Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Report
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 75 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
75
Complaint Rate
4.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$537
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,200
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13)
- POWER TRAIN (11)
- ENGINE (6)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 4 of the Third generation (2018).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2022.
- 3rd generation Equinox (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2018: Third generation (2018) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 4 of the Third generation (2018).
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
At 74/100, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 4 of the Third generation (2018).
Owners log 75 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (13). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's electrical system (13 complaints)
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (11 complaints)
Compare 2021 Chevrolet Equinox With

2021 GMC Terrain
Reliability: 74/100

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability: 67/100

2021 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 78/100

2021 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 76/100

2021 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 73/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13)
- POWER TRAIN (11)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.5
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
CHILD SEAT
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
TIRES
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.
Buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox? Check its history first
Every 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Chevrolet Equinox NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet EquinoxRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$537
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
18%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,700–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
25–26 city / 30–31 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox FWD 1.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 26 | 31 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Equinox AWD 1.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
Test transmission for shuddering and gear shifting issues
Inspect brake rotors for warping and hot spots
Check for water leaks inside the vehicle, especially under floor mats
Verify functionality of all electrical systems, including infotainment and camera systems
Ensure fuel system components are functioning properly, especially the fuel pump
Check for any active recalls related to the fuel system or other components
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Common Problems by Component
75 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13 complaintsOwners report several issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's electrical system. Complaints frequently mention problems with the infotainment system, including audio failures, unexpected volume changes, and touchscreen malfunctions. Additionally, multiple owners describe issues with the vehicle's power systems, such as unexplained engine shutdowns and inoperable power locks. Some reports involve water leaks impacting electrical components like the fuse box, potentially leading to safety concerns. These issues often arise at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 11,000 miles, and others around 55,000 miles. Buyers should be aware that these electrical problems can affect vehicle functionality and safety features.
POWER TRAIN
11 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to the power train, with several complaints highlighting transmission and drive train problems. Symptoms described include severe wobbling and vibration, failure to accelerate beyond certain speeds, and the inability to switch gears correctly. These issues often emerge around 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in some cases, such as a vehicle failing to go into park and unexpectedly lurching forward, as well as incidents where the car shuts off while driving. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly if considering a vehicle with mileage within the reported range.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues related to engine performance and electronic displays. Complaints often describe the vehicle "choking" or "chugging" as if it might stall, with some instances of the car stopping unexpectedly, particularly concerning when driving at highway speeds. Electronic display issues include screens becoming unreadable or malfunctioning, affecting visibility of safety warnings and other critical information. Additionally, multiple owners mention problems with the auto stop-start system, reporting a delayed restart that can lead to near rear-end collisions. These issues appear at varying mileages, and some owners note recurring problems shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and visibility of important alerts.
ENGINE (6 complaints)
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox report several engine-related issues, with common symptoms including unexpected stalling and loss of power. Complaints frequently mention the check engine light activating, often accompanied by the vehicle shutting off while stopping or losing power at high speeds, with one report indicating this occurred at 50 mph. These issues appear at varying mileages, from as low as 8,800 miles to over 87,000 miles. Some owners also describe high oil consumption and problems with the turbocharger, particularly in cold weather. Safety implications are noted, as stalling and power loss occur in traffic, posing potential hazards. Buyers should be aware of an active recall related to the fuel pump module, which may contribute to these issues.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the fuel system of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, specifically involving the fuel pump and fuel tank pressure sensor. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle jerking, stalling, or entering limp mode, sometimes accompanied by a whining sound during acceleration. These issues have been noted at mileage as low as 39,113. In some cases, the vehicle fails to start or stops completely, requiring towing and fuel pump module replacement. Safety implications are highlighted, as sudden power loss could pose risks if occurring on busy roads, although no crashes are reported.
STEERING (4 complaints)
STEERING
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox report issues related to the steering system, with multiple complaints describing a grinding noise and vibration in the steering wheel during sharp turns from a standstill. This problem is linked to the electric dual pinion rack and pinion steering gear, which some owners have needed to replace, only to experience the same issue again within a few months. Additionally, some reports mention the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, posing a potential safety risk on highways. These issues tend to occur early in the vehicle's life, as one owner noted a recurrence just two months after an initial repair. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these steering-related complaints, as they may impact driving safety and require attention from a dealership or service center.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly related to the brake rotors and brake assist system. Several complaints describe a noticeable vibration when braking at high speeds, attributed to warped rotors with hot spots, occurring as early as 21,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners experience a loss of brake assist, leading to a hard brake pedal and reduced braking power, often around 32,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near-miss incidents due to sudden loss of braking power and unintended engagement of the electric parking brake, causing vehicle swerving at highway speeds. This information is critical for potential buyers considering the braking reliability and safety of this model.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox frequently report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes. Complaints describe scenarios where vehicles experience significant impacts, including rear-end collisions and side impacts, yet the air bags do not activate. These incidents occur at various speeds, including 15 MPH and 20 MPH, and involve both frontal and side collisions. Reports include three crashes with two resulting in injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. The failure mileage in one case is approximately 18,000 miles, though another instance involves a rental vehicle with unknown mileage, suggesting that the issue may not be confined to high-mileage vehicles.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox report issues with water accumulation inside the vehicle, particularly on floor mats in both the front and second-row areas. This is often linked to potential leaks from the A/C water hose, moonroof, or luggage rack seals. Complaints typically emerge around 25,000 to 68,000 miles. Additionally, a significant safety issue is noted where a front driver's wheel detaches while driving, leading to a loss of vehicle control and resulting in an injury. Buyers should be aware of these potential water intrusion issues and the isolated but severe wheel detachment incident when considering this model.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the seat belts in the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, particularly related to their failure to engage or retract during collisions. In two incidents involving crashes, one at approximately 11,000 miles and another at 88,365 miles, the seat belts did not function as expected, leading to injuries. Symptoms described include the seat belt not engaging, resulting in the driver being propelled forward and striking parts of the vehicle. These failures are associated with safety implications, as they contributed to injuries during the accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these seat belt issues when considering this vehicle.
When Do 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Equinox Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Chevrolet Equinox Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Chevrolet Equinox year is 2024 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2023 (76/100) and 2021 (74/100).
2024
2023
2021
(Current Model)
Chevrolet Equinox Years to Avoid
No Chevrolet Equinox years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Chevrolet Equinox maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Equinox reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
Chevrolet Equinox Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Chevrolet Equinox.
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