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.
Of the 2021 reports, 6 involved a crash. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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: other or unspecified
17 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2026
The vehicle intermittently triggers steering control, brake assist, and parking brake warnings during both highway and city driving, particularly when coming to a complete stop. These alerts are associated with a slight jerk in the steering wheel upon acceleration and a transient locking sensation across the steering, accelerator, and brake systems before functionality is restored; additionally, the check engine light is now illuminated.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2026
While driving on the interstate, the moonroof glass began opening without any input from the moonroof controls. The power sunshade was still closed at the time. I opened the sunshade manually so it would not interfere with the glass. After the glass opened, I was unable to get it to remain fully closed. When I was able to close the glass, it would reopen on its own several more times. I also heard a clicking sound during the repeated opening and closing. After this occurred, the power sunshade also stopped operating correctly. It would open fully, but when closing, it would stop approximately halfway and leave the front portion of the moonroof uncovered. It would not close completely. There were no warning lights or other dashboard indications during the incident. The only way I was eventually able to get both the moonroof glass and the sunshade to close completely was to leave the vehicle turned off for approximately two hours and then perform the moonroof reset/initialization procedure. After the reset, both the glass and sunshade returned to normal operation. The most concerning part of the incident was that the moonroof glass opened by itself while the vehicle was being driven, without anyone touching the controls.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 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.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2025
My vehicle has been completely shutting off without warnings on me on major freeways , highways , roadways, other motorists gives my car a jump each time. This is a serious safety hazard for me & other motorists
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 23, 2025
I was driving my vehicle and went to make a left turn out of a parking lot into traffic and my engine shut off and my car rolled into traffic and the check engine light turned on. All of the other functions in the car stayed on i.e. radio, air and all the lights. I had to have the car towed to a mechanic the mechanic was unable to diagnose my car so it was then brought to a chevy dealership. The dealership stated my car worked fine with no issues and tried to return the vehicle back to me I insisted they keep testing the vehicle. They drove the vehicle around the parking lot again in circles and the cars engine shut off and is unable to be turned back on. GM and CHEVY are stating they have no idea why this is happening. I am very concerned about this considering they tried to return the vehicle to me stating their were no issues and ignoring my concerns at first, I had to insist that they keep checking the vehicle and now it will not even turn on.
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.
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2024
I purchased this vehicle 3 months ago and it had a terrible smell and still does. When I got the car home I started cleaning and seen mold under the weather mats. 1 month after purchase the sun roof and sun shade stopped working. The smell got worse and I noticed every time it rains the floor is soaking wet. Massive amounts of water is draining into the car from the rear seats causing black mold. After doing research this is a known issue with this vehicle. Terrible.
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2024
Vehicle begins to chug like it’s going to stop. Then goes back to driving normal
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2024
The screen behind the steering wheel got all streaky and now I can not see anything on it. It won’t be able to show me a safety warning, mileage, and the digital speedometer.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2023
When starting the vechile most times the radio will turn on at 75% its max volume. On occassion this will keep the backup camera on and lose all ability to control the infotainment center on the vechile. I also turn my raidio off before I exit the vechile. This occurs when bluetooth connected phone is in car and not in the car. The only fix that has been told to me via the service department is to turn off the vechile and open the drivers door. Cheverlot knows about this issues, which affects more than the 21 equinox, they have not made any effort to correct the issues.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2023
UNKNOWN MY VEHICLE HAVE SUDDENLY STOPPED TWICE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY MY DEALERSHIP HAS STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM MEAN WHILE I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN FOR THE ISSUES I AM TOLD THEY ARE OUT OF LOANERS WHEN MY VEHICLE IS WITHIN WARRANTY
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2023
Hill assist did not activate and car rolled back, hill assist activated on 3rd attempt
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2023
The auto stop start system in my Chevrolet Equinox shuts the engine off at every stop when the ambient temperature is about 60 degrees F or below .when i lift my foot off the brake it cranks up . With a thump . My concern is the half second delay before I can move . The person behind me sees my brake light go out and starts forward. This is the way the system was designerd to operate . The Chevrolet Division of General Motors chose not to install an auto stop start disable pushbutton in my 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Premier . I have no way to disable auto stop start if traffic conditions are such that I consider the engine shutting off at stops is dangerous to me . I have contacted Chevrolet about providing me with a auto stop start disable switch (pushbutton ) . They didn't reply.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2022
When the ambient temperature cooled down to the 70's , The auto stop start system will stop the engine of my 2021 Chevrolet Equinox at every stop light , even driving around in a parking lot. Often it will thump when restarting . If my foot is not firm on the brake , the vehicle wll lurch forward . Several times I have almost been rearended because the engine did not restart quickly . I hate the system . My vehicle does NOT have a auto stop start defeat switch ( pushbutton ) . I'm sure GM would consider my vehicle technically correct. But I am scared of the system and think it will cause me an accident . The savings in gasoline is not worth the risk .
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2022
I purchased the vehicle in Feb. 2021. About 3 months after I purchased it, I had a message on my screen that the SD card had been removed and it popped up multiple times. I did what the manual said to do which is to hit the check to remove the message but it still popped up. When I took the car in, I told them about the message and I don’t know what Service did but I no longer came up. About 6 months later it started again multiple times and in addition my radio stopped working and my phone wasn’t connected to my car. Again Service did something to fixed it. I recently started to see the message again and my radio didn’t work again. The station was identified and I could change the station. It said my phone wasn’t connected however, I could bring up my contacts and my recent calls. When I turned my car off and restarted it after I had run my errand I didn’t have any issues except for the message. I took my car in for an oil change and asked the Service to also put the SD card back in again. They told me then that it was either a problem with the programming or the radio needs to be replaced and there’s no recall call on it. Why in the world would I have to pay them to correct the programming or pay for a new radio for a car that isn’t even a 1 1/2 years old yet?
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2022
front end shakes at 25-30 mph. after 30 it goes away. 35000miles. 4 wheel balanced and no bent wheels or out of round tires.
Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2021
WE JUST PURCHASED/LEASED THE AFOREMENTIONED 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX IN DECEMBER OF 2020. ABOUT A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE CAR STARTING SWAYING TOWARDS THE LEFT. VERY DANGEROUS. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY. **ALSO THERE IS A TECH SCREEN ISSUE. THE DASH SHOWS A CAR THAT WILL FLASH GREEN TO WARN YOU WHEN A CAR IS AHEAD, BUT IT IS FLASHING GREEN WHEN NOTHING IS AHEAD OR NO WHERE NEAR US. CONCERN THAT THIS COULD BE ELECTRICAL OR A FUSE. THANK YOU. AND BE BLESSED. PASTOR [XXX] C/O OF [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR