuse panel; Water pooling in spare tire compartment; Mold and mildew smell replacing cigarette odor; Water appearing behind driver-side seat during rainfall

Repairs/costs cited: Air blown through drainage pipes provided temporary relief; ozone detailing performed for odor; full resolution not achieved

Multiple instances of brake booster sensor faults, vacuum pump failures, and brake assist system malfunctions. Vacuum pump failure causes hard brake pedal that becomes almost impossible to depress, accompanied by service brake assist and park brake released warnings. Oil contamination with metal debris from faulty pump reported. Repeated repairs fail to resolve recurring electrical and vacuum system faults.

When: Intermittent throughout ownership; failures recurring within weeks of repair

Symptoms owners cite: Service brake assist warning light; Park brake released warning light; Traction control warning light; Extremely hard brake pedal; Brake pedal becomes spongy and unresponsive; Vehicle fails to stop immediately despite brake application

Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum brake booster pipe replaced; brake booster pressure sensor replaced; vacuum pump replaced multiple times; oil changed due to metal contamination; total cost $900+ without resolution

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged awareness of faulty pump and system issues but refuses to provide corrective repair

Multiple electrical gremlins including check engine light that cycles on and off intermittently despite repairs, voltage communication errors, and ground shorts. Engine control module replaced but check engine light persists. Engine shuts down unexpectedly while driving with all electrical functions failing simultaneously (doors lock/unlock randomly, instrument cluster lights flicker on and off).

When: Early in vehicle ownership (within 5 weeks); recurring intermittently; one instance at 99,400 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on/off cycling; Voltage communication errors; Engine Control Module faults; Service ESC/Brake/Traction Control warnings; Engine shuts down unexpectedly at stop light; Vehicle fails to restart after shutdown; Doors lock and unlock independently; Instrument cluster warning lights cycling on and off; Parking brake and traction control engage without input

Codes mentioned: P3055

Repairs/costs cited: Engine Control Module replaced; ground short repair performed; check engine light returns despite repairs

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One complaint resulted in GM lemon law buyback negotiation (unresolved at time of complaint); manufacturer referred another contact to NHTSA hotline with no further assistance

Sunroof and sunshade fail to open or close properly. Sunshade retracts but does not return into roof, hanging down and blocking rear window vision. Plastic trim fastener breaks during operation with motor making grinding sounds. Plastic piece holding shade in place cracks and fails. Multiple sunroof motors, wires, and entire sunroof assembly replaced without resolving issue.

When: As early as 5 weeks after purchase; some failures occurring after July 2023

Symptoms owners cite: Sunshade will not retract fully into roof; Sunshade blocks rear window vision; Motor grinding and crank sounds; Plastic trim fastener cracking; Sunshade comes off tracks and unglues; Sunroof and sunshade inoperable

Repairs/costs cited: All wires replaced; entire sunroof assembly replaced; multiple motors replaced; plastic trim fastener (external trim fastener) requires roof removal and rail removal for replacement; issue persists after extensive repairs

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has had vehicle 3 months with no resolution or timeline for completion; refuses to offer trade-in assistance despite defect

Door locks fail to function after vehicle passes through car wash or during heavy rain. Locks do not respond to key fob, interior lock buttons, or exterior handle buttons. Vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked normally, requiring use of embedded mechanical key in fob. Some instances involve wiring error from factory that manifests after months of normal operation.

When: After car wash or heavy rain; can last 1 to 24 hours after vehicle gets wet

Symptoms owners cite: Door locks non-responsive to key fob; Door locks non-responsive to interior lock buttons; Door locks non-responsive to exterior handle buttons; Doors do not lock or unlock with shift between Park and Drive; Power lock system completely non-functional; Manual door handle operation only unlocking option

Repairs/costs cited: One dealership found wiring incorrectly configured from factory; wiring issue corrected but it occurred suddenly after months of operation

Vacuum boost sensor, camshaft sensor, and crankshaft sensor fail simultaneously in heavy traffic. Engine shuts down completely while vehicle is moving at highway speed with loss of all brake function. Driver forced to use full body weight on brake pedal to stop vehicle. Multiple O2 sensors require replacement; check engine light remains on for over a year despite sensor replacements and code clearing.

