2018 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride and decent fuel economy. Available engine options included a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 (170 hp, 203 lb-ft of torque), a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (252 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque), and a 1.6L Turbo-Diesel inline-4 (137 hp, 240 lb-ft of torque). All engine options are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, except the 2.0L which is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Equinox for its spacious interior and user-friendly infotainment system, but some common complaints include the base engine feeling underpowered, and the automatic stop/start system being intrusive.

Engine

1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored closely.
  • Solution: Regular oil level checks and using the recommended oil type and viscosity. For severe cases, a dealer can perform an oil consumption test to determine the extent of the issue. In some cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Purge Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The purge valve can fail, leading to a check engine light and rough idling.
  • Solution: Replace the purge valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Piston Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the pistons crack, leading to engine failure
  • Solution: Full engine replacement, or piston replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6L Turbo-Diesel Inline-4 No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (paired with 1.5L and 1.6L engines)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a transmission fluid flush or valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $800 (valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic (paired with 2.0L engine)

• Hesitation/Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported hesitation when accelerating, particularly at lower speeds, and rough or clunky shifting between gears.
  • Solution: A software update can sometimes improve the transmission’s behavior. In some cases, valve body issues may require replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (software update) - $800 (valve body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced premature wear of components like struts, shocks, and sway bar links, leading to a bumpy ride and clunking noises.
  • Solution: Replace the worn components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800 per corner, depending on the component.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining overnight or within a short period of time, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify the parasitic drain. Potential causes include faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive, requiring a restart.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $800+ (unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Hatch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear hatch not opening or closing properly.
  • Solution: Replace the hatch struts or the latch actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working, getting too hot, or turning off intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has some reported issues that potential buyers should be aware of. The most concerning are the potential for excessive oil consumption and piston cracking in the turbocharged engines, which can lead to costly repairs. Transmission issues, particularly with the 9-speed automatic, can also be a source of frustration. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be quite severe and costly. Overall, the 2018 Equinox offers a comfortable ride and decent features, but potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and be prepared for the possibility of some of these common issues arising.