Many people buy sports utility vehicles (SUVs) to reliably transport their families while having the option of using four-wheel drive in the snow or off-road. Generally, SUVs can be enjoyable vehicles for customers, but not when their reliability is questionable.
Folks have turned to Chevrolet’s take on the compact SUV, the Equinox, because of either brand loyalty or historical reliability. However, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox’s problems quickly become apparent to customers. The 2018 Chevy Equinox’s problems have frustrated loyal Chevy customers, from engine failures to braking issues.
2018 Chevy Equinox Engine Issues
Your SUV’s engine is the most critical part of your vehicle. After a lot of use and many miles, you’d expect that your engine may need some upkeep or repairs. But with the 2018 Chevy Equinox, engine problems may start pretty much as soon as you leave the dealer.
One customer reported to Edmunds: “Bought a new 2018 Equinox as my wife liked the 2010 Equinox that she drove (even though we had a lot of oil consumption issues with that vehicle). Being a loyal GM customer, went ahead and purchased a new 2018 Equinox. . . . [S]ince several years had passed and the vehicle had been completely redesigned, figured that all engine issues had been fixed. Unfortunately, no! With only 1,400 miles on the odometer, vehicle completely died as we were on the highway driving to a family reunion. Once the vehicle was examined by the dealership, they informed us that it needed a new engine (under warranty, of course). Couldn’t believe it….” Unfortunately, this is not the only customer who reported significant issues with their 2018 Chevy Equinox’s engine shortly after purchasing it.
Plus, the 2018 Chevy Equinox 1.5 turbo engine’s problems are exacerbated by cold weather. General Motors issued Bulletin No. PIP5812C because of the 2018 Chevy Equinox’s problem with oil or condensation freezing in the turbo engine. Hopefully, the instruction helps some Equinox owners, but that is less than reassuring for anyone who lives in a part of California that gets cold in the winter.
2018 Chevy Equinox Powertrain Issues
An SUV’s powertrain provides the get-up-and-go that you want for all types of weather and conditions. When the powertrain has problems, your car can’t go anywhere. Customers have reported that the 2018 Chevy Equinox’s problems extend to the powertrain.
A recall was issued due to the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox’s problems with its driveshaft. According to the recall notice, NHTSA 17V516000, the driveshaft would separate and break while driving. Customers brought their vehicles to Chevrolet dealers for repairs to avoid a horrible experience, only to learn that the parts to repair the driveshaft were not available.
One 2018 Chevrolet Equinox owner reported to Car Complaints: “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 . . . was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was contacted several times and was unable to confirm when the parts were to become available.”
After spending thousands of dollars on a 2018 Chevy Equinox, this customer couldn’t use it because the manufacturer was out of stock of the parts to make it safe for driving.
2018 Chevy Equinox Transmission Issues
A car’s transmission is responsible for moving power from the engine to the wheels so that you can accelerate. When the transmission isn’t working, you aren’t moving. Unfortunately, several customers have complained about the 2018 Equinox transmission problems.
The 2018 Chevy Equinox 1.5 turbo engine problems extend to the transmission. One customer reported to Edmunds: “I have had my 2018 equinox for 3 months, and I loved it until 2 days ago when the transmission failed. The part is back-ordered, so obviously this is happening to other people. The dealership says it could be 2 days or 2 weeks. . . . and they don’t have a loaner car.”
Additionally, customers have complained about the Chevy Equinox diesel problems. A 2018 Equinox diesel engine customer reported the following to Edmunds: “At 60000 miles needed new torque converter and transmission. Dealership hard to work with. I complained about the noises for months prior. Told me I had to wait for engine light to come on. Less than a month after new parts put in the same noises started. They blew me off big time. They knew it was a problem car and after numerous visits and complaining they provided me an extended warranty. 50000 miles later back in shop with same problem and now add a diesel particulate matter sensor (not covered) for 800.00. Worst 35,000.00 purchase ever made!!!”
As the customer above reported, the manufacturer is aware of some of the 2018 Chevy Equinox’s problems with the transmission. In fact, General Motors issued a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000, because of some issues that may result in transmission fluid leak that could lead to a fire.
2018 Chevy Equinox Brake Issues
If you are driving down the road and hit some traffic, the last thing you want is for your brakes to fail. The 2018 Equinox problems, however, may also extend to its brakes.
A customer reported to the NHTSA: “I own a 2018 Chevy Equinox. The brakes have now failed 3 times. Dealership confirmed each time it was an issue with the brake vacuum pump. The Equinox has not been included in a recall, yet there are clearly safety issues. GM had numerous cars recalled for this exact same reason. There is a serious safety issue here.”
Many of General Motors’ vehicles have had braking issues. Because of this, General Motors issued a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V576000, involving the 2018 Chevy Equinox. Apparently, “insufficient coating on rear brake caliper pistons” can cause diminished braking power. Hopefully, this recall remedies the issue. Nonetheless, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox’s problems have resulted in recalls affecting significant parts of the vehicle.
Can California’s Lemon Law Help with My 2018 Chevy Equinox Problems?
Under California law, you may have a remedy for your 2018 Chevy Equinox problems. California has one of the strongest Lemon Laws in the country. Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights under California’s Lemon Law.
If your Chevrolet Equinox is under warranty and has a defect, California’s Lemon Law requires the manufacturer to repair the vehicle within a reasonable amount of time or a reasonable number of attempts.
If it is unable to do so, you may have a right to have your vehicle replaced or receive a refund for the car’s value. Plus, the manufacturer is responsible for paying your reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
Hire a Lemon Law Attorney for Your 2018 Chevy Equinox Problems
You do not have to navigate the Lemon Law process on your own. An experienced California Lemon Law attorney can advocate for you so you don’t have to fight alone. The skilled advocates at the Lemon Law Experts have represented countless people with defective vehicles.
Unlike a lot of other law firms that handle many different types of cases, we are dedicated to helping people who have had the misfortune of purchasing a faulty vehicle. We know this area through and through, and we can put that knowledge to work for you. Call or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.
