Owner-reported complaints naming the driver-assistance system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 35 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 35, in the owner's own words
On a steep gravel road in a remote area, I pressed the accelerator and the vehicle stopped climbing. I inferred that traction control had intervened, but there was no immediate, obvious indication explaining why the car wasn’t responding. The most frightening part was not knowing what the vehicle was doing. A clear, immediate indication that traction control was actively limiting power would have reduced uncertainty.
I own a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox with a 1.5L engine. While driving with my children in the vehicle, the car experienced a sudden and frightening failure. The engine began malfunctioning, and after inspection, my mechanic and the repair shop confirmed damage to the vacuum pump, broken engine pieces, and issues with the timing chain and camshaft. These issues are identical to those described in an existing recall for this vehicle, but my VIN is not included. The shop even questioned why my mechanic had to replace the vacuum pump, which shows this failure is directly related to the known recall problem. This situation created a very unsafe condition while my kids were in the car. It is unfair and dangerous that my VIN is excluded when the exact same recall defects are present. I am requesting that my vehicle be included in the recall and that NHTSA investigate this defect further, as it poses a serious safety risk for me, my family, and potentially other drivers.
1st Incident: Code P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Sensor In March of 2024 - driving on highway dashboard warning lights illuminated(traction control & reduced engine power) vehicle went into limp mode putting my family & I in danger due to traffic volume and speed on highway. Had to drive on berm at speeds below 25mph to exit freeway safely. Removed battery cable to reset computer. Taken to Serra Bartlett Chevrolet in Memphis- couldn't get vehicle to repeat error. 2nd Incident: Code - P2138 June 2024 - while traveling on highway same dashboard warning signals & car went into limp mode. Had to maneuver to the berm to exit the highway safely once again putting my family in danger at speeds below 25 mph exit. Vehicle was towed to Serpentini Chevrolet the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor was replaced under the extended warranty. 3rd Incident - Code P2138 June 2025- while traveling on highway, same dashboard warning signals & car went into limp mode again. Had to maneuver to the berm to exit the highway putting my family in danger again at speeds below 25mph. Removed the battery cable to reset computer - was unsuccessful. Contacted Jeff Schmitt Chevrolet - had to drive the vehicle over 35 miles on the berm of the highway at speeds lower than 25 mph to get to dealership. Upon arriving they ran the codes and annotated the P2138 code. The next morning when the Technician checked the vehicle the computer had reset itself and everything was checking out fine, the code was still in the vehicle history . The sensor was under warranty and we inquired about replacement because the code showed failure, the dealership stated GM would not replace the part because it tested good. But I could pay to have it replaced if I paid for it. GM Service Bulletin No:074-06-04-019F clearly states they are aware of issues with this vehicle, yet I cannot get it repaired to my satisfaction It puts myself and my family under extreme danger while driving this vehicle on the freeway.
My fuel pump just gave out randomly while driving on the highway. Unable to drive over 14mph. I head other 2018 Equinox’s experienced this problem often. I believe my vehicle should be included as well. In the past I’ve also gotten a random alert that my forward collision was disabled while driving on the highway with no warning. It always goes away on its own.
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The speedometer does not operate. The gas gauge does not operate. The odometer does not operate and is not tracking miles driven. The blinkers work but no blinker sound occurs. Head lights must be turned on and off manually. The radio must be turned off manually. I ran out of gas on the freeway and Highway Patrol had to close the freeway to remove me safely under quite dangerous conditions. There is no way to monitor my speed. The milage is not being reported to reflect the miles put on the engine.
Driver side mirror sets itself to non useable position even when auto mirror option is not turned on. Everytime I shift gears the mirror positions itself to an unuasable position making it impossible to safely pull out from a parked position. It happens wether pulling forward or backing out. I can not seem to find any information on how to correct the issue. Other owners have reported the same issue but Chevrolet refuses to address the issue. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On many occasions while driving at highway speeds the steering wheel sticks causing me to use extra force to move the wheel. It's bad enough on dry pavement but on wet or snow covered roads it's worst. I have spun out 2 times already even while being cautious, luckily no one was around at the time. This needs to be addressed. There have been a few times that the blind spot monitoring stayed lit when there was no car around as well as at times the light never came on while I was being passed
I have a 2018 Chevy Equinox. Was driving one day when the lights for service brake assist, park brake released, and traction control came on. The brake petal went extremely hard and was almost impossible to stop. Had the vaccum pump replaced. Drove for two-three weeks, same lights, brakes go hard off and on, vaccum pipe with sensor changed, only one week later same issues, another vacuum pump put on and oil changed due to metal from faulty pump in oil. We are now 900 dollars in repairs and no fix. Same issues over and over. GM is well aware of the issue with their faulty pumps and system but refuse to fix the issues and continue to put them in the vehicles which will lead to fatalities.
