Free used car buyer guide / Third generation / D2XX / 2018-2022
Chevrolet Equinox common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.1/10
1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 1.5 lyx vacuum-pump failure with hard brake pedal. Score methodology.
The 2018-2022 Equinox is a practical used crossover, but the cheap ones often hide powertrain and brake-assist risk rather than simple wear. The big traps are 1.5 LYX vacuum-pump failure that can take out camshaft/timing parts and brake assist, CAC outlet tube separation causing reduced power, start-stop accumulator transmission fluid leaks, 2018 high-pressure fuel-pump flange recall, and 2.0T/9-speed cars with neglected cooling or shift complaints. The safest buy is a late 2021-2022 1.5 with clean recall history, no reduced-power codes, and documented vacuum-pump/CAC checks, or a 2.0T only if the 9-speed is smooth cold and hot. Current owners should treat reduced engine power plus hard brake pedal as urgent, not as a dashboard nuisance.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
1.5 LYX vacuum-pump
Best years
2021-2022
Best buys
- 2021-2022 1.5 FWD with no P1101/P0299 history, clean brake assist and no vacuum-pump noise.
- 2019-2020 2.0T Premier with 9-speed service records and no coolant or turbo underboost faults.
- Any 2018 only after driveshaft, fuel pump, rear caliper and start-stop accumulator recalls show closed.
Inspect hard
- 2018 launch year: multiple recalls and early engine/brake complaints make paperwork more important than trim.
- 1.5 LYX cars with Auto Stop complaints, hard pedal, P1101, P0299 or reduced-power history.
- Diesel 1.6 in markets where sold: emissions, DEF and parts support require specialist scan.
Avoid
- Hard brake pedal with reduced engine power, especially after vacuum-pump replacement without cam inspection.
- CAC tube repeatedly popping off or throttle-body damage around the charge pipe.
- Transmission-fluid leak or delayed shifts after the start-stop accumulator recall window.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Chevrolet Equinox viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Chevrolet Equinox should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
1.5L LYX turbo petrol
2018-2022
COMMON, BUT CHECK BRAKE VACUUM AND CAC
Most used Equinox examples have this engine. It is economical enough, but GM bulletins tie it to vacuum-pump brake-assist complaints and charge-air tube separation that can trigger reduced-power mode. A clean 1.5 is acceptable; one with hard brakes, metal in the vacuum pump drive or repeated P1101/P0299 is not.
2.0L LTG turbo petrol with 9-speed
2018-2020
BEST PERFORMANCE, HIGHER REPAIR COST
The 2.0T makes the Equinox feel much less strained and avoids some 1.5-specific vacuum-pump attention. It also brings more heat, more torque and the 9-speed automatic. Buy it on cooling-system dryness, turbo boost behavior and transmission shift quality.
1.6L LH7 turbo diesel
2018-2019 in selected markets
NICHE BUY
The diesel can be efficient for long-distance drivers, but emissions hardware, DEF quality, EGR/DPF use pattern and parts availability are more important than purchase price. Short-trip diesel Equinox examples are poor bets.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2018
Third-generation Equinox launched with 1.5 turbo, 2.0 turbo and 1.6 diesel options. Recalls included rear brake caliper pistons, high-pressure fuel pump, front intermediate driveshaft, start-stop accumulator and window glass on selected vehicles.
Buyer: Treat 2018 as paperwork-heavy. It can be cheap, but only buy after recall closure and a full scan for brake, engine and transmission history.
Owner: Keep recall records together. If the car has a hard brake pedal or reduced-power warning, mention PIP5835/21-NA-268 language when booking service.
2019
Same engine range, fewer launch defects, but 1.5 reduced-power and brake-vacuum complaints continued. Some cars remain inside rear caliper and start-stop accumulator recall populations.
Buyer: A clean 2019 is often better value than a 2018. Still test Auto Stop, brake feel and charge-pipe security on the 1.5.
Owner: Do not ignore underboost or MAF codes. They often return if the CAC tube or throttle-body connection is not fixed correctly.
2020
Final year for the 2.0T in many markets; 1.5 remained the volume engine. Start-stop accumulator recall coverage reaches some 2020 vehicles.
Buyer: A 2.0T 2020 is the driver pick if the 9-speed is clean. For 1.5 cars, reduced-power history is the main filter.
Owner: If transmission fluid residue appears near the accumulator area, handle it before shift quality deteriorates.
2021
Equinox continued mostly with the 1.5 after the planned facelift was delayed. Recall load is lighter, but the same 1.5 vacuum/CAC themes remain.
Buyer: This is one of the safer years if service records are good. Do not pay a premium for a car with unresolved codes just because it is newer.
Owner: Keep oil and air-intake service current. Turbo and charge-air faults become more expensive when ignored.
2022
Facelifted styling and updated trim packaging arrived. The 1.5 LYX remained the main powertrain.
Buyer: Best normal choice in this range, provided it has no reduced-power, brake-assist or turbo-underboost history.
Owner: Preserve the service record; these cars will compete against newer Equinox models, so documented reliability matters.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
1.5 LYX vacuum-pump failure with hard brake pedal
Affects
2018-2022 Equinox 1.5 LYX.
