2018–2024 Chevrolet Equinox: what to inspect before you bid at auction

Before you bid: what to have checked

Issues documented for this generation. They are patterns for the model, not findings about any specific car, and many depend on the engine, mileage and service history. Confirm on the unit you are bidding on.

• Engine-driven brake vacuum pump failure on the 1.5L: GM PIP5835 cites increased brake pedal effort, and owners describe the pedal suddenly going hard. Per GM TSB 21-NA-268, broken pump drive lugs can put the exhaust camshaft reluctor out of phase, causing a crank-no-start or long crank verified source
  System: Brakes · Applies to: 1.5T LYX / 6AT · Documented around: varies · About: varies
  Reported signs: Service Brake Assist message; brake pedal became extremely hard; brakes hard as a rock to push; steering went stiff at the same time; car cranks but won't start; check engine light, codes P0014 P0017 P0365 P0366
  Source: GM PIP5835 (Jan 2022): 2018-2022 Equinox 1.5L LYX, increased brake pedal effort caused by mechanical engine vacuum pump failure, repair per TSB 21-NA-268. GM TSB 21-NA-268 (Jun 2024): crank no start / extended crank / MIL / increased brake pedal effort with DTCs P0014, P0017, P0365, P0366, caused by exhaust camshaft reluctor out of phase; if the vacuum pump drive lugs are broken or the reluctor is out of position, replace the exhaust camshaft and vacuum pump. NHTSA complaints API keyword matches (pulled 2026-10-20) (case-insensitive keyword search of complaint text; matches are not confirmed failures): 153 complaints have text matching the vacuum pump (2018:60, 2019:42, 2020:48, 2021:2, 2022:1) and 58 mention 'Service Brake Assist'
• Fuel pump module or fuel pump power control module failure; NHTSA 23V013000: "The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall." verified source
  System: Fuel system/emissions · Applies to: 1.5T LYX / 6AT | 1.5T LSD / 6AT · Documented around: varies · About: varies
  Reported signs: stalled in the middle of the highway; car started shuddering badly and stalled; vehicle failed to restart; lost power making a turn and stalled; check engine light, won't start
  Source: NHTSA recall 23V013000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V013000), report received 19/01/2023, 23323 units potentially affected per NHTSA (GM N222372310), 2021-2022 Equinox; consequence: "An engine stall increases the risk of a crash." GM emission recalls N252516900 (2022 Equinox, launch completed Feb 2026) and N262558690 (2023 Equinox, population expanded Sep 2026): fuel pump power control module may fail and interrupt fuel flow; dealer replaces the module. NHTSA complaints API keyword matches (pulled 2026-10-20; case-insensitive search, not confirmed failures): 204 complaints have text matching the fuel pump (2018:7, 2019:8, 2020:33, 2021:15, 2022:83, 2023:40, 2024:18) and 68 the fuel pump control/power module (2020:13, 2022:42)
• High-pressure (direct injection) fuel pump on the 2023-2024 1.5L LSD can fail internally and contaminate the injectors: check engine light, stalling or no start verified source
  System: Fuel system/emissions · Applies to: 1.5T LSD / 6AT · Documented around: varies · About: 1-2 years
  Reported signs: check engine light, code P0089 or P00C6; stalled and would not restart; hard to start