A message has begun appearing in my 2018 Chevy Equinox LT that states "Parking Brake Released". This message did not previously appear and seems to be a potential issue to fix. After doing some online research, I found 3 technical service bulletins for parking brake issues/messages for the 2018 Equinox on an automotive repair website. However, when I contacted the Chevy dealership and did a VIN search, there were no open recalls or any recalls for my car. I am not clear why other 2018 Equinox models have recall notices but my VIN number is not impacted by those notices, even though it was manufactured during the same year. Please help investigate if my car should be included in those TSBs and dealer repairs. The TSB numbers are: 20NA094, 19NA213, and PI1410B.
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.
I get a ‘Forward Collision System Unavailable’ warning frequency when the outside temperature is high and the humidity seems high as well. I thought this was a one time thing but it has happened multiple times. I thought the issue was related to my old battery but the issue still appears after replacing the vehicle battery. The last time it happened was on July 31, 2023 at 3:20pm (eastern time zone). I live in Newry, South Carolina. The high for the day was 100 degrees.
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
Was driving down the road and had just hit about 50mph at 4k rpms when suddenly the car started shaking and the check engine light started flashing, i knew immediately it was just a misfire, HOWEVER then the car immediately locked up brakes on full blast and engine cut off. Almost caused a mass accident let alone launching all my stuff. Then i turned the car back on and it drove fine for 20 miles. Just before i got home i am starting to try and stop at a stop sign. Hit the brake and the brake went all the way in with no pressure. A car is coming my car wont stop and im laying on my horn. Car finally got brakes again and boom the car stopped. Got home and ran the codes and it was Abs, t/c, stability lignts all on, airbag system, stability trac, anti lock + braking system, engine and tranny on my chevy app all said “service immediately” rear differential clutch control, electronic brake control module all showed up when i ran the code reader. Was extremely terrifying!! Im going into the dealership tomorrow to get it looked at
I constantly get error messages When the ambient (outside) temperature exceeds 100 degrees. The lane keeping assist, the forward collision sensors, etc. When it gets below freezing, the forward collision sensors, the brake assist and the service indicators go bonkers.
ABS or assistant brake system has been checked and fixed however the light continues to come on and does not want to Drive it has a delay and then there's a sensor on the battery that is good but it keeps saying that is not getting enough voltage when the sensor has changed these are the issues that I have fixed and because of this I can't drive my car through emissions in the state of Arizona because it's saying I need to get these things fixed when they are fixed so my problem or concern is is this a defect do I have bad sensors am I getting back parts I'm not for sure what the issue is but I cannot continue to spend money to continue to fix these sensors and they're new and they're hard to find where the shops that are fixing to my vehicle
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.
When I applied brakes, the pedal was hard to push down and the service brake assist light came on.
