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
95 reports, newest first.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2025
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was driven approximately 500 feet and was parked. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact researched and stated that the vehicle had a known failure in the fuel system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
Power train, Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at speeds between 30 and 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started wobbling and vibrating severely. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the front half shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed of a TSB related to the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and stalled twice after idling, or while coming to a stop. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 72,170, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was approximately 206,352.
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.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2025
My audio quit, no sound for warning indicator, no radio audio, or onstar audio. Can't here anyone speaking when using phone, though the receiving party can her me speak to them.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while restarting. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with inadequate fuel pump flow. The local dealer was contacted; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2025
My vehicle has 75,607 miles and the transmission gave out randomly started stalling and jumping and it won’t switch gears correctly and this has been a problem for a lot of other equinox’s as well
Electrical system, Aug 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the liftgate independently opened. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occasionally occurred while driving at certain locations. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a radio frequency failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Aug 11, 2025
Spline worn out and disconnected from differential.
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.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that occasionally while coming to a stop, the vehicle unintendedly shut off, with the check engine warning light intermittently flashing. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,865.
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
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2025
My vehicle completely stopped. My vehicle would not start. I had to have it towed to a mechanic. I was advise that fuel pump module had to be replaced.
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.
Engine, Jun 7, 2025
Oil consumption issue requiring engine tear down.
Tires, May 29, 2025
I purchased 2 Hankook Kinergy PT tires from TireAgent and had them installed and 1 ended up being defective and they will not do anything about it.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 27, 2025
While driving, the car started making a whining sound on acceleration. As I was driving up my street the car went into limp mode and shut down, only allowing enough time to park. If this had happened on a main road or freeway it could have caused an accident due to the sudden loss of power. The issue is the high pressure fuel pump and has been confirmed by a Chevrolet dealer service center. I reported the issue to GM asking for assistance with the repair and to explore whether or not this could fall under the power train warranty. Mileage at the time of the incident was 39113. The only warning lights that appeared came on as the car went into "limp mode" but no warning prior to this incident.
Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2024
Modern white LED Headlights too bright, even on Equinox (constantly flashed with low beams on). My son (20), wife (56), and I (52) are dazzled by new LED headlights. It's actually a huge problem, headlights are too dazzling. I know we're not the only ones dazzled.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 22, 2024
I was driving in rush hour traffic on a freeway in Houston when the engine lost power and stalled out (50 mph) without warning. I had to remain on the freeway while cars whizzed past me. Car finally started back up after 30 minutes of trying. Vehicle only has 8800 miles on it and acted like it had run out of gas as it sputtered before dying. Engine light came on and remained on after it finally started back up. All fluids in range and was at 1/2 tank of gas. In process of diagnostics.
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the horn was intermittently inoperable while driving. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, causing the horn to become permanently inoperable. Additionally, the seat belt warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Nov 6, 2024
When purchase vehicle there was only 9,567 miles on it . I had the car for 1 year when lane changing warning and front camera went out. Also effected my car started. Dont know when it was first purchase and they say warranty is up. It could of been the end of 2024 but they say 1/2024.. Miles is under 36000 and the end of 2024 is 3year. My bill they stat is over 1500. I can afford it in this economy. And chevy should honor the bumper to bumper warranty. Im disappointed in Chevy, that there electronics go in less then 3 years. I hope that chevy for a large corporation will make this right. Cause right now im not happy with chevy vehicle [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Power train, Sep 24, 2024
There is a vibration and wobble upon acceleration. This issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. It is not an issue with the tires. GM has a service bulletin on the front axles.