  Source: GM service update N242450160-01 (Dec 2024): 2023-2024 Equinox, high pressure fuel pump potentially inoperative; replace pump and feed pipe (1.5 hr), with customer reimbursement; runs until the end of the Emission Limited Warranty. GM PIP6003C (Dec 2024): 2023-2024 Equinox 1.5L LSD, MIL, potential stall/no start, DTCs P0089 P228C P00C6, high pressure pump and injector internal concern. NHTSA complaints API keyword matches (pulled 2026-10-20) (case-insensitive keyword search of complaint text; matches are not confirmed failures): 17 complaints have text matching the high pressure fuel pump, 10 of them 2023
• Charge air cooler outlet duct pops off the throttle body on the 1.5L, causing reduced engine power and a check engine light verified source
  System: Engine (minor) · Applies to: 1.5T LYX / 6AT · Documented around: varies · About: varies
  Reported signs: Engine Power Reduced message; won't go over 30 mph; car blows off the hose at the throttle body; check engine light, code P0299
  Source: GM emission recall N192271200 (Dec 2019): 1.5L LYX/LFV, charge air cooler outlet duct may disconnect from the throttle body. GM customer satisfaction program N192266090 (2019 Equinox): install a charge air cooler retainer kit. carcomplaints.com 2019 Equinox engine: 'Charge Cooler Tube Failure' is the top engine problem (10 reports). NHTSA complaints API keyword matches (pulled 2026-10-20) (case-insensitive keyword search of complaint text; matches are not confirmed failures): 14 complaints have text matching the charge air cooler/intercooler tube and 58 mention reduced engine power
• Reduced power in cold weather from oil/moisture condensate freezing in the turbo wastegate regulator solenoid valve verified source
  System: Engine (minor) · Applies to: 1.5T LYX / 6AT · Documented around: varies · About: varies; winter
  Reported signs: turbo failure in cold temperatures; hesitates and won't accelerate in cold weather; Engine Power Reduced in winter
  Source: GM PIP5812C (Jan 2023): 2018-2022 Equinox 1.5L LYX, DTC P0234/P0299 in cold weather from condensate freezing in the wastegate regulator solenoid valve; drain and blow out the valve. carcomplaints.com 2018 Equinox engine: 'Turbo Failure In Cold Temperatures' (2 reports)
• Start/stop accumulator endcap recall: NHTSA 20V668000: "The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts"; consequence: "could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion" verified source
  System: Transmission (minor) · Applies to: 1.5T LYX / 6AT | 2.0T LTG / 9AT · Documented around: varies · About: varies
  Reported signs: transmission fluid leaking from the accumulator; transmission slipping and shifting hard; auto stop failed to restart
  Source: NHTSA recall 20V668000 (GM N202313440): 2018-2020 Equinox among other GM models, start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts, causing a transmission oil leak and possible loss of propulsion; 194,105 units. NHTSA complaints API keyword matches (pulled 2026-10-20) (case-insensitive keyword search of complaint text; matches are not confirmed failures): 41 complaints have text matching start/stop (2018:15, 2019:13)
• 2018 9-speed (2.0L) gets stuck in 1st or reverse, won't go above about 25 mph, or ties up on the 1-2 shift, with DTC P2731 verified source
  System: Transmission (major) · Applies to: 2.0T LTG / 9AT · Documented around: varies · About: varies
  Reported signs: stuck in 2nd gear, will not upshift; won't go above 25-30 mph; check engine light on with shifting problem; not shifting properly
  Source: GM TSB 18-NA-121 (Mar 2020, replaces PIP5556): 2018 Equinox with 9-speed, cause software anomaly; replace the control valve body spacer plate and update the TCM. GM PIP5557C (Aug 2018): restricted valve body spacer plate orifice #33. carcomplaints.com 2018 Equinox transmission: 'Not Shifting Properly' (5 reports)

