2018 Chevrolet Equinox: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Transmission · 112,381 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping and shifted hard. Additionally, while on an incline, the vehicle failed to get up to speed. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode back to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,381.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While turning right at a red light my vehicle started making knocking noises, loss of acceleration then the ECM (limp mode) and ESC code happened. Protecting the vehicle from damage due to transmission fluid loss. Looked under the car and Transmission fluid was pouring out between the transmission and drive shaft. Car will no longer start due to codes being present from the computer shutting the car down during fluid loss.

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 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 8, 2026 · Transmission · RI

While backing out of a parking space, with my 1 year old infant in the back seat, my vehicle became stuck in reverse and would not shift into drive or park. The vehicle became disabled and the warning dash stated to put the vehicle in park but i could not park or do anything else and couldnt take my foot off the brake or else i would continue reversing. Eventually i was able to at least turn the vehicle off but the vehicle remains with the shifter stuck in reverse after being towed. The lights and power to the vehicle remained on and this was not a battery issue. This was extremely terrifying for me especially with a baby in the car and getting it hooked up to the tow truck was also nervracking for all involved as the vehicle was in reverse. While there is not a current recall related to this issue on my vehicle, research shows that there have been in the past and this is a common issue for this vehicle.

Filed Jun 28, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH

1st Incident: Code P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Sensor In March of 2024 - driving on highway dashboard warning lights illuminated(traction control & reduced engine power) vehicle went into limp mode putting my family & I in danger due to traffic volume and speed on highway. Had to drive on berm at speeds below 25mph to exit freeway safely. Removed battery cable to reset computer. Taken to Serra Bartlett Chevrolet in Memphis- couldn't get vehicle to repeat error. 2nd Incident: Code - P2138 June 2024 - while traveling on highway same dashboard warning signals & car went into limp mode. Had to maneuver to the berm to exit the highway safely once again putting my family in danger at speeds below 25 mph exit. Vehicle was towed to Serpentini Chevrolet the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor was replaced under the extended warranty. 3rd Incident - Code P2138 June 2025- while traveling on highway, same dashboard warning signals & car went into limp mode again. Had to maneuver to the berm to exit the highway putting my family in danger again at speeds below 25mph. Removed the battery cable to reset computer - was unsuccessful. Contacted Jeff Schmitt Chevrolet - had to drive the vehicle over 35 miles on the berm of the highway at speeds lower than 25 mph to get to dealership. Upon arriving they ran the codes and annotated the P2138 code. The next morning when the Technician checked the vehicle the computer had reset itself and everything was checking out fine, the code was still in the vehicle history . The sensor was under warranty and we inquired about replacement because the code showed failure, the dealership stated GM would not replace the part because it tested good. But I could pay to have it replaced if I paid for it. GM Service Bulletin No:074-06-04-019F clearly states they are aware of issues with this vehicle, yet I cannot get it repaired to my satisfaction It puts myself and my family under extreme danger while driving this vehicle on the freeway.

Filed Dec 11, 2024 · Engine · 54,717 miles · RI

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the "Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle unintentionally went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo charger assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the turbo charger boost assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for the last time where it was diagnosed that once again the turbo charger boost assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,717.

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 Mar 27, 2022 · OH

I have a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD that has trouble shifting gears when going uphill and the car sounds like it's struggling. Lately I've had a similar issue going downhill where the RPM meter shoots up and (I'm guessing) won't shift gear. Makes a horrible sound and feels like I'm breaking the car!! Any advice? Could it be a transmission fluid issue? Also, my driver's seat moves about, side to side, over bumps, etc. Any input on how to proceed to get this fixed? I have also had the following service lights pop up on my center display screen from time to time recently: service side detection system and service park assist system.

Filed Feb 20, 2020 · Electrical · 17,000 miles · FL

While driving on I-95 in palm beach county florida, in heavy traffic, I came to a stop and the car automatically shut off. This is what is supposed to happen. However, when I took my foot off the brake the car did not restart. When that happened the entire car went dead. I could not turn on the hazzard signal, I could not lock or unlock the doors, onstar would not work. I put the car in park and tried to restart the car. Nothing at all happened. I then tried to put the car in neutral, but it would not shift to neutral. I then tried onstar again, but even though the green light was on, nothing happened. I got out of the car so that if it got hit, I would not be hurt. The car was in the right driving lane of an extremely busy highway and I could not get it off the road.

Filed Jan 16, 2019 · Transmission · 4,000 miles · NH

When accelerating from a stop (as in turning from a stop sign into a lane with oncoming traffic) to merge into flow of traffic the automatic transmission shifts up normally but then suddenly downshifts into first gear causing rapid deceleration creating a situation that may cause someone to hit the rear of my vehicle. This has happened 5 times so far. After the first time there was also a check engine code and the dealer replaced a transmission sensor. Since the 1st time (with just over 100 miles on the brand new car) it happened 3 more times without the check engine light and after shutdown and restarted it would operate normally. The 5th time (2 days ago) it happened again almost causing an accident with another vehicle and the check engine light stayed on, I went slowly straight 2 the dealer (1 mile away at the time). It is still at the dealer. This has all been on city streets. When this occurs I tied the manual function on the shifter and it still wouldn't shift

Filed Nov 28, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · 5,100 miles · WV

Car will not shift out of first gear. Goes up to 5000+rpms and will only go about 25 MPH. Then it will randomly accelerate without you having any control of the speed. Check engine light came on and the gear indicator d flashed. Dealership cleared the code and could not replicate the actions. We drove the car about 30 miles and it happened again without the check engine light coming on. We videoed what happened. Dealership could not replicate again but still are working on it. They have called chevy in texas and there may be an ongoing transmission issue with this model. Gm tech assist sited similar issues having debris in transmission valve body. Debris will clear and get trapped in filter as designed. This occurred driving on a combination of highway, city streets,and country roads. Vehicle has 5100 miles to date.