2021 Chevrolet Equinox

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Electrical system is the leading concern among 95 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 19th highest complaint count among 21 Equinox model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 95

Of the 2021 reports, 6 involved a crash. 5 people were injured.

Primary concernElectrical system17 reports · 18% of complaints
Owner complaints95Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship4 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system17
  2. Fuel/propulsion system17
  3. Power train17
  4. Other or unspecified17
  5. Engine16
  6. Service brakes7
  7. Structure5
  8. Air bags4

Recalls and investigations

  1. Child seat, vehicle latch anchorMay 11, 2023

    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."

    The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

    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.

    Campaign 23V339000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pump, control/drive moduleJan 19, 2023

    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.

    An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    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.

    Campaign 23V013000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. TiresAug 5, 2021

    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.

    Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

    Campaign 21V612000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Seat beltsDec 23, 2020

    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.

    If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    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.

    Campaign 20V811000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: structure

5 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Structure, Apr 26, 2026

    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.

  2. Structure, Sep 11, 2025

    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, water accumulated on the front seats floor mats and on the second-row floor mats. Upon inspection, the contact found potential white mold under the seats. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer informed the contact that the failure might be related to the water hose to the A/C, or the failure might be related to the moonroof. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending a repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was left in the sun for four days with the windows rolled up, and white mold spread through the vehicle. The contact had not notified the manufacturer of the failure; however, a representative from GM stopped by the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the insurance company had an adjuster inspect the vehicle at the dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

  3. Structure, Jul 21, 2025

    The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a puddle of water on the front passenger's side floor mat. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the seal on the luggage rack had failed. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

  4. Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2024

    Water leaks into the rear of the vehicle from The shark fin (I am told from the dealership GM I purchased the car from). It has however now entered into the fuse box and is getting fuses wet which IS a safety issue if they were to short while driving in a rainstorm. This is a major issue with multiple reports online on forums and complaint boards.

  5. Structure, Service brakes, Air bags, Aug 18, 2023

    The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the front driver's wheel detached from the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The air bags did not deploy. The insurance company deemed the vehicle totaled. The contact was injured; she had a concussion. The contact received medical attention. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,680. The VIN was not available.