The car started going into auto stop and would not go forward one the brake was released on the highway or at stop signs. This caused us to almost have a wreck because the car wouldn't go when it needed to when pulling out onto a road when it was clear to go. It created a time lag that could cause an accident.we also almost rolled into the car behind us while stoped at an intersection on a hill…
2018 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain problems
moderate 60 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 60 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 60 powertrain 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: This 2018 Equinox powertrain shows a troubling pattern: transmission lockouts in cold weather, unexpected downshifts, hesitation at takeoff, and failures to shift or engage—some while driving. Add brake vacuum pump seizures (destroying camshafts), driveshaft fractures, battery drain from the stop-start system, and recurrent engine shutdowns, and you're looking at a vehicle with systemic reliability issues that dealers have struggled to diagnose or repair even after multiple visits.
The 2018 Equinox's powertrain troubles fall into several overlapping categories that owners describe as recurring and severe.
Transmission cold-weather lockout and shifting problems dominate the complaints. Multiple owners report the transmission refusing to shift into 6th gear when ambient temperature drops below 14°F, forcing the engine to run at 3,400+ RPM and tanking fuel economy by 10–15%. GM's TSB #18-NA-035 explicitly tells dealers this behavior is normal and not to repair it—a response that has infuriated owners. Even after dealers replaced the charged air cooler, the problem returned when temperatures dropped again. Other owners describe unexpected downshifts into first gear during highway merges, hesitation when accelerating from a stop (vehicle lurches forward abruptly after a delay), and transmission slipping or shuddering despite transmission rebuilds.
Brake vacuum pump failures create life-threatening danger. The pump is bolted to the camshaft without a shear pin, so when it seizes, it destroys the camshaft and timing chain, scattering metal debris into the engine. One owner experienced two such failures within seven months; another lost brakes at 80 mph on the interstate. Repair costs exceed $4,000.
Driveshaft fractures occur without warning—loud pop, vehicle shakes, part drags. Owners report this at both low mileage and highway speeds, with no prior vibration warning.
Engine shutdowns with no warning lights or error messages leave owners stranded; one restart took an hour. Fuel pump leaks into oil, causing stalls. Battery fails repeatedly (one owner through five batteries in four years) because the stop-start system kills cells every ~17,000 miles. Differential whines like a plane. Gear selector assemblies fail to recognize Park position, leaving lights and beeping active and draining batteries. These issues span mileages from brand new to 100k, and dealer diagnostics often come up empty.
Same Chevrolet Equinox powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Lockout in Cold Weather / Delayed 6th Gear Engagement
Transmission refuses to shift into 6th gear when ambient temperature is below 14°F, remaining stuck in 5th. RPM stays elevated (3400+), fuel economy drops 10-15%, and engine noise increases. Dealer service confirms this is programmed behavior per GM TSB #18-NA-035 and instructs owners it is 'normal.' Temperature must often exceed 32°F before 6th gear engages. Even after charged air cooler replacement, the problem returns in cold weather.
When: Winter months, ambient temperature below 14°F; returns below 32°F even after repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: No shift to 6th gear in cold weather; Engine RPM elevated to 3400+ at highway speeds; Reduced fuel economy (10-15% drop); Increased engine noise
Repairs/costs cited: Charged air cooler replacement attempted but ineffective; TSB #18-NA-035 instructs dealers not to repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TSB #18-NA-035 instructs dealers to inform owner this is normal operation and to not attempt repairs; some GM customer service escalations closed without follow-up
Unexpected Downshift to First Gear Under Acceleration
During acceleration from stop (turning from stop sign, merging into traffic), transmission suddenly downshifts to 1st gear causing rapid deceleration and creating rear-end collision hazard. Check engine light may or may not illuminate. Occurs intermittently; after shutdown and restart, vehicle operates normally. Transmission sensor replacement has been attempted without resolving issue.
When: During or shortly after acceleration from complete stop; occurred 5 times in one reported case with as few as 100 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden downshift to 1st gear during acceleration; Rapid deceleration; Check engine light may come on; Manual shifter function does not override behavior
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (specific code not always present)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor replacement attempted; issue recurred
Transmission Hesitation and Jerking During Acceleration / Drive Engagement
Vehicle hesitates to respond when gas pedal is applied from stop (at traffic lights, stop signs), then suddenly lurches forward. The 'D' for drive may flash on dashboard indicating transmission control module error. Dealer reports no retrievable fault codes and states this is a known issue for which manufacturer advises against repair pending future software update. Multiple 2014-2018 Equinox owners report the same hesitation and jerking pattern.