When: Heavy traffic incident; ongoing O2 sensor failures throughout ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off completely while driving; Loss of brake control (zero braking power); Vehicle becomes immobile in traffic; Check engine light remains on continuously; Low engine power signal before shutdown; Multiple O2 sensor failures

Repairs/costs cited: Multiple O2 sensors replaced; codes cleared but return; owners saving replaced sensors for inspection

Windshield not properly sealed from manufacture, allowing rain to enter vehicle. Water causes seat and mirror motors to malfunction with seats moving unexpectedly and mirrors repositioning randomly during driving. Water intrusion causes corrosion on electrical wiring and connections both inside and outside vehicle body, causing internal rust.

When: As early as 9 days after purchase; first incident May 24, second incident June 10

Symptoms owners cite: Seat moves forward or changes position unexpectedly; Mirrors reposition randomly during driving; Inability to control steering wheel due to seat position; Inability to see blind spots due to mirror movement; Water visible inside vehicle; Electrical corrosion on wiring; Internal body corrosion and rust

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle rusting from inside out due to water intrusion and electrical corrosion

Driver-side power seat slides forward suddenly and without warning while vehicle is in motion on highways and city streets. Seat movement continues even after reverse button is pressed. Seat can slide so far forward that driver cannot reach pedals, forcing driver to pull off road. Multiple GM bulletins issued for this specific problem (PIT5608D) between 2018 and 2021.

When: Intermittent during operation; occurs on highways, city streets, and interstate highways

Symptoms owners cite: Power seat slides forward without input; Seat continues forward motion after reverse button pressed; Driver unable to reach pedals; Inability to safely control vehicle

Repairs/costs cited: At least 5 GM bulletins issued (PIT5608D) regarding this problem

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued multiple service bulletins (PIT5608D) from 2018-2021 for this defect

Alternator fails with little warning; check battery light and battery saving mode message appear shortly before all electrical power stops while driving on highway. Failure widespread enough that parts stores across region run out of replacement alternators; manufacturer also experiences stock shortage, indicating systemic defect.

When: October 17, 2020 at highway speeds

Symptoms owners cite: Check battery light illuminates; Battery saving mode message appears; All vehicle power stops; No warning before critical failure

Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required; parts shortage indicates widespread defect affecting many vehicles

Instrument cluster goes blank and flickers intermittently during vehicle operation, including at idle and stop. Speedometer, gas gauge, and odometer do not operate, preventing driver from monitoring vehicle speed or fuel level. Odometer not tracking miles driven. Driver ran out of fuel on freeway because gauge was non-functional, requiring CHP to close freeway.

When: Intermittent during operation

Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster goes blank; Instrument cluster flickers on and off; Speedometer inoperative; Gas gauge inoperative; Odometer inoperative and not tracking miles; Blinkers work but no sound; Headlights must be turned on/off manually; Radio must be turned off manually

Radio does not turn on at startup and requires reset (20-second hold) to activate. Screen freezes and goes blank. Auto stop triggers randomly causing vehicle to shut off and restart unexpectedly with traction control and brake release warnings. Steering wheel controls do not function. Radio display brightness cycles between day and night mode unpredictably when shifting between Reverse and Drive.

When: Intermittent; night mode display issue occurs when shifting into Reverse

Symptoms owners cite: Radio does not turn on at startup; Radio screen freezes; Radio display goes blank; Auto stop triggers unexpectedly; Traction control warnings during auto stop; Brake release warnings during auto stop; Steering wheel controls non-functional; Radio display brightness shifts between day/night mode; Display is bright (day mode) at night after Reverse shift

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicated all 2018 Equinox with 7-inch screen experience display brightness issue; stated nothing can be done

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Tech indicated customer will have to live with display brightness issue

Electronic Stability Control and ABS systems randomly trigger service signals for Stabilitrak, Hill Start Assist, and Brake Assist without any driving condition requiring activation. Warnings appear frequently when vehicle starts via remote or Chevrolet app; recently occurring daily during auto stop and continuing through restart for city street driving. Doors lock and unlock while vehicle is in motion.

When: Recurring; increased frequency during auto stop operation

Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak service signal; Hill Start Assist service signal; Brake Assist service signal; Service engine lights; Doors lock and unlock while driving; False warnings without corresponding driving conditions

Vehicle fails to start without warning; low battery indicator illuminates and vehicle stalls. Vehicle also fails to shift out of Park. Some instances resolve with battery replacement but dealership indicates no follow-up diagnostic performed. Liftgate control failure preventing vehicle liftgate from closing.

