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2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Equinox.

Body SUV

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV built on GM’s global C-platform, and like its predecessors it requires 0W-20 engine oil for maintenance — a specification that reflects the efficiency-focused engineering of this generation; the model year arrived amid a notable reliability trajectory, with owner complaints having dropped substantially from the 784 recorded in 2010 down to the current baseline of 55, though the 2018 model itself attracted 389 total complaints with service brakes emerging as the primary concern alongside five separate recalls, suggesting that while the nameplate as a whole has improved markedly, this particular model year still carries meaningful reliability considerations that prospective owners should weigh.

Model year2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacityFWDOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified

Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 25206377. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 730 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP225/65R18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	25206377 alt 55593191
Engine air filter	84390002
Fuel filter	84428486
Spark plug	12683541 alt 12681659
Battery	88864541
Front wiper blades	84574892 alt 84574893
Serpentine belt	12654472 alt 12664598
Thermostat	12630780 alt 12649163
Cabin air filter	13508023

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	183.1 in
Overall width	72.4 in
Overall height	65.4 in
Wheelbase	107.5 in
Curb weight	3483 lb
Track (front / rear)	62.2 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Equinox of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.6–9.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.60 sec — 2018 LT 2.0T

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2018	LT 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.60 sec	15.10 sec	252 hp	AWD
2018	LT 2.0T 2.0L Turbo I-4	6.60 sec	15.20 sec	252 hp	AWD
2018	Premier 1.5L Turbo I-4	8.70 sec	16.70 sec	170 hp	AWD
2018	Premier 1.5L Turbo I-4	8.90 sec	16.90 sec	170 hp	AWD
2018	LT TD 1.6L Turbo Diesel I-4	9.00 sec	16.90 sec	137 hp	AWD
2018	Premier 1.5L Turbo I-4	9.20 sec	16.90 sec	170 hp	FWD
2018	LT TD 1.6L Turbo Diesel I-4	9.40 sec	17.20 sec	137 hp	AWD
2019	LT 1.5T 1.5L Turbo I-4	8.70 sec	16.70 sec	170 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds FWD of 0W-20 engine oil, Use Dexron LS Gear oil Part number 88862624 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Use DEXRON(R)-VI GM P/N 89020661
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	4.6-6.3
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	Use Dexron LS Gear oil Part number 88862624
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.0 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity	7.0
Engine Oil	0W-20
Engine Oil	5W-30 · 0W-40

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)	7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	106.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	80.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	100 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	151.0 Do not re-use old hub nut ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	151.0 Do not re-use old hub nut ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	AC Delco
Spark Plug Gap	.043 in
Spark Plug Torque	14 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	AC Delco
Spark Plug Gap	.024-.028 in
Spark Plug Torque	13 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Standard BCI Group Number	48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	730 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	730 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	730 cca

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	50.0-94.0
RPM	43.0-58.0 @ Idle rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	54.0-65.0
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)	50.0-94.0
RPM	43.0-58.0 @ Idle rpm

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	30
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Front: 111 ft-lbs; Rear: 74 ft-lbs
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: (J17) .984, (J60) .905; Rear: .393
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after Refinish	Front: (J17) .992, (J60) .913; Rear: .402
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation	.001
Maximum Rotor Runout	.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages

15.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

15 ft. lbs

Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages

22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 100

22 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Step 18.0 ft. lbs.

75.0

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	18.0 ft. lbs.	18 ft. lbs
2	30.0 degrees	30 degrees
3	15.0

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	18.0 ft. lbs.	18 ft. lbs
2	110.0

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

37.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45

37 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 140 degrees.

111 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Do not re-use old bolts.

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	190 degrees	190 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	22.0 ft. lbs.	22 ft. lbs
2	70.0

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	11 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
2	15 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
3	Turn 60

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

1	8.8 ft. lbs.	8.8 ft. lbs
2	8.8

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Lower crankcase crankshaft bolts

1	11.0 ft. lbs.	11 ft. lbs
2	180 degrees; Lower crankcase perimeter bolts	180 degrees
1	44.0 inch lbs.	44 in
2	89.0 inch lbs.	89 in

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	37.0 ft. lbs.	37 ft. lbs
2	45.0 degrees	45 degrees
3	60.0

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Lower crankcase crankshaft bolts

1	15.0 ft. lbs.	15 ft. lbs
2	140 degrees; Lower crankcase perimeter bolts	140 degrees
1	18.0 ft. lbs.	18 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi.

Every 7,500 mi	Accelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil (inspect fluid level)
Every 22,500 mi	Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 mi	Fuel Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Spark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox sits at a local high point within an otherwise moderating federal record. After 2017 posted just 270 complaints and zero recalls, 2018 jumped to 389 complaints and five recalls, then settled back to 292 complaints and four recalls in 2019. That one-year rise makes 2018 the busiest year in the 2017–2020 window, with Service Brakes leading owner reports at 60 complaints, followed by Power Train, Unknown Or Other, and Engine; the data also records 22 crash-related and 4 fire-related complaints, though it does not specify root causes. Notably, despite five recalls, 2018 generated zero federal investigations, suggesting the recalls addressed reported issues without escalating to a formal probe. Given the elevated recall count and complaint volume relative to the years immediately before and after, 2018 is a year to inspect carefully and verify recall completion rather than the cleanest choice in this generation.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

1335

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

389

Owner complaints

22 involved a crash · 4 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17’18’19 ’20 ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 ’25 ’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 389 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes60

Power Train29

Unknown Or Other26

Engine24

Fuel/Propulsion System16

Electrical System15

Service Brakes,Engine14

Wheels11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V576000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:CaliperReported 30/08/2018

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… 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…

18V358000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 31/05/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC… Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1335 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
PIT3271Q	2026-04-01	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…
PIT5992B	2026-03-27	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information discusses a condition that may arise from the drivers window…
PIP6104	2026-03-09	Unknown Or Other	This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and…
PIP4902V	2026-03-09	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…
PIP4902U	2026-01-08	Unknown Or Other	This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Equinox. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 battery Vehicles taking FWD Engine oil filter 25206377 Engine air filter 84390002 Fuel filter 84428486 Spark plug 12683541

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Equinox take?

FWD of 0W-20 Use GM Dexos 1 Oil or equivalent, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Equinox have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.