This page covers 4 recalls, 80 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
27–28 mpg combined
8.4–8.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2021 Equinox draws the most complaints around the powertrain and electrical system. On the powertrain side, owners report driveshaft and propeller shaft failures, sometimes at relatively low mileage, along with engine stalling at moderate speeds, in several accounts the vehicle lost power steering and brakes during the stall before eventually restarting. The electrical system complaints overlap with engine behavior, with multiple owners describing check engine light illumination tied to performance issues. A recurring engine complaint involves the intercooler freezing and cracking, causing reduced engine power; owners report learning about a related service update only after the failure had already occurred and the repair was underway. A smaller number of complaints mention a rear bumper separating from the body during normal driving, described as a fastener or attachment issue rather than collision damage.
80
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has 4 recalls, the most serious involving tires that can shed their tread while driving and a fuel pump module that can cut engine power, both of which can cause a sudden loss of vehicle control.
On the tires, tread separation can leave the driver with a rapidly deflating tire and reduced steering response. The fuel pump issue can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, including at highway speeds. Two restraint-related recalls round out the list: incorrect bolts may have been used to anchor the seatbelts to the vehicle structure, meaning a belt could pull free in a crash rather than hold the occupant in place. There is also a child seat concern, where excess coating on the rear LATCH anchor bars can prevent a child seat from clicking in and locking securely, leaving the seat improperly attached.
At a glance
What can fail
The four rear LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating that prevents child seats from being properly installed using the anchorage bars.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the anchorage bars and remove or replace the finish coating as needed at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump module may fail to deliver enough fuel to the engine consistently, causing the engine to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Hankook tires on these vehicles may have insufficient curing agent, which could cause the tread to separate from the tire.
What the fix does
Dealers will check your tire DOT numbers and replace affected tires at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat belt fastening bolts may be incorrect, causing seat belts to not attach properly to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the suspect bolts with correct ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