Recon cost reference

Estimates from the sources shown, priced as of 2026-10-20. Your shop rate, parts sourcing and the car's actual condition decide the real number. These are not quotes.

Powertrains

Engine and transmission combinations documented for this generation. Which one a given car has can only be confirmed from the VIN or the car itself. Some items above apply only to certain powertrains.

• 1.5L LYX turbocharged I4 with 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, model years 2018–2022
  Source: Wikipedia, Chevrolet Equinox article, third generation section (fetched 2026-10-20); GM PIP5835, PIP5812C and TSB 21-NA-268 list 2018-2022 Equinox with the 1.5L LYX
• 1.5L LSD turbocharged I4 with 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, model years 2023–2024
  Source: Wikipedia, Chevrolet Equinox article, third generation section (fetched 2026-10-20); GM PIP6003C lists 2023-2024 Equinox with the 1.5L LSD
• 2.0L LTG turbocharged I4 with 9-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, model years 2018–2020
  Source: Wikipedia, Chevrolet Equinox article, third generation section (fetched 2026-10-20); GM TSB 18-NA-121 lists the 2018 Equinox with 9-speed RPOs M3D/M3E/M3T/M3V
• 1.6L LH7 turbo-diesel I4 with 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, model years 2018–2019
  Source: Wikipedia, Chevrolet Equinox article, third generation section (fetched 2026-10-20) (diesel dropped for 2020 for low demand)

NHTSA recalls: verify this VIN

A recall that applies to a model is not proof that a specific car has an open recall. Whether this VIN is affected, and whether the repair was done, is shown by NHTSA's VIN lookup. Check it before you bid.

NHTSA campaigns listed for this generation when it was researched (2026-10-20): 17V516000, 18V252000, 18V358000, 18V576000, 19V184000, 19V667000, 19V704000, 20V668000, 20V811000, 21V612000, 22V359000, 22V724000, 22V929000, 23V013000, 23V339000, 23V869000. The list may be out of date.

Manufacturer bulletins (TSBs)

Technical service bulletins are the manufacturer's own guidance to its dealers. A bulletin is not a recall and does not mean a repair is free. Coverage depends on the manufacturer's terms and the VIN.

• GM PIP5835 (Jan 2022)
  Increased brake pedal effort from mechanical engine vacuum pump failure, 2018-2022 1.5L LYX
  diagnostic tip; normal warranty only
  Source: NHTSA document MC-10208020 · applies to 1.5T LYX / 6AT
• GM TSB 21-NA-268 (Jun 2024)
  Crank no start / extended crank / MIL / hard brake pedal with P0014, P0017, P0365, P0366; exhaust cam reluctor out of phase from broken vacuum pump drive lugs; replace exhaust camshaft and vacuum pump
  We found no GM special coverage; repairs fall under GM's 3 yr/36,000 mi bumper-to-bumper or 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain warranty within its terms
  Source: NHTSA document MC-11004762 · applies to 1.5T LYX / 6AT
• GM PIP5812C (Jan 2023)
  P0234/P0299 in cold weather from frozen condensate in the turbo wastegate regulator solenoid valve
  fix is draining/blowing out the valve, not a new turbo
  Source: NHTSA document MC-10231622 · applies to 1.5T LYX / 6AT
• GM emission recall N192271200 (Dec 2019)
  Charge air cooler outlet duct may disconnect from the throttle body (1.5L LYX)
  emission recall, free; check the VIN
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer communication 10171241 · applies to 1.5T LYX / 6AT
• GM program N192266090 (2019)
  Install charge air cooler retainer kit, 2019 Equinox
  customer satisfaction program
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer communication 10166235 · applies to 1.5T LYX / 6AT
• GM service update N242450160-01 (Dec 2024)
  2023-2024 Equinox high pressure fuel pump potentially inoperative; replace pump and feed pipe
  free, with reimbursement for past repairs; runs to the end of the Emission Limited Warranty
  Source: NHTSA document MC-11011892 · applies to 1.5T LSD / 6AT
• GM PIP6003C (Dec 2024)
  MIL, possible stall/no start, P0089 P228C P00C6 from high pressure pump and injector internal concern (2023-2024 LSD)
  diagnostic tip; warranty repair
  Source: NHTSA document MC-11012006 · applies to 1.5T LSD / 6AT
• GM emission recall N252516900-01 (Feb 2026)
  2022 Equinox fuel pump power control module may fail and interrupt fuel flow; replace module (0.4 hr)
  emission recall, free, all VINs open
  Source: NHTSA document MC-11028909 · applies to 1.5T LYX / 6AT | 1.5T LSD / 6AT
• GM emission recall N262558690 (Sep 2026)
  2023 Equinox fuel pump power control module may fail; phased launch, population expanded Sep 2026
  emission recall, free; VINs being opened in phases
  Source: NHTSA documents MC-11037321, MC-11036648 · applies to 1.5T LSD / 6AT
• GM TSB 18-NA-121 (Mar 2020)
  2018 9-speed: stuck in 1st/reverse, won't exceed 25 mph, 1-2 tie-up, P2731; replace valve body spacer plate and reprogram TCM
  normal powertrain warranty
  Source: NHTSA document MC-10174265 · applies to 2.0T LTG / 9AT
• GM TSB 17-NA-191 (2017)
  2018 Equinox: reprogram ECM for lack of power or stall during deceleration or idle
  normal warranty
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer communication 10126084
• GM program N182199610 (Mar 2019)
  2018-2019: high pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel
  customer satisfaction program; check the VIN
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer communication 10159557
• GM program N242444550 (Oct 2024)
  2024 Equinox torque converter spring retainer out of spec; inspect and replace torque converter or transmission if needed
  program in effect until Oct 31, 2026
  Source: NHTSA document MC-11008198 · applies to 1.5T LSD / 6AT
• GM program N202323980 (Feb 2021)
  2021 Equinox built without charge air cooler cold weather shutters (RPO VRI)
  customer satisfaction program
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer communication 10189210
• GM programs N212354520 / N212354522 (2022)
  Semiconductor shortage: front heated/ventilated or rear heated seats not functional on some 2022-2023 builds; dealer enables them later
  customer satisfaction program
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications 10218685, 10220247
• GM program N222381840 (Apr 2023)
  Semiconductor shortage: side blind zone alert not functional on some 2022 builds
  customer satisfaction program
  Source: NHTSA manufacturer communication 10234615

Warranty and program notes

Extended coverage and special programs documented for this generation. Eligibility depends on the VIN, so verify it with the manufacturer. Do not assume a program does or does not apply.

• Emission recalls N252516900 (2022) and N262558690 (2023) replace the fuel pump power control module for free; emission recalls do not expire verified source
  Source: GM bulletins N252516900-01, N262558690 (NHTSA documents MC-11028909, MC-11037321)
• Service update N242450160 (2023-2024 high pressure fuel pump) runs until the end of each vehicle's Emission Limited Warranty and includes reimbursement for past repairs verified source
  Source: GM service update N242450160-01 (NHTSA document MC-11011892)
• 2024 torque converter program N242444550 ends Oct 31, 2026 verified source
  Source: GM program N242444550 (NHTSA document MC-11008198)
• No GM special coverage was found for the 1.5L brake vacuum pump failure; repairs outside the 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain or 3 yr/36,000 mi bumper-to-bumper warranty are paid by the owner unless GM grants goodwill commonly reported
  Source: Search of NHTSA manufacturer communications for MY2018-2024 Equinox (1,448 documents, pulled 2026-10-20) found PIP5835 and 21-NA-268 only, with no coverage program; warranty terms per Chevrolet standard limited warranty

NHTSA complaint records

NHTSA records show 1490 consumer complaints on file for model years 2018–2024 (pulled 2026-10-20). These are tallies of complaints that name a component, matched on NHTSA's component field. They are not failure rates, and a complaint is a consumer report, not a finding that a part failed. A complaint naming several components counts once toward each.

• SERVICE BRAKES368
• ENGINE354
• FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM292
• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM216
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER197
• POWER TRAIN189
• FUEL SYSTEM66
• GASOLINE66
• FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE61
• STEERING59

Sources and when this was researched

Last researched: 2026-10-20. VehicleIQ research for this generation; each item above names its own source and whether it is a verified source or commonly reported. Details change, so treat this as a starting point for your inspection.