general problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox - part 2

115 problems related to service brakes have been reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox based on all problems reported for the 2018 Equinox.

36 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2024

My son was driving our 2018 Equinox on the interstate when he went to brake while turning to an off-ramp. He discovered he had almost no ability to brake and narrowly avoided an accident. We discovered later that the vacuum pump responsible for the brake assist failed in catastrophic fashion. It not only failed but deposited numerous metal fragments in the crank case.

37 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2024

Driving interstate without difficulty. Made stop at rest area, got out with children, turned vehicle off. Returned to vehicle to leave, cranked vehicle put in reverse but had no brakes. Brakes in down position. Brakes would not return to normal position. Turned vehicle off and looked under vehicle and noticed oil on the ground. No indicator lights on dash to alert of any issues. Tried to crank vehicle all power came on but motor would not turn over (long crank) brakes remained in down position. Had vehicle towed home and upon inspection, oil was seen leaking out of the side of motor where brake vacuum pump is housed and noticed a crack in the brake vacuum pump housing. Oil leaking onto ground.

38 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 05/31/2024

Service brake light comes on. Can hardly push brake pedal down.

39 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2024

The brakes in our 2018 chevy Equinox have went out three times in the past month. First time the car was parked fully functioning the night before, woke up the next morning for work and there was no brakes. Replaced the vacuum pump and they worked good as new. Second time we are driving down a busy highway and had been for half an hour. 2 minutes from our destination at the only turn we had to make the whole trip, the brakes all of a sudden went out. This could have easily resulted in a fatal crash. Again, the vacuum pump. Now were to today, the third time our brakes have failed and this time it came with the check engine light and “engine power reduced”. Gm needs to recall.

40 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 04/25/2024

Due to mechanical error with the vacuum brake pump that has had millions of vehicles listed in the recall except for the Equinox, it caused $4,000 worth of damage to my vehicle and almost caused a crash on a highway in close proximity to an ambulance that was actively on an emergency run. I was on a major highway traveling at about 60 mph. I was able to coast enough to wear I could safely get to the shoulder of the highway, take an exit ramp, and coast up the hill out of the way of the ambulance. I contacted gm and have yet to hear anything further back. This incident could have cause a catastrophic crash and further delayed medical treatment for whomever was needing the ambulance. After some research on the matter, I found that 3. 4 million vehicles of gm were recalled after this exact issue had resulted in 113 accidents and 13 injuries. 2014-2018 model year Cadillac escalade, Chevrolet silverado, Chevrolet suburban, Chevrolet tahoe, GMC sierra and GMC yukon were all listed under the recall, but not the Equinox. After being forced to have the vehicle towed to a dealership, they confirmed that the vacuum brake pump seizing up is what caused the pedal to lock up and send metal into my engine, which has now cost me upwards of $4,000. General motors failed to include the Equinox in this recalls and still refuses to do so. I fear this will happen, in time, to other owners of a Chevrolet Equinox. I am reaching out to all possible avenues for what my next options are and attempting to prevent this from happening to someone else. Gm needs to be held responsible for this matter and issue a recall for the Equinox as well before something catastrophic happens if it hasn't all ready.

41 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 04/22/2024

Vacuum pump coming apart internally making it virtually impossible to stop the car using the brakes. This was a known issue on other gm models the vacuum pump failing caused damage to my camshaft and possibly to my engine.

42 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 01/22/2024

The service brake assist light came on and the brakes stopped working properly while driving on the highway. The car gave no indication that anything was wrong prior to the brakes going out and the message engine limited to reduced speed. I had to use all the power in my body to slow the car down and once stopped it did not start again. At that point the light came on. Now they are saying the problem is the brake vaccum pump which has a recall for many vehicles including the year just not my particular vehicle. If someone was driving in front of me, I could have possibly had a serious accident.

43 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/22/2023

The vacuum pump that provides brake assist failed without any prior warning. This resulted in an inability to properly stop the vehicle. This could have resulted in serious injury or death, but we were fortunate that the failure occurred at night in an area where there was no traffic or pedestrians. This failure appears to be similar to a previous recall that affected slightly earlier model years of gm cars and trucks. The vacuum pump was replaced and corrected the problem.

44 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/16/2023

Vacuum pump for brake booster failed. Lost braking power. Caused debris to be injected in to engine. Caused camshaft failure. Dealership confirmed, and inspected. Check engine light and reduced engine power message at time of failure. Slight rear brake pulsation 1/2 hour before. I thought it was just moisture/rust on the rotor as the car had been in the body shop for 2 months following a deer collision.