When: During acceleration from complete stop; intermittent but recurring over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not respond when gas pedal applied from stop; Sudden lurch or jerk forward; 'D' flashing on dashboard; No retrievable fault code despite symptoms
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module error (not always logged)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledges this is a known problem and may require future software update; dealer instructed not to repair
Transmission Stuck in First Gear / High RPM Limited Speed
Vehicle will not shift out of 1st gear, running at 5000+ RPM but only reaching 25 MPH. Check engine light and 'D' flashing indicator appear. Vehicle then randomly accelerates without driver input, creating loss-of-control condition. Dealer clears code but cannot replicate. Issue recurs without check engine light. GM tech assist notes similar issues with debris in transmission valve body.
When: Occurred at 5,100 miles on new vehicle; can occur after code clearing
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in 1st gear; RPM 5000+, speed limited to 25 MPH; Random unintended acceleration; Check engine light and 'D' flashing; Intermittent; not reproducible in dealer service
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (intermittent)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Tech Assist cited debris in transmission valve body as possible cause; debris clears and gets trapped in filter as designed
Transmission Shifting Delay / Loss of Response in Drive Engagement
When shifting from Park to Drive or accelerating from a stop, transmission does not engage immediately. Vehicle rolls like it is in Neutral for 3-5 seconds before transmission suddenly engages. This creates rear-end collision hazard when stopped on inclines or in traffic.
When: Upon shift from Park to Drive; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed transmission engagement; Vehicle rolls backward or does not move forward; Transmission engages after 3-5 second delay; Occurs after stop or at traffic lights
Transmission Stuck in Reverse / Unable to Shift
Transmission becomes stuck in reverse and will not shift into Drive or Park. Vehicle remains in reverse even after engine shutdown. Interior lights and headlights/tail lights remain on, draining battery. Gear selector assembly solenoid, harness, or sensor malfunction. Dealers reluctant to repair due to inability to replicate. Affects 2016-2019 models but has not been recalled despite appearing in thousands of vehicles.
When: Reported at 100,000+ miles on some vehicles; also reported on low-mileage examples
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in reverse; Cannot shift to Drive or Park; Interior beeping and lights remain on after engine off; Battery drain
Repairs/costs cited: Gear selector assembly wiring harness and solenoid replacement required but only available as complete assembly
Vehicle Rolls Backward When Engine Off or Parked Without Engagement
Vehicle rolls backward down driveway or in parking lot when parked without engine running or when shifted to Park but engine not off. In one incident, vehicle rolled over driver who attempted to stop it, causing hip injury. In another case, vehicle rear-ended parked vehicle with no warning. Transmission appears to disengage when engine turned off if not in Park. Issue cited in older recall (17V516000) but not applied to affected 2018 models.
When: While parked on slope or flat ground; occurs when Park not engaged or engine shut off without Park engaged
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward without warning; Occurs on flat ground and slopes; No indicator lights or warnings
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state this is 'normal' operation; vehicle not included in campaign 17V516000 even though recalls exist for same issue on 2015-2017 models
Engine Power Loss / Limp Mode (P0299 Turbocharger Underboost)
Engine light illuminates with P0299 (turbocharger/supercharger underboost) code. Engine power is reduced and vehicle operates in limp mode. Check engine light comes on and off intermittently. Charged air cooler and turbocharger have been replaced. Issue can be seasonal or recurrent. Occurs at various mileages including low mileage (68k-96k).
When: Intermittent; code can clear itself; some instances related to winter temperature
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on/off; Engine power reduced; Turbocharger/supercharger malfunction; Reduced acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0299 - Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost Condition
Repairs/costs cited: Charged air cooler replacement; turbocharger assembly O.E. replacement
Brake System Failure - Vacuum Pump Seized / Hard Pedal
Brake pedal becomes hard with little to no brake response. Vacuum pump has seized, failed, or broken apart into pieces. Because vacuum pump is attached to camshaft without a shear pin, failure destroys camshaft and timing chain. Multiple incidents at highway speeds (35 MPH to 80 MPH). Repair cost exceeds $4,000. Metal debris found in engine after failure. Issue occurs multiple times on same vehicle (one owner reported two failures 7 months apart). GM aware of issue and has issued recalls for same pump on different vehicle models.
When: Can occur at 32k-101k miles; second failure 7 months after first repair; early failures within warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Hard brake pedal; Loss of brake power; Service Brake Assist light; Check engine light; Metal debris in engine
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump, camshaft, timing chain replacement; oil pump may also need replacement; repair cost $4,000+
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of issue and has issued recalls for same vacuum pump on other models; warranty coverage available in some cases
Driveshaft Fracture / Disconnection
Driveshaft fractures while driving or driveshaft disconnects at transmission connection. Occurs at varying speeds and mileage. Loud popping noise heard; vehicle shakes and becomes unsafe to drive. Part may drag underneath vehicle. No vibration warning before failure. Occurs in both all-wheel drive and regular drive modes.
