2021 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Report
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (78) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 5 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox with 48 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Equinox Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Equinox years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chevrolet Equinox | 139 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Chevrolet Equinox | 264 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Chevrolet Equinox | 73 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Chevrolet Equinox | 277 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Chevrolet Equinox | 48 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Chevrolet Equinox | 371 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyEngine
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyFuel/Propulsion System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Reliability Score
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Pump Control/Drive Module Recalled for fuel pump control/drive module issues, affecting 2021-2022 models. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Intercooler Freeze And Crack Engine performance reduced due to intercooler freezing and cracking. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Malfunction Air bag recalls due to potential malfunction, affecting 2021-2023 models. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System Recall Recalled for fuel system issues, including fuel pump and delivery problems. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox:
Engine stalling and check engine light issues are common.
Fuel pump and control/drive module recalls are frequent.
Air bag and seat belt recalls are common.
Tire recalls due to potential safety issues.
Recall Details for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 ...
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH in traffic, the vehicle stalled, and the power steering and brakes became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted after a long while. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an inde...
CASE NUMBER 11715650 , check engine light went on , and the vehicle reduced speed, I took car into dealership, they said the engine had an ice problem and a repair would be needed, they said that this was a flaw in design, and it should be part of a recall, and that this is a common problem with this vehicle. the cost of a repair would be around $1000.00 . T fill this should be covered by the man...
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact resumed driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH on the Expressway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagno...
windshield wipers stoppped working while driving during snow event. leaving no visibility.
My vehicle keeps jerking/stalling/choking but continues to drive. I went to AutZone (01/28/2026) and they ran a check on it. The report states it has to with a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor and that an Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Large Leak was detected. I need to know in what direction do I need to go to get assistance in this matter. Do I take to the dealer manufacturer to fix the problem or ...
We were involved in a car accident. We ran into the back of a pickup truck that suddenly stopped on the toll road for another car that was in an accident. Our front end of the car was heavily damaged. Our concern is that our air bags did not deploy. With the amount of damage that our car received why did the air bags not deploy. The state trooper the did the report looked into the car and wondered...
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 d...
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.
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 whil...
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 t...
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: 23V...
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.
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 m...
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.
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...
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
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 re...
Spline worn out and disconnected from differential.
Showing 20 of 78 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Has the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX have?
The 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 78 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX involve unknown or other (10 complaints), power train (8 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints). Other affected components include engine, fuel/propulsion system, service brakes.
How many crash reports does the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX out of 78 total complaints (6.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX is acceptable with caveats. It has 78 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (8 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), 4. ENGINE (6 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 10 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
Be aware of potential recalls for fuel system and power train issues. Check for recalls and ensure all safety systems are functioning properly. The 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX has 78 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
The 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 78 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 5 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Fuel Pump Control/Drive Module and Intercooler Freeze and Crack.
What are the known issues with the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX?
Known issues with the 2021 CHEVROLET EQUINOX include: Fuel Pump Control/Drive Module, Intercooler Freeze and Crack, Air Bag Malfunction, Fuel System Recall. These are based on patterns found across 78 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
Yes, there are recalls for fuel pump control/drive module, intercooler issues, and air bag malfunctions.
What are the common issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
Common issues include engine stalling, check engine light, power steering problems, and tire recalls.
Is there a risk of odometer fraud with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
Yes, there have been reports of odometer fraud with this model, so ensure the vehicle's history is verified.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential recalls for fuel system and power train issues. Check for recalls and ensure all safety systems are functioning properly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The data includes 78 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14