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.
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.
Power train, Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. The contact stated that the engine power reduced message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,371.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 30, 2024
My front collision alert system has stopped working, I have taken it to multiple dealerships within my certified vehicle company. Next, my automatic High beams do not function at all, which is difficult to navigate at night without them. I have tried to update my vehicle and sent it to other dealerships and they cannot figure out what is wrong. And lastly, my lane assistance system is not working either, every time I have tried to reset, nothing has happened. Due to all of these functions not working the automatic high beams, I have had to be extra careful when driving at night. The lane assist system not functioning at all has made driving in compact roadways more difficult. Lastly the front collision alert system not working at all has caused many incidents that could have led to multiple accidents. I have talked to customer service agents, mechanics, and car managers from dealerships and they can't figure it out either. Please help!
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, May 13, 2024
Front camera inoperative. Not listed as a safety concern.
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.
Service brakes, Feb 7, 2024
Vehicle vibrated when applying the brakes. It started being noticeable when braking at high speeds around January of 2023 and progressively became worse over time. Took it to dealership in January of 2024 to get inspected under warranty. Per dealership, the front brake pads looked brand new (only 21,000 miles on car and no excessive braking) but the rotors were warped and had hot spots on them. It was unclear how the rotors became hot when the brake pads looked brand new, to the point the dealership asked if we had replaced the pads recently. The dealership had no answers as to why the rotors became hot. Per dealer, front rotors had vertical wave lines indicative of excessive heating. They turned the rotors but they still showed hot spots. Rotors were replaced.
Electrical system, Feb 7, 2024
Computer system failed on multiple occasions since we purchased the vehicle NEW. The first time, the entire touch screen display went black and could not control the climate or radio, second time the touch screen display was not showing that it was not attached to the GPS, no time or weather readings, and the instrument panel had no readings (such as oil/speed, etc). The dealership reset the car's computer and we continue to see "the SD card has been removed" on the panel (the SD card has NOT been removed). Any actions taken by the dealership has not fixed this ongoing problem.
Lane departure, Jan 3, 2024
blind spot monitor light comes on and off; occurs only on driver side; will occur sporadically - also may occur when left blinker is activated; taken to dealership who states sensor not working and has been an issue with other Chevrolet equinox vehicles over the past several years; extended warranty does not cover it; I am now always needing to look for vehicles to my side as the light is not accurate and there are times when there is a vehicle in my blind spot but the sensor does not activate to warn me; the service bulletin report states: "Correction: if the blind side zone has been found not working properly, apply a piece of aluminum butyl tape to the bottom of the driver side object sensing alert module" ----- QUITE A UNSAFE SOLUTION to an ongoing issue with this vehicle over the past several years. I have already paid for diagnostic test - $188.00; the repair cost is another $598.00 -- unacceptable for an ongoing issue for this vehicle.
Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2023
Tire thread is coming off for some reason also my car was stalling to pick up speed like if it was stoping and going
Power train, Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the front of the vehicle shuddered significantly, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to TSB Number: 20-NA-227. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, who advised that they would partially cover the repair because the TSB was not a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 12, 2023, crash
The contact leased a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 mph, he made a right turn going across an intersection and collided with a 2012 Ford Focus. The brakes were applied, but the response was too slow. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags deployed. The vehicle was filled with smoke. The driver's side front door failed to open. The fire department was on the scene, but there were no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The air bag struck the driver in the chest. The contact sustained internal bruising, including bruising on her abdomen and on her arms. The driver was taken to the hospital, where medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer body shop, where it was discovered that the failure was due to the seat belts not engaging. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
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.
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
Seat belts, Jun 1, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle behind the contact was rear-ended by another vehicle causing the vehicle behind the contact to rear-end the contact’s vehicle, causing minor damages. The contact stated that the vehicle behind the contact had major damages. When the contact was rear-ended the seat belt on the driver's side did not retract at the point of impact, causing the contact to launch forward and struck a sun visor with his head. The contact had sought medical attention for neck pain and for headaches. The contact was unsure if anyone else was injured or if a police report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,365.
Engine, Apr 21, 2023
Car would stall suddenly mid intersection or street. There is an active recall for a fuel pump module with no known date of resolution. Fuel Pump Module would not provide adequate gas to the engine. This happened twice to me as I was driving on April 4th 2023. After speaking to Chevy & Dealership, there is not yet a fix to this problem. This car is UNSAFE and needs to be removed from the roads. I traded this car in, because I felt unsafe since Chevy could not help me.
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2023
Hill assist did not activate and car rolled back, hill assist activated on 3rd attempt
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 24, 2023
On 2/18/23 our equinox failed to go into park. We couldn’t shut the car off, nor start it back up. Everything electrical was on basically idle mode. ESC - brake control module came across the dash. The dash also kept saying to put the car in park. It wouldn’t go into park. We called for a tow truck to have it taken back to the dealership. When it was taken to the dealership the car was ON. It still wouldn’t shut off. As of 2/21/23 they want $550 for a diagnostics and a dead battery. Of course my battery would die after 2 days of sitting and being on. This is a major safety issue with GM and chevy vehicles. We have 48,653 miles so we’re out of warranty. The dealership didn’t bother to call and ask what happened nor want to listen to what occurred.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2023
Chevy Equinox turned off while in the turn lane. Car would not turn back on. No warning was shown prior to the incident but now there is a solid check engine light. upon googling it seems other chevy's have a fuel pump flow issue causing cars to stall and not turn on. chevy upon inquiring if our equinox has a recall they said no even though other 2021 equinox's have this issue. i believe this is a safety issue, if it is a fuel pump issue how do we know it can't cause the engines to catch fire from improper fueling. this needs to be looked into.
Service brakes, Feb 3, 2023
I've had to replace the brake booster sensor & the part by the vacuum to brake booster this is second time I'm have to replace it . So dangerous to be driving a vehicle on highway and you loose your brakes makes pedal hard . I also have to replace exhaust crankshaft position sensor, oil pressure sensor, engine underfoot won't stay running when it's idle oil pressure control silinoid valve , barometric pressure sensor
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.
Power train, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and wobbling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the four tires were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then inspected again, and the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the driveshaft or the drive train. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 28, 2022
2021 Chevy equinox vacuum pump failed causing the breaking to become impossible to use while operating.