Diagsheet

2018 Chevrolet Equinox · symptom sheet

Brakes failed to stop the car

  • 28owner reports
  • 70,000median miles
  • 3involved a crash

Newest report Jun 17, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

28 of the 131 reports of brake wear on the 2018 Equinox describe brake failure.

Part of Brakes grind, pulse or wear early (131 reports)

Tick what matches of 28 reports

8
9
8
7
7
7

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the booster (7 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

18V-576Aug 30, 2018
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper

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.

Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 64,000 and 107,000 miles, from the 12 reports that gave a mileage.

119
120
221
322
723
824
425
226

What owners wrote

“Vacuum pump failed and broke with no warning signs at all. After replacement now it will not start well and when it does I have lose off power. Lost brakes while driving on a country road and had to have it towed.”

Filed Aug 12, 2024

“No warnings or lights. Brakes failed taking vehicle out of garage with foster children. All maintenance was kept up. 55,900 miles. Towed to Nissan dealer where purchased. Shop didn't know the cause. Vehicle could not be repaired because the cause was never found. Could it happen again, out of the blue, without warning. Documents available on request only. Dates of incident may be off a bit.”

Filed Feb 25, 2024 · 55,900 miles

“lost brakes had to have a pump booster pipe sensor the pump broke inside of motor i read on the internet this has happened to a few people”

Filed Sep 3, 2023

“Vaccum pump brake failure while coming to a red-light. Lucky to avoid serious injury. Definitely put my children at risk! No warning lights or dash notices until after the incident. Vehicle was inspected two days prior.”

Filed Jan 2, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 28 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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