When: At 54k miles; also at speeds ranging from parking lot exit to 75+ MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping noise; Vehicle shaking; Part dragging underneath; No prior vibration warning; Vehicle becomes unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers attribute to road debris despite no other undercarriage damage reported
Battery Drain / Frequent Battery Failure - Stop-Start System
Battery fails frequently due to stop-start system design defect. Owner replaced battery 4 times in first 4 years; 5th battery failure at 67,900 miles. Dealership attributes to climate and road conditions causing stop-start system to kill battery cells. Average battery life reported as ~16,975 miles. Warranty extension eventually denied, leaving owner responsible for future batteries.
When: Throughout ownership; batteries failing approximately every 16,975 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Frequent battery failure; Battery warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement multiple times
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet extended warranty 6 months/60k miles initially; then denied further extensions and refused responsibility
Transmission Failure - Open Solenoid / Complete Transmission Replacement
Transmission fails with DTC code for open solenoid. Vehicle requires complete transmission replacement. Failure discovered during routine service; dealer referred owner to contact NHTSA for assistance.
When: At 67,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; No specific drivability symptom noted in report
Codes mentioned: DTC - Open Solenoid
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement required; vehicle towed to transmission specialist
Transmission Control Module Malfunction After Software Update
Following ECM software update for unknown recall, vehicle exhibits multiple transmission control issues: fails to reverse as intended, accelerates forward instead of reversing (requiring vehicle to be pushed), intermittent failure to start, and 'Parking Brake Release' message displayed when brake not engaged.
When: After software update performed at dealer; at approximately 101k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fails to reverse properly; Accelerates forward instead of reversing; Intermittent failure to start; Parking brake release message with brake not engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no action taken
Transmission Slipping / Shuddering on Acceleration
Automatic transmission slips and shudders/shakes when accelerating from complete stop. Vehicle becomes undrivable for long distances as issue worsens with engine heat. No codes or sensors indicate problem. Issue persists despite transmission rebuild. Problem started gradually and has progressively worsened over time.
When: Initial onset approximately 1 year into ownership; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slip; Shuddering/shaking on acceleration; Worse when vehicle is hot; Not drivable for long distances
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuilt but issue persists
Unexpected Engine Shutdown / Loss of All Power
Vehicle completely shuts down without warning while driving. No lights, no sounds, no error messages appear before shutdown. Hazard lights cannot be activated; all interior lights go dark. RPM gauges remain in same position. Vehicle can be restarted after several minutes to over an hour, but restart cause is unclear. Occurs on both highways and city streets. Multiple incidents reported; in severe case, restart took much longer than usual.
When: Intermittent; occurs at various mileages and conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown without warning; Loss of all lights and power; No error messages or warnings before failure; Hazard lights inoperable; RPM gauge frozen in position
Gear Selector Assembly Malfunction - Park Position Not Recognized
Gear selector assembly harness, solenoid, or sensor fault causes transmission to not recognize when vehicle is in Park even though shifter is in Park position. Vehicle beeps constantly, interior lights and headlights/tail lights remain on, draining battery. Dealerships report inability to duplicate problem. Common issue affecting thousands of 2016-2019 Equinox models but has not been recalled. Repair requires replacement of entire gear selector assembly, not just harness.
When: Affects multiple model years 2016-2019
Symptoms owners cite: Interior beeping when parked; Lights remain on after engine shutdown; Battery drain; Transmission does not recognize Park position
Repairs/costs cited: Gear selector assembly replacement (complete unit, not individual harness)
Turbocharger / Exhaust Manifold Issues (P0299)
Turbocharger or exhaust manifold failure occurring at same mileage in successive winters. P0299 code appears in both winter 2020/21 and 2021/22. Exhaust manifold required replacement winter 2020/21; turbocharger/supercharger issues winter 2021/22 with same fault code.
When: Winter 2020/21 and 2021/22; vehicle mileage increased from 42k (purchase) to 88k
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Power reduction; Same P0299 code for different failures
Codes mentioned: P0299 - Turbocharger/Supercharger Underboost
Repairs/costs cited: Exhaust manifold replacement (winter 2020/21); turbocharger/supercharger repair (winter 2021/22)
Fuel Pump Leaking into Oil / Vehicle Stalling
Fuel pump leaks fuel into the oil, causing vehicle to stall during driving. Check engine light and emission testing message displayed. Vehicle shaking occurs. Fuel pump repaired at dealer but failure recurred. Similar to NHTSA campaign 20V668000 but owner reports issue same on 2018 model.
When: At 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling; Loss of acceleration; Check engine light; Emission testing message; Vehicle shaking
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (fuel system related)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump repair; failure recurred
Unintended Acceleration / Vehicle Accelerates Without Driver Input
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver depressing accelerator pedal. Owners report this as dangerous and unexpected. Vehicle increases speed without any driver input.