Symptoms
Increased brake effort, hard pedal, reduced engine power, no-start, P1101 after incident, camshaft/vacuum-pump damage.
Typical repair cost
EUR 350-900 pump only; EUR 1,500-3,500 cam/timing repair; EUR 4,500+ engine damage.
Codes / scan clues
P1101 often appears in complaints; brake/vacuum faults vary.
Root cause: GM PIP5835 identifies internal mechanical vacuum-pump failure as a cause of increased brake pedal effort on the 1.5 LYX.
Quick check
- Cold start and confirm normal brake assist before driving.
- After a drive, repeat brake applications at idle and after Auto Stop restart.
- Scan ECM and brake modules.
- Ask whether pump replacement included cam-drive inspection.
Buyer note
A hard brake pedal on this Equinox is a rejection-level fault. It can be both a stopping problem and an engine-damage clue.
Owner note
Tow the vehicle if the pedal goes hard with warning lights. Driving it home can make the mechanical damage worse.
Fault 2
Charge air cooler outlet tube separation
Affects
2018-2022 Equinox 1.5 LYX.
Symptoms
Reduced engine power, MIL, rough idle, underboost, MAF plausibility faults, tube loose at throttle body.
Typical repair cost
EUR 100-350 resecure/clip; EUR 300-900 if tube or throttle body is damaged.
Codes / scan clues
P0101, P0172, P0299, P0506, P1101.
Root cause: GM 22-NA-224 says the CAC outlet tube to throttle-body connection can separate and trigger these DTCs.
Quick check
- Inspect the CAC tube and retainer at the throttle body.
- Scan for P0101/P0299/P1101 even if the light is off.
- Accelerate under moderate boost and watch for limp mode.
- Check whether the throttle body was damaged by repeated separation.
Buyer note
This can be cheap once, but repeated tube separation means the car may have damaged parts or poor prior repair.
Owner note
Do not replace sensors blindly. The bulletin specifically points to the physical charge-air connection first.
Fault 3
Start-stop accumulator transmission-fluid leak
Affects
Certain 2018-2020 Equinox vehicles under GM recall population.
Symptoms
Transmission fluid leak, harsh shifts, smoke/burning smell, low-fluid operation, recall record for missing accumulator bolts.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 1,500-6,000 if transmission ran low.
Codes / scan clues
Pressure and ratio codes if damage progressed.
Root cause: NHTSA recall data describes start/stop accumulator endcaps with missing bolts that can leak transmission fluid.
Quick check
- Run VIN recall lookup.
- Inspect transmission case and undertray for red/brown fluid.
- Cold and hot shift through all ranges.
- Reject slipping or delayed engagement after a leak history.
Buyer note
A closed recall with a dry case is fine. A wet case and shift flare means the cheap repair window may have passed.
Owner note
After recall work, monitor the transmission. A leak repair does not undo damage from low-fluid driving.
Fault 4
2018 high-pressure fuel pump mounting flange recall
Affects
Certain 2018 Equinox 1.5/2.0 petrol vehicles.
Symptoms
Fuel smell, leak near pump/line, hard start, open recall, fuel pressure faults.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 600-1,400 outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel pressure codes vary.
Root cause: GM recall data says the high-pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange and damage the high-pressure fuel line.
Quick check
- Confirm recall closure by VIN.
- Inspect fuel pump area for staining or non-factory work.
- Hot restart and smell-check the engine bay.
- Avoid any car with active fuel leak.
Buyer note
This is a 2018-specific recall that should already be closed. If it is not, make the seller handle it before purchase.
Owner note
Keep the recall invoice. Fuel-system recalls are difficult to explain later without proof.
Fault 5
Turbo underboost / cold-weather boost control faults
Affects
2018-2022 1.5 LYX, sometimes overlapping CAC tube issue.
Symptoms
P0234, P0299, reduced power in cold weather, low boost, sluggish acceleration.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-500 diagnosis/calibration; EUR 700-1,800 if turbo or actuator repair is needed.
Codes / scan clues
P0234, P0299.
Root cause: GM PIP5812C covers possible P0234/P0299 during cold-weather driving on 1.5 LYX applications.
Quick check
- Scan for historical boost codes.
- Test drive under load after warm-up.
- Inspect intake and charge-air plumbing first.
- Check for turbo noise, wastegate rattle or oil in charge pipes.
Buyer note
Underboost can be a loose pipe or a turbo bill. The scan and physical inspection decide which one you are buying.
Owner note
Do not keep driving in limp mode. Repeated boost faults can hide a small air-path problem until it becomes expensive.
Fault 6
Rear brake caliper piston recall
Affects
Certain 2018-2019 Equinox vehicles.
Symptoms
Poor rear brake performance, uneven pad wear, recall history, soft/long pedal unrelated to vacuum assist.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 350-900 rear brake repair outside recall.
Codes / scan clues
ABS/brake codes only if sensors or hydraulic faults are present.
Root cause: GM recall data identifies insufficient coating on rear brake caliper pistons that can form gas pockets and reduce braking.
Quick check
- Verify recall completion.
