2018 Chevrolet Equinox electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

49 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, 16% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 59,500 mi.

Electrical System complaints
49
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
59,500 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system45
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer2
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1

Electrical System complaints across Chevrolet Equinox years

72005172007212009201720112525201320232015121520174937201941172021221220231779202512
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k310k–30k530k–60k560k–100k1100k–150k3150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 16, 2026CAElectrical System
    Chevrolet 2018 Equinox with 2.0L has a fail for no OBD communication. The vehicle was take to two separate Smog Local State Inspections; however, the vehicle failed to communicate with the system. I believe from looking at previous complaints on NHTSA that the vehicle has a module with defects and needs to be replaced. Vehicle has 49,000 miles. Previous complaint states that the local dealer was contacted; however, Product Emission Recall: N202298780; repair was available.…
    NHTSA complaint #11764676 · source
  2. Filed Sep 15, 2026ILElectrical System
    Unknown 2018 chevy equinox is known that the radio goes out, even after reset or hard reset (disconnect battery) the screen is black no sounds or music plays and the biggest safety related is no reverse camera
    NHTSA complaint #11764391 · source
  3. Filed Sep 2, 2026ILElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers
    Back wiper stopped working while it was on. Wiper arm is stuck straight up on back window. Back wiper motor got extremely hot still trying to work with the car ON or OFF. Would make a clicking sound every 30secounds 24/7 and would drain the battery dead. No power.
    NHTSA complaint #11761747 · source
  4. Filed Jul 12, 2026CAElectrical System
    About 3 weeks ago my battery completely died and I had to get 3 jump starts in one day. Upon replacing my battery I continued to experience a drained battery. Then my in-car wifi stopped working. I contacted onstar and they attempted to reset it which didn't work. So they escalated the issue to the highest department. I also had the battery and alternator tested and it showed that the battery and alternator were not the issue. It was decided that the problem was electrical.…
    NHTSA complaint #11749883 · source
  5. Filed Apr 21, 2026252,000 miILElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 75,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 252,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11732694 · source
  6. Filed Apr 9, 2026155,000 miGAElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the odometer mileage was 60,248. The contact stated that upon applying for extended warranty services, the contact was informed that the odometer was last reported at 155,000. In addition, the contact purchased a Carfax Report, which indicated that in September 2024, the odometer mileage was 144,738. The dealer was made aware…
    NHTSA complaint #11730173 · source
  7. Filed Feb 26, 202675,000 miCAElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to three separate Smog Local State Inspections; however, the vehicle failed to communicate with the system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an unstated module needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted; however, Product Emission Recall: N202298780; repair was available. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
    NHTSA complaint #11720750 · source
  8. Filed Feb 9, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngine
    Vehicle is leaking coolant excessively. Faulty 55513550 water pump (ACDelco/GM OE) commonly causes engine overheating, coolant leaks (often from the weep hole), and unusual noise (squeaking/rumbling) in 1.6L diesel engines for Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox, and GMC Terrain. It may cause cabin heating issues and trigger engine codes. Major Problem #2: Electrical Described by Tony Dubois at Midas (Cinco Ranch location) - Electrical pulse are being received through the wiring…
    NHTSA complaint #11716625 · source
  9. Filed Feb 3, 2026101,000 miMIElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after having a software update to the ECM following the notice of an unknown recall, on several occasions while in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed like it would accelerate forward. The contact had to push the vehicle for the vehicle to reverse. The contact that while pressing the ignition button on several occasions, the vehicle failed to start.…
    NHTSA complaint #11715300 · source
  10. Filed Jun 28, 2025OHElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    1st Incident: Code P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Sensor In March of 2024 - driving on highway dashboard warning lights illuminated(traction control & reduced engine power) vehicle went into limp mode putting my family & I in danger due to traffic volume and speed on highway. Had to drive on berm at speeds below 25mph to exit freeway safely. Removed battery cable to reset computer. Taken to Serra Bartlett Chevrolet in Memphis- couldn't get vehicle to repeat error. 2nd Incident:…
    NHTSA complaint #11669940 · source
  11. Filed Apr 24, 2025CAElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    The speedometer does not operate. The gas gauge does not operate. The odometer does not operate and is not tracking miles driven. The blinkers work but no blinker sound occurs. Head lights must be turned on and off manually. The radio must be turned off manually. I ran out of gas on the freeway and Highway Patrol had to close the freeway to remove me safely under quite dangerous conditions. There is no way to monitor my speed. The milage is not being reported to reflect the…
    NHTSA complaint #11656588 · source
  12. Filed Nov 26, 2024TXBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    My car alerts shift to park when it is already parked and will not shut off. The battery has to be disconnected to turn the car off. It won't start and the dash displays multiple lights park, check engine lights, tire lights and more
    NHTSA complaint #11627477 · source

Other 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problem areas

Back to all 2018 Chevrolet Equinox problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology