The 2018 Equinox third-generation platform introduced significant powertrain issues, especially with the 1.5L turbo engine experiencing catastrophic internal failures and the 9-speed automatic transmission showing premature wear. These aren't nuisance problems—they're expensive, engine-replacement-level failures hitting earlier than any modern vehicle should.
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-1,000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Metallic knocking from engine bay, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0304), Complete loss of compression in one or more cylinders
Fix: The 1.5L ecotec suffers premature piston ring failure and carbon buildup leading to scored cylinder walls. Requires complete engine replacement or full rebuild with oversized pistons. GM issued TSB but no recall. 18-25 labor hours for replacement, 30+ for in-chassis rebuild.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000
9-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh shuddering between 2nd-3rd gear or 15-25 mph acceleration, Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Clunking during downshifts, Limp mode activation with codes P0700, P0776, P2808, Metal shavings visible in transmission fluid
Fix: The 9T45/9T50 transmission has chronic torque converter clutch issues and internal clutch pack failures. GM released multiple software updates that rarely fix mechanical damage. Requires transmission rebuild or replacement. 10-14 labor hours for R&R.
Estimated cost: $3,800-6,500
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 20V490)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Engine stalling while driving without warning, No-start condition with cranking but no fuel pressure, Rough running or hesitation under load, Check engine light with codes P0087, P0231
Fix: Defective fuel pump modules fail suddenly, leaving drivers stranded. Covered under recall 20V490, but many owners report failures after recall repair. Fuel pump module replacement requires dropping the tank. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Red transmission fluid pooling under vehicle, Fluid spots on driveway after overnight parking, Low transmission fluid warning light, Transmission overheating messages, Burnt transmission fluid smell
Fix: Steel cooler lines corrode at crimp connections or where they pass through frame mounts. Must replace entire line assembly, not just repair sections. Sometimes requires transmission drop for access. 3-5 labor hours depending on configuration.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Driveshaft Center Support Bearing Failure (AWD Models)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration at highway speeds (60+ mph), Clunking noise during acceleration or deceleration, Grinding or rumbling from center of vehicle, Vibration worsens under load or turning
Fix: Two-piece driveshaft center bearing wears prematurely on AWD models. Entire driveshaft assembly must be replaced (bearing not sold separately by GM). Recall 19V594 addressed some units. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $700-1,400
Rear Brake Caliper Seizing (Recall 19V139)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Rear brakes dragging (hot wheel after short drive), Reduced braking performance or pulling, Parking brake warning light staying on, Burning smell from rear brakes, Premature rear pad/rotor wear
Fix: Electric parking brake caliper actuators corrode and seize due to poor seal design. Recall 19V139 replaces calipers but many post-recall failures reported. Requires caliper replacement, not just service. 1.5-2 labor hours per side.
Estimated cost: $500-900
1.6L Diesel DEF System and DPF Failures
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P20EE (SCR efficiency), Reduced engine power mode, DEF quality or level warnings despite full tank, DPF regeneration failures, Poor fuel economy and sluggish acceleration
Fix: The 1.6L diesel (rare in US) has chronic DEF injector crystallization and DPF clogging issues. Requires DEF injector replacement and DPF cleaning or replacement. Scanner must command relearn procedures. 4-8 labor hours depending on components.
Estimated cost: $2,000-4,500
Owner tips
Check oil level every 500 miles on 1.5L turbo—excessive consumption is early warning sign
Change transmission fluid every 40,000 miles regardless of GM 'lifetime fluid' claims
Verify all recalls completed before purchase (especially fuel pump 20V490 and brake caliper 19V139)
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for corrosion at crimps and frame contact points
Avoid extended idle times and frequent short trips to reduce carbon buildup in 1.5L turbo
Hard pass unless deeply discounted—the 1.5L engine and 9-speed transmission combo has unacceptable failure rates for a vehicle this new, and repair costs often exceed remaining vehicle value.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall, mounted to bracket below brake master cylinder
🔧 GDS2 + GM SPS2 or J2534 + ACDelco TDS
⚠️ VIN lock and security gateway require GM subscription or advanced aftermarket with OEM gateway access. 1.5L turbo and 2.0L turbo use different part numbers but same location.
📍 Behind instrument panel, accessible after removing cluster trim bezel and four retaining screws
🔧 GDS2 + GM SPS2
⚠️ VIN and mileage programming mandatory. Mileage transfer requires proof of ownership and GM authorization.
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, forward of fuel tank, mounted to underbody frame rail
🔧 GDS2 or Autel (auto-relearn on key-on)
⚠️ PWM fuel pump driver. Auto-relearn on ignition cycle; no formal programming typically required.
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with rear liftgate handle assembly, center of liftgate
🔧 None (auto-detect)
⚠️ Standard equipment. Camera auto-detected by ICM; no programming typically required.
Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module (TPMS)no coding
📍 Integrated with BCM (no separate module)
⚠️ TPMS receiver function integrated into BCM. Sensor relearn via BCM using GDS2 or TPMS relearn tool.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Consequence: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 18V576000
2018-08-30
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
VISIBILITY · 18V252000
2018-04-19
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The driver and front passenger door window glass may not be properly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Consequence: If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the glass in the front doors, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18136.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 17V516000
2017-08-22
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Consequence: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Performance
Horsepower
137hp
Torque
240lb-ft
0–60 mph
10.2sec
Quarter mile
17.8sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
28mpg
Highway
38mpg
Combined
32mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
3,500lb
Payload
1,450lb
Curb weight
3,740lb
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
Third generation (2018-2023). Generation redesign changed wiper specifications.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox 1.6L I4 Diesel and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.