2021 Chevrolet Equinox Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Equinox years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
32/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Chevrolet Equinox year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 35 of its 100 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: Infotainment and driver-assist electronics faults (14 complaints, median 55,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 100filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles, 26 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.5L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2021 Equinox most often describe the engine losing power or stalling, which many trace to the fuel pump or its control module; several say their VIN was not included in the related fuel pump recall. A second cluster involves shudder or vibration under acceleration linked to front axle or driveline parts, along with water leaking into the cabin. Reports arrive from very low mileage up through the 80,000-mile range.
- Fuel system
Fuel pump faults and stalling
- 13 complaints (13%)
- median 50,500 mi at 5.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Complaints describe the engine cutting out or losing power while driving - sometimes at highway speed, sometimes while idling or slowing to a stop - with the check engine light on or flashing. Several owners say the vehicle restarted after a wait and then stalled again, and some report the fuel gauge dropping to empty suddenly. Shops diagnosed low fuel pump output or a failed fuel pump control module, and a number of owners note their VIN fell outside the fuel pump recall population. Reported from roughly 20,000 miles into the 80,000s, with many clustered in the 40,000 to 70,000 range.
Recall 23V0130002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump control module recall (23V-013) has been completed for this VIN, and have fuel pump pressure and stored codes checked before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11663253, filed 2025-05“The fuel pump of my Chevy equinox failed while I was driving in the middle of a busy highway causing my engine to lose power putting myself and my passengers in danger along with everybody else on the highway because I could not accelerate and I had to push my vehicle off the highway. Shortly after the engine stalled, the display for the fuel went from reading 3/4 of a tank to empty in a matter of a second. When I tried to restart the engine it would not register that there was any fuel in a tank even though it was 3/4 of the way full. …”
NHTSA complaint #11758331, filed 2026-08 - Transmission and drivetrain
Shudder or wobble under acceleration
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a shake, shudder or wobble from the front of the vehicle under acceleration, often between about 30 and 50 mph, that continues after the tires are replaced. Shops traced it to a front half shaft or driveshaft, and one owner reports a propeller shaft replacement followed later by a recommended body control module and rear differential repair. Several complaints reference a GM service bulletin covering the front axles. Mostly reported between about 55,000 and 80,000 miles.
What to check: On the test drive, accelerate steadily from a stop and again from around 30 mph and feel for vibration through the floor and steering; ask whether front axle or driveshaft work has already been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11616126, filed 2024-09“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11544483, filed 2023-09, 62,000 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment and driver-assist electronics faults
- 14 complaints (14%)
- median 55,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe the touchscreen going blank, the radio losing sound entirely, repeated "SD card removed" messages after resets, and instrument panel readings dropping out. Others report driver-assist features - forward collision alert, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring and automatic high beams - switching off or giving false warnings, with dealers unable to pinpoint a cause. Some owners were quoted radio and amplifier replacements. Often reported within the first few years of ownership and under about 40,000 miles, with several owners saying faults returned after dealer resets.
What to check: Test every screen, speaker, camera and driver-assist feature during the test drive, and ask whether any radio or software updates have been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11605516, filed 2024-07“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #11570610, filed 2024-02 - Engine
Turbo and intercooler power loss in cold weather
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the check engine light coming on with reduced power, in some cases limiting the vehicle to about 55 mph, in cold or wet weather. Shops found a frozen and cracked charge air cooler, a turbo wastegate solenoid or a failed turbo; one owner said the dealer mentioned a service update only after the repair and included it in the bill. Another describes high RPMs and delayed shifting after turbo work. Several reports come in under 60,000 miles, and multiple owners specifically mention cold weather or freezing temperatures.
What to check: Ask for records showing whether the cold-weather charge air cooler or turbo update was applied, and scan for stored engine codes after a cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11720694, filed 2026-02“I reported earlier in regards to the turbo going out in cold weather. The turbo was fixed finally (happened before Thanksgiving) on 1/13/22 by the dealer. RMPs are running high (65 MPH - RMPs are 2300) and it isnt shifting properly. wont shift to the next gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11448277, filed 2022-01 - Body and structure
Water leaks into the cabin and mold
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report water pooling on the front and rear floor mats after rain, sometimes with visible mold or a musty smell that persists. Complaint sources name the roof rail seal, the shark fin antenna, the moonroof drains and an A/C drain hose; one owner says water reached the fuse box. In some cases the dealer could not identify where the water was entering. Reported from about 25,000 miles into the 60,000s, typically noticed after rain or while the vehicle sits parked.
What to check: Lift the floor mats and check for damp carpet, staining or a mold smell, and look for water trails near the headliner, A-pillar and fuse box.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11611812, filed 2024-08“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11601034, filed 2024-07
Buying note. Most owner complaints for this model year center on stalling and fuel pump faults, so confirm recall status by VIN and have fuel pressure checked before purchase. Also inspect the carpets for leaks and drive at highway speed to feel for driveline vibration.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 100 consumer complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 38% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 697 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Chevrolet Equinox model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 32 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system25 25%
- Electrical system18 18%
- Other or unknown17 17%
- Engine16 16%
- Brakes8 8.0%
- Body and structure5 5.0%
- Air bags4 4.0%
- Seat belts4 4.0%
- Steering4 4.0%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (3), Lane departure (3), Tires (3), Engine cooling (2), Forward collision avoidance (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “The fuel injector module had to be replaced. My car stall while driving and I was stuck at work for over 2 hours waiting to be towed home. I work 40 min from where I live, so there was no getting back home without a tow. The car would not start because it was showing that I had no gas, when in fact I had a half a tank. Had to pay $264.50 for my car to be towed home from work. I would like to be reimbursed for something that happened from the factory. I am attaching the receipt.”
NHTSA complaint #11770531, filed 2026-10Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11689703, filed 2025-09, 206,352 milesOther or unknown: “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”
NHTSA complaint #11525290, filed 2023-06Transmission and drivetrain: “Replaced a propellor shaft at 59,000 miles 8/23/2025. Paid $859.00. Unaware this could have been repaired and covorerd by a manufacturers warrantee. Six months later my mechanic(1) and car dealer(2) recommend a body control module and possible rear differential replacement estimated between $1500-$3500. This vehicle still has less than 69000. This has been a hardship after purchasing a newer vehicle so I could have fewer repairs to my budget.”
NHTSA complaint #11724768, filed 2026-03Mileage when problems were reported
38% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,800 and 72,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Equinox · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Chevrolet Equinox version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Equinox FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V339000May 11, 2023Child seat › Vehicle latch anchorCovers: Chevrolet Equinox 2020–2023, GMC Terrain 2020–2023
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…
- 23V013000Jan 19, 2023Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump › Control/drive moduleCovers: Chevrolet Equinox 2021–2022, GMC Terrain NA 2022
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.
- 21V612000Aug 5, 2021Tires › Tread/beltCovers: Chevrolet Equinox 2021–2022, GMC Terrain 2021, Terrain NA 2022
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.
- 20V811000Dec 23, 2020Seat belts › Critical fastenersCovers: Chevrolet Equinox 2021, Bolt EV 2020, Tahoe 2021 +15 more
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…
Recall details for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 697 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11036392Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11034769Jun 23, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
- 11032764May 11, 2026Other or unknown. Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue
- 11032763May 11, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11031282Apr 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information announces the end of an engineering investigation into a brake pad noise.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030360Mar 27, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information discusses a condition that may arise from the drivers window switch sending an errant message causing the vehicle to enter manual fob learn mode.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Equinox
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77 | 2,839 | 1 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 240 | 8,300 | 0 | — | 27 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 82 | 13,494 | 1 | — | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 99 | 22,001 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 47 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 186 | 20,925 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 100 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 32 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 318 | 13,990 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 92 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 308 | 9,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 83 · More | Rising |
| 2018 | 410 | 22,250 | 5 | 4–5 | 28 | 94 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 276 | 68,000 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 3 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 399 | 65,000 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 680 | 74,500 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 549 | 79,250 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 751 | 80,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 685 | 81,000 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 782 | 80,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 784 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 26 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 94 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 370 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 685 | 75,738 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 695 | 72,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 638 | 69,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Chevrolet Equinox model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
Owners of the 2021 Equinox most often describe the engine losing power or stalling, which many trace to the fuel pump or its control module; several say their VIN was not included in the related fuel pump recall. The issues reported most often: Fuel pump faults and stalling; Shudder or wobble under acceleration; Infotainment and driver-assist electronics faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?
NHTSA recorded 100 consumer complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 25 complaints (25% of the total), followed by electrical system with 18.
Has the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox (Equinox FWD, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 26 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox reported?
Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,000 miles and the middle half falls between 20,800 and 72,000 miles; 38% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.