I’ve heard about some recalls and Technical Service Bulletins related to the transmission, especially the start-stop accumulator bolts possibly missing and some transmission lubrication concerns. I checked my VIN on the federal safety agency website, and it shows no open recalls. However, I want to confirm: Whether my vehicle was part of any recall related to the transmission or start-stop accumulator bolts. If the recall was completed or if any transmission-related TSBs apply. Whether there are any service campaigns or software updates for the transmission control module that I should be aware of. Start-stop accumulator bolt missing leading to fluid leaks and possible failure, Missing transmission cup plugs causing lubrication issues, Valve body spacer plate replacement and transmission control module reprogramming. I am currently experiencing significant transmission issues including, symptoms like: rough shifting, slipping, hesitation, noises, fluid leaks, loss of power, which are severely affecting the vehicle’s drivability and safety. This vehicle only has 107K miles which only go over 7K from warranty. I am concerned that my vehicle may be affected by one or more of these issues — even if the recall was marked as closed or VIN was excluded in error. Given the volume of known transmission complaints for this model year and my relatively low mileage, I strongly believe this could be part of a broader safety defect that deserves further investigation. Please review this issue for potential inclusion in an investigation or expanded recall campaign. These transmission issues are not only costly but potentially dangerous, especially if they result in sudden loss of propulsion. This transmission issue is seriously impacting my vehicle’s safety and reliability. This matter is urgent due to the impact on vehicle safety and reliability.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox: harsh or hard shifting
5 of the 410 complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 2
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
Loss of propulsion as well as hard shift
When backing into my drive way moving the gear from d to r the car will jump. This has made it to where I fear to park where I have to reverse. As well as when I started driving down the road the auto stop start kicked on while doing 30 when the car powered back on in the busy intersection the car was clunking I pulled over asap and took a look under the car to make sure nothing was leaking when started back up it went away. It’s very unsafe to have a car that you can’t disable the auto stop feature from coming on as if the intersection was not a safe place for this to happen
When accelerating it will create a hard shift or not fully engage into 2nd or 3rd gear. Also, when auto stop/start engages it jolts the car when stopped.
Check engine light. Shut down 5 times. Erratic delayed stalling at idle or speed. Bucking. Not able to shift gears. Bucks stalls turns back on. Car was on highway, on city street, merging with traffic. Made driving difficult incredibly dangerous. Harsh shifts. Misfire and hesitation. Last 10 months.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when...
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is...
- This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required...
- This service bulletin provides information on a normal characteristic of a transmission that will not...
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
- Risk
- If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Recall number 17V516000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
5 of 410 owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox (1%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2010.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
There are 2 recalls and 93 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Check engine light 55Brake failure 23Loss of power 18Stalling 17Jerking 13Won't shift 13Won't start 12Engine failure 9Fuel smell 9Hesitation 8Start-stop 8ABS 7Backup camera 7Fuel leak 7Fuel pump 7Spongy pedal 7Door locks 6Fire or smoke 6Slipping 6Fuel gauge 5
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