2018 Chevrolet Equinox Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 410 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,092miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 1% of the 410 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,092 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The navigation screen is way too bright at night, making driving difficult and distracting. When the car is started at night the brightness is normal but after using reverse it brightens to daytime level and cannot be changed without dimming the dashboard lights considerably. Many other 2018 Equinox owners have reported the same problem on various web forums.”
NHTSA complaint #11297165, filed 2020-01, 80 miles“The 7 inch infotainment screen does not respond to the light dimmer dial, remaining at full, blinding daytime brightness even at night. The screen can be turned off by scrolling through menus, a hazard while driving, however it has to be done because any adjustment to the heater controls, radio, phone, on star or back up camera turns the display back on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11092055, filed 2018-05, 185 miles“Using navigation with phone through infotainment display can switch to blinding brightness at night. Using phone navigation (both google maps and waze) at night will start with normal brightness which can be controlled by the dimming knob. …”
NHTSA complaint #11230836, filed 2019-07, 6,000 miles“2018 Equinox lcd screen gets stuck in bright mode. Upon initiation of the backup camera the lcd stays bright for as long as the vehicle is running. Nighttime driving is extremely uncomfortable. If the radio is reset (hold down home and fast forward, or turning off vehicle for the period of time it takes to completely shut down radio) it will stay in the proper dim setting until the backup camera is initiated again. I have tested this on several 2018 Equinox cars and found this to be a malfunction. Must view problem at night to see hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11080102, filed 2018-03, 4,000 miles“After being in a severe accident w/ another 2018 equinox I purchased a used 2018 equinox w/ 10k miles on it . saved my life 1x - i was happy with the car. In Dec 2019 my front passenger headlight went out. Still under warranty I had the dealer replace the bulb. In late December 2020 my front passenger headlight went out again. I was told it was over $400 to fix. This was replacing the lightbulb . I decided to purchase my own lightbulb from a reputable source. The problem is not the lightbulb but instead the ballast or the wiring. …”
NHTSA complaint #11428176, filed 2021-08Related service bulletins
- 11014170Jan 27, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
- 11000550May 3, 2024This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% |
| 2025 | 14 | 6% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 7 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 0% |
| 2010 | 6 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 22 | 6% |
| 2007 | 17 | 2% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 15 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
133 complaintsEngine
86 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
66 complaintsElectrical system
61 complaintsOther or unknown
57 complaintsFuel system
41 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsForward collision avoidance
16 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsWheels
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology