NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 100 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (20) and electrical system (18). The EPA rates it 27–28 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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."
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Equinox model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 638 |
| 2006 | 695 |
| 2007 | 685 |
| 2008 | 370 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 784 |
| 2011 | 783 |
| 2012 | 685 |
| 2013 | 751 |
| 2014 | 549 |
| 2015 | 680 |
| 2016 | 399 |
| 2017 | 276 |
| 2018 | 410 |
| 2019 | 310 |
| 2020 | 318 |
| 2021 | 100 |
| 2022 | 182 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2024 | 192 |
| 2025 | 407 |
| 2026 | 79 |
| 2027 | 1 |
“Vehicle engine "sputtered" last night on the roadway, made it home then car would not restart. Repair engine light warning came on at time vehicle engine "sputtered". Vehicle will be at Dyer Chevrolet in Vero Beach, Florida on 10/19/2026. Fuel pump module is not providing fuel to engine resulting in engine not starting - See NHTSA Campaign Number 23V013000”
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.”
“The high pressure fuel pump seized, shattering the camshaft, dropping metal fragments into the cylinders causing total engine failure. GM issued a safety recall for certain 2021-2022 Chevy equinox due to a defective fuel pump modules but it was not accurate. GM is currently facing major class action lawsuits alleging that their equinox fuel pumps are fundamentally defective. The lawsuits highlight that the component fails, causing catastrophic damage and GMs initial recall fixes were inadequate.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,300 | 318 |
| Equinox AWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,400 | 330 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (20), electrical system (18), power train (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox at 27–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox 5 out of 5 stars overall.