2021 Chevrolet Equinox Problems And Complaints

header-image
Rating6.6

Ranked #12 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$23,800 - $33,000
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2021 Chevrolet Equinox

Recommended mentioned in Reviews

Write a Review

Disliked by Users

  • DW

    Daniel W

    24/08/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... cars they have. Now the car shakes like it has loose wheels. I don’t know if the axles aren’t spinning at the same speed. I don’t want to take it in again for this new problem, because they don’t fix anything. Just another day wasted at the garage and more of my valuable time I can’t get back. I bought a new car so I wouldn’tRead More

    Source: edmunds

2021 Chevrolet Equinox SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

66

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 6, 2024

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is the final offering in the third generation of the SUV. It continues to be a potent option that is revered for sophisticated ride quality, an ergonomic interior setup, and its precise handling capabilities. However, compared to the other model years, its popularity has reduced marginally. Compared to the yesteryear model, the 2021 Equinox manages to sell around 165,000 units, which is almost a 40% decline. As a result, the SUV’s complaints and recalls remain at a record low. In the current iteration, the vehicle has just 14 complaints and 2 recalls listed to its name. While most of its complaints are similar to the yesteryear model, the limited recurrences paint a dependable picture. A 2021 Chevrolet Equinox for sale is priced shy of the $24,000 mark and competes with the likes of the Honda CR-V, the Ford Escape, and the Subaru Forester.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox User Complaints and Problems

Safety Complaints

  • Non-deployment of airbags: Among the 2021 Chevy Equinox issues, a couple of buyers have reported problems with the airbag units. Complainants have recorded the inability of the compact SUV’s airbags to deploy in case of a crash. As a result, the occupants have received injuries that require medical attention.

Electric System Complaints

  • Issues with the electrical system: The list of the Chevy Equinox electrical problems is constricted, with only three complaints made by the users about the 2021 iteration. While the first issue deals with the random illumination of all warning messages on the dash, one buyer has also reported the inability to lock the doors via the key fob or the button available inside the cabin. Additionally, in a one-off case, a user has also recorded the vehicle losing its power inadvertently when merging onto a traffic zone.

Mechanical Complaints

  • Transmission unit problems: The 2021 Equinox transmission problems have been reported by the buyers on trusted alternate platforms. In each case, complainants have recorded the inability of the vehicle to engage in the correct gear corresponding to its speed. The transmission unit either slips or tries to upshift to a higher gear, causing the performance of the SUV to suffer.
  • Steering system concerns: The Chevrolet Equinox vibration problems deal with its steering system. In a couple of cases, buyers have reported the vehicle’s steering wheel vibrating excessively and making a grinding noise when making a turn. Currently, there is no known reason for the issue. In one other listed case, a complainant has also mentioned the SUV swerving to the left violently, without any input from the driver.
  • Other mechanical complaints: The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox issues also include problems with its brake system and engine. In one-off cases, individual buyers have reported the inability of the braking system to bring the vehicle to a halt, while another user complained about the engine working on a reduced power mode.

2021 Chevrolet Equinox Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

5th Aug 2021

21V612000

Tire tread separation

Due to the insufficient use of the curative agent in the manufacturing process, certain Hankook tires might suffer from tread separation.

Upon inspection of the tire DOT numbers, buyers will replace the affected tires, free of cost.

2.

23rd Dec 2020

20V811000

Incorrect bolts used to attach seat belts

Due to the use of an incorrect bolt in one or more fastening locations, the seat belts might not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began on 29th January 2021.

Should you buy the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?

Despite having sold lower units than before, the Chevrolet Equinox’s performance continues to be top-notch. It is one of the more sought-after options available in the market that coalesces practicality with functionalism and continues to provide the best bang for the buck. While its popularity has fallen in comparison to its rivals, the dependability of the compact SUV remains unchanged. In tandem with its sales, the number of complaints seems restricted and their impact limited. Even the Chevy Equinox recalls list has a similar story to tell. So, at $24,000, we feel that the American vehicle can make for a good choice. However, we do suggest buyers bear in mind that a new generation of the SUV will be available next year, which might add to the SUV’s already enticing feature list and can make use of a tauter platform.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

September 26, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11689844

Components: 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

NHTSA ID Number:
11689844

Incident Date:
September 26, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXUEV1ML

Consumer Location:
WEST WARWICK, RI

Summary
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed,...

September 25, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11689703

Components: 117100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11689703

Incident Date:
September 25, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXUEV1MS

Consumer Location:
DES PLAINES, IL

Summary
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while attempting ...

September 11, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11686662

Components: 160000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11686662

Incident Date:
September 11, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
2GNAXXEV5M6

Consumer Location:
WILLIAMSBURG, VA

Summary
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the dr...

September 3, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11684732

Components: 070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

NHTSA ID Number:
11684732

Incident Date:
September 3, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXHEV4MS

Consumer Location:
MIAMI GARDENS, FL

Summary
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the v...

September 3, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11684892

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11684892

Incident Date:
September 3, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3GNAXKEV4ML

Consumer Location:
CRESTON, IA

Summary
My audio quit, no sound for warning indicator, no radio audio, or onstar audio. Can't here anyone speakin...

85/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

77/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

79/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

86/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

Similar Cars

2021 Chevrolet Equinox
2021 Chevrolet Equinox

MSRP: $23,800- $33,000

6.6/10
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

MSRP: $26,850- $42,450

7.6/10
2021 Subaru Forester
2021 Subaru Forester

MSRP: $24,795- $34,895

7.1/10
2021 Ford Edge
2021 Ford Edge

MSRP: $32,750- $43,600

7.4/10
2021 Jeep Compass
2021 Jeep Compass

MSRP: $24,495- $31,395

6.1/10
2021 Jeep Cherokee
2021 Jeep Cherokee

MSRP: $27,210- $38,975

6.1/10
2021 Honda HR-V
2021 Honda HR-V

MSRP: $21,020- $29,340

6.0/10
2021 Nissan Rogue
2021 Nissan Rogue

MSRP: $26,050- $37,230

6.9/10
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

MSRP: $25,245- $39,095

6.9/10
2021 Ford Escape
2021 Ford Escape

MSRP: $24,885- $36,155

7.3/10