2018 Chevrolet Equinox Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 Equinox
5
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (132 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 132 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (86 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 86 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (66 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 66 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (61 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 61 NHTSA complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System complaints Red flag
Note any stalling, hesitation, or fuel smell on the test drive, and verify that open fuel-system recalls were completed. (33 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 33 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
28 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Check
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Visibility Red flag
If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Power Train Check
If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
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.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 Equinox–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2018 Equinox. The most serious involve Service Brakes, Hydraulic (18V576000) and Visibility (18V252000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 Equinox?
The top complaint areas are Service Brakes (132 complaints) and Engine (86 complaints), out of 408 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Equinox?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Service Brakes, which drew 132 complaints for this model-year.