2018 Chevrolet Equinox: brake failure

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Brakes · OH

While I was getting off the freeway, my vehicle displayed the “Service Brake Assist” warning. When I attempted to brake, the brake pedal became extremely hard and would not respond normally. The vehicle would not stop normally when I pressed the brake pedal. I was almost involved in a crash because I could not brake as expected. I had to use the emergency parking brake to help bring the vehicle to a stop and avoid a collision. Component/system: The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Based on the “Service Brake Assist” warning and the extremely hard brake pedal, I am concerned there may be a problem with the brake-assist system, vacuum system/vacuum pump, brake booster, or related components. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: This created a serious safety hazard because I temporarily could not stop the vehicle normally while exiting a freeway. I was almost involved in a crash and had to use the emergency parking brake to help stop the vehicle. Dealer/service confirmation: UNKNOWN at this time. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent repair facility. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: UNKNOWN/No inspection has been performed by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative at this time. Warning/message: The vehicle displayed “Service Brake Assist.” The warning appeared before/during the braking problem. At the same time, the brake pedal became extremely hard and difficult to press normally. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this incident along with other complaints involving 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles experiencing “Service Brake Assist,” hard brake pedals, loss of brake assistance, and suspected vacuum-pump/brake-assist failures. I am concerned that this may be a safety-related defect that could cause a loss of braking assistance and increase the risk of a crash. I request that the federal safety agency determine whether further investigation or a safety recall is warranted.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Brakes · CT

I own a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. While driving at highway speed, the brake pedal suddenly became completely rigid and could not be depressed. The engine continued running normally, there were no warning lights, and I had to coast into a parking lot because I was unable to brake normally. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealership. The dealership diagnosed a failed vacuum brake booster and replaced the brake booster at my expense. After the repair, the exact same safety issue occurred again while I was driving at approximately 25 mph. The engine was running normally, there were again no warning lights, and the brake pedal instantly became rock hard and would not depress. The repair did not resolve the condition, and I no longer believe the vehicle is safe to operate. I am reporting this because the same loss of brake assist occurred before and after the dealership’s repair.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Brakes · NY

I was driving and the brake vacuum pump failed and the metal shards went up into the engine. The service light went on as they failed and I lost the ability to brake. Yes, we still have the part and the shards that came out of the engine, but there are still pieces in the engine. my safety was at risk and everyone else's on the road because I had no brakes and was driving 45 mph. The vehicle has not been looked at yet by any professional because so far no mechanic will touch it.

Filed May 23, 2026 · Brakes · WV

We purchased our car new. Around 70,000 miles or so the brakes went out and were barely usable. We had it towed to Moses in Charleston and it was apparently an issue with brake booster or vacuum pump. I don’t have the specifics at the moment but they fixed it and we drove it home and it did the same thing again with the brakes going out. Had it towed again back to them and they did something else and it was fixed. Fast forward to today and there are 155000 miles in it and it did the same thing. Clearly this is extremely dangerous! Every time it occurred my husband was driving and was able to handle it. If I was driving, it could be a totally different story. Upon a google search it appears there is a lawsuit in Michigan over this because it is clearly a problem and a dangerous one at that. I will also note that my sister in law also has about the same model equinox and hers did it as well.

Filed Aug 3, 2025 · Brakes · MD

I was driving on the highway and when I exited and tried to stop at a red light the brakes stopped working. No warning, the brake assist engaged so I barely came to a stop in time before hitting the car in front of me. I can barely use the brake pedal and my check engine light came on with it. Its very hard to press the pedal like its got something stuck under the pedal but there was nothing. The brake assist stays on and basically is the only way the car will stop and still doesn't completely stop.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Brakes · MO

The vacuum pump went out on the car while I was on I-70 in a rain storm construction traffic… I absolutely had no brakes they were so hard to push… I was stuck I almost crashed this crappy designed car… The brake light engine light came on.. I barely made it to the side of the highway… Now my engine is messed up cause of some faulty brake pump… What kinda silly design is this… I could have died out there on that highway.. I was on the way to the airport and I missed my flight… GM needs to get their stuff together on this they’re going to kill somebody….

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Brakes · CA

On or about 2/8-2/13/2025, I was on my way home when suddenly, without warning, I applied my brakes to slow down and the brake pedal was so hard, so stiff that even while I was literally standing on the pedal, I was unable to stop. I nearly rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. I was honking , and honking to get the car to move and thank God without another second to waste, he moved over. I could not stop the car, I had to let off the gas and let it coast to a stop. I called a mechanic friend and he towed my car in. My car is not under warranty any more therefore Alan, my mechanic friend went over my car and determined my Vacuum Brake Booster failed. I did do some research along with the mechanic and found that the Chevy Equinox (several yrs, including mine) had a recall for this same exact problem. I ran my VIN and my car is not included in the recall. The mechanic believes my car should be recalled for the brake system being faulty and he installed the new Vac Brake Booster. Now on 4/12/2025, only 2 months later, the same thing happened, my pedal is hard and I can't stop. The first time I felt like I was going to crash, kill myself or somebody else. The 2nd time I had to exit the roadway where there was only dirt, I ended up nearly flipping my car because the dirt caused me to nearly lose control. Again, I escaped causing a crash but at the risk of my own life by not being able to stop and having to leave the roadway to avoid a collision. I had the same mechanic, along with a family member who is experienced enough to understand what the mechanic showed him. It is the vac brake booster, the same part I just replaced, it failed. Without warnings, without any other factors that can explain what is causing this system to fail. I have not replaced this part again because I believe it is faulty by the GM factory and it will keep happening. I am scared it will continue to cause brake failure and I could potentially cause an accident that could be fatal.

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Brakes · CA

I reported the first incident that happened in Feb 2025 when my brakes failed and nearly crashed due to my Vacuum Brake Booster failing, and I replaced it. Less than 2 months later, 4/28/2025, my breaks failed again, the same thing happened. My break pedal was hard and I was unable to stop my car. This time I had leave the roadway to avoid a collision and nearly lost control of my car. After having the mechanic check it out he told me it is a faulty system that GM/Chevrolet needs to replace or redesign. I have not fixed it because I am not only afraid to drive it anymore for fear of crashing but I don't have the money to just keep replacing a part that is never going to be ok. I am without a car, my job is at risk bc I can't always find a way to work, it has cost me money that if it wasnt faulty I would not have had to shell out the money to repair 2x in 2 months. I need GM to take responsibility before someone is hurt or killed. I need a dependable vehicle like I thought I was getting when I paid cash outright for the vehicle in 2022. The mechanic has also said he thinks it could have damaged my motor. This is a life & death situation that I can't even sale the car without worrying someone else may lose their life. Essentially I was sold a vehicle that is no good, dangerous, and it's due to GMs negligence bc they are aware that the brake booster is faulty and can't be fixed by replacing the faulty part. It is likely to keep causing a brake failure.

Filed Apr 2, 2025 · Engine · TX

My son was coming home from work 3/26/2025 after 5 pm, when a warning message came on that said "Engine Power Reduced". My son attempted to pull over, however, the brakes did not work. This caused a definite safety risk to my son and others as he could not stop the vehicle. Gratefully, he was on the street and not on the freeway where speeds are higher which could have caused injury or possibly death. He found a clear area to pull over and put the car in park and pushed the start/stop button to turn off the car. The car had to be towed to my home. The car was towed to the repair shop 4/1/2025. There were no previous warning messages regarding the engine or otherwise until the day of the incident. The vehicle is currently in the shop and has been inspected.

Filed Dec 10, 2024 · Brakes · 109,888 miles · TX

The contact owned a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while pulling in the driveway the vehicle shut off. Contact mention she was not able to restart the vehicle and when depressing on the brake pedal the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic at contact's residences. where it was diagnosed the brake booster vacuum pump line detached and that the brake booster needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,888

Filed Sep 5, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · RI

I'm writing to request an extension of the recall for the Brake Vacuum Pump issue and seek compensation for repairs on my 2018 Chevy Equinox. In November 2023, while exiting [XXX] in Warwick, RI, my brakes failed despite full pressure. I had to steer into the breakdown lane and eventually stopped in a parking lot. At the time, I was nine months pregnant and extremely shaken. After stopping, the vehicle exhibited erratic behavior and not stopping, entering "limp mode." The car was towed to a local mechanic who initially thought the brakes were at fault. It was later diagnosed at Sullivan Tire that a "catastrophic failure of the Brake Vacuum Pump" caused camshaft damage, leading to repair costs of $3,197.17. The mechanic stated this failure was unprecedented for a vehicle with only 64,271 miles. I discovered that a recall for this issue exists but does not cover the 2018 Equinox. Many owners of this model have reported similar problems. Requests: Recall Extension: Please extend the recall to include the 2018 Equinox and other affected models to prevent further incidents. Compensation: I seek reimbursement of $3,197.17 for repairs. I have documentation and faulty parts available for inspection if needed. I have contacted Chevy and they have not been helpful, and this needs to be filed for a full recall. Attached are the repair invoice, proof of faulty parts, and links to related complaints. I look forward to your prompt resolution to prevent future issues for consumers. I still have the damaged parts for proof failure in my possession. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 17, 2024 · Brakes · FL

Driving interstate without difficulty. Made stop at rest area, got out with children, turned vehicle off. Returned to vehicle to leave, cranked vehicle put in reverse but had no brakes. Brakes in down position. Brakes would not return to normal position. Turned vehicle off and Looked under vehicle and noticed oil on the ground. No indicator lights on dash to alert of any issues. Tried to crank vehicle all power came on but motor would not turn over (long crank) Brakes remained in down position. Had vehicle towed home and upon inspection, oil was seen leaking out of the side of motor where brake vacuum pump is housed and noticed a crack in the brake vacuum pump housing. Oil leaking onto ground.