2018 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 66about this part
- Share
- 16%of 410 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,074miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 66 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 16% of the 410 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,074 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11383853, filed 2020-12, 51,000 miles“On two occasions my transmission wouldn't engage when I shifted it from park to drive. My car started rolling like it was in neutral. I slammed on my brakes and after about 3 - 5 seconds the transmission engaged and I was able to accelerate as normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11232777, filed 2019-07, 4,500 miles“Took car to dealer for routine oil change and service, I reported to them a very frequent problem with car hesitating to accelerate andjerks at speed between 40 and 50 MPH also passsenger can feel this riding in the back seat. Took to dealer they said nothing showed on computer but GM has software issue. For the price of cars feel that this is not acceptable performance to have to drive an otherwise nice car I notices several other similar complaint on this website”
NHTSA complaint #11317938, filed 2020-03, 1,800 miles“Was driving in parking lot and vehicle shut down unexpectedly. It would not restart. Contacted GM roadside assistance to tow vehicle. After about and hour and a half of waiting for a tow I tried to start my vehicle again and it did start. The check engine light was in. I was able to drive the vehicle to the dealership. The vehicle was at the dealership overnight. When I picked up the vehicle I was told there was a problem with the vehicle computer and they fixed it.”
NHTSA complaint #11187170, filed 2019-03, 14,600 miles“I had stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green depressed accelerator. The car moved forward but did not process through the gears staying in first gear only. Pulled over and put the vehicle in park and then it worked fine. A few days later I was stopped at a stop sign making a left turn across a busy highway. Went to accelerate and the vehicle did not respond. It was as if instead of shifting into 1st gear it somehow shifted into 3rd which left me with no acceleration as I pulled out to make a left across traffic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11317240, filed 2020-03, 20,074 milesRelated recalls
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain…Covers: Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020, GMC Terrain 2018–2020 +9 more
- 17V516000Aug 22, 2017General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate…Covers: Chevrolet Equinox 2018, GMC Acadia 2017–2018, Terrain 2018
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 22% |
| 2025 | 35 | 15% |
| 2024 | 11 | 13% |
| 2023 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 12 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17 | 17% |
| 2020 | 40 | 13% |
| 2019 | 37 | 12% |
| 2018 | 66 | 16% |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% |
| 2016 | 27 | 7% |
| 2015 | 63 | 9% |
| 2014 | 40 | 7% |
| 2013 | 80 | 11% |
| 2012 | 84 | 12% |
| 2011 | 145 | 19% |
| 2010 | 182 | 23% |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% |
| 2007 | 31 | 5% |
| 2006 | 31 | 4% |
| 2005 | 114 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
133 complaintsEngine
86 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 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 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