45 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2023

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.

46 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2023

The vacumm pump grenaded and sent metal chunks into the camshaft knocking the reluctant wheel out of position causing the car to shut down and lose brakes and power steering. There were no prior engine codes or warning. Multiple mechanics verified this and it is a known issue. Gm needs to deal with this and should put out a recall. Such a new vehicle should not need motor work at 70k miles!!.

47 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2023

My 2018 Equinox is not included in any recalls. However, it has been in for engine repair, even though the vehicle only had 70,000 miles on it at the time. After that, the abs system was acting up, the automatic door locks and locking mechanism failed and went outs, the brakes have been repaired three times and the suspension is worn down. I only have $86,000 mi on it. I am now getting ready to take it in again for transmission issues. My car is not included in any recalls, but seems to have the issues stated and all the recalls.

48 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/15/2023

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.

49 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 11/07/2023

I'm writing to request an extension of the recall for the brake vacuum pump issue and seek compensation for repairs on my 2018 chevy Equinox. In November 2023, while exiting [xxx] in warwick, ri, my brakes failed despite full pressure. I had to steer into the breakdown lane and eventually stopped in a parking lot. At the time, I was nine months pregnant and extremely shaken. After stopping, the vehicle exhibited erratic behavior and not stopping, entering "limp mode. " the car was towed to a local mechanic who initially thought the brakes were at fault. It was later diagnosed at sullivan tire that a "catastrophic failure of the brake vacuum pump" caused camshaft damage, leading to repair costs of $3,197. 17. The mechanic stated this failure was unprecedented for a vehicle with only 64,271 miles. I discovered that a recall for this issue exists but does not cover the 2018 Equinox. Many owners of this model have reported similar problems. Requests: recall extension: please extend the recall to include the 2018 Equinox and other affected models to prevent further incidents. Compensation: I seek reimbursement of $3,197. 17 for repairs. I have documentation and faulty parts available for inspection if needed. I have contacted chevy and they have not been helpful, and this needs to be filed for a full recall. Attached are the repair invoice, proof of faulty parts, and links to related complaints. I look forward to your prompt resolution to prevent future issues for consumers. I still have the damaged parts for proof failure in my possession. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

50 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 10/25/2023

1. My brakes failed as I was getting off the highway and I flew past my turn. There was no warning light at the time of the failure and there was no prior indication or warning that there was an issue with the brake booster vacuum pump, sensor, and vacuum line. 2. Luckily it was around midnight and no one was on the road and I was able to roll to a stop about 200-300 yards past where I wanted to turn. If the failure had happened during the day it would have resulted in a crash involving myself and possible another vehicle or building. 3. I have read similar stories to my own online and almost all instances I read involved a crash. 3/4. The dealership found the problem and fixed the problem, but very very expensive fix. 5. No warnings of any kind before or after the the failure. The brakes failed in real time (out of the blue). There was nothing before, during, or after. Didn't even know this was a concern as an Equinox owner.

51 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 10/12/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph and coming to a traffic signal he depressed the brake pedal and felt extreme resistance. The brake pedal would not depress and the contact stated he observed a warning that stated "brake system fault. " the contact ran through the intersection and crashed into a vehicle that was crossing the intersection on the rear right quarter panel. The contact stated that the other vehicle stopped, his vehicle continued through the intersection and was stopped by the curb on the opposite side of the intersection. The contact stated that his entire front end of his vehicle was damaged, both headlights were broken the front bumper had detached. The contact stated that all the front and side air bags had deployed. The contact reported he had sustained minor scratches on his arms and legs and a minor abrasion on his left arm. The contact and the other driver refused medical treatment. The contact stated that the police were on scene and wrote a report. The contact stated that both vehicle were towed away from the scene of the crash. The contact's vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

52 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2023

While going 80mph on the highway at 2:00am on or around 10/6/2023, my power braking system went out without warning. I was able to get it off the road and to a shop where they told me it was the vacuum pump and cam shaft. Repair took a week. 7 months later on 5/31/2024, it went out again, luckily in town going 35mph, and involved the vacuum pump, cam shaft, and this time the oil pump as well. Repair took 5 months due to parts availability. The only time the engine light came on, it was for a sensor unrelated to this issue.

53 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 09/29/2023

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.

54 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 09/07/2023

No warnings or lights. Brakes failed taking vehicle out of garage with foster children. All maintenance was kept up. 55,900 miles. Towed to Nissan dealer where purchased. Shop didn't know the cause. Vehicle could not be repaired because the cause was never found. Could it happen again, out of the blue, without warning. Documents available on request only. Dates of incident may be off a bit.

