2021 Chevrolet Equinox: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 89 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (18% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The electronic brake control module causes the car to no start and goes into limp mode. Cuts off the power to every system in the entire dashboard including the transmission making the car very dangerous to drive.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“The high pressure fuel pump seized, shattering the camshaft, dropping metal fragments into the cylinders causing total engine failure. GM issued a safety recall for certain 2021-2022 Chevy equinox due to a defective fuel pump modules but it was not accurate. GM is currently facing major class action lawsuits alleging that their equinox fuel pumps are fundamentally defective. The lawsuits highlight that the component fails, causing catastrophic damage and GMs initial recall fixes were inadequate.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
“I have no sound at all no turn signals, no seat belt no nothing, had Chevy in leesburg tell me I need an update did that and being told to replace radio and amplifier”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“I am writing to report a safety concern with my 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The rear bumper has begun to separate from the body of the vehicle and becomes loose during normal use. This issue appears to be related to how the bumper is attached (clips, fasteners, or design), not due to any collision or damage. A loose rear bumper creates a potential safety hazard, as it could detach while driving or pose a risk to other drivers. I recommend that Chevrolet investigate this issue for a possible defect and consider a recall if this is found to be a common problem among similar vehicles.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2026
“CASE NUMBER 11715650 , check engine light went on , and the vehicle reduced speed, I took car into dealership, they said the engine had an ice problem and a repair would be needed, they said that this was a flaw in design, and it should be part of a recall, and that this is a common problem with this vehicle. the cost of a repair would be around $1000.00 . T fill this should be covered by the manufacture because of a design flaw.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
“My vehicle keeps jerking/stalling/choking but continues to drive. I went to AutZone (01/28/2026) and they ran a check on it. The report states it has to with a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor and that an Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Large Leak was detected. I need to know in what direction do I need to go to get assistance in this matter. Do I take to the dealer manufacturer to fix the problem or do I contact a lawyer? I have another complaint that was filed with the NHTSA #11711799 on January 18/19, 2026 and no resolution was made. That complaint is for a problem with the Mass Airflow Sensor pertaining to the fuel system. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2026
“The check engine light came on and the engine lowered performance because the intercooler froze and cracked. Despite there being a service update to stop that from happening, we were never informed of the update from Chevy, only once it had happened did they tell us about the update and included it in the repair cost.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“While driving earlier in the day, the car choked twice at different times but continued normally. Later in the evening, I left my carport and while driving down the street the check engine light came on and the car choked again like it wanted to cut off but didn't. I immediately turned around and went home. Not sure what's going on. I checked my car manual and it says it might have something to do with the fuel system. I don't know what steps to take next.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
“We were involved in a car accident. We ran into the back of a pickup truck that suddenly stopped on the toll road for another car that was in an accident. Our front end of the car was heavily damaged. Our concern is that our air bags did not deploy. With the amount of damage that our car received why did the air bags not deploy. The state trooper the did the report looked into the car and wondered the same thing. I will attach pictures. We are taking into the body shop tomorrow. They said it maybe two weeks before they start on it. The seat belts saved our lives. The air bags did not. We are taking into the body shop tomorrow. There were no warning signs before the accident.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2026
“Fuel pump located in the fuel tank, known recall on other equinoxes of this year and model but not all are covered but it is affecting more than what they are willing to cover putting my safety and other drivers safety at risk.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Remedy: Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372310.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Equinox by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The most complained-about area is power train (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Equinox problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,686 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning child seat:vehicle latch anchor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.