When: At 1,000 miles; recurring failures

Symptoms owners cite: Low battery indicator illuminates; Vehicle stalls; Vehicle fails to start; Vehicle fails to shift out of Park; Rear liftgate will not close when using buttons or key fob

Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement provided temporary resolution; ongoing liftgate closure issue

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to local dealer; no further assistance provided

Side detection error warning comes on every time vehicle starts. Entire wiring harness replacement does not resolve the issue. Light comes on occasionally even when vehicle is parked. Complaint notes this is widespread issue documented in many forums; special warranty provided for other GM models but not for 2018 Equinox as of complaint date.

When: Recurring at startup; vehicle at 45,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Side detection error light at startup every time; Side detection error light when parked; Reduced fuel efficiency; Safety feature malfunction

Repairs/costs cited: Entire wiring harness replaced without resolving issue

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special warranty provided for other GM models but not yet for 2018 Equinox as of complaint date

Driver-side mirror repositions itself to non-useable position whenever vehicle shifts gears, even when auto mirror option is not enabled. Mirror movement occurs when shifting into forward gears or reversing, making it impossible to safely check blind spots or maneuver vehicle.

When: During gear shifts

Symptoms owners cite: Mirror sets to non-useable position; Mirror repositions on every gear shift; Unable to see blind spots; Unable to safely pull out from parked position

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet refuses to address the issue despite other owners reporting same problem

Vehicle begins smoking under hood with burnt plastic smell while driving. Vehicle bursts into flames less than one minute after being pulled over. Failure indicates catastrophic electrical short or component failure causing ignition hazard.

When: While driving

Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under hood; Burnt plastic smell; Vehicle fire

Code U1345 indicates shutter malfunction in front of vehicle caused by water intrusion. Chevrolet dealership has identified fix involving wire splicing but refuses to cover repair under warranty despite documented cause and available fix.

Symptoms owners cite: Shutter malfunction; Water intrusion

Codes mentioned: U1345

Repairs/costs cited: Fix available: wire splicing

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet refuses warranty coverage despite available fix

Vehicle Bluetooth hands-free system dials calls but incoming caller cannot hear driver speaking. Microphone or audio routing failure prevents two-way communication despite successful connection. Issue could prevent emergency communication if accident occurred.

When: Intermittent during Bluetooth calls

Symptoms owners cite: Incoming caller cannot hear driver; One-way audio communication only; Call disconnects due to no input from driver

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle outside bumper-to-bumper warranty (3 years/36,000 miles)

Odometer fails to track miles driven and does not operate. One complaint documents massive mileage discrepancy between purchase documentation and discovered actual mileage (from 60,248 reported to 155,000 actual; another case showing 75,000 at purchase but 252,000 at registration). These failures suggest either odometer malfunction or fraud/tampering.

When: At time of vehicle operation

Symptoms owners cite: Odometer does not operate; Miles not being tracked; Mileage discrepancies on records

Repairs/costs cited: Massive mileage discrepancies documented (60,248 vs. 155,000; 75,000 vs. 252,000)

Parking brake released message appears on display without any change in parking brake status. Message did not previously appear and represents new fault condition. Multiple Technical Service Bulletins exist for parking brake issues (20NA094, 19NA213, PI1410B) but contact's VIN not included in recalls despite manufacturing during same period as affected vehicles.

Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake released message appears without cause

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs issued (20NA094, 19NA213, PI1410B) but contact's VIN excluded from recalls despite same manufacturing period

Vehicle fails to communicate with smog inspection system at three separate state inspection attempts. Independent mechanic diagnosed that unstated module needed replacement. Product Emission Recall N202298780 available but vehicle experienced communication failure.

When: At approximately 75,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to communicate with smog inspection system

Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement required

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Product Emission Recall N202298780 repair available

Electrical pulses being received through vehicle wiring causing lights to go on and off randomly. Issue described as dealership software problem that neither manufacturer nor independent repair shops can fix due to inability to access vehicle coding.

Symptoms owners cite: Lights turning on and off randomly; Electrical pulses in wiring

Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; inability to access dealership software coding prevents fix