55 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to remain running after being started. While depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that his brother used an odb scanner and retrieved dtc codes: p0017 (crank shaft phaser, exhaust camshaft, valve cover gasket), p1556 (variable-solenoid), p0011 (camshaft), po0014 (engine), and p2227 (turbo charger). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the timing chain, cam shaft, brake booster, and vacuum pump. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that there was no coverage for the repair under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000.

56 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2023

Pulling out of a parking lot. Service brake assist light came on. Brake malfunction. My kids and my safety at risk because I could have crashed had I not stopped. Car stalled and unable to restart. Car had to be towed. Mechanic looked at the care and the vacuum pump is broken and affected the timing chain. 2018 chevy Equinox. Many other reports online of this issue with chevy. Per chevy there are no recalls on this issue.

57 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 08/27/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service brake assists warning light illuminated. The contact stated that right after the warning light illuminated, the contact rear-ended the vehicle in front. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable for approximately 10 seconds while driving 40 mph on a busy roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed vacuum pump for the braking system. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,500.

58 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 08/26/2023

Lost brakes had to have a pump booster pipe sensor the pump broke inside of motor I read on the internet this has happened to a few people.

59 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 08/13/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

60 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 07/29/2023

The vacuum pump that controls the power brakes broke/went tight, causing the brake pedal to get extremely hard and almost caused us to crash on the interstate. It turns out that this vacuum pump is attached to the camshaft on the 2018 Equinox and it doesn't have a shear pin, so when it goes tight, it destroys the camshaft and timining chain as well. It will cost over $4k to repair. This is a huge safety concern, not to mention the unexcpected costs to the consumer. Gm is well aware of this issue, and has issued recalls on the same vacuum pump on different models of Chevrolets/gmcs.

61 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 07/14/2023

Vaccum for the brakes have gone out 3 times in the last 2 years. This is the second time I have almost crashed with my kids in the car!!.

62 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2023

Auto stop caused service brake assist warning to pop up on dash. Resolved on its own. A week later, steering assist disabled message pops up while driving and car didn't start after coming to a stop. Service esc, traction off, service brake assist messages, all pop up. Car did not restart. Vehicle is currently at cooley Chevrolet in irving, TX awaiting results of tests. Obviously, this is a common issue judging from the number of complaints on the internet about it.

63 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. Additionally, while the brake pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop in a reasonable amount of time. The service brake assist warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v576000 (service brakes, hydraulics) however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,312.

64 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 06/17/2023

The emergency break was stuck it wouldn’t allow the parking break to release which caused me to not be able to stop. It drove fine for 40 miles then when I turned into a parking lot it wouldn’t stop even with the emergency break released.

65 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2023

I was driving in a major city near mt house when I went to return rught and apply the brakes my petal went right to the floor and SUV wouldn't stop so I firmly mashed brake pedal and got vehicle to stop. Upon hitting out of SUV I xhexked brake resuvour abd it still had brake fluid in it. I sat a few moment tovaee ifvit was just hot and after a few minutes unstated SUV and xstill had no power brakes. And so I carefully drove the SUV back ti mt house. When I'm trouble shooting it now I suspect the master brake cylebdwrxwent out on the SUV. Luckily ivqas able to stop safely and didnt get into an accident. And cause major vehicle damage or guttvirckmkill soneine or even my self. Thecsyv is a 2018cwgixh I fibdxl it strange that a fairly new shouldn't have a master cylender go out that fast. I just wanted to letsomeone know avout thisoproblem before it happens to someneone else which could seriously hurt or kill someone thankbyou.

66 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 03/22/2023

Service brake assist.

67 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2023

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.

68 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/30/2022

Vaccum pump brake failure while coming to a red-light. Lucky to avoid serious injury. Definitely put my children at risk! no warning lights or dash notices until after the incident. Vehicle was inspected two days prior.

69 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2022

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.

70 Service Brakes problem

Failure Date: 12/02/2022

I have never experienced an issue prior to today, no warning lights on, no symptoms. While driving down the highway I had to slow for traffic and my brake pedal would not push down, a terrible noise was heard and it took everything in my body to stop my vehicle. I thought I was going to kill everyone in front of me. Had to swerve to the right to prevent this. I then see the words, “service brake assist”. Then the check engine light came on. In researching I see there is a history of brake issues. I haven’t taken it to a repair shop because it literally just occurred and I can’t stop shaking to take it or tow it.


Other Service Brakes related problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox


Equinox Service Bulletins
Equinox Safety Recalls
Equinox Defect Investigations