- Inspect rear pads and calipers for uneven wear.
- Brake test safely at low speed.
- Separate rear caliper symptoms from vacuum-pump hard pedal.
Buyer note
Brake recalls are not optional admin. On a 2018-2019, confirm both caliper and vacuum-assist stories before buying.
Owner note
If pedal feel changes after recall work, return immediately. Do not assume new pads need to bed in if braking is weak.
Fault 7
Front intermediate driveshaft fracture recall
Affects
Certain 2018 Equinox and related GM crossovers.
Symptoms
Clunk, loss of drive, vibration, recall record for right front intermediate driveshaft.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 700-1,800 if axle/driveshaft damage is customer-pay.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none unless wheel-speed or AWD faults follow.
Root cause: GM recall data says the right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Quick check
- VIN-check the driveshaft recall.
- Inspect front axle/driveshaft area for new parts or damage.
- Listen for clunks during parking-lot turns.
- Avoid driving a car with active vibration or separation symptoms.
Buyer note
A completed recall is acceptable. An open driveshaft recall on a launch-year car is a basic safety miss.
Owner note
If you feel new vibration, do not wait for the next service. Driveline separation is not a wear noise to monitor casually.
Fault 8
Multifunction power supply converter / P3055 low-voltage events
Affects
Reported on 2020-era Equinox; TSB 21-NA-139 referenced in NHTSA complaints.
Symptoms
Sudden power loss, power steering/brake assist loss, cannot shift to Park, multiple warning lights, P3055 stored.
Typical repair cost
EUR 350-900 converter/diagnosis; more if modules are damaged.
Codes / scan clues
P3055.
Root cause: Owner complaints and GM bulletin references point to multifunction power supply converter faults causing low-voltage control problems.
Quick check
- Scan for P3055 and low-voltage freeze frames.
- Check battery age and charging voltage.
- Ask about no-shift-to-Park or multiple-warning incidents.
- Avoid cars with unresolved power-loss complaints.
Buyer note
Electrical power-loss history is more important than cosmetic condition. A car that randomly loses assist is not a normal used crossover.
Owner note
Save the scan printout when P3055 appears. Intermittent low-voltage faults are hard to pursue without stored data.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall printout for 2018 launch recalls and start-stop accumulator coverage.
- Receipts for vacuum pump, cam/timing, CAC tube or turbo work.
- Oil-change history for turbo engines.
- Any reduced-power diagnostic report with codes, not just invoice totals.
Walk around
- Check under engine and transmission for fluid leaks.
- Inspect charge-air tube at throttle body.
- Look for fuel smell or staining near high-pressure pump.
- Check rear brake condition and front driveline boots.
In the car
- Confirm brake pedal assist feels normal before start and after start.
- Watch for engine, brake, stabilitrak or reduced-power warnings.
- Test Auto Stop behavior if equipped.
- Check every window and safety warning lamp.
Test drive
- Drive cold and hot, including moderate boost.
- Brake repeatedly at low speed in a safe area.
- Check 9-speed shift quality on 2.0T cars.
- Park, restart, and confirm no hard pedal after hot soak.
Scan tool
- Full ECM/TCM/ABS/body scan.
- Look for P0101, P0172, P0234, P0299, P0506, P1101 and P3055.
- Check recent code clears.
- Inspect freeze frames for reduced-power events.
Bottom line
Buy: A 2021-2022 1.5 with clean scan data, no brake-assist complaint and secure CAC plumbing is the sensible pick. A 2.0T can be worth it for drivers who want power, but only with a dry cooling system and a smooth 9-speed.
Avoid: Walk away from hard brake pedal, reduced-power history with no repair proof, vacuum-pump replacement without cam inspection, open fuel/driveline recalls, or transmission fluid leaks.
Quick answers
Chevrolet Equinox buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Chevrolet Equinox 2018-2022 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 1.5 LYX vacuum-pump failure with hard brake pedal; Charge air cooler outlet tube separation; Start-stop accumulator transmission-fluid leak. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Chevrolet Equinox years are the best to buy?
2021-2022 stand out in this generation. A 2021-2022 1.5 with clean scan data, no brake-assist complaint and secure CAC plumbing is the sensible pick. A 2.0T can be worth it for drivers who want power, but only with a dry cooling system and a smooth 9-speed.
Which Chevrolet Equinox should I avoid?
Walk away from hard brake pedal, reduced-power history with no repair proof, vacuum-pump replacement without cam inspection, open fuel/driveline recalls, or transmission fluid leaks.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox 2018-2022 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.1/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 1.5 lyx vacuum-pump failure with hard brake pedal.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Chevrolet Equinox guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- GM PIP5835 / NHTSA MC-10208020
- GM 22-NA-224 / NHTSA MC-10226122
- GM PIP5812C / NHTSA MC-10204448
- NHTSA recalls API, 2018 Equinox
- NHTSA complaints API, 2020 Equinox
- CarComplaints 2018 Equinox engine complaints
- GM Authority reduced power article
- RepairPal Chevrolet Equinox
- NHTSA recall lookup
- GM recall population via NHTSA API, 2020 Equinox
- CarComplaints 2018 Equinox page