2018 Chevrolet Equinox: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

My 2018 Chevrolet Equinox 1.5L developed an active gasoline leak. After the vehicle is cranked/started, gasoline begins leaking from underneath the front/engine area and forms a visible puddle on the ground. Prior to discovering the leak, the vehicle had intermittent hard-starting symptoms where the engine would crank/stutter several times before starting, along with a strong gasoline odor. The exact failed component has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or repair facility. I stopped driving the vehicle because leaking gasoline near the engine/electrical components creates a serious fire and safety risk. The vehicle is available for inspection. Chevrolet advised me that there are currently no open recalls or programs associated with my VIN. I am reporting this condition to the federal safety agency because of the severity of the fuel leak and potential fire hazard.

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the engine Auto START/STOP system intermittently failed to restart the vehicle while at a complete stop, requiring the driver to shift to park(P) to manually restart the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor entering the vehicle from the A/C vents. The message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 10-15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with GM Customer Satisfaction Program: N242489010 (Possible Leak at Fuel Injector Rail Assembly). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Fuel system · 148,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle sputtered, and there was a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal to move off from a stop light, the engine shut off. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred while the contact was driving her minor child to school. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the diagnostic result was not provided to the contact. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Fuel system · SC

For the 4th time since November 2025, my vehicle has shut off while driving and there was a severe gas smell. Check engine and traction control lights on dash. So far the turbo booster and fuel injector have been replaced but the issue keeps happening. This vehicle is not on recall list for high pressure fule pump recall. I think it should be. Vehicle goes into limp mode and all the gas leaks right out of the vehicle making it unsafe to drive due to a fire hazard. I have spent over $4000 trying to make this vehicle safe to drive.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · FL

My car has a slow crank and when I am driving down the road it cuts off completely and does not want to crank. I have a signal on my car that says reduced speed and the speed is cut down and drags . My car also smells like gas and there is a leak coming from the vehicle it drains really bad . my brakes goes out every few months . My Car radio goes out like there is a shortage. Its horrible

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Fuel system · NC

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vents while driving 45 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where the contact was informed that there was a fuel leak, which could cause fire. The contact was advised to park the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that all four fuel injectors were leaking and required immediate attention. The contact was advised that the parts needed to be ordered to do the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number:Â 18V358000(Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Fuel system · TX

Vehicle chocks when starting, once started the vehicle begins to smell of gas. There is a leak on the underside of the vehicle which also smells of gas.

Filed May 6, 2025 · Fuel system · 134,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to immediately start. The vehicle was started after several attempts. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light the vehicle began shaking and lost motive power. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into park(P), the vehicle stalled three times, and the vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that all four fuel injectors were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Jun 7, 2018 · Driver assistance, Engine · OH

Takata recall -car engine light is coming on now on 3 separate occasions once on highway once in. Side street and then in after just starting car . Has been service now all 3 times and emu system was fully replaced . It will go into safety mode and there is a very strong smell of gas. The engine then runs high and car locks up. The car is feels like it is stressing at even 35 miles before the engine light appears. I have service paperwork from the first two services and pictures of the car in safety mode. It is currently in the service department again for the 3rd time now. Purchase the car only 5 months ago . Onstar picked up on highway 5.30.18 , picked up from service then on 6.2.2018, had car for 2 hours car went back into service same day 6.2.2018 back to dealership, picked backup 6.5.2018 and then back in dealership 6.6.2018 for on going issues and still there with no resolution at this point