Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2018 Chevrolet Equinox pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Check another vehicle
2018 Chevrolet Equinox
L / LS / LT / Premier (3rd gen, 2018-2024)
Watchful

The 3rd-gen Equinox was a significant step up from the 2nd gen — but the dominant engine, the 1.5L LFV turbo, has documented oil consumption and timing chain stretch issues that buyers must investigate. The 2.0L LSY is the stronger used pick. The 1.6L diesel is uncommon and requires DEF system maintenance. Avoid the 1.5T if oil change records are incomplete.

Items to check
13
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
380
Top concern
Engine / oil consumption (1.5T)

Powertrain

1.5L LFV turbo oil consumption

High Attention
The 1.5T LFV has documented oil consumption on higher-mileage examples (80k+). Piston ring wear causes oil burning; check engine light may follow with catalyst codes.
Pull the oil dipstick on 1.5T cars before driving. Low oil between changes is the key indicator. Ask for service records — changes more frequent than 5k miles suggest known consumption.
Est. cost: $0–$1,500 under extended warranty / $4,500–$7,000 engine replacement Source: NHTSA complaints + GM service campaign 18208

1.5L LFV timing chain stretch

High Attention
Timing chain on the LFV can stretch prematurely with low oil or extended intervals. Rattle at cold start (first 3–5 seconds) is the audible warning.
Cold-start the engine (after overnight sit). A rattle in the first few seconds of startup that clears is early stretch; sustained rattle is advanced failure.
Est. cost: $1,800–$3,200 timing chain kit + guides Source: GM LFV known failure pattern

CVT / 6-speed fluid condition

Monitor
1.5T models pair with a CVT; 2.0T uses a 9-speed. Both require factory-spec fluid. Brown, burnt, or opaque fluid means service is overdue.
Check fluid color via dipstick (CVT) or at the fill plug. Dark fluid on a CVT warrants a flush before purchase.
Est. cost: $200–$450 fluid service / $3,500–$5,500 CVT replacement Source: GM service intervals

Electrical

Infotainment software and MyLink freeze

Low Risk
MyLink infotainment on 2018 Equinox has known freeze and reboot loop issues. OTA updates and dealer reflash campaigns were issued.
Test Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, backup camera, and all audio sources. Reboot during test = software issue.
Est. cost: $0 software update Source: GM campaigns

HVAC

A/C compressor failure

Monitor
A/C compressor failure rate is above average for this generation — typically at 70k–120k miles.
Run A/C at idle for 5+ minutes. Vent temp should reach low 40s F. Clicking from under hood is compressor clutch wear.
Est. cost: $800–$1,600 compressor replacement Source: NHTSA consumer complaints

Suspension

Front strut and sway bar link wear

Low Risk
Clunking over bumps from the front is typically worn sway bar end links — common at 60k+ miles.
Drive over a speed bump slowly. Clunk from front = end link or strut mount. Bounce test at front corners.
Est. cost: $150–$350 end links / $400–$700 struts Source: Common wear pattern

Documentation

Recall verification and oil consumption documentation

High Attention
Check the VIN for open campaigns, and separately ask about GM service campaign 18208 (oil consumption on the 1.5T). Oil consumption is the key disqualifier on this vehicle.
Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. For 1.5T cars: require proof the oil consumption campaign was addressed.
Est. cost: Walk away from 1.5T cars with undocumented high-mileage oil issues Source: NHTSA + GM service records

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.

Buyer’s guide

Known issues, pricing, and best configurations: read the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox buyer’s guide →
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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