VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Equinox problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is among the quieter years of the Equinox on NHTSA's books: 117 complaints (77% below the model's median year), 4 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (16), electrical system (15), and transmission (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

117

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Equinox years?

See all Equinox years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Equinox problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1614%
Engine1513%
Electrical System1513%
Transmission1513%
Fuel System1412%
Brakes76%
Driver Assistance76%
Body & Structure54%
Airbags43%
Seat Belts43%
Steering43%
Tires & Wheels43%
Lighting33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V339000Child SeatMay 11, 2023 · 668,187 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

23V013000Fuel SystemJanuary 19, 2023 · 23,323 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

21V612000Tires & WheelsAugust 5, 2021 · 9,597 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

20V811000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 2020 · 470 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 28, 2024

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 23, 2025

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2026

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 28, 2024

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 8, 2025

2021 Chevrolet Equinox — common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 117 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Equinox year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Equinox problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (16 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), transmission (15 complaints).

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Equinox years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Equinox years to avoid are 2011, 2010, 2013, 2005, 2007, 2006, 2012, 2015. The cleanest record among Equinox years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.