emergency forward breaking alert will randomly go off
While driving brakes suddenly became very hard to press. We could not stop our car. We luckily were in a toll plaza and not moving at high speed. This problem was scary , no warning and my family could have been harmed. We had a mechanic come and fix the problem, but this needs to be fixed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING ON BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK FORWARD WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER (JOE FIRMENT CHEVROLET INC.,37995 CHESTER RD, AVON, OH 44011) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
I WAS ALMOST IN A ROLLOVER ACCIDENT ON OCT 7, 2019. I WAS TRAVELLING ON STATE HIGHWAYS FROM AUBURN, PA TO HERSHEY, PA AT APPRX 930AM. ROADS WERE DAMP/WET BUT RAIN HAD STOPPED. SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE, I HAD ALWAYS ENGAGED ALL SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDING LANE KEEP ASSIST (LKA), COLLISION ALERTS, ETC. THIS WAS MAIN REASON I UPGRADED FROM MY 2014 EQUINOX. ON RT 183, HEADING UP A WINDING MOUNTAIN ROAD, I ALMOST LOST CONTROL SEVERAL TIMES, DESPITE DRIVING WELL UNDER SPEED LIMIT. **NOTE: MY BF AND I HAD PREVIOUSLY COMPLAINED TO DEALER, AND EVEN HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE, BC WE BOTH FELT CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT ON ITS OWN. WE ARE BOTH EXTREMELY SAFE, EXPERIENCED, NON-DISTRACTED DRIVERS AND THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS QUITE ODD/OFF. DEALER FOUND NOTHING. CLOSER TO HERSHEY, I WAS COMING AROUND A BEND IN THE ROAD ON I BELIEVE RT 743 WHEN SUDDENLY MY CAR PULLED ME SEVERELY TO THE RIGHT AND ALMOST OVER AN EMBANKMENT, WHICH WOULD HAVE LED TO A ROLLOVER CRASH AND POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, AND GREAT DRIVING, I JUST MISSED A STONE WALL, AND MY ?1/4 MILE SWERVING SKID BACK AND FORTH PING-PONGED ME ALL OVER THE ROADWAY, BARELY AVOIDING MAILBOXES, FENCES, AND A HOUSE. LUCKILY ONCOMING TRAFFIC DID NOT APPEAR UNTIL I STRAIGHTENED OUT OF MY SKID. I CALLED THE DEALER AND SAID "MY CAR JUST TRIED TO KILL ME." AFTER RESEARCH, THEY CALLED ME BACK AND SAID TO TURN OFF THE LKA. I HAVE, AND CAR NO LONGER PULLS TO THE RIGHT, EVER. I READ THE MANUAL, AND BURIED AROUND PAGE 254 IS A SMALL BLACK BOX WARNING THAT SAYS TO DISENGAGE LKA ON WET, CURVING ROADS OR COLLISIONS MAY OCCUR. REALLY???? PEOPLE CAN DIE, AND THE WARNING IS BURIED ON PAGE 254??? I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER NEWER CAR OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES IN OTHER CARS/BRANDS. I THINK THESE "SAFETY FEATURES" ARE A DOUBLE EDGE SWORD AND NEED FURTHER RESEARCH. I ALMOST DIED.
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON THE STATE HIGHWAY, THE CARE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN IN SPEED CLOSE TO 30 MPH WHICH WAS A HAZARD ON THE HIGHWAY AT THAT TIME OF DAY. I PRESSED ON THE GAS TO INCREASE SPEED, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I FEARED BEING HIT FROM BEHIND SO I SAFELY COASTED TO THE OFF RAMP, THEN IT JERKED, AS IF RE-STARTING THE ENGINE. I FEARED FOR MY LIFE AND THAT OF MY CHILD.
I STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN A MESSAGE SAYING THE ENGINE POWER WAS LOW. THE CAR WOULD NOT START OR GO INTO NEUTRAL HOWEVER I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE HAZARD LIGHTS ON AS WELL AS THE RADIO AND ON-STAR. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER GOT IT STARTED IN LOW GEAR TO GET IT ON THE TOW TRUCK, BUT IT DIDN'T START AGAIN. I WAS ON A CITY STREET IN RUSH HOUR, GOING LESS THAN 15 MPH. I JUST GOT MY VEHICLE BACK FROM SERVICE AT THE MIRAK.COM DEALERSHIP IN ARLINGTON, MA, AND APPARENTLY THE ISSUE WAS: "CAUSED BY: PERFORM SCAN TOOL TEST. THE TECH "EXTRACT CODES WITH SCAN TOOLS". I WAS TOLD THAT IT "JUST NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE". THE VEHICLE DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ALERTS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT OR SHOW ANY SIGNS OF AN ISSUE, SO THIS IS VERY ALARMING AND A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN.
I HAVE KEYLESS START ON MY 2018 EQUINOX. PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT AT 5PM ONTO MAJOR ATLANTA STREET AND CAR SHUT OFF. RESTARTED IT AND IT SHUT OFF AS SOON AS I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. REPEATED THIS FOUR TIMES UNTIL I REALIZED THAT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL WAS CAUSING IT TO POWER DOWN. RESTARTED IT AGAIN, LEFT IT IN DRIVE, AND COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT AND PARKED IT. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID HE'S BEEN TOWING A LOT OF NEWER EQUINOXES BECAUSE THEY LOSE POWER. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND FRIGHTENING. THERE'S NO RECALL, BUT ANOTHER WEBSITE SAID THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPLAINTS THAT IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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