When: Reported at 2-3 year ownership mark
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without pedal input; Sudden increase in speed; No driver control
Transmission Computer Issues - Software Problems
Check engine light comes on immediately after dealer clears code. Vehicle computer has problems; dealer fixes vehicle computer issue. Multiple visits required. Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult.
When: Intermittent; ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Transmission hesitation; Computer-related fault
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle computer repair
Brake Boost / Brake Assist Malfunction
Service Brake Assist warning appears and disappears repeatedly when starting vehicle and while driving. Brake assist system intermittently fails. One instance reported vacuum pump seizure related to brake assist failure.
When: Intermittent; appeared dozens of times over month-long period
Symptoms owners cite: Service Brake Assist light on/off; Check engine light on/off; Intermittent brake assist failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement (in related case)
Differential Noise / Gear Whining
Vehicle makes loud plane-like whining noise from differential while driving. Occurs twice on same vehicle (once at brand new, again at 5,300 miles). Noise persistent regardless of driving conditions (highway, city) or drive mode (all-wheel drive or not).
When: Twice in two years; at brand new and at 5,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise from rear; Sounds like small plane; Constant regardless of driving conditions
Stability Control / ABS Communication Fault
Traction control and stability lights come on along with ESC service light. Lane assist stops working. Issue persists for at least 30 minutes until vehicle restarted. Scan tool identifies fault code U0121 (Lost Communication with Anti-lock Brake System Module).
When: While driving; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light; ESC service light; Lane assist disabled; Loss of brake system communication
Codes mentioned: U0121 - Lost Communication with Anti-lock Brake System Module
Transmission Rebuild Ineffective - Torque Converter Replacement Required
Transmission hesitation and jerking from stop results in multiple dealer visits. First visit: diagnostic charge and code clear (check engine light returns immediately). Second visit: transmission sensor changed. Third visit: transmission rebuilt. Fourth visit same day: torque converter replaced. Multiple repairs within short timeframe indicate persistent issue not resolved by rebuild.
When: Intermittent occurrences requiring multiple visits
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when accelerating from stop; Jerking motion; Check engine light; Transmission not responding to acceleration demand
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor replacement, transmission rebuild, torque converter replacement
Transmission Stall / Stop-Start System Issue
When placed in Drive, vehicle does not move when gas pedal pressed for a couple seconds. When stop-start feature activates at a stop, vehicle stalls. The 'D' flashing on display occurs. Engine light comes on.
When: Intermittent; related to stop-start function
Symptoms owners cite: No response to gas pedal for few seconds; Vehicle stalls during stop-start; 'D' flashing on display; Engine light
Codes mentioned: Check engine
Engine Hesitation / Jerking Between 40-50 MPH
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate and jerks at speeds between 40-50 MPH. Passenger can feel jerking in back seat. Dealer reports no computer codes but acknowledges GM has a software issue related to this hesitation.
When: During normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration; Jerking motion; Noticeable in passenger compartment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges software issue but no software update provided
Brake Pulsation / Noise / Reduced Stopping Power
Brakes grab with loud scrubbing noise when applied to slow, stop, or turn. Feels like right front rods will break. Feels like brakes are slipping and not wanting to stop at times. Brake issue affects stopping distance and control.
When: During braking events
Symptoms owners cite: Brake grab; Loud scrubbing noise; Sensation of rods breaking; Brake slip sensation; Reduced stopping power
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Just finshed my second year into my 3 year 2018 Chevy equinox lease and for the last month or so the service brake assist has appeared and dissapeared dozens of times when starting the vehicle and while driving as well as the check engine light has come on and off for the last few weeks. Orginally mad an appointment but the dealer ship canclled it and then my car suddenly had reduced power the…
My wife and I noticed this past week that our 2018 Chevy equinox will accelerate all on its own without driver input. We feel this increase in speed without input is dangerous. We have an appointment at the dealer in anchorage, alaska that sold us the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet equinox. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v516000 (power train). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact received the recall notice over four months ago. The dealer (rex Chevrolet GMC, 805 s des moines st, odebolt,…
I purchased my 2018 Chevrolet equinox on July3rd, 2018 with 2 miles on it. Current mileage 67,900 Stop/start system design defect. I have had to have my vehicle battery replaced 4 times in 4 years of ownership. The battery has failed again at 67,900 miles on 12/13/2022 which will be the 5th battery in its lifetime. My dealership said that due to the climate and road conditions where I live my…
Vehicle suddenly powered down while on the expressway in morning traffic, causing the vehicle to shake and slow to an unsafe speed. I eased off the expressway to get out of the way of big trucks, etc., and was scared to turn off the exit for fear that it would stall again and I would be hit by oncoming traffic. This is the 3rd time this has happened, each time they replace something else. You…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 60 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,100 and 67,400 miles, with the median around 20,074. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,100; a quarter make it